Bulldog players meet media after latest practice

The Georgia Bulldogs are nine days away from kicking off the season in Fayetteville: the 4th ranked Dogs will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the opener of a 10-game Conference-only schedule. The Dogs practice again Wednesday, and players spoke afterwards.

From Catherine Harris, UGA Sports Communications...

Georgia defensive players Jordan Davis and Nolan Smith comment on season preparations following Wednesday’s practice.

#99 Jordan Davis | Junior | DL

On how the defense feels about the offense and if the offense can give the defense a cushion…

“We always have faith in our offense, and we’re not really looking at it that type of way. We are just looking at it as a good on good competition. We have our best guys going against their best guys—just good competition all around at practice.”

On how he compares Zamir White and James Cook to Brian Herrien and D’Andre Swift…

“There is no drop-off, no drop-off. They bring such unique, multiple things to the game. It is really fun to watch and really fun to play with them. [Zamir White and James Cook] are both fast—so it’s giving me a hard time in practice trying to catch up with them at practice. I love them boys both.”

On if he thinks he’ll have a break out year this year…

“Definitely. I know it is a lot of pressure on me. I put a lot of pressure on myself for this year, especially maintaining my weight and getting active—running a lot more, trying to run a lot faster during practice and trying to compete. I feel like everything will fall into place once the season starts rolling around.”

On how he feels about constantly being asked about his weight...

“Talking about it is not an issue for me, it’s more of motivation for me. I just want to make sure that I am in the best position and condition that I am for the team.”

On if as he’s gotten older it has been easier to stay conditioned…

“For myself, with quarantine, it was hard to keep my weight in check but we got it back down, regulated. It’s just trying to progress every day. Move that chip lower and lower, move faster and faster every day. I’ll look at myself in the mirror sometimes and be like, ‘Dang you’re really slimming up.’ So, it’s just good to see the progression.”

On what is different about this year’s defensive line compared to last…

“I don’t see any difference. We play the same role. Dan [Lanning], when he calls the frame work of the defense we play between it. There’s really no drop off, no changes. We’re still playing the same plays, same calls. It’s really the mentality for us. We want to create havoc so if we have a ‘dawg’ mentality it’s always going to be with us.”

On how Georgia’s defense will be different this year…

“That’s a hard one… We have depth this year. I can say that. We have a lot of depth. A lot of young players are coming up and filling roles. We have to keep that next man up mentality. Everything with [COVID-19], anything can happen this season, but I can say that the young boys are really buying in, chipping in and it’s been fun to coach them and play with them so I can say depth for us this year. We are in too deep.”

#4 Nolan Smith | Sophomore | LB

On how Georgia made him feel special during his recruitment…

They made me feel at home and they knew this is where I wanted to be. It was a great visit all around."

On if he’s had to train for multiple positions this season…

“I trust our coaches, their plan and wherever they put us. They have a philosophy for everything; from COVID to moving guys around. I’m just ready to play football.”

On if he works on playing anywhere other than outside linebacker…

“At the University of Georgia that’s what we signed up for, being able to play different positions. You see guys going to the league playing different positions. I was watching Lorenzo Carter a couple nights ago, he was dropping and was a known pass rusher here—so we’ve got to be able to do everything.”

On how much he watches players like Lorenzo Carter for inspiration…

“I try to work out with those guys when they come to Atlanta. We call ourselves ‘The Wolfpack,’ the outside linebackers. We’re a close-knit group with the alumni. We workout with them all the time. They teach me things they learn from the league that I can apply to myself and my playing days at Georgia.”

On who he works out with besides Lorenzo Carter…

“Zo [Lorenzo Carter] and [Davin] Bellamy are a package deal. Anytime I know Zo texts me, he’s texting me from Bellamy. It’s always a great time seeing those guys. After the workout we sit down, eat and talk. It’s a really good time.”

Tim Bryant

Tim Bryant

Tim Bryant hosts Classic City Today, 6-10 weekday mornings on 98.7FM & AM 1340 WGAU in Athens.

On AirYour Georgia Country - North Georgia's Country Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about yourgeorgiacountry.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!