DogWatch Notes: Georgia's first scrimmage

Aug 14, 2021

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart during the Bulldogs’ practice session on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

Georgia had its first scrimmage today in Sanford Stadium in front of a limited crowd of Magill Society members. The Bulldogs got more than half of the scrimmage done before weather interrupted it. So, the rest of the scrimmage was moved inside to the House of Payne indoor practice field. Here are some notes that DogWatch has compiled and some rumors head coach Kirby Smart confirmed during his Saturday afternoon interview.

Smart confirmed that wide receiver Arik Gilbert was not with the team today and was dealing with “some personal issues.” There are some rumors flying around here, but I am not going into detail about those, which probably are not true.
Cornerback Derion Kendrick was not present. However, Smart confirmed that he is at a funeral for a friend of his that passed away recently. Kendrick will rejoin the team after the day off tomorrow.
Center Warren Ericson is out with an apparent hand injury, which UGASports.com was the first to report. Smart said today that both Jamaree Salyer and Sedrick Van Pran rotated in for Ericson. Ericson is reportedly going to be fine and should be cleared “in a week or so.”
Tight end John FitzPatrick is dealing out with “a foot sprain.”
Smart said that Jermaine Burton and Kearis Jackson both are “banged up.” But, I speculate that they will be ready for the season-opener against Clemson.
I heard that wide receiver Justin Robinson made an incredible catch today, which Smart confirmed. I was also told that he looks healthy running routes and can change direction in a split second. His speed is a huge plus and can earn him some playing time.
Defensive back Jalen Kimber is out with a shoulder injury, so Kelee Ringo and Ameer Speed were getting the first-team reps. I’ve also heard that freshman cornerback Nyland Greene is getting second-team reps and “is looking really good. He’s adjusting to the speed of the game at the collegiate level.”
I heard that freshman Adonai Mitchell, who led Georgia in catches and receiving on G-day, has been getting a lot of snaps in wake of all the injuries at receiver. Smart confirmed that this afternoon.
I was told that sophomore Broderick Jones got some work on the first-team at left tackle, while freshman Amarius Mims was at the interior on the right side for a bit.
Today’s scrimmage was not very exciting, which Smart confirmed. I heard the defense dominated and the offense was not very productive. Smart confirmed that and said he’s not surprised because of how quarterback J.T. Daniels doesn’t have all of his weapons.
I heard there were some interceptions thrown. Smart did talk about that but did not elaborate on who threw them or who picked them off. Generally, the offense seems to always be behind at the time of year.
I heard that sophomore Carson Beck was the No. 2 quarterback today. Meanwhile, senior James Cook was the starter at running back.
TAKE AWAY: There are generally a lot of overreactions that fans will buy into after a first scrimmage. Smart’s demeanor in the presser today was promising. However, there were a lot of injuries that the team is dealing with. What coach is ever happy, especially after a first scrimmage? Calm down, the season hasn’t even started yet. Georgia will be fine.
Watch Smart’s press conference here: