2024 SEC Media Days: A Direct Look at the Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia coach Kirby Smart was the first coach to take the podium entering Day 2 of Southeastern Conference Media Days.

He had a lot to talk about, which included his new opponents in the SEC, changing his coaching staff and losing players to the NFL Draft.

Smart on New SEC Opponents:

The Bulldogs face Kentucky, Texas, Alabama and Ole Miss on the road. Smart said that he is very excited for this challenge. He talked about how Georgia also opens its season against the Clemson Tigers and how they are one of the nation's top teams.

Smart said that the challenge of these road opponents will make his coaching staff and players look forward to the offseason.

Smart on His Georgia Coaching Staff:

Smart was asked what he thought about hiring Travaris Robinson for his coaching staff. Smart talked about how Robinson also played in the SEC and had quite a pedigree as a football player.

He talked about how Robinson was on coach Will Muschamp's staff in the past and how much respect he has for him. Smart finished by saying that he and Robinson are both excited to be on the same coaching staff.

Smart on Losing Leaders to the NFL:

The Bulldogs lost cornerback Kamari Lassiter, safety Tykee Smith and safety Javon Bullard to the NFL Draft this past season.

Smart praised how they were locker room leaders, always came ready to practice and were the best cheerleaders for other players on the team.

Smart also said that those 3 players will be tough losses. But he said that he has the guys needed to step up and be good players just like they were. Smart said the Bulldogs will be ready for Clemson as their season opener.

Smart on Kalen DeBoer and Alabama:

The Bulldogs will travel to Tuscaloosa for another tough road contest against the Alabama Crimson Tide this season.

Smart said despite Kalen DeBoer taking over for Nick Saban as coach, he does not expect the matchups to be any different than in seasons past. He said that they are both great schools, great teams and that they are going to be that way for a long time.

Smart will have to have Georgia ready for a very tough schedule with Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC. Along with those road matchups, Georgia's path back to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be a tenacious one.