Georgia’s Robertson facing new challengers
Former five-star receiver Demetris Robertson is now eligible to play for the Georgia Bulldogs after having his waiver approved Friday afternoon by the NCAA.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart said Saturday that may wind up being the easy part.
“He’s probably not in the shape the rest of our guys are, because our guys go through summer running, conditioning and lifting,” Smart said in a news conference that followed the team’s first preseason scrimmage. “He didn’t go through that. He worked out on his own, but it’s not the same.
“I’m pleased with his work ethic, but his conditioning has to improve for him to really be able to help us this season.”
Robertson was a Peach State prospect who got away in 2016, as the 6-foot, 190-pounder from Savannah signed with California. He caught 50 passes as a
freshman but played in just two games last season due to injury.
Georgia’s compliance office submitted the transfer waiver for Robertson earlier this summer and announced Friday that it had been approved.
“Obviously we’re excited, and we’re excited for Demetris,” Smart said. “He’s a great kid, and he’s blended in well with our team. He’s playing with really good toughness, and he’s gone out and competed every day.”
Senior Terry Godwin and juniors Riley Ridley and Mecole Hardman are Georgia’s most experienced returning receivers, with Godwin having made a memorable touchdown catch last September at Notre Dame and with Ridley and Hardman having performed well against Alabama in January’s national championship game.
Where Robertson fits in the pecking order remains to be seen, but Smart used Saturday afternoon as an opportunity to praise the lesser-known duo of senior Jayson Stanley and junior Tyler Simmons. Those two have excelled on special teams but have combined for just seven career catches.
“There is some competition in that room,” Smart said.
The Bulldogs ran nearly 150 plays Saturday, said Smart, who was pleased with the team’s effort and toughness, especially on the heels of Friday’s practice that lasted more than two hours. Smart said the experienced players performed better after being challenged this past week but there were too many undisciplined penalties. Who won the closed scrimmage? “Early on, I would have said the defense,” Smart said. “Usually when you walk off the field, you feel one way or the other. If I had to say, it was a draw.”
Smart said both quarterbacks, sophomore Jake Fromm and freshman Justin Fields, had “command of the offense.”
Junior cornerback Tyrique McGhee suffered a foot injury that Smart did not believe was serious, while redshirt freshman corner Eric Stokes had cramps. Two receivers, Kearis Jackson (hamstring) and Mark Webb (groin), have been limited.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@ timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.