Kirby Smart updates the availability, health of Bear Alexander, CJ Smith, Darris Smith

Georgia has reclaimed its No. 1 ranking following a monumental win against Tennessee at Sanford Stadium. Kirby Smart was able to prove why his team is the best in the country, controlling the game from start to finish. Some big players made some big plays but there were still some notable absences on Saturday — mainly some true freshmen.

Both wide receiver C.J. Smith and edge rusher Darris Smith did not appear against the Vols, dealing with injuries. Smart said for the former, it’s a high ankle sprain he suffered during practice last week. As for Darris Smith, he is back on track to get onto the field and is back in practice.

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“CJ Smith has an ankle sprain,” Smart said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “Happened during Tennessee week of practice. He should be fine. He’s running, conditioning, trying to get back. Darris is practicing with us and doing everything now.”

Both CJ and Darris were four-star prospects coming out of high school. The On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services, had Darris as the No. 117 ranked player in the country, while CJ was just outside of the top 300.

As Georgia turns its attention to Mississippi State, Smart will still be dealing with working his freshmen back into the squad.

Kirby Smart provides brief update on Bear Alexander

Another freshman Smart was asked about was defensive lineman Bear Alexander. He did not appear in the huge win over Tennessee, with an injury question heading the way of the Georgia head coach. Smart said there was nothing to it and the Texas native was fine.

“No, Bear is fine,” said Smart.

Alexander was another four-star prospect for Georgia, being a top 50 player in the 2022 class. He was the No. 7 defensive lineman and the sixth highest-ranked player to sign with the Bulldogs during the past cycle.

In seven games, Alexander has made five tackles and been effective in pass rush. Auburn was his best game, recording four quarterback hurries and one pass breakup. A freshman with a ton of potential, he should be part of the stacked Georgia defensive line moving forward.