Kirby Smart says honoring Devin Willock is 'ongoing' with Georgia

Just days after winning a second consecutive national championship, tragedy struck the Georgia football program. Offensive lineman Devin Willock was killed in a car accident on Jan. 15. He was not the only member of the Bulldogs involved, with staff member Chandler LeCroy passing away too.

Just over seven months later, the program is still attempting to honor both Willock and LeCroy. Head coach Kirby Smart says he still talks to the players “a lot” about the former Georgia player. He called the process of finding a new way to remember Willock is “ongoing” as the 2023 season begins.

“I think that’s something we talk to the players about a lot,” Smart said when speaking to Rece Davis and Pete Thamel, both of ESPN. “We’ve got a leadership group that has a lot to do with that and imports knowledge to us. We talked about that during the spring game and got an opportunity during the spring game. Started on the first play, things like that.

“That’s something that’s ongoing and something we talk to those guys about.”

Smart mentioned the Georgia spring game, where the event kicked off with a penalty. The red team offense took a delay of game penalty while the Samford Stadium PA announcer took time to remember Willock and LeCroy. Players hugged on the field while fans in the stands gave a round of applause in their remembrance.

Even those who have left the Georgia program are honoring Willock. Broderick Jones will continue his football career in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He plans on wearing the same number Willock did, No. 77, to remember him.

“It’s in honor of my teammate that passed,” Jones said shortly after being selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, via team reporter Teresa Varley. “He wore No. 77. No. 59 is not available. No. 77 was another option. I felt like I would do that for him, his family and me.”

Nobody on the 2023 Georgia squad is wearing No. 77 to this point. The number has been left alone since Willock’s passing. Two offensive linemen are on the outside of the number — Miles Johnson is wearing No. 76 while Chad Lindberg is No. 78. However, Willock’s number will remain vacant this season.

Whether it’s with the jersey number or another kind of remembrance in Athens, Smart is going to make sure Georgia teams down the road honor Willock.