Kirby Smart on the importance of Georgia freshman contributions

In a press conference following their 40-13 win over South Carolina, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart spoke about the importance of freshman to their success. Smart quoted a phrase he picked up from a friend, stating about his freshman that “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”

Kirby Smart on Georgia freshman

When asked about the contributions made by his freshman tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Adonai Mitchell, Smart explained why he felt they were playing above their experience level.

“It’s the way of college football now,” stated Smart. “A lot of good players leave [their] junior years, a lot of freshman come in early. Both of those guys really aren’t freshman, they were here all spring. I look at it very different. They got a lot of confidence in the spring, they got routes — we practice really hard, they go against a really good defense every day. AD [Adonai] Mitchell and Brock have competed at a high level and they’ve earned that right.”

Smart continued with a phrase he used to hear from his friend, Trevor Moawad, who passed away from his battle with cancer last week. Moawad was a sports psychologist and mental coach who has worked with professional athletes like Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

“A great man and good friend who passed last week used to always say to me ‘if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.’ And that’s compliments of my man Trevor Moawad who lost his battle against cancer,” said Smart in memory of his friend.

Smart discusses Mitchell starting

In a follow-up question regarding receiver Adonai Mitchell, Smart spoke about the work Mitchell had done to earn his starting job on Saturday. He compared his talents and progress to another Bulldogs receiver, Jermaine Burton.

“He’s talented, he’s learning how to work — it’s very similar to Jermaine Burton,” explained Smart. “Jermaine Burton was a talented receiver last year that we felt like would get better the more he played. AD’s got a lot of parts of his game to work on, the physicality — but he does run routes, he does have elusiveness and he has really good first-step quickness. Our coaches felt like if we’re going to go to where we want to get to, he’s got to go play. And he’s earned it, he’s made plays — he’s a good football player. As he earns that he makes our team better.”

Smart closed by telling reporters that they’re relying on their freshman to give them a chance as the season continues.

“As long as those guys are healthy and getting better, we’ve got a chance to be a successful team.”