Kirby Smart praises the development of Marvin Jones Jr.

After the 2021 season, Georgia had to replace tons of talent on the defensive side of the ball. One of the key players who has been asked to do this is Marvin Jones Jr. Recently, head coach Kirby Smart praised Jones for his development this season.

This came up because of the injury to Nolan Smith. Without him, Georgia needs to find a way to replace his production. Marvin Jones, hopefully, can replace some of it.

“He’s been great,” Kirby Smart said. “He’s really increased his toughness.”

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“He’s a really good athlete. He’s gotten so much better. I don’t think even he knew what he was getting into in terms of contact, physicality, big boy ball. But, he’s down with the scouts. He’s been with us. He closes on counters. He understands football. He’s got really good instincts,” Kirby Smart said.

“Probably would have played more last week, but he was a little sick two days before the game and we weren’t able to play him on special teams. But, he’s been repping and practicing hard this week.”

Marvin Jones is a five-star recruit from the Class of 2022. To this point in the season, Marvin Jones has only recorded stats in two games, with two tackles.

Georgia’s next game is against Tennessee, the top-ranked team in the College Football Playoff rankings.

Kirby Smart on Nolan Smith’s injury

Kirby Smart needs to find a way to replace Nolan Smith on the Georgia defense. In the meantime, however, Smart praised Smith for everything he’s done at Georgia.

“Yeah, he’s a great leader. Unquestioned toughness. Just got great toughness. The guy has been durable. He’s been here his whole career. He hits things so hard, he closes on counters. He creates an attitude of toughness that kind of embodies our defense. He’s been a very vocal leader this year and really, to be honest, the last two days, he’s out there running to the ball, flying to the ball, coaching the guys, doing everything. And an incredible impact just on the energy of practice,” Kirby Smart said.

“So, very appreciative of all he’s done and just, unfortunate. It’s part of football. But it’s a very common injury and surgery — and Roquan [Smith] had one while he was here, Roquan had one in the NFL — and he’ll make it back from it and he’ll be fine.”