Kirby Smart: Tykee Smith has done everything we've asked

Georgia has established itself as a dominant college football power under Kirby Smart by starting on the defensive side and building an offense which complements it. That formula has now produced a national championship, proving the former defensive coordinator knows a thing or two about building a football team from the recruiting trail and the transfer portal.

Tykee Smith is one of the players Kirby Smart identified in the transfer portal as a potential fit after seeing him play safety for two seasons at West Virginia. In 2021, Smith made the move. And although it paid off with a CFP ring, injuries derailed what promised to be a personal breakout campaign.

Entering 2022, Smith continues dealing with the toll of an injury comeback, but Smart recently provided a glowing review of his work ethic through the process so far.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“He’s done everything we’ve asked,” said Smart. “And unfortunately an injury, it happens. There’s guys walking all over the NFL with the same injury he had. I still think that guys are usually better the next year after that injury and he’s in the first year recovering from it. He’s done a really good job.

“He’s very bright and he’s extremely conscientious. Those two things will get you far when you’re intelligent. He asks really smart questions, he takes the initiative to watch a lot of tape. So he’s done everything we’ve asked and a great kid.”

After posting 111 tackles with four interceptions and a sack during his two seasons at West Virginia, Smith has managed to contribute 11 tackles in five games at Georgia since the start of 2021.

Kirby Smart on defensive linemen

Georgia narrowly escaped Columbia, Missouri with a 26-22 win over the Tigers last weekend and it cost them the No. 1 spot in the polls. Among the many concerns from Bulldogs fans on Saturday, the absence of Chaz Chambliss and limited role of Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins on the defensive line.

Head coach Kirby Smart made sure to put all rumors to rest in Tuesday’s press conference when he spoke about both players. After explaining that Chaz Chambliss did not make the trip because of a hamstring injury, he then told reporters that Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins’ snaps were tied to his performance in practice.

The pair of second-year defensive players have made a limited impact to this point, combining for seven tackles and 0.5 sacks in 2022.