Georgia Football: DawgsHQ 2022 Fall Camp Central

Palmber-Thombsby:Palmer Thombs•08/28/22•

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Georgia fans, get ready. It’s almost here. The Bulldogs are back in Athens and beginning their preparations for the 2022 football season with fall camp. And while Kirby Smart doesn’t like the phrase, we know you do. For the first time in 41 years, they’ll do as as the defending National Champions.

Over the next 30 days, the Dawgs will do everything in their power to get ready to take on former Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic, one of the most highly anticipated non-conference games of the College Football season, on September 3rd in Atlanta. That includes practice, meetings, film review, scrimmages and so much more.

DawgsHQ has you covered along the way with the best coverage around. Press conferences, practice notes and inside information, the staff of Palmer Thombs, Wes Blankenship and Jake Reuse – and of course intern Jack Mathison – will be the eyes and ears of you with boots on the ground in Athens.

Be sure to check back in to this story over the course of camp as we’ll be updating it with anything and everything we’ve written about from the Classic City. This should be your home for Georgia Football coverage, not only during fall camp but also as the 2022 season kicks off in less than a month!

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Sunday, August 28th

STORY Fall Camp Recap: Defense

Saturday, August 27th

STORY Fall Camp Recap: Offense

Friday, August 26th

STORY Brock Bowers, Jamon Dumas-Johnson look back on missing senior season in high school

Thursday, August 25th

STORY A.D. Mitchell makes prediction on who could be freshman standout WR

STORY Smael Mondon still sees room for growth in his game

STORY Kamari Lassiter feeling confident in himself coming out of cornerback competition

Wednesday, August 24th

NOTES Who was and wasn’t at practice on Wednesday

STORY A.D. Mitchell feeling more comfortable, ready for second season at UGA

STORY Tate Ratledge back from injury and better than ever before

Tuesday, August 23rd

STORY A.D. Mitchell looks back on National Championship touchdown catch

NOTES What we’re hearing on potential number changes

Monday, August 22nd

STORY Georgia freshmen coming to make or break point in preseason practice

Sunday, August 21st

STORY Andrew Paul suffers torn ACL in second scrimmage

STORY Carson Beck, Brock Vandagriff creating buzz with backup QB battle

STORY Arik Gilbert coming into his own in fall camp as part of talented TE room

Saturday, August 20th

STORY What Was Said: Kirby Smart after Georgia’s second scrimmage

STORY Kirby Smart shares on scrimmage, focus for rest of fall camp

STORY Injury updates from Smart after second scrimmage

NOTES Script flips for second scrimmage as defense wins the day

  • Hard to say for Smart who stood out without watching the tape… the answer you’d expect to get
  • Smart says Kenny McIntosh has had the best camp he’s had to date from a mental standpoint
  • On why injuries seem to happen more at WR: “They are highest on soft tissue injuries because of volume of running and scholarship quota … We brought more WRs into camp this year (not scholarship), because you’re always looking for extra legs to cut the volume on guys.” Says they cut the volume of the top four guys this fall already.
  • On the leadership he saw today, Kirby said he saw better connection today with the energy and focus. Got better as the scrimmage went along which to him means they are in better shape.
  • Kirby Smart updates injuries… Kearis Jackson was held out of the second half of the scrimmage for an ankle. Kendall Milton closer to being able to play but was not able to play. Rian Davis did give it a go today. Brett Seither who’s been in a black jersey also scrimmaged. He’s been battling a back injury.
  • Speaking on backup QBs, Smart said that both (Carson and Brock) are being evaluated as a one, not as a two or three. By that he means that he wants to know how they would handle being with the first team players like the offensive line and then pass catchers. Happy with how both are doing and says that they are both playing winning football…
  • On Arik Gilbert, Kirby happy that they were able to get him a lot of reps this spring but also happy that they have all the TEs healthy to not put such a burden on him, as well as Oscar Delp
  • Smart happy that it was hotter today and pleased with his team’s energy today. That didn’t seem to be the case last week…

*** Georgia took to Sanford Stadium for its second scrimmage of the fall on Saturday. Unlike last week, media was not allowed in to see any action. However, DawgsHQ has had an ear to the ground for scoop. Media scheduled to speak with Kirby Smart afterwards. Stay tuned!

STORY Brock Bowers, Georgia players remember late National Championship touchdown

Friday, August 19th

STORY Kamari Lassiter, Nyland Green continuing to compete for starting spot in secondary

STORY Jamon Dumas-Johnson feeling comfortable rising into leadership role at linebacker

Thursday, August 18th

NOTES Georgia has crossed the halfway point of fall camp with practice No. 13

*** Georgia media members are expected to see portions of practice and speak with a pair of Bulldog defensive players (Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Christopher Smith)… Stay tuned!

STORY Kearis Jackson, Nolan Smith acting as leaders for a team that needs them

STORY Broderick Jones getting better in bigger role

Wednesday, August 17th

It’s the first day of school for UGA which means the football team really takes on the mantra of student-athlete now…

STORY Fran Brown fitting in nicely with Georgia defensive staff

STORY Brock Bowers has his mind right for follow up to special season

Tuesday August 16th

*** Speaking with Georgia offensive players Brock Bowers and Broderick Jones today after practice…

STORY Georgia coaches have high hopes for Branson Robinson, Andrew Paul

STORY Glenn Schumann ready to change defense with the times of football

STORY Malaki Starks making moves early in fall camp

Monday, August 15th

STORY Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins taking steps towards contribution in 2022

STORY Dominick Blaylock offering option for depth as he gets more comfortable

STORY Glenn Schumann understands importance of instilling confidence in youth on Georgia defense

STORY Georgia defensive assistants share what it’s like to work with Kirby Smart

Sunday, August 14th

STORY Jalen Carter showing signs of maturity, growth in third year at Georgia

STORY Georgia coaches Kirby Smart, Todd Monken update develop of QBs behind Stetson Bennett

STORY Todd Monken compares, contrasts skillsets of Brock Bowers, Arik Gilbert

PHOTOS 50 (!!!) photos from Georgia Football’s first trip between the hedges for scrimmage

STORY Dillon Bell emerging as option to contribute early in Georgia receiver room

Georgia’s got the day off today but DawgsHQ is still as busy as can be bringing you coverage of the team…

Saturday, August 13th

NOTES What we’re hearing from Saturday’s scrimmage action in Athens

STORY Kirby Smart provides injury update on Arian Smith, other banged up Bulldogs

  • Smart says that Jalen Carter has shown a ton of maturity this fall, noting his practice habits and doing things more consistently. Mature enough to admit when he’s wrong too, and that’s happening much less. “He knows people’s eyes are on him in terms of other players.”
  • According to Smart, Kenny McIntosh and Kearis Jackson seem to have the advantage as far as kickoff return while Ladd McConkey, Dominick Blaylock, Mekhi Mews and Jackson are competing for the punt return job.
  • Smart has complimented Dillon Bell several times here. Sounds like depth at wide receiver is a little bit of a concern – especially with Arian Smith’s injury and De’Nylon Morrissette struggling with an injury – and that the young guys are going to have to contribute.
  • Trezmen Marshall played in the scrimmage and Smart notes he made some plays but he’s been battling a calf strain some. “Has to stay healthy.”
  • Tate Ratledge dealing with turf toe. Earnest Greene dealing with a hamstring. Milton dealing with a hamstring as well.
  • Smart says that Arian Smith is dealing with a high ankle sprain that will require surgery. Not sure how long he’ll be out, but hopeful to have him back before long.
  • Smart going to reserve judgement on the QBs until he watches the tape. Says that Stetson had a good day statistically. Happy with where the guys behind him are at too, noting Gunner Stockton had himself a good day and was glad he got to control the offense.
  • Smart says it’s probably easiest to help at a skill position, and that he believes Branson Robinson and Andrew Paul both can help this team this year. “Good scrimmages, not great. Not where they need to be in pass pro.” Notes that they are incredibly hard to tackle.
  • Smart opens up by saying today wasn’t great from a tackling perspective. Offense is ahead of the defense as expected.

Speaking with Kirby Smart now after the scrimmage…

NOTES Georgia gets between the hedges for first scrimmage

STORY Staying strong in pursuit of Mykel Williams paying off already

STORY Depth of pass catchers not a problem for Georgia entering 2022

Friday, August 12th

STORY Georgia defensive coaches talk defensive backs, outlook for the fall

STORY Arian Smith suffers setback on injury front, likely to miss remainder of fall camp

STORY Georgia defense concerned about cohesion, not necessarily individuals in fall camp

STORY Todd Monken believing in Stetson Bennett as quarterback still

Thursday, August 11th

STORY Georgia assistants show promise as potential head coaches

STORY Mike Bobo helping Georgia offense as ‘sounding board’ for Todd Monken

STORY Todd Monken not buying narrative that Georgia offense has to carry defense

  • On Mykel Williams, who he recruited: “Mykel’s a Georgia kid that loves Georgia. I think he’s going to do things in an exceptional manner, which he has done already… You saw him working on off days during the summer to be a better football player. You’re getting a very very hard worker. Kind of unmatched from a hard work standpoint.”
  • On what he’s learned from his experiences as a high school coach onto a college assistant: “Being a high school taught me a lot on how to talk and communicate with the kids … Saying the right things at the right time really, really mattered. And at the end of the day, it’s about relationships. I still have continued relationships with guys I coached in high school … You’re getting more than a coach with me. You’re getting what I call a lifeline.”
  • On how rotation decisions are made: “The decisions are made during practice. You’ve got to show that you understand the details and execution of the assignment.”
  • On Branson Robinson: “Branson, the way he’s built is a brick house. He doesn’t have a neck. Built like Takeo Spikes.”

And Dell McGee joining us now…

  • On comparing Brock Bowers and Arik Gilbert… In summary, said Arik is different because he has a wide receiver background with route running whereas Brock has h-back, fullback mentality to get the ball in his hands and go.
  • On Dominick Blaylock, Monken says he can’t imagine the mental toll that it’s taken on him to tear his ACL not once but twice. Wasn’t able to be the same player upon coming back, but is getting more confident with time.
  • On losing James Cook as a pass catching WR: “Kenny is going to take more of that slack. It was nice to have both of those guys last year. Our other guys have improved … That is an area where we don’t have as much depth.”
  • On Arian Smith: “I think the biggest thing is staying healthy. He just hasn’t been on the field long enough as a developmental player. Not being healthy and out there to develop restricts you from being an every down player. You can’t trust them to do everything you need to do. That makes him more of a situational player… We’re looking to bridge that gap from being a situational player.”
  • On the notion that the offense will have to carry the defense: “That’s ridiculous at a place like Georgia. Just like it was last year that the defense carried our offense. We have great players on both sides of the ball.”
  • On running a four TE offense: If you run it too often, you get every wideout in the portal
  • On Stetson Bennett… “His confidence level is raised with our confidence in him.”
  • Going to be offensive coordinator Todd Monken speaking with media first

Georgia media members are starting to gather at the Butts-Mehre building for a 12:00 p.m. interview availability… No word on who it’ll be joining us, so stay tuned!

STORY Success of Glenn Schumann still largely defined by linebackers

Wednesday, August 10th

PHOTOS A look at the Dawgs in their full pads for first time

Tuesday, August 9th

NOTES Georgia puts on full pads for first time and competitive practice

STORY Glenn Schumann, Will Muschamp comfortable working as co-coordinators

STORY Will Muschamp believes he has “best job in America” at Georgia

  • Muschamp: “We understand what good looks like around here. We also understand what elite looks like around here. The standard doesn’t change and that’s been set by the head coach.”
  • On if there was much of an adjustment going from head coach to DC: “I credit coach and this staff of the young men that we recruited … Working with a head coach that you align with is healthy. What is your role in the organization? Do the best job in the role you have and if you don’t go somewhere else. I told my wife I think I have the best job in America.”
  • On being a co-coordinator: “I didn’t really know Glenn until last year. I had a wonderful working experience with he and Dan as well as Tray Scott… Glenn’s promotion in my opinion is very well deserved.” Notes that Dell McGee and Schumann have been the longest tenured coaches under Smart and that their position groups have always been among the most consistent.

Will Muschamp joining us now…

  • On Kelee Ringo instilling confidence in him: “I think it’s important for you to believe in your players. Showing belief in your players, no matter their age, no matter their experience is extremely important. You’ve got to build them up. You’ve got to challenge them when they’re wrong. You’ve got to love on them. It starts with us.”
  • On Nolan Smith, his leadership in the OLB room: “Nolan is one of those guys that you say, ‘Hey, if you’re going to talk about it, be about it.’ He holds himself to an extremely high standard. He’s been a great leader for us. He works really hard every day. he wants to improve in areas, especially as a pass rusher. In that room, I see a lot of guys trying to match that.”
  • On Jamon Dumas-Johnson: “He’s challenged himself to be the best version of himself. He attacked conditioning this summer saying, “I might have an increased role this year.” He’s a guy that loves football. He’s an instinctive physical player. We’ve all got to continue to grow.”
  • On working as a co-coordinator: “When you’re here, whether it’s year one or year seven, a lot of things you do cooperatively. You want people to compliment each other. You can’t have one person doing everything. You have to be able to share responsibility. The thing that remains the same is that whenever we go in that room, you are working to get on the same page.”
  • On how much defense changes with a new coordinator – “When you are coaching defense you have to evolve with the times. Every year the way offenses attack you changes. No matter who’s in charge, the goal is to create a defense that can create problems for the offense.” That looks different every year and it’s done as a staff, not by one specific individual.
  • On his ILBs – He notes that he isn’t asking them to replace the guys that came before them. He wants them to be the best version of themselves possible.On Javon Bullard: “Javon’s an extremely hard worker. We ask all of guys to compete every day. Javon does a great job of that … He’s a competitor and brings that kind of energy that we want to have.”

It’ll be Glenn Schumann that we speak with…

*** Media has gathered at the Butts-Mehre building for mid-day availability. Still hasn’t been announced who we’re speaking to. Practice observation to follow this afternoon. Stay tuned!

STORY Kirby Smart shares on freshmen defensive backs, their development

Monday, August 8th

STORY Kirby Smart opens up on Tate Ratledge, competition at guard spots

STORY Georgia running backs ready to take on challenge of upholding ‘RBU’ history

NOTES Insider notes from first few days of fall camp: Position battles, buzz and more

Sunday, August 7th

NOTES Second open practice session – Observations on RBs, DBs, OLBs and others

  • Georgia media is expected to have a couple minutes of practice availability today. Be sure to check back in to DawgsHQ this afternoon for notes on what we saw out on the practice field.

STORY Christopher Smith stepping up as leader, others still needing to do so at safety

STORY Georgia Football, Kirby Smart has new phrase for camp, focused on themselves

Saturday, August 6th

Another look into fall camp courtesy of Georgia Football on Twitter…

Friday, August 5th

STORY Georgia defensive line confident in crew challenged with replacing lost production

STORY Darnell Washington in best shape, feels Georgia tight ends are a ‘mismatch’

STORY Smael Mondon looking to make a move at linebacker using athletic ability

No media availability today, but Georgia Football did give us a glimpse into practice with this tweet featuring photos of Kelee Ringo, Kearis Jackson, Kenny McIntosh and Marvin Jones Jr.

Thursday, August 4th

STORY Top Kirby Smart quotes from Day One of Fall Camp (and what they mean)

PHOTOS First glance at Georgia Football in fall camp

NOTES First practice availability for fall camp: Figuring out the first team

STORY Georgia upperclassmen, coach share message for freshmen

STORY What was said as Kirby Smart, Georgia open fall camp

STORY Smart says Tykee Smith still not at 100%

  • On what’s going to decide the guard spot, why the winner will win: “The why would be how they practice… They have different strengths coming into camp… We’re going to base the decision on how they practice, and I don’t have that body of work yet… We want the best one to win it.”
  • On Chris Smith: “Chris has done a great job leading that group. He sets the tone every day with his work ethic … We’re very lucky and fortunate to have Chris back.” … As far as who’s opposite of him, names pretty much all options and says the priority is finding the top four, not necessarily just who’s going to be beside Smith.
  • On how schedule is set up each year: “You change your plan based on your team. We had a different plan last year … Yesterday – our report day – looked a little different than it did last year. We’re younger in some spots, need more lifting, more walk (thru)…” Does note that in general, it’s pretty consistent year to year, maybe with different emphasis each season.
  • On the ILBs, Smart says he is excited to see them. Was excited about them last year but obviously they didn’t get to play a ton behind the big three of Dean, Tindall and Walker.
  • “Tate (Ratledge) has been great. He’s worked really hard at his conditioning.” Says Ron Courson feels that summer training was probably more taxing on him than football practice will be. Still a matter of coming back from an offensive line standpoint, but Smart feels good about where he’s at.
  • Kirby Smart says the Darnell Washington was in the best shape he’s ever been in before he got injured just before spring practice. Back in a good spot now entering fall camp. “He’s got a purpose. He’s practicing to be driven. I’m excited to see what he’s going to be able to do.”
  • On RBs: “We know enough about Kenny and Kendall to know their strengths. They’ve played featured roles within drives here. I think Dell’s done a great job developing those guys. I think the unknown more is Daijun and finding out the freshmen. Both Branson and Andrew have got to help us out from a depth standpoint.”
  • Kirby says he doesn’t know what the Buzz Cut Boys are about but it goes back to the “lock in, lock out” attitude that comes with camp
  • Speaking on the freshmen, especially the DBs, Smart says that Malaki Starks and Ja’Corey Thomas still have a ways to go before being able to contribute. Doesn’t foresee LSU Derek Stingley type year for them, one guy he remembered playing as a freshman. “We will need those guys to be core special teams players We will need those guys to be able to play. We’ve got to get them ready by the way we prepare this training camp.”
  • Smart says freshman linebacker EJ Lightsey has dealt with a little bit of a knee injury this summer but is out there and cleared. Tykee Smith is “doing drills without limitation” but notes that he’s still not 100% and where he was.
  • On how he’s specifically seen the hunger: “Both sides of the ball and special teams have been hungry up to this point…. We talked to them about the number of snaps we have to replace… There’s a lot of experience gone. They’ve been excited, opportunistic… I’m excited to see them practice.”
  • Smart wants his team to be able to separate summer from the stage they are about to enter, training camp… Notes it’s a unique time where they won’t have class and can focus only on football.
  • Kirby Smart opens up by congratulating his teammate Richard Seymour who’s being inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday

Kirby Smart Opening Press Conference Comments (Above)

  • Kirby Smart and select Georgia players are scheduled to speak with the media mid-day. Afterwards, the Bulldogs will take the field for practice for the first time this season. Be sure to check back in for the latest there…

Wednesday, August 3rd

  • Georgia players reported to camp today in Athens, and the social media team was able to document the day for you, taking “first day of school” type pictures of the players with the Welcome to Camp sign. Story of the day, quarterback Stetson Bennett’s new haircut… Defensive lineman Warren Brinson will be referring to him as “Stequavious Bennett” until further notice.

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