Kirby Smart comments on recent absence of OLB Darris Smith
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia head coach Kirby Smart shared an update on outside linebacker Darris Smith on Tuesday. The sophomore out of Appling County (Baxley, Ga.) saw action in each of Georgia’s first five games, primarily on special teams, but has been absent the last two.
“Same as we talked about before. He’s just not with us right now,” Smart said.
Smart was first asked about Smith after Georgia’s game against Kentucky. In the same question, Smart addressed David Daniel-Sisavanh’s absence. He said one of them was sick and the other was unable to be with the team. He did not clarify which was which.
Smith has three tackles including one for loss to his name so far this season. As a freshman, the 6-foot-5, 240-pound outside linebacker played in 11 of 15 games, recording one tackle in four games (Vanderbilt, Florida, Ohio State, TCU).
Smith was viewed as a bit of a project in the recruiting world when Georgia signed him out of Appling County. Possessing the length and size, the potential was absolutely there. It’s why he shot up rankings late in the cycle, coming in at No. 81 overall according to the On300.
“Darris Smith is a kid we’re excited about, we’ve loved. He’s got a great work ethic,” Smart said about Smith after his signing. “He’s from a rural town down there, and he’s done a wonderful job every time he’s been up here of competing, working out … He’s got a lot of growth potential. He’s long. He runs well. Kids that are that size that run well tend to do well in our system. He played at receiver at times. He’s running track right now, and he’s one of the fastest track kids in that area, so we’re certainly excited about him.”
Smith’s absence leaves Georgia with five scholarship outside linebackers: Chaz Chambliss, Marvin Jones Jr., CJ Madden, Damon Wilson and Sam M’Pemba. Wilson and M’Pemba’s fellow freshman Gabe Harris was recruited as an outside linebacker but has seen the majority of his action to this point on the defensive line. Jalon Walker has also been used as an outside linebacker at times, practicing with the position group late last season.
“The JACK linebacker position has been, several of those guys rotating there. Chaz has played a good bit. Darris has played, Marvin has played, the other guys have gotten to play with the game situation,” Smart said earlier in the season when asked about the position. “We have several packages where two guys are in, two JACKs are in or three JACKs are in. We have regular where there’s a SAM and JACK in. It all depends on what the offense is doing.”
Georgia takes on Florida this Saturday in the annual rivalry game in Jacksonville. Kickoff time from EverBank Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
