Georgia Football getting Justin Fields is a sign of the times

The best player is going to play

One thing stood out to me in Fields’ post-commitment press conference. When asked what Kirby Smart had promised him in terms of playing time or special sets, Fields said that Smart hadn’t promised him anything. He had simply said that ‘The best player is going to play’. That mantra is something that Smart is applying across the team right now, no matter the position. That clearly includes the QB.

Now, that’s a mantra I think we fans have heard a few times. All coaches say that, but not all of them live by it. How many 5-stars play plenty for 3 straight years even why they don’t produce? How many QB’s are given all the changes in the world because of their star rating?

Kirby has already shown that he doesn’t care about that. The rise of JR Reed on the defense clearly shows that he’ll play the best guy. DeAngelo Gibbs and Richard LeCounte III were both highly rated prospects. Both are riding the bench right now while Reed, an unknown transfer from Tulane, is a starter.

That’s not to say that Gibbs and LeCounte won’t start one day. It’s just an example of how Kirby will reward hard work. Another Freshman, D’Andre Swift is taking carries away from Sony Michel and Nick Chubb. That’s not because those two are playing any worse. It’s because Swift is so good, he demands touches.

This mentality is paying off. UGA’s defense had a few starters missing this week. Yes, they didn’t look quite as good but they certainly didn’t struggle. They are deep and players are desperate to take their chance if they get it. Right now, iron is sharpening iron.