Georgia returned to the podium on Monday as Kirby Smart, senior tight end Oscar Delp and sophomore inside linebacker Chris Cole met with reporters ahead of the Bulldogs final home game of the season against Charlotte. With Senior Day approaching and injuries shaping the defensive rotation, here are the three biggest storylines that emerged from Athens entering this matchup.
1. Kirby Smart stresses focus, even with SEC stakes looming
If anyone expected Smart to talk College Football Playoff math or SEC championship implications, he shut that down immediately.
”We’re worried about Charlotte,” Smart said via 247sports.com. “We’re worried about getting better.”
Georgia sits in the thick of the postseason race, but Smart’s messaging hasn’t budged. He wants hist team to stay disciplined, physical and to not look ahead. Senior Day only amplifies that mindset.
“It’s always a special day when these guys have their last home game, “ Smart said. “It’s a tremendous group to get to go out and play in front of their families.”
Injuries remain a subplot, especially with star linebacker C.J. Allen still “week-to-week." But Smart praised the defensive depth behind him.
”All those guys rolled in there,” Smart said of the young inside linebackers. “They’ve practiced well this year and are continuing to get more depth in that room.”
Georgia’s message heading into Charlotte? Don’t get caught slipping and don’t let a non-conference opponent disrupt their postseason trajectory.
2. Oscar Delp reflects on Senior Day and his growth into a leader
Delp’s final game in Sanford Stadium is here, and the senior tight end made it clear how much the moment means.
”Just being able to put that G on, I mean, it’s just special,” Delp said. “ A couple weeks ago it kind of hit me — coming to an end with these home games.”
Delp admitted the emotions will come late, maybe even after the game, but he emphasized how much he’s embraced leadership and maturity this season.
”When you’re younger and playing, you don’t wake up saying, I hope I get all these catches today,” Delp said. “You just go out there and play because you love it.”
Smart backed that up with some of his strongest praise of the day, calling Delp “incredible” and highlighting his ability to handle more responsibility than most players his age.
”He leads, he’s got passion, fire and energy,” Smart said. “He’s really grown up.”
Between his leadership, versatility and connection to the offense, Delp enters his final home as one of the most trusted voices on the field.
3. Chris Cole emerges as a key piece in Georgia’s linebacker rotation
With C.J. Allen nursing an injury, Georgia turned to youth at inside linebacker, and Cole has quickly become one of the most important players in that rotation.
Smart said Cole, Raylen Wilson and Justin Williams all took on increased reps last weekend, including responsibilities with the communication “green dot.”
”Raylen has it some, Chris has it some, Justin has it some,” Smart said.
Cole spoke Monday about the importance of always being ready in a system that demands physicality and mental sharpness from its linebackers.
”Our room takes pride in being prepared,” Cole said. “Coach Schumann pushes us everyday to understand the entire defense, not just our assignment.”
Smart emphasized how well Cole handled the added workload.
”All those guys continue to grow and get better. I was proud of the way they played a few more snaps.”
For a defense that thrives on discipline and depth, Cole’s emergence comes at the perfect time as Georgia gears up for its final stretch of the regular season.