Kirby Smart shares why star Georgia DB is missing on UGA's stat sheet

Entering this season junior defensive back Daniel Harris was expected to be one of the leaders of Georgia's secondary. In 2024 Harris played in 13 games while earning four starts throughout the season as well. This included starting in the SEC Championship game and College Football Playoff.

Typically someone with that resume would expect to play a lot the following the season. Unfortunately that has not happened for Harris this season, and when Kirby Smart was asked why he hasn't been playing he gave a very blunt answer about Harris's struggles in practice.

“It’s about practicing during the week. The guys who practice best and play the ball best are going to play.”

Kirby Smart explains where Daniel Harris has been

Harris has had a very underwhelming season so far this year. Through five games he has only recorded a stat in one game which occurred during Georgia's overtime win against Tennessee. In that game he recorded three tackles which unfortunately are the only stats he has registered this season.

On top of the four starts Harris earned in 2024, he also recorded 22 tackles and three pass breakups. He even played a big role in Georgia's SEC Championship win over Texas by tallying a career high three tackles.

But the success he found last season unfortunately has not transferred to this year. And Smart was very honest about why he hasn't been playing because apparently Harris has not been performing that well in practice.

There is a chance that could change as the year goes on, but for now it sounds like he has a lot of work to do just to see the field. But Harris has to remain ready because his number could be called at any point during this season, and he will need to perform at a high level to help Georgia reach their goals.