Now that Georgia’s season has come to an end, head coach Kirby Smart has already shifted his focus towards player movement. With the transfer portal opening on January 2, just hours after the Bulldogs’ Sugar Bowl loss to Ole Miss, Smart is wasting no time in using this tool to improve his team for the upcoming season. Despite facing a tough defeat, Smart remains determined to make the necessary changes to bring the Bulldogs back to the top of the SEC.
While many teams and coaches are utilizing the transfer portal as a means to improve their rosters, Smart and the Bulldogs are taking a different approach. They are using the portal less than any other team in the conference, with Smart being very selective in his choices. So far, the Bulldogs have only added one player through the portal, former Clemson defensive back Derion Kendrick.
This strategic approach to recruiting through the transfer portal is not surprising for Smart, who has always been known for his thorough and meticulous planning. He understands the importance of keeping the team’s chemistry intact, while also adding the right players who will contribute to the success of the program.
However, after facing a significant number of setbacks, it seems like Smart is now ready to make a move and bring in a key transfer player to bolster the team’s roster. The Bulldogs have been hit with a string of departures, with seven players leaving the team in the past few weeks.
One of the biggest losses for the Bulldogs has been quarterback JT Daniels’ decision to enter the 2021 NFL Draft. With Daniels leaving, the Bulldogs are suddenly left with limited options at the quarterback position. This has prompted Smart to turn his attention to LSU transfer quarterback TJ Finley.
Finley, who started five games for LSU last season, has announced his decision to transfer to a new program. And Smart is wasting no time in trying to lure him to Georgia. With his size, arm strength, and experience, Finley would be a valuable addition to the Bulldogs’ roster and could potentially fill the void left by Daniels.
But it’s not just about filling the void left by departing players, it’s also about adding depth and competition to the team. And with the talent and potential that Finley possesses, he would undoubtedly push the other quarterbacks on the roster to perform at a higher level.
Smart has always emphasized the importance of competition within the team, and this is evident in his approach to recruiting through the transfer portal. He is not just looking to add players to fill in the gaps, but also to challenge the current players and bring out the best in them.
In addition to targeting Finley, the Bulldogs are also in the running for another high-profile transfer, former Tennessee linebacker Henry To’o To’o. With the Bulldogs losing key players on defense, To’o To’o would be a valuable addition to the team. He is an experienced linebacker who would bring leadership, athleticism, and playmaking ability to the Bulldogs’ defense.
Moreover, To’o To’o is familiar with the SEC and has proven himself to be a top-notch defender in the conference. This would be a huge advantage for the Bulldogs as they look to rebuild their defense and maintain their dominance in the SEC.
Smart’s decisions to target these two transfers show his determination to keep the Bulldogs as one of the top teams in the SEC. Despite facing seven departures, he is not settling for mediocrity and is actively seeking out top talent to fill in the gaps and take the team to the next level.
The success of the Bulldogs in recent years has made them an attractive choice for many transfer players. And with Smart at the helm, the Bulldogs have proven to be a winning program that provides a great opportunity for players to showcase their talents and thrive.
In conclusion, while the Bulldogs may have faced a tough defeat in the Sugar Bowl, Smart’s focus on player movement through the transfer portal shows his determination to turn things around for the upcoming season. With the potential addition of players like Finley and To’o To’o, the Bulldogs are poised to bounce back and compete for the SEC title once again. So, Georgia fans, get ready for an exciting season ahead as Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs continue their pursuit of excellence.