What Kirby Smart wants to see at first Georgia football spring scrimmage

ATHENS — Georgia won’t have its big spring scrimmage until April 18 when it hosts G-Day.

But that won’t be the only scrimmage of the spring, as the Bulldogs will go good-on-good during the next two Saturdays.

After Thursday, Georgia has completed eight of its 15 spring practices. Just past the halfway point, some players have made strides and improvements as the 2026 team takes shape.

Below are the storylines we’re following heading into the first scrimmage.

What happens at quarterback position behind Stockton?

Georgia’s starting quarterback has been dealing with a knee injury, coach Kirby Smart confirmed to reporters this week. He’s still participating in drills, upping his involvement with each practice.

With Gunner Stockton limited, a door has opened for the rest of Georgia’s quarterbacks to earn more reps. Ryan Puglisi is the team’s established backup and has taken advantage of Stockton’s injury.

But no quarterback has made a bigger jump this offseason than redshirt freshman Ryan Montgomery. After dealing with a knee injury last spring, he is proving to be a capable facilitator of the football.

Saturday will give both Ryans another chance to show how they can run the offense.

“We’re doing a lot of work around practice to spot, to guarantee extra seven-on-seven time,” Smart said. “I don’t think you get better at the quarterback position without reps. So, we’ve been pouring into those guys, and we tell them to value every opportunity they get.”

Who pops at the wide receiver position?

Quarterback isn’t the only position where the top player is hindered by injury. Smart shared this week that Georgia Tech transfer Isiah Canion is dealing with an ankle injury that has forced him to miss practice time.

Smart reassured reporters that Canion’s injury won’t impact his long-term outlook at the position. As for this weekend, it puts the onus on those healthy to step up.

It has been a quiet spring for second-year players such as Talyn Taylor and CJ Wiley. Georgia made a big bet on their development this offseason, as Canion was the only transfer portal addition.

It would be encouraging for the Georgia offense if boosters and onlookers came away buzzing about the young wide receivers Saturday.

“I think we need somebody to pop every year,” Smart said. “I mean, who’s gonna be explosive if it’s not them, right? Like, when you look at explosive plays in college football, it’s your skill players, right? So, have you ever seen a team be explosive without explosive players? I doubt it.”

Do the transfers keep taking steps?

Georgia brought in a small transfer class, adding nine players this offseason.

Spring practice is critical for those newcomers as they get assimilated. At safety, Khalil Barnes has done well in coming over from Clemson.

At running back, Dante Dowdell of Kentucky brings an intriguing skill set that Georgia hopes to tap into.

“He’s extremely physical, tough, strong, really quick feet, can get in and out of the hole,” Smart said. “He’s had some explosive runs where he burst through the hole. He’s had some times where he’s still figuring things out for us because he’s learning verbiage and things. But he’s a confident back.”

Canion and ECU transfer safety Ja’Marley Riddle have been dealing with injuries. Outside linebacker Amaris Williams had a tough time against Elyiss Williams in practice.

Saturday gives Georgia the chance to show what separates it from other programs. It will be interesting to see how the transfers handle the increase in intensity.

How does the puzzle at offensive line come together?

Georgia has a lot of pieces to work with on the offensive line, even with center Drew Bobo recovering from offseason foot surgery.