Georgia football will air it out in spring drills, Kirby Smart sets schedule

ATHENS — The footballs will be flying through the air when Georgia football gets to work on the practice field on March 19.

The Bulldogs will meet on March 18 before starting practice the next day. On March 20, the departing UGA players will work out for NFL scouts at the program’s pro day.

The practices are closed to the general public and media, with the exception of very limited viewing windows for credentialed reporters unless otherwise noted.

The pass game figures to be the immediate focus for the returning players, right into the 2 p.m. G-day scrimmage on April 20 at Sanford Stadium.

New offensive coordinator James Coley will add wrinkles as UGA looks to replace four of its top five receivers from a season ago.

The uncertain status of young tailbacks Zamir White (knee) and James Cook) (foot/ankle) takes away some of the depth at tailback, so it’s hard to imagine a great deal of 9-on-8, full-contact work in the run game.

Instead, receivers like J.J. Holloman, Tyler Simmons, Demetris Robertson, Kearis Jackson, Tommy Bush, Matt Landers, Trey Blount will be working to get on the same wavelength as Fromm.

Many thought Robertson would have more of an immediate impact after transferring back to his home state from Cal.

But the physical nature of the Bulldogs’ offense was too much too soon for Robertson, who hadn’t had the benefit of a spring drill session.

That should be different the upcoming season, giving Fromm another explosive target to work with.

Georgia’s pass game was not as efficient the first half of last season as the second half, something the UGA staff surely took note of and will work to avoid in 2019.

In addition to getting Fromm on the same page with young receivers stepping into larger roles, an emphasis on the pass game will help break-in new QB Dwan Mathis.

The 6-foot-6 Mathis is a January enrollee competing with Stetson Bennett for the backup duties.

The Bulldogs’ secondary will also be getting plenty of work, with cornerbacks competing for the starting spot vacated by Deandre Baker.