ATHENS — Looking ready to tackle their first fall practice session under new coach Kirby Smart, several players spoke about the anticipation of Monday's practice to open the fall season.
Junior offensive lineman Isiah Wynn and junior strong safety Dominick Sanders both said they have been preparing for their first major practice under Smart and a new staff.
"Things have abeen a little different with Coach Smart but I don't want to compare him with Coach Richt. Both are good guys. I'm just ready to get going," Sanders said.
"We've been working hard and I think we're all ready to get going," Wynn said. "I like the competition that has been brought in across the team. It's been a pretty good transition overall. It'll be fun to get back out on the field."
Below are the transcripts of the players made available following Smart's opening press conference at the Butts-Mehre Complex:
Junior OL Isaiah Wynn
On his role as a veteran on this team...
"I think we are all doing a good job of taking in the freshmen and welcoming them into our brotherhood. I think the mental part is a big step coming from high school to college. The physical part will come along."
On the rotation of the offensive line...
"I am pretty open and confident in the rotation. I know whoever steps in is going to get the job done."
On overall depth of the offensive line...
"I feel really good about it. I feel like even the freshmen who just came in are learning a lot. By the end of camp, everyone will be clicking together, and it will be a great feeling. Whether it be a starter or a backup, everyone will be willing to step in and step up."
Senior C Brandon Kublanow
On the injuries at running back ...
"I'm not worried about it. We have a lot of hard working people on the team and we've had a great offseason. So whatever happens happens. We always have guys to fill in."
On summer workouts ...
"Coach (Scott) Sinclair did a great job and we've made tons of gains in the weight room. We worked out really hard and had a great offseason."
On changing the monotony of workouts ...
"Some guys can go in there and get a little bored if they are doing the same thing every day and every week. But they did a great job on changing things and making sure they are always throwing us off. We want to be comfortable being uncomfortable, coach always says."
Junior ILB Reggie Carter
On the start of camp...
"I'm very excited and glad to be back. It's going to be a fun year, and I'm just happy to be back out there with my teammates."
On the spotlight being on the defense...
"Everybody is going to go out there and compete. We are all going to work as hard as we can."
On what the team's focus is going to be during camp...
"We are going out there to work and compete. Whatever the coaches throw at us, is what we will do. Everybody is going to go out there and give 110%. We are going to work."
Junior SS Dominick Sanders
On the tempo of practice ...
"He (head coach Kirby Smart) is all about the tempo. Very intense guy. When it comes to working, he is all about getting the job done. A lot of things haven't really changed, but him coming in and showing us how fast things should go really helps out a lot."
On what the defense has to do this year ...
"Really, just stay focused. And everyone has to become leaders on the back end and the front end -being a brother to one another and keeping each other by their side."
