Georgia Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart is taking one step at a time. After being held responsible for a problematic culture in the Athens hood and back-to-back players’s arrests, Smart finally got a glimmer of hope. Wondering what’s the secret behind the hope-o-meter running high? Well, it is the arrival of new blood that Smart has reeled in. Compared to others, the four-star tight end Ethan Barbour stands out. The player has caught the SEC Rivals’ attention, particularly after his electrifying performance during the pre-season fall performance. This again proves that Georgia is not only about the star QB Carson Beck. Meanwhile, Smart has set up a giant RB room that makes their race towards championship, no less than a cakewalk. 

The host of the UGA Football on Dawg Post, Dean Legge has gone head over heels for Smart’s fresh recruit, Barbour. So much so, that he gave the TE shoutout on the August 18 episode. The Bulldogs are just finished with their preseason fall camp and the host was in attendance. Due to rain, he had been only there for the first half. And within this short period, Barbour managed to leave a mark in Legge’s heart. He then shared the majestic experience with the fans, “For both offenses Ethan Barbour did a really good job in the run game. They ran behind him, he showed some toughness, some physicality.”

As per the ESPN rankings, the four-star TE stands at No.94 overall and is regarded as the top tight end in the 2025 class. Last year, Smart was able to seize his commitment beating Auburn, South Carolina, Alabama, and Texas. And there’s no second thoughts that the Bulldogs did land a big hit. Legge pinpointed how Barbour stole the spotlight, “He actually had one of the big blocks to Spring running back TJ Lester for a big touchdown but that game was like a 13-1 win for Milton and it rained a lot…I stayed for the first half he had three targets zero catches.” Meanwhile, Smart’s RB room too is making some loud noise. 

Kirby Smart’s roster now boasts back-to-back fresh talents

All eyes are on the rising stars in Smart’s backfield to propel the Bulldogs to the peak of success for the 2024 season. And this season the Georgia HC is lucky enough to have a roster where physical toughness is at an advantage. Keep the attacks pouring in for the Bulldogs tailbacks are not afraid. On August 4, in another episode of Legge’s podcast, the host dropped a bold assurance,  “Looks like the running backs are all healthy from what I can tell.”

And he did not just let his claim hang in the air, instead backed it up with the names of Smart’s phenoms. “The young guys you want to talk about Frazier for a second…you talking about Dwight Phillips (Jr.)…is just like one he is going to be gone..he is sudden,” confirmed Legge.    

After all, Frazier bears the rare trait of being the perfect combination of power and speed that lands him the “electric” tag from the podcast host. Another fresh talent, that Smart counts on is Phillips Jr. who boasts an average of 10.43 100-meter time. Can the new players now be Smart’s healing potion for his roster troubles? Do share your thoughts.