Georgia’s offensive line was expected to regress this year in 2025. For one, losing starters like Dylan Fairchild and Tate Ratledge, along with Jared Wilson and Xavier Truss, to the NFL gave massive apprehensions. Then came the injuries to players like Micah Morris, left guard Earnest Greene and left tackle Monroe Freeling. Coping through all of it was a monumental task for Kirby Smart. But the UGA head coach had a plan.

Depth became a concern for Georgia in several games at the offensive line. For context, Earnest Greene has missed a whopping 5 games, and Micah Morris has missed 2 games after being carted off in the Alabama game. Moreover, Monroe Freeling has played through his ankle injury, limiting his prowess. But Kirby Smart, instead of panicking, turned his focus to his two freshman players. That has paid off handsomely for the head coach. And now, he has opened up about how the two freshman players saved his season.

Smart, in a recent interview, detailed how, despite injuries in the offensive line, the depth helped Georgia cope against teams. “If it weren’t for two freshmen who got plugged in and had to play. And it was not always pretty at times with them in there. We would be in trouble,” detailed Smart. The two freshman players Smart is talking about are Juan Gaston and Michael Uini.

Both of them started on the right side of the line, and they helped Georgia maintain its running game. One would have expected Kirby Smart to switch to a more pass-heavy game, considering injuries. But Gaston’s 6’5″ and 340 lbs frame didn’t let that happen when he started against Marshall in Week  1. In that game, Gaston completed 68 snaps and allowed zero pressures. However, Gatson did get his ankle sprained, which was further aggravated against Auburn. That’s when Micahel Uini was thrust into action.

“We’ve had some guys beat up, banged up. We still do, but, proud of the group we have. And we’ve actually, in a weird way, built some depth to where we might have eight or nine guys that can roll and play. Which keeps you fresh. allows you to play more guys. And that’s helped us. But without the two freshmen playing early, we probably would have struggled. And they’ve done a good job,” said Kirby Smart.

Uini made his second appearance against Alabama and played 18 snaps in the crucial fourth quarter. After that, against Auburn in Week 6, the 6’6″ and 325 lbs guard/tackle showed his prowess through 22 snaps. Finally, he played 35 snaps against Ole Miss in Week 8 and was praised for his physicality. It was a special performance since Micah Morris had a lingering leg issue, and in his place, Uini earned an impressive 71.8 rating. All in all, the two freshmen have surely played a massive role in UGA’s 6-1 record, and hopefully will play a greater role in the games ahead.

Kirby Smart sheds light on new approach for Gunner Stockton

Georgia last year had a high-profile QB in Carson Beck, and with him, the team won the SEC championship. Despite that, WR play was criticized, and Beck didn’t even play in the SEC championship game. But that’s where Gunner Stockton came to the limelight. The guy led Georgia to a 22-19 overtime win and later started in the Notre Dame loss. Some of his performances were criticized then. But this year, the UGA QB1 has finally found his rhythm.

According to Kirby Smart, that newfound form has a lot to do with his confidence and a new approach taken by the UGA coaches. “We’ve really tried to take an approach to our practices for developing him. So, I’ll say, “Okay, what do you need, Mike? What do you need, Coach Bobo, to get him better? Need eight dropbacks, need zone, need scrambles, need things to be really complicated in the pocket. Okay, let’s make practice that way so that we can get the benefits of this kid, who is a good athlete, an accurate thrower, and smart. Let’s grow him,” said Kirby Smart.

Stockton this year has passed for 1,533 yards at an impressive 70.5% accuracy. Not to mention the QB can drain that clock, too, with his legs. Stockton has 279 rushing yards for 7 touchdowns, showcasing just that. The QB has earned a 155.5 rating so far and will continue to show up when UGA faces Florida this week. That said, sacks are a problem for the QB (8 sacks). It may improve once the injured linemen recover from their injuries.