Monday Thoughts - Kirby Smart's 2016 Schedule

Believe the 2016 Football Schedule will give us a lot of insight into Kirby Smart's thoughts on how he intends to coach the Red and Black.

Several teams that run a variety of different offenses and defenses.

Like the idea of playing North Carolina right out of the gate.

Looking over the schedule, appears to me that Kirby needs to have a quarterback quickly. Still not feeling Lambert.

Offensive line, not sure about.

Believe the defense is in good shape, hope that Pruitt/Rocker and Company find that they are wanted and needed in Athens. Kirby Smart's decision for sure.

www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-16/2016-georgia...ootball-schedule.php

Buc , thoughtful post. Here is the way I'm approaching KS's first season.

1. If it's Lambert, who knows, he could do well with a different voice and different scheme to fit his abilities. The kid is more a west coast type QB--3 step, quick short releases.

2. If it's Eason, no matter how good he is I am willing to let him grow. Meaning, we may get off to a 2-2 type start.

3. I won't judge him on W's in year 1. I will judge him on culture of the program. A) Are we physically and mentally tough; are special teams better; C) when there is 5 minutes left in the game, are we better conditioned than the opponent; and C), is there a buzz around our program.

Appears that Gus Malzahn is going to have more than one problem with the defense. Will Muschamp leaving for South Carolina and one of Malzahn's top assistants going with the new South Carolina head coach.

SEC East is quickly becoming defensive minded.

Can only imagine what recruiting already is between the SEC East side and the new leaders.

Right now, Auburn looks to me to be one of our "weaker opponents" in 2016.

www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2015...t_to_follow_wil.html

BulldogShannon, if we get off to a good start against a North Carolina team that showed a lot of improvement in 2015, they did that with a change at the top. Going to be tougher to recruit in North Carolina, a lot of top athletes in the Tar Heel State. How well we know that last sentence.

I am really interested in watching the players that Smart goes after. He knows what he wants and where, I believe that.

Very important that we get off to a fast start. I believe deeply that we have the defense, with depth that can put a smile on Kirby Smart's face. Still pulling for Pruitt and his coaches.

If the two, Smart/Pruitt and the coaches already on the defensive side can come together, UGA is a very good football team.

Also curious about Rodrigo Blankenship. I have not been satisfied with our kicking/punting game for a long time. Believe that Rodrigo Blankenship will be a solid addition to our Special Teams. Watch the video below and see if you feel as I do that Blankenship is a football wise young punter/kicker. Uses the term "gunners" . . . . really like that.

Feel sure someone will ask if we are going to have a Special Teams Coach, I don't know. I do know that the previous head coach was stubborn as all get out for a long time. Leave it there.

There is video of Rodrigo Blankenship's kicking/punting abilities on youtube and hudl if interested.



EDIT: And this . . . .



EDIT #2: And this . . . . Alabama also offered Blankenship, so I would bet that Kirby Smart is aware. Kirby pays attention to the "little things or everything". Some label that as "credits earned" to become a "head coach".

DAWGtm and yankeedawg1, the three of us have been around Dawgs.com long enough to understand what we see and hear that is tossed our way. Quite frankly, this board has opened up in the past couple of years and really don't accept "everything" that "they" think we will accept as the Gospel.

Back to the Special Team(s) play. Going to be interested to see if Kirby Smart appoints a leader, meaning coach to Special Team(s).

Just one of "many" areas of "our" football team that was neglected by a person that was in over his head in too many areas.

Kirby Smart flying to Washington to meet with Jacob Eason.

If Kirby is doing that, no doubt Eason is being approached by someone that will go face to face with Eason and his family.

Kirby understands that Jacob Eason has had a "leadership" role on the incoming class of 2016.

That also tells me that Kirby Smart "already" knows who his offensive coordinator is. You think . . . . Me thinks.