Kearis Jackson, Redshirt Sophomore, Wide Receiver
On what it’s like catching a ball from QB D’Wan Mathis…
“Just like catching a ball from any other quarterback. He has a powerful arm, has a great spin on the ball. Just during the offseason and being able to come up to the facilities sometimes it’s been great to make that connection with all the quarterbacks. I know this offseason we took it extra serious about getting the extra throws in, getting that chemistry right. This offseason, all the quarterbacks threw well, but D’Wan’s speed and stuff is very special for him to be able to have an arm and the speed as well. He will be a weapon.”
On why this game against Arkansas sets the tone for the season…
“Every game is going to be difficult from here on out. Of course this game is so important because it’s the first game and we get a chance to show our identity and show what Georgia football is going to be for this 2020 season. The guys in the building are excited. We’re ready to go out there and play. We have practice today. It’s just exciting to go back out after not knowing from the beginning of the year, not knowing if we were going to have a season. Now we can get ready to play our first game in a couple of days. It’s very exciting and we’re ready to go out there and ball.”
On how the team has adapted to the unusual conditions of this season…
“I feel that we’ve gotten better as a team just knowing all the assignments, knowing what we want to do, what we want out of this season. I know last year wasn’t the year we wanted to have, but now it’s time to make a statement, and I believe that every guy in that room has the ability to do that. I believe in every one of our guys in that room, I trust everyone, I have confidence in everybody. Anybody you put in the game they’re going to ball regardless. That’s how much confidence I have in them, and that’s a fun group to be in. In practice we’re just having fun. It’s just fun to be around those guys and know what we have out there and know what’s at stake.”
Monty Rice, Senior, Inside Linebacker
On if he notices differences during practice in regards to COVID-19…
“We’ve been tested frequently ever since we’ve gotten back. There hasn’t been much of a change from a practice standpoint, we’ve been doing the same thing.”
On how much he thinks the depth of the team will be relied on this season…
“It’s important that we make good decisions on the weekends outside of Butts-Mehre because we need everybody on the team. You never know when your name is going to be called. You need to be really smart with who you hang around and always make sure you’re wearing your mask.”
On his thoughts about the conversations they’ve been having on social justice…
“The University of Georgia athletic department has done a great job of making us feel comfortable and talking about it as a team. We’ve had meetings and it’s been an open mic for anybody who wants to talk about it and get their frustrations out. As long as we keep pushing a positive message going forward, we will continue to get better as a whole.”
On if it is important to use their platform…
“Without a doubt, if we didn’t push the Dawgs for Pups it wouldn’t have gotten funded like it did. It lets people know that we are more than just athletes. We’re not just football players, we’re student-athletes. We have regular lives too and we do other things as well.”
Jermaine Johnson, Senior, Outside Linebacker
On the throwback jerseys and what type of energy that brings to the program…
“For me, I was excited. I was very excited along with all my other teammates. At the same time, Coach Smart told us what we are wearing early on and everything like that so we can stay focused and not let that be a distraction. So we learned early on what we were wearing to get rid of the jitters and excitement and we can just focus on the game coming up soon.”
On what he thinks Arkansas will bring offensively with their new coaching staff…
“I’m aware that their offensive coordinator Kendal Briles came from Florida State and he likes to move fast, fast tempo with the offense. I believe Coach Smart has had us out there running fast to be ready for that. Aside from that, nothing too much in detail. We’ve just been conditioning getting ready for that fast tempo offense that they’re going to have.”
On going up against former teammate Rakeem Boyd and his relationship with him…
“I was just excited with the mere fact that I know what it took for both of us to get where we are. I was just excited to meet each other on this stage. I’ve talked to him before and after we left Independence Community College. Not a ton of contact or anything, especially around game day, trying to focus up and not really talk to the opponent. I’m just excited to play him because I know what it took for him to get where he is and for me to get where I am. So I’m just excited for us to compete on this stage.”
Trey Hill, Junior, Offensive Lineman
On how challenging it has been going up against the UGA defense during practice/how it is helping the offense…
“It is very challenging and going up against those guys each and every day just makes us better, on offense and defense. Just running the ball and passing the ball—I don’t think you see anything better.”
On what stood out to him about Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman (former UGA offensive line coach) during the recruiting process...
“I respected just how family-oriented he was and his energy on and off the field. What you got on the field is what you got off the field. The way he takes care of his players and the love and support he gives them stands out."
On his observations of the offense this season as one of Georgia’s only offensive veterans…
"I think we’ve got a great group of guys. The ones and twos are deep, and they’re all a great players who are dedicated and are going to do what it takes to win."
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