NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Defensive back Daeyoung “Smoke” Bouillet, who moved to Georgia from Texas A&M after last season, is no longer with the Bulldogs, head coach Kirby Smart announced Tuesday. It was among the roster updates Smart provided at Tuesday’s SEC Media Day, when top tackler Sumere Mondon Jr. and running back Branson Robinson will be ready at the start of preseason practice due to foot injuries. There was also news that there was no.
Here’s what you should know:
- A native of Bainbridge, Georgia, Bouillet, a Top 100 player, turned down his hometown team to sign with the Aggies and appeared in seven games as a freshman. He then moved to Georgia, which Smart didn’t elaborate on why, but it didn’t last until early summer.
- Mondon injured his leg two days before the spring game. He led the team in tackles last year despite missing two games due to injury, with eight losing tackles and 23 for QB Hari.
- Robinson also hurt his leg during the final practice of the spring. He was the fourth rusher last year and scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of the National Championship Game.
What did Smart say about Bouillet’s exit?
Smart was tight-lipped about why Bouillet left the team, saying it was for each other.
“Smoke is no longer on our team. It was for a while,” Smart said. “Breaking up was like mutual consent. We can only wish him the best of luck.”
Bouillet was expected to be in contention for playing time at Nickelback or a corner this year, but he didn’t factor in a two-deep in the spring semester. He still has three years of qualification left, which will carry over to his next destination.
“It’s very disappointing that his stay was so short. But this is a decision made by both sides and like I said, we can only wish him the best of luck,” Smart said. . “He’s from my hometown and knows a lot of people there. But it was a decision that was made.”
What are the injuries of Mondon and Robinson?
Mondon and Robinson plan to take it easy when practice starts in a few weeks, running but not practicing. Smart said he wasn’t sure if either would miss the season-opening game.
“We are both going through a slower ramp-up process. Both are seriously injured,” Smart said. “We hope to have them back, but at full speed I don’t know when that will be.”
Xavian Sorey, a five-star contender in the 2021 class, is the main contender to usurp the position during Mondon’s absence.
Georgia’s running back tier would be a concern if Robinson were to miss. However, according to Smart, starter Kendall Milton missed most of spring practice with a hamstring injury, but plans to play the full season at the start of practice. Redshirt freshman Andrew Paul is also recovering well from last year’s anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Defensive end Mikel Williams has been plagued with a toe injury since spring practice, but will play the full season at the start of camp, Smart said. Williams is a starter and a potential All-SEC player.
Outside linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. and linebacker Jaron Walker, who are recovering from labrum injuries, will also participate in practice, albeit in harnesses. Both are expected to contribute and will likely start.
Safety Dan Jackson is back on track after suffering a leg injury late last season and is expected to struggle to regain playing time.
Among the findings of the NCAA investigation into Tennessee last week, former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington said: handed over cash He was scouted by Volz, but ended up going to Georgia. The tight end turned pro after last season, and Smart said he knew nothing about paying cash.
“No. We are not involved in any NCAA investigation,” Smart said. “I didn’t know it, I knew it, and I had nothing to do with it. Like everyone else, I saw the press.”
(Photo: Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire, Getty Images)
