Georgia has a multitude of returning defensive starters in Kirby Smart's second season as football coach, but he hasn't been singing their praises.
Instead, it's an offensive line seeking to replace three starters that apparently has held its own and then some.
"The offense is striking a blow," Smart said in a news conference Tuesday night. "It's striking a violent blow and knocking people back."
The Bulldogs practiced for nearly two hours Tuesday. They will practice again Thursday before scrimmaging for the first time Saturday.
Georgia has 10 defensive starters returning but is practicing this spring without defensive tackle Trenton Thompson and inside linebacker Roquan Smith. Smart said last week that some complacency had set in defensively and continued down that path Tuesday.
"Defensively, we are still not where we need to be," Smart said, "and probably the most disappointing thing is the run defense. So one of two things has happened - either complacency has set in, which I have mentioned before, or our offensive line is moving better.
"It's hard to tell when you're not tackling live, but they're certainly moving us more than I'm accustomed to."
Georgia has been working in recent practices with a first-team offensive line of Isaiah Wynn at left tackle, Pat Allen at left guard, Lamont Gaillard at center, Solomon Kindley at right guard and Dyshon Sims at right tackle.
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Allen is a redshirt sophomore who played in just two games last season, while Kindley is a 6-4, 341-pound redshirt freshman.
"With Solomon and Pat - let's just say it like it is," Smart said. "There is a little bit more mass at the guard positions. Let's see if it pays off or not."
Smart praised Allen for being more physical this spring. He singled out Sims for his versatility and Gaillard for adapting to the play-calling responsibilities up front.
He did not, by comparison, dish out any compliments to those up front defensively.
"Those guys aren't responding to how we're challenging them," Smart said.
More on Mecole
Mecole Hardman, a reserve cornerback last season, continues to play both offense and defense and wore a red offensive jersey Tuesday. The Bulldogs have been thin at receiver in recent practices, with junior Jayson Stanley now out due to a concussion.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.