After one season as a Georgia receiver, Demetris Robertson still seeks his first catch with the Bulldogs.
Nobody expected the former five-star prospect to be nonexistent in Georgia's passing game last autumn, but Robertson is persevering in the eyes of coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs held their 12th practice and their second scrimmage of the spring Saturday afternoon.
"His improvement has been tremendous," Smart said during a news conference. "He is more comfortable in the offense. He plays and fits in the slot. He plays outside. He understands our offense better, and he also is getting more opportunities."
The Bulldogs worked out for more than two hours and will practice again Tuesday and Thursday before next Saturday afternoon's G-Day game, which starts at 2 and will be televised by the SEC Network.
Robertson, a 6-foot, 190-pounder from Savannah, began his career at the University of California and was a freshman All-American in 2016, when he hauled in 50 receptions for 767 yards and seven touchdowns. He was injured early in the 2017 season and wound up receiving a medical redshirt before transferring closer to home.
His debut with the Bulldogs included a 72-yard touchdown run during the 45-0 season-opening rout of Austin Peay, and he added carries of 23 yards against Middle Tennessee State and 12 yards against Massachusetts. He played in nine of Georgia's 14 games but is more involved now after the departures of Terry Godwin, Mecole Hardman and Riley Ridley.
Smart said Robertson was part of an offense that stood out more Saturday compared to the first scrimmage.
"I thought the guys came out with good energy today like they did last time," Smart said. "The offense controlled most parts of the scrimmage and was just very efficient. We didn't get a lot of third-and-longs, which made it hard for the defense to win the third-and-mediums. We're starting to develop a little more identity, a little more toughness and a little more leadership from some guys.
"It was hot out there today, and the guys pushed through it."
Junior strongside linebacker Walter Grant, a 6-4, 245-pounder from Cairo, Georgia, continued to get some reps as a running back.
"I think he had three or four carries today," Smart said. "He had three or four carries during the last scrimmage. He still is playing in our regular defense. He knows the defense well.
"Walter does a good job. I know we haven't tackled him for a loss during the scrimmage one time."
Odds and ends
Sophomore safety Otis Reese did not scrimmage due to illness. Smart on sophomore offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer: "He hasn't been as consistent as he was early on." Outside linebackers Robert Beal and Brenton Cox, who were arrested earlier this spring for marijuana possession, scrimmaged Saturday. Three players - William Poole, Mark Webb and Divaad Wilson - have been competing at the "star" (fifth defensive back) position.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.