Nick Chubb (27) has been declared healthy and ready to roll against North Carolina in Georgia’s season opener. Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia coach Kirby Smart answered one key question lingering about his Bulldogs heading into an intriguing opener against North Carolina.
Running back Nick Chubb will start and will not be held back by any restriction on carries against the Tar Heels on Saturday in the Georgia Dome.
“We feel good about Nick,” Smart said during a Monday press conference. “He feels great is ready to go. He won’t be on a pitch count by any means.
While Smart solidified Chubb’s status, he declined to name his starting quarterback. Senior Greyson Lambert, who started off-and-on last season, and highly-touted freshman quarterback Jacob Eason are the two leading candidates. Media reports indicate Eason is the favorite, but Smart said definitive decision has been made.
“No starter has been named,” Smart told reporters. “We’ll continue to practice guys and get those guys ready and when it does, we’ll let you guys know.”
Lambert threw 12 interceptions with two interceptions last season, but struggled against quality competition. And the Georgia faithful are eager to see Eason, who was one of the top pro-style quarterback recruits in the 2016 recruiting class. But at least early in the week, Smart is playing it close to the vest.
“We’re going to see how it goes,” Smart said. “First thing we have to do is figure out who’s taking the first snap before we worry about the next guy coming in. I think it’ll reveal itself the next couple of days. Continue getting those guys reps and get both of them ready to play — that’s the plan.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
–RB Nick Chubb: The junior was having a Heisman-caliber season last year, before suffering a season-ending knee injury that required surgery against Tennessee. Chubb rushed for 794 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per carry, in just over five games last season. He is expected to start against North Carolina, and coach Kirby Smart said he will not put any carry-restrictions on his tailback.
–QB Jacob Eason/Greyson Lambert: Smart declined to name his starting quarterback at Monday’s press conference but indicated a decision would be made in the days leading up to the game. Eason, one of the most highly-coveted pro-style quarterbacks out of last year’s high school class, is unquestionably the future, but is he the present? Lambert was the off-and-on starter last season and completed 63.3 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Lambert did not play well in big games last season for the Bulldogs.
–WR/PR: Isaiah McKenzie: The 5-8, 170-pound dynamo returned two punts for touchdowns and rushed for a pair of scores last season. McKenzie gives new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney a versatile weapon.
