Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told reporters on Tuesday night that outside linebacker Darris Smith is currently not with the team ahead of the matchup with Florida on Saturday.
The sophomore out of Baxley, Ga. has appeared in five games this season, most recently in Week 5 at Auburn. Smith has recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup this season.
The former four-star recruit was rated as the No. 14 edge defender and the No. 14 player in the state of Georgia coming out of Appling County High School.
The reasoning for Smith’s absence wasn’t disclosed by Smart, who spoke highly of Smith after he signed with Georgia in February of 2022.
“Darris Smith is a kid we’re excited about, we’ve loved. He’s got a great work ethic,” Smart said. “He’s from a rural town down there, and he’s done a wonderful job every time he’s been up here of competing, working out … He’s got a lot of growth potential. He’s long. He runs well. Kids that are that size that run well tend to do well in our system. He played at receiver at times. He’s running track right now, and he’s one of the fastest track kids in that area, so we’re certainly excited about him.”
The Bulldogs don’t have much depth at the position. Besides Smith, Georgia has just five scholarship outside linebackers remaining: Chaz Chambliss, Marvin Jones Jr., CJ Madden, Damon Wilson and Samuel M’Pemba.
Kickoff against the Gators is set for 3:30 p.m. ET, televised on CBS.
