The hype around a five-star freshman is always destined to garner attention, but it's reaching a fevered pitch in Athens as the Georgia Bulldogs hit the field for their second week of spring practice. Two, in particular, have stolen the limelight, and for good reason.
"[Kirby Smart] said yesterday that two freshmen, two former five-stars [in] Ellis Robinson and KJ Bolden [have looked the part]," UGA Insider and The Steakhouse co-host Rusty Mansell said. "And this is [Kirby's] quote, 'they're talented players and everything they were advertised to be in terms of being good football players.' They're both instinctive and both learn well. They both have toughness."
The pair were the highest-rated defensive players in Smart's 2024 signing class, with Robinson occupying the top-overall slot at cornerback while Bolden was the highest-rated player at safety. The talent is undeniable, but the apparent work ethic is what has jumped out to the coaching staff this spring.
According to Mansell, this isn't an off-hand comment from the two-time national championship-winning head coach.
"I'll tell you this, for Kirby Smart to call out two freshmen in a press conference means they're putting on," he said. "Ellis Robinson was the No. 1 player in the country per ESPN, regardless of position."
Practice will continue over the next few weeks as the Bulldogs ramp up to their annual "G-Day" spring game on Saturday, April 13 where fans will get their first look at the 2024 edition of the football program.