NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Defensive back Deyon “Smoke” Bouie, who transferred from Texas A&M to Georgia after last season, is no longer with the Bulldogs, head coach Kirby Smart said Tuesday. This was among the roster updates Smart announced at SEC media days Tuesday, along with the news that lead tackler Smael Mondon Jr. and running back Branson Robinson will not be ready with foot injuries early in pre-season practice.
Here’s what you need to know:
- A top 100 finisher, Bouie, a native of Bainbridge, Georgia, turned down his home team to sign with the Aggies, for whom he played seven games as a freshman. He then moved to Georgia, but for reasons Smart didn’t explain, he didn’t last until the beginning of the summer.
- Mondon suffered a foot injury two days before the spring game. Last year, he led the team in tackles despite missing two games through injury, plus he had eight tackles for a loss and 23 QB hurries.
- Robinson also injured his foot in the last spring training session. He was the fourth-best rusher last year, scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter of the national championship game.
What did Smart say about Bouie’s departure?
Smart has remained tight-lipped about why Bouie left the team, saying it was mutual.
“Smoke is no longer on our team. It’s been like this for a while,” Smart said. “It was sort of mutually agreed that we would separate. We wish him only the best.”
Bouie was expected to compete for game time at nickelback or cornerback this year, but played no part at two-deep in the spring semester. He still had three years of eligibility to play, which will carry over to his next station.
“Very disappointing that his stay was short. But it’s a decision made by both sides and like I said we wish him the best,” Smart said. “He’s from the hometown I’m from and knows a lot of people there. But it was a decision that was made.”
What is the injury status of Mondon, Robinson and others?
Mondon and Robinson will take it easy when training starts in a few weeks, they run but don’t train. Smart said he didn’t know if either game would be missed earlier in the season.
“We will go through a slower ramp-up process for both. They’re both dealing with serious injuries,” Smart said. “We’re confident that we’ll get them back, but I don’t know when that will be at full speed.”
Xavian Sorey, a five-star contender in the 2021 class, is the prime contender for Mondon’s place during his absence.
Georgia’s running back depth would be a concern if Robinson is out. But starter Kendall Milton, who missed much of spring training with a hamstring injury, will be in full force when training begins, according to Smart. Redshirt newcomer Andrew Paul is also making good progress following his cruciate ligament injury last year.
Defensive player Mykel Williams has been struggling with a toe injury since spring training but will be fully fit for the start of camp, Smart said. Williams is a starter and a potential All-SEC player.
Outside linebackers Marvin Jones Jr. and linebacker Jalon Walker, both of whom sustained labrum injuries, will also train, albeit with a harness. Both are expected to contribute and maybe launch.
Safety Dan Jackson, who suffered a season-ending foot injury last year, is also back in good shape and is expected to come on to regain playing time.
Last week, results of the NCAA investigation in Tennessee revealed that former Georgia tight end Darnell Washington was paid when he was recruited by the Vols, though he ended up going to Georgia. The tight end turned pro after last season, and Smart said he was unaware of the cash payment.
“NO. We are not involved in any NCAA investigations,” Smart said. “I was not aware of it, knew nothing about it or had anything to do with it. I saw the reports, as did you.”
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