Stetson Bennett Happy to be Back with UGA

ATHENS - UGA held their seventh practice of the spring campaign on Saturday afternoon, working out in full pads.  This practice was one of fifteen in the spring leading up to the Bulldogs’ G-Day game on Saturday, April 20 at Sanford Stadium.
 
Saturday also marked the end of the three-day Coaching Clinic hosted by the Georgia coaches and staff. 
 
Following Saturday’s session, rising senior linebacker Tae Crowder discussed his switch during the early portion of his career from running back to linebacker.  Crowder started five games for the Bulldogs in 2018 and finished with 53 stops, including six tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with two interceptions.
 
“I was frustrated (not getting to play at running back) and I wanted to get a role on this team so I could contribute,” said Crowder.  “It took a lot of practice to get ready to play (linebacker).  Especially since we play in the SEC, at the toughest level, so it takes a lot to get where you need to be.   You have to be the ‘alpha male’ out there, take control of the defense.  There is a lot to that (linebacker) position.”
 
Crowder and his defensive teammates have worked against the Bulldog offense this spring, a unit that includes redshirt sophomore quarterback Stetson Bennett.  Bennett redshirted for Georgia in 2017 before transferring to Jones County Junior College for a season.  The Blackshear, Ga., native has returned and is now battling for playing time behind center.
 
Bennett was one of 14 early enrollees who has been taking classes at UGA and practicing with the team since signing in December 2018.
 
“I wasn’t expecting anything (the morning when early signing period began) and it was kind of funny because I woke up and I had some missed calls from Coach (Kirby) Smart and Coach (James) Coley and I was like, ‘Geez, what’s happening,’” Bennett said.  “It kind of scared me a little bit.  But when I called them back that’s when it happened. 
 
“It was a big decision so I had to talk to my parents, coaches and then I decided later in the day.  I really didn’t go about my business the way I should have the first time I was here, working every day, learning the playbook well enough.  Looking back, I thought I was good enough to play here talentwise, but I didn’t really do enough myself to be as good as I could be.  I realized that and the fact that this was home.”
 
The Bulldogs return to work on Tuesday of next week.