"Coach (Kirby) Smart is one of the most competitive coaches I have ever been against in my life," said Taaffe. "Like, physically hearing him on the sideline when I'm playing defense. I'm like who is this maniac?"

For all the talk surrounding Gunner Stockton this week, Georgia coach Kirby Smart took a far more stern tone when discussing a different aspect of the Georgia offense.

Georgia Bulldogs' Gunner Stockton is the first quarterback of the Kirby Smart era to do this in his first start.

Kirby Smart hasn’t officially named Gunner Stockton starting quarterback for the upcoming season at Georgia, but it doesn’t matter. Since stepping foot on campus, Stockton has prepared like the job is going to be his.

Kirby Smart is the first to tell you that Alabama “did an outstanding job of jumping all over” Georgia last season under first-year coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide defeated Georgia at Bryant-Denny Stadium 41-34 last year. Now, the Bulldogs host Alabama. Smart talked about that Tuesday in Atlanta during Day 2 of SEC Media Days.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart reveals what the Bulldogs look for in recruits as NIL dollars continue to evolve college football.

You have to appreciate Kirby Smart’s candor. He was asked Tuesday at SEC Media Days about his Georgia Bulldogs playing at Auburn in a night game. His response was respectful of Auburn. He even called Jordan-Hare “iconic.” It was his reaction to the way the question was phrased, which got laughs from the gathered media.