If there has been a consistent theme to Kirby Smart’s spring coaching concerns, it has been the performance of his defense. Of course, the unit is missing a couple of key players with Trent Thompson and Roquan sidelined with injuries and illness, but that is no excuse for Coach Smart.
 
 
“I don’t know, this defense has not taken on his true identity yet. I don’t think there sensitive to criticism because they get criticized at practice, I can assure you that – but we’re not where we need to be. The offense is playing more physical than us. I call it like I see it. They can watch the tape, they know.” (See the 09:38 mark in the video below)
 
 
When asked if his the problems on defense were an effort issue, Smart replied:
 
 
“No. It is striking a blow! The offensive is striking a blow, a violent blow and knocking people back. This game is a tough, physical game and we are not playing tough, physical football right now, where they are. I’m kinda like either they are hungrier than us, or our guys are not responding the fact that we are challenged.”
 
 
Progress for the defense will be one of the key points of interest on G-Day.