Kirby Smart gave updates on a few players on his spring roster on Tuesday.
The Georgia Bulldogs head coach was specifically asked about linebacker Natrez Patrick. Patrick was arrested twice last season. He was arrested for a third time since joining the Bulldogs after the SEC Championship win against Auburn for marijuana possession when he was pulled over in a car with teammate Jayson Stanley, who was driving. The charges against Patrick were eventually dropped.
In the past, players who had violated the University's substance abuse policy three times were kicked off the team. New changes to the policy last year, however, seemed to allow Patrick to remain on the team. Patrick entered a treatment facility after last season.
"Natrez came back for the national championship game. He was able to join us. He's done everything we've asked. And he's working hard on and off the field," Smart said on Tuesday. "We've been very pleased with his ability to comeback and overcome some hurdles in his life."
With Roquan Smith on to the NFL, Patrick will be needed to lead the other linebackers who haven't seen as much playing time. But Georgia holds competitions for every position, so whether or not he'll remain a starter is yet to be seen.
Other updates from Smart:
Deangelo Gibbs: Had left shoulder surgery. Doing well with rehab and anticipate full return in fall.
OL Sean Fogerty and Justin Shaffer out for spring for knee surgeries. Expected to back in full in fall.
RB Zamir White: Still recovering from ACL surgery. Progressing well. Expected to do walk throughs but no full contact drills.
