Georgia head coach Kirby Smart chose not to comment on the status of cornerback Julian Humphrey on Sunday following the player’s announcement of his intention to enter the transfer portal. Humphrey, who has two years of eligibility remaining, did not participate in Georgia’s recent win over Georgia Tech.
During a press conference, Smart stated he had not spoken to Humphrey since the announcement and expressed his commitment to focusing on the players currently with the team as they prepare to face Texas.
“I’m concerned with the guys we have here and who we’ll take to Texas,” Smart said. “You focus on the players who are invested in competing for Georgia and let those who decide to leave make their choices.”
Humphrey’s decision marks a significant shift, as he started Georgia’s first 10 games this season but saw a decline in playing time recently. Freshman Daniel Harris has started in the last two games, including playing every snap in the win against Georgia Tech. Smart attributed Harris’s increased role to improved performance in practices during the team’s off week.
“He earned it,” Smart explained. “His tackling, effort, and competitiveness in practice stood out and led to more playing time.”
Cornerback Daylen Everette has been a consistent starter for Georgia this season. Freshmen Ellis Robinson and DeMello Jones are next in line for playing time, with Smart providing updates on their development after the win over UMass.
Humphrey, part of Georgia’s 2022 signing class, recorded 10 tackles and 4 pass breakups this season. Despite previously considering a transfer last year, he chose to remain with the team until now. In a social media statement, Humphrey thanked Georgia fans and expressed gratitude for his time at the program.
The transfer portal officially opens on Dec. 9, making Humphrey the first Georgia player to publicly announce his intention to enter it this seasons.
