Kirby Smart likes Jacob Eason's 'arm talent,' still says there's a 'learning curve'

Head coach Kirby Smart has at least seen glimpses as to why freshman quarterback Jacob Eason was coveted by nearly every major program in the nation.

In the first few spring practices, Eason has been able to show off the live arm he possesses, which wowed coaches on the camp circuit. Smart benefited by being hired by the school Eason committed to early and reaped the benefits by getting him to reaffirm that pledge.

Now that Eason is on campus and participating in spring practice, Smart said the physical traits have been impressive.

"I like his arm talent. We knew he was blessed with great arm talent," Smart said. "Jacob is a kid who can make a lot of throws out there, he can make some big-time throws with his arm."

Of course, with any freshman, there is a lot to learn when making the leap from high school football to the college level. At least in front of reporters, Eason has been the third quarterback to rotate in, with Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey running ahead of him.

Smart said he hasn’t put too much on Eason’s plate just yet, considering he has only a little more than one week of spring practice under his belt.  

"He’s still going through a learning curve," Smart said. "He’s still getting in and out of the huddle, annunciating all the words to the call. Leadership in a huddle is very important. He’s improved in that area over a three day period."

The quarterback competition likely won’t be settled in the spring. Early on, Georgia has been in installation mode as it prepares its players for the grind that will come in August, when preseason practice opens. That's when the competition at quarterback figures to heat up.

Smart has previously stated that he doesn’t want to place any pressure on Eason as it pertains to competing for the starting job. He reiterated that stance Tuesday.

"It’s a step by step process with this kid, where we’re not trying to take three steps before we take one step," Smart said. "The most important thing for us to take one step forward. He’s done that each day. He’s improved. He has to continue to do that for 15 complete practices."

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 12:02 PM with the headline "Kirby Smart likes Jacob Eason's 'arm talent,' still says there's a 'learning curve'."