Kirby Smart says he's challenging Trent Thompson to reach potential

With its defensive line depleted in terms of numbers, Georgia will be expecting a lot out of sophomore defensive tackle Trent Thompson this season.

Thompson, who started six games in 2015, is in line to be Georgia’s top defensive lineman this season. Coming out of the first preseason scrimmage, head coach Kirby Smart said Thompson’s performance was a mixed bag.

“Well, I saw good and bad. I told Trent he’s got to improve his body language,” Smart said. “Sometimes he looks like he’s not into it. But if you light a little fire under him, he makes some plays. He’s done that some. Trent’s gotta play better technique and get his hands better, and play with better toughness.”

Thompson arrived at Georgia as one of the nation’s top overall prospects in 2015. Thompson recorded 25 total tackles in his first season and is poised for a much bigger role as a sophomore.

Smart will need Thompson to apply pressure and draw more than one blocker along the front line. If Thompson improves his technique, Smart believes he’ll produce in a big way for the Bulldogs.

“I know the sky’s the limit for Trent and he hasn’t reached his potential,” Smart said. “We’ve got to challenge him to do that. If we’re going to be great, he’s got to be great.”

This story was originally published August 14, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Kirby Smart says he's challenging Trent Thompson to reach potential."