Smart says Maurice Smith is picking up defense quick

Given his knowledge of Kirby Smart’s defense, cornerback Maurice Smith hasn’t had too much of an adjustment period during his first couple of weeks at Georgia.

A graduate transfer from Alabama, Smith is competing to be Georgia’s starting nickel back. Smart, who was Smith’s defensive coordinator at Alabama, said Smith should have a role of some sorts this season.

“Yeah he’s picked up the scheme well,” Smart said. “Probably the toughest transition for him is special teams because things aren’t exactly the same. He was a large contributor on special teams there last year. He’s filled some good roles for us there.”

Safety Dominick Sanders said Smith showed a vocal side the moment he got to campus. Not only can Smith play nickel but he’s a possible option at both cornerback and safety.

Smith does give Georgia options in the secondary now that he’s on the roster.

Smith’s addition allows Rico McGraw and Aaron Davis to get more reps at safety for cross-training purposes.

“(Smith’s) worked at the nickel spot, he’s worked at the corner spot,” Smart said. “He’s picking up the defense really easily and been able to communicate with the other players.”

This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Smart says Maurice Smith is picking up defense quick."