New Georgia coach Smart opens Saturday's practice to fans

Published Aug. 1, 2016 8:07 p.m. ET

foxsports

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) Kirby Smart is inviting fans to a practice at Sanford Stadium in part because he wants to see how his players respond to the extra attention.

The new Georgia coach won't be watching as closely to see how fans respond to the players, including those in the quarterback competition.

Smart, the former Alabama defensive coordinator, launched his first preseason practice with Georgia on Monday. He is opening practice at Sanford Stadium to fans on Saturday, which also is the annual fan day with opportunities for photos and autographs.

Freshman Jacob Eason, the biggest name in Smart's first recruiting class, may be the fan favorite to beat out returning starter Greyson Lambert and Brice Lambert at quarterback. Smart says he won't be swayed by which quarterback draws the biggest cheers.

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AP college football website: www.collegefootball.ap.org