Timing is critical for SEC players wishing to transfer, especially if they want to find a new home in the conference. While there has been some debate about when athletes can and cannot transfer inside the SEC, Kirby Smart is one of those who believes the present regulations should be upheld.
On Wednesday, Smart expressed his support for the SEC’s February 1 deadline for athletes who wish to transfer within the conference. Smart told reporters at the Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament in Hoover that he would want to see the deadline made permanent to decrease the amount of back and forth between SEC teams following spring practice.
On Wednesday, Smart voiced his support of the SEC having a Feb. 1 deadline for players who want to transfer within the conference. Smart told reporters at the Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament in Hoover that he wants to see the deadline be a permanent one to limit the amount of back and forth between SEC teams after spring practice.
“I think that’s important that we’re not fighting each other’s rosters during the springtime. Don’t think it’s very good for our league,” Smart said. “It’s probably good for other leagues because I’ve had several coaches outside of our league tell me they hope we keep that because it gives them an opportunity to gain SEC players. It’s something that’s been in for a while, and I support it.”
Georgia had 20 players leave via the transfer site this winter, but only five transferred to another SEC team. Quarterback Brock Vandagriff and inside linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson have transferred to Kentucky, inside linebacker Xavian Sorey to Arkansas, outside linebacker Darris Smith to Missouri, and kicker Jared Zirkel to Texas A&M.
Georgia welcomed four intra-conference transfers, including Florida running back Trevor Etienne, Vanderbilt wide receiver London Humphreys, defensive end Xzavier McLeod, and safety Jake Pope.
The SEC announced in June 2021 that it would allow immediate eligibility to intra-conference transfers but would implement a Feb. 1 deadline to do so. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s statement on the matter explained that the deadline was put in place “in order to create time windows that are more consistent across, fall, winter, and spring sports.”
Some people have seen the rule as a disadvantage for SEC teams looking to improve their roster in the time between spring practice and the upcoming season. Smart was very matter of fact when he explained why he disagreed.
“I don’t see it as a disadvantage because we keep our players,” Smart stated.
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