The Dashboard: Quarterbacks, 5-Star Challenge and much more

Kirby Smart certainly doesn’t need me or anyone else telling him what to do regarding who should open at quarterback for the Bulldogs against North Carolina.

That decision won’t be made until sometime in fall camp, perhaps taking right up until the Sept. 3 contest in the Georgia Dome.

But here’s what I think happens.

First of all, yes, Jacob Eason will be the starting quarterback for the Bulldogs. It just won’t be right off the bat.

While I believe we’ll see Eason get some reps against the Tar Heels, it’s my estimation that you’ll see either Greyson Lambert or Brice Ramsey get the start, simply for the fact that no matter how good Eason is or will be, sticking him out on the field to start a game the magnitude of the nationally televised opener against the Tar Heels may be something Smart prefers not to chance.

For those already lamenting the thought of Lambert getting the call, don’t. New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney worked all spring on pace when it came to all three quarterbacks, and with the tight ends now again apparently set to play a huge role with the offense, that alone is going to make it easier on whoever winds up taking snaps under center.

But trust me, I understand your pain.

Last year there were times it took Lambert so long to release the ball that you could have gone to the concession stand for peanuts and been back in your seat before the play was ever completed.

Yes, I’m exaggerating, but getting Lambert and all the quarterbacks to pick up the tempo was an issue Chaney has been and will continue to address.

Ultimately, however, Eason will be the QB sooner rather than later. Everyone saw the arm strength during G-Day.

He just needs to get his feet wet before diving in the deep end of the pool.

5-Star Challenge always an eye-opener

Former Bulldog wide receiver Terrence Edwards posed a very interesting question on Twitter Tuesday morning – do star rankings validate a player’s ability or just serve as bragging rights?

My answer was the latter, although truthfully you could probably say a little of both.

Kids – particularly the ones that get invited to such mega events like the Five-Star Challenge and the Opening – they already know they’re good.

But as competitors, they want to be known as the best.

These kids already know they’re talented – they all have the offers to prove it. However, being able to say you’re the best at what you do I’ve found is something that really drives these young men as competitors.

So yes, stars matter.

Running back Cam Akers – a four-star – told me himself that the reason he came to Atlanta was to earn that fifth star because he wanted to be known as the best running back in the country.

Other Five-Star notes:

• If D’Andre Swift ultimately does commit to Georgia, the Bulldogs would be getting themselves a great one. Although he’s probably only like 5-10, 5-11, he reminds me physically of Trent Richardson, a very low-center of gravity, but with a quick burst and the ability to change direction on a dime.

• Talked to Swift’s cousin, wide receiver Mark Webb. Webb named Georgia his top team, but I think he’s serious. You can often tell a recruit’s true feelings about a school by the way he talks, and there was certainly a lot of enthusiasm coming from Webb when he did.

Was very impressed with quarterback Davis Mills, who is committed to play for Stanford. Mills and his Greater Atlanta Christian teammates took part in the Kirby Smart Camp last week, and although he’s not coming to UGA, the youngster raved about Bulldog offensive coordinator Jim Chaney, not only for his work on the field, but the genuine, caring interest he showed him and his family. By the way, Mills told me Bulldog fans have a lot to look forward to with commitment Jake Fromm. “He’s a good one, a real good one,” Mills said.

Kudos to swimming assistant Harvey Humphries

Jack Baurele gets a ton of credit – and rightfully so – for making the women’s swimming and diving program one of the best in the country.

But right-hand man Harvey Humphries is pretty special, too.

Earlier this week, CollegeSwimming tabbed Harvey one of its two Assistant Coaches of the Year in its Established/Career and Rising category.

Candidates were evaluated by the following criteria:

• Contribution to team’s success.

• Commitment to development of successful students and athletes.

• Service to the swimming community both locally and nationally.

• Commitment to the coaching profession and professional development.

Congrats Coach Harv!

Tying up some loose ends

• In case you missed it, six Bulldogs were taken in last week’s major league baseball draft. They included pitcher Robert Tyler (38th overall to the Colorado Rockies as a supplemental pick), outfielder Stephen Wrenn (6th round by the Houston Astros), pitcher Connor Jones (11th round by the New York Yankees), Bo Tucker (12th round by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) and catcher Skyler Weber (18th round by the Oakland A’s) and Heath Holder (25th round by the Colorado Rockies). Also, Bulldog signees Justin Glover, a left-handed pitcher from Buford High School, was drafted in the 26th round by the Tampa Bay Rays while shortstop Cam Shepherd (Peachtree Ridge HS) was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 29th round. In the 37th round (1,099th overall), Georgia signee right-handed pitcher Zac Kristofak (Walton HS) was selected by the Atlanta Braves.

• All-Americans John Little (football), Kelly and Coco Miller (basketball) and Stefanie Williams (swimming) have been chosen for induction into the University of Georgia's Circle of Honor.