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Stetson Bennett points to teachings of Kirby Smart after strong preseason showing

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Stetson Bennett was the ultimate winner at Georgia, leading the Bulldogs to national championships in 2021 and 2022.

Now, as he tries to get his NFL career off the ground at the start of his 3rd season with the Los Angeles Rams, Bennett is harkening back to his days as a Bulldog. Bennett is 27 years old now but has only 2 years of NFL experience under his belt after being a 4th-round pick of the Rams in 2023.

In Saturday night’s preseason opener against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, it all came together for the former Georgia star. Bennett led 5 scoring drives for the Rams, which included 2 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter of a 31-21 victory. Bennett had 188 yards passing on 16-of-24 passing, and in the postgame press conference he was asked by a reporter about what he learned from Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.

Specifically, he was asked about what Smart instilled in him back then and how that’s helping him right now.

“You know, don’t get bored with the basics, and then that goes back to Kirby (Smart), which is just chopping day after day, and, you know, just keep working, and if it’s not as good as you want it to (be), then, you know, there’s going to be ebbs and flows, and just keep on going,” explained Bennett.

Bennett was also asked how he’s different now compared to a year ago in the preseason.

“I think just more mature, more comfortable in the system. You know, tighter with the guys,” said Bennett, who did also throw an interception on Saturday.

With Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who happens to be another ex-Georgia star, dealing with injury issues this preseason, Bennett could be needed a lot in 2025. On Saturday night, he served notice that he just might be ready for the challenge in the NFL, with a lot of past help from Smart.

Cory Nightingale

Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.