 Kirby Smart gives much credit to first-year Arkansas coach Sam Pittman for helping to make No. 4 Georgia an annual contender for the Southeastern Conference championship. He helped build the foundation of what we have now, Smart said Monday. Smart and his Bulldogs will be reunited with Pittman when Georgia opens its pandemic-delayed season at Arkansas on Saturday. In four years as Georgias offensive line coach, including the 2019 season with the added title of associate head coach, Pittman was a key member of Smarts staff. How much Pittmans impact on the Bulldogs extended beyond the field was evident this week when Smart and Georgia players talked about the popular coach who now heads the Arkansas team. I respected just how family-oriented he was and his energy on and off the field, said junior center Trey Hill when asked about Pittmans popularity. What you got on the field is what you got off the field. The way he takes care of his players and the love and support he gives them. Similarly, Pittmans ongoing commitment to Georgia players showed Monday when he was asked about Bulldogs quarterback DWan Mathis, who could start against the Razorbacks. Smart hasnt announced a starter. Mathis needed brain surgery to remove a cyst after enrolling at Georgia. He returned to the scout team late last season. After Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman opted out of the season, Mathis is competing with JT Daniels, freshman Carson Beck and junior Stetson Bennett. Smart said Monday he expected Daniels, the Southern Cal transfer, to be cleared before Saturdays game following his recovery from knee surgery. Pittman said he wouldnt be surprised to see both Daniels and Mathis play. Pittman said Mathis, a dual-threat quarterback, is really fast. And to be... 