The Southeastern Conference Media Days wrapped up Thursday afternoon, and this year's media days were very well you might say interesting. A first-year head coach, an animated national title coach, and some violations created serious talk throughout Hoover. However, the University of Georgia's eyes were on first-year head coach Kirby Smart. Smart told the Dawg Nation a thing or two that peaked interest.

First, Kirby Smart was prepared. As a first-year head coach, Smart hasn't stepped up to the podium on his own, but on Tuesday, he proved to be as prepared as we'd all hoped. He handled the tough questions and the comparison questions with ease and provided the media with great insight on his mental preparedness.

He is not Mark Richt. The separation of UGA and Richt sparked major drama in the Bulldog Nation and the SEC. Smart had to answer a question on how he won over the team in comparison to Mark Richt's 15-year spread at the university, but Smart handled that with ease. He also told the media he isn't Mark Richt, he's Kirby Smart. He also said Mark Richt "is a good friend" of his, but his focus is on his team and making these athletes into better men and football players.

Smart also answered questions about his staying at Alabama despite getting the Georgia job in December of last year. Smart said "it was the right thing to do," and further defended his character with an amazing quote:

"When they put you six feet under, they remember you for the things you did and the way you treated people."

Of course, Smart was forced to speak on the several arrests before his first season as the Bulldogs' head coach. Adding some humor, Smart handled the toughness with ease and also stated his willingness and determination to help an athlete but also discipline when needed. Let's just keep hoping the arrests stop, shall we?

Smart spoke on his stars as well. He said Nick Chubb is "progressing," and Sony Michel is more of a "closer to season" decision. He also answered the tough 'quarterback question'. With three options, Smart says he is not letting a fan favorite or senior experience weigh in on his choice. To sum it up nicely, Smart will "play the best player that gives us the best opportunity to win football games."

In conclusion, Smart handled the press with grace, confidence, and major loyalty to his past experience. One thing we know about Smart is he has learned from some of the best -- if not the best. He answered a question in his final minutes on the podium time about his past with current national title head coach Nick Saban. He said, "I think you never leave what you learn."

If I am speaking for the Bulldog Nation, I think we all hope he never does....

Go Dawgs.