Jacob Hardie and Terrell Foster on their Experiences in Fall Camp as Walk-Ons

It’s no secret that UGA’s fall camp is not for the faint of heart. For Georgia’s starters, they spend grueling hours training their minds and bodies to play at the highest level. For them, this is preparation for fourth quarters on the road in Austin, Oxford, and Tuscaloosa. 

Jacob Hardie and Terrell Foster, two walk-ons, shared their experience with fall camp on this week's episode of The Players’ Lounge’s “Beyond the Hedges.” When asked about the strenuous pre-season training, Hardie claimed he “wouldn’t wish that on [his] worst enemy,” which confirms what Georgia fans have heard about the ruthless camp the players endure.

Throughout the episode, Hardie and Foster dive deeper into camp’s difficulties, but they also divulge Kirby Smart’s motive for the intense work. “Eventually, you keep stacking up them days, and your body starts to get better and better,” said Foster. To which Hardie jumped in and agreed, “Kinda like Coach Kirby said, you get calloused”. 

How Kirby trains his players is one of the biggest contributing factors to Georgia’s success during his tenure. His approach to training is evident during games. Last season The Dawgs ranked 7th in second half points per game, and 3rd in second half points allowed. His players are conditioned to play with speed and aggression up until the final whistle.  

During fall camp, the players are bonding as a team by living, eating, and training together. This period is often particularly challenging for walk-ons, as it is difficult to have to go up against blue chip talent rep after rep. Not only do the non-scholarship players have to train against them, but they are trying to earn their spot on the roster. 

However, that wasn’t the case for Foster this year. He has been putting in the work to climb his way up the ladder. He is looking to get some quality reps this season, which is difficult to do as a walk-on at UGA. Recently, Foster stood in front of his teammates and shared his story of how he made it to Athens and what it means to him. “I definitely feel the most at home that I’ve ever felt,” he shared. 

In the transfer portal era, cohesion is harder to create than ever before. Georgia’s offseason team building has clearly had an effect on Foster, a valuable walk-on who could push for snaps in the linebacker rotation in 2024. That’s valuable depth that helps UGA create highly competitive practices without having to burn one of its 85 scholarships.

Tune in to the full episode of “Beyond the Hedges” where the crew discusses the Week One matchup against Clemson.