First-year Georgia coach Kirby Smart is thrilled with the progress he's seen recently from star running back Nick Chubb as he works his way back to the field after a season-ending knee injury. 

Chubb was injured early in a loss against Tennessee last October, tearing the posterior cruciate and other knee ligaments on the first offensive snap of the game. At the time, Chubb was one of the most productive backs in the country with 747 yards and seven touchdowns in just five full games of action. 

While meeting with reporters, Smart said he has been impressed with Chubb's recovery and updated his status for spring practice. 

"This guy has been working tremendously hard. He is dead on schedule," Smart said. "If you ask Ron [Courson, UGA's head trainer], he's probably ahead of schedule in terms of what we expect of him. He started doing a little bit cutting since we got back from spring break. So he's doing some running, not just straight ahead but doing a little bit of cutting. He will not be involved in any spring drills, but we're really excited about where he is and he's progressed really well. 

"He's a kid who obviously overachieves anyway, but he's overachieving in rehab as well."

Chubb even took part in some practice reps on Tuesday with a brace on his injured leg. 

Smart has two things going for him heading into his first year as a head coach in the SEC. First, this report of Chubb's recovery indicates he'll have one of the best backs in the country likely ready to go for the season opener.

Second, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney has overseen successful ground attacks at Arkansas and Pittsburgh in the last three seasons. If Chubb can stay healthy, it shouldn't be that hard to imagine what the Bulldogs' offense will look like in 2016, which should give Smart, a longtime defensive coach, confidence in what's going on with the other side of the ball. 

Kirby Smart says Nick Chubb is dead on schedule with his rehab. (USATSI)