ATHENS — It didn’t take Georgia football coaches long to learn why incoming freshman Tyrique Stevenson was nicknamed “The Freak.”

“You go watch practice, you watch that guy for a little bit and and you’re saying, ‘Holy moly we’ve got a ballplayer,’ “ UGA defensive coordinator Dan Lanning said on Monday.

“That’s what he is. So we’ve got to do a good job as coaches of getting him ready to go out there and play,”

RELATED: Dan Lanning shares DC coaching philosophy

Sophomore cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell return with starting experience and have been running first team.

But Stevenson has captured his coaches’ attention.

Kirby Smart made note of Stevenson in spring drills, and more praise from Lanniing on Monday.

“When you go back to talking about havoc, when you put guys on the field, there are guys who do their assignments, and then there are guys who create production, and we want guys that do both,” Lanning said.

“Tyrique Stevenson is a guy that was extremely productive this spring. As he continues to become more disciplined with his eyes, and more disciplined with his play, he’s going to be a guy that can do both for us. We’re very excited to see the plays he can make.”

Stevenson was the third-ranked cornerback in the nation in the 2019 signing class. He choose Georgia over Alabama, Miami and Florida.

The incoming freshman’s athleticism was on display during an impromptu dunk competition and dodge ball game at Camp Sunshine this summer.

Stevenson’s quickness and explosiveness was such that it stood out, even among the group of the Bulldogs’ talented players.

WATCH: Dunk session features Tyrique Stevenson, George Pickens and big Jordan Davis

Stevenson saw Lanning’s comments on Monday, and quickly took to social media to let everyone know he will not disappoint.

I put my all into this 🤞🏾….. can’t go back be average 7️⃣💯 https://t.co/2HpU7NFuGN — The Freak 7️⃣⚡️™️ (@dreamchaserTy10) August 5, 2019

DawgNation Fall Camp

D’Andre Swift says ‘Sky is the Limit’ for 2019

Closer look: Inside football recruiting financial numbers

Photo gallery: Georgia football players cheesing at Fan Day

WATCH: Dawgs fans interviewed, uncontrollable enthusiasm ensues

How Dell McGee is recruiting to Georgia’s ‘RBU’

Georgia football’s Mr. Fix It, unheralded Monty Rice

WATCH: Jake Fromm asks, ‘How can I get better?’