Finally. The secret that everyone in the state knew last week, but had to wait until Alabama cleared the Florida hurdle in the SEC Championship Game has been released and rubber stamped.

Kirby Smart is the new head coach at UGA.

Smart — who is considered one of the elite closers and recruiters in the nation — now must hit the recruiting trail.

What is he getting into? Here’s how UGA’s commitments and some of the elite targets around the Southeast feel about the hire this afternoon.

UGA commits 

4-star UGA commitment Javon Wims, WR, Hinds Community College (Miss.): “He’s a good coach and I still feel the same about the university.”

4-star UGA commitment Charlie Woerner, WR, Rabun County: “It means a new era for UGA and I’m fortunate enough to be a part of it.”

3-star UGA commitment Chris Barnes, OL, Sr., Lee County: “Go Dawgs.”

Top UGA targets

5-star target Ben Davis, ILB, Sr., Gordo (Ala.): “Georgia is already one of my top schools. “So it wouldn’t really hurt them at all as far as them being on my list. Georgia is still one of my tops.

5-star target Nate McBride, Jr., Vidalia: “(I feel) great! I’m glad he is the head coach.”

5-star target Demetris Robertson, ATH, Sr., Savannah Christian: “It means a lot. Coach Smart and I have a relationship that dates back to my sophomore year. We’re familiar with each other which is a plus.”

 

 

 

Jeff Sentell covers UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.

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