Kirby Smart is on his way to UGA. DawgNation reported earlier this evening that the former Bulldogs defensive back would return as head coach to succeed Mark Richt.
DawgNation immediately reached out to some of the top recruits in the country to get their thoughts on Smart being named the next Bulldogs coach.
UGA’s top uncommitted targets
Markail Benton, 2017 5-star LB, Central (Ala.) — “I’m just going to weigh my decisions out and choose whats’s best for me and my family.”
Ben Davis, 2016 5-star LB, Gordo (Ala.) — “Georgia is still one of my top schools.”
Breon Dixon, 2017 4-star LB, Peachtree Ridge –” It definitely puts them back into the swing of things with me, for sure.”
Mecole Hardman, 2016 5-star ATH, Elbert County — “It’s a good hire.”
Malik Herring, 2017 4-star DE, Mary Persons — “Coach Smart is going to do big things at UGA! The defense is fixing to be even better!”
Jaden Hunter, 2017 4-star LB, “I love it.”
Shawn Jennings, 2016 3-star S (Alabama commit) — “I’m happy for him, and wish him the best of luck. Still ‘Roll Tide’, though.”
Richard LeCounte, 2017 5-star athlete — “Fireworks. I love Kirby.”
Nate McBride, 2017 5-star LB, Vidalia — “I am pretty excited because he is a great coach, and I have a great bond with him. It would be a great experience to play for him.”
Demetri Moore, 2016 3-star OL, Mississippi Delta College — “Sounds great. I know for a fact that Georgia’s defense will be very prominent, dominant and aggressive! I wonder how he’ll go about the offensive changes. But overall, I see it being great for Georgia.”
William Poole, 2017 4-star CB, Hapeville Charter — “The hiring of coach (Kirby) Smart is the news I’ve been waiting for. The guy is a defensive mastermind and he’s been under the best coach in the nation (Nick Saban). I’m sure he’ll know how to run it and get things done. The future is bright for UGA. I’ve seen national championships coming. So happy, I’m lost for words!”
E.J. Price, 2016 4-star OL, Archer — “Welcome home Kirby!”
Demetris Robertson, 2016 5-star athlete, Savannah Christian — “Great move if that’s the case. He’s ready for it. …. I know!”
Jeffrey Simmons, 2016 4-star DE, Noxubee County (Miss.) — “That’s a big move!”
Shawn Smith, 2017 4-star athlete, Brunswick — “I think that’s a good job by UGA. Kirby played for the Dawgs. He should know how bad UGA wants to win. I think he will get the job done.”
LeAnthony Williams, 2017 4-star cornerback, Roswell — “I’m hoping to see new things come to UGA.”
Jamyest Williams, 2017 4-star DB, Archer — “Welcome home Kirby! (Will) Muschamp gonna get the job too and that’s going to be a match made in heaven for UGA.”
Lyndell Wilson, 2016 5-star LB, Carver-Montgomery (Ala.) — “I’m interested.”
Read More:
- Kirby Smart will be named Georgia’s new football coach
- Smart’s potential coaching staff at Georgia
- Kirby Smart makes sense for Georgia, even if wow factor lacking
- Nation’s No. 1 tight end on Smart: “It’s a huge pickup”
- Report: Smart wants to bring Will Muschamp to Georgia
- Five ways Kirby Smart needs to be different than Mark Richt
- With Kirby Smart, UGA has a chance to win really big
- UGA’s hiring of Smart will have an impact on No. 1 OLB in 2016
- What do UGA commits think of the hire?
- UGA’s Smart hire shakes the Nick Saban coaching tree
- National media reaction to Smart announcement
- Elite CB says Kirby Smart hiring is “the news I’ve been waiting for”
- UGA alumni and celebrities react to Smart news
DawgNation staff reporters Jeff Sentell and Chuck Kingsbury contributed to this report.
