Georgia settled on a new coach in Kirby Smart on Tuesday, just days after mutually parting ways with Mark Richt.
Smart’s arrival will certainly alter the coaching landscape of college football, as well as the recruiting trail. Many top-tier prospects have already voiced their approval of UGA’s hiring, and some have even gone as far as suggesting national championships are on the horizon.
DawgNation reached out to a handful of Georgia’s top high school coaches to get their take on Smart’s recruiting efforts.
On what makes Smart a good recruiter
Todd Wofford (Central Gwinnett High School): “Kirby has a great personality that kids and families gravitate to. He makes it less about football and gets to know the person. He makes it comfortable to be yourself.”
Bryan Lamar (Tucker High School): “He’s down to Earth. He does a good job of connecting with the guys and building relationships.”
Bob Sphire (North Gwinnett High School): “When he comes here recruiting, he’s done his work and knows the strengths, weaknesses and characteristics of our kids. He’s thoroughly done his homework.”
Mickey Conn (Grayson High School): “Kirby as a great personality. He’s easy to talk to and he’s down to earth. He has a good eye for talent. Kirby is persistent and decisive.”
On what Smart will do differently with recruiting than UGA does now
Todd Wofford (Central Gwinnett): “I think there are a few things he will do differently, but I’m sure he’ll put his stamp on it.”
Bryan Lamar (Tucker): “I don’t know. Georgia has always done a good job of recruiting. They have as many guys in the NFL as anybody else. I don’t know that it’ll be a huge difference as much as he’ll continue to do a good job in that regard.”
Bob Sphire (North Gwinnett) : “I assume he will take the same thorough approach he has always taken.”
On their favorite memory of Smart
Todd Wofford (Central Gwinnett): “He’s just a great motivator, ‘X’ and ‘O’ guy.”
Bryan Lamar (Tucker): “The biggest thing is, he’s an intense guy. He works extremely hard. He’s an extreme competitor and he’s organized. I think those things will be good attributes he’ll bring to Georgia.”
Bob Sphire (North Gwinnett): “I remember how flattered I was one time when he looked at me after watching us practice one day and said, ‘Dang, coach, now that is how a team is supposed to practice. I really enjoyed that. Kind of reminds me of how we are supposed to practice.’ That obviously made me very proud of our kids and coaches. I guess that is what a good recruiter should know how to do as far as making a coach feel good, but it sure felt genuine.”
