Kirby Smart and Georgia: Return to Glory

When Kirby Smart took over as head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs in 2016, the program was in a state of disarray. The Bulldogs had not won an SEC championship since 2005, and they had not reached the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014.

Attack the Day: Kirby Smart and Georgia's Return to Glory

by Seth Emerson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages
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In just six seasons, Smart has turned Georgia into a national powerhouse. The Bulldogs have won the SEC championship twice (2017, 2021) and the College Football Playoff National Championship once (2021). They have also appeared in the College Football Playoff three other times (2017, 2018, 2022).

Smart's success at Georgia is due to a number of factors, including his strong recruiting, his innovative coaching philosophy, and his ability to develop players.

Recruiting

Smart is one of the best recruiters in college football. He has consistently signed top-ranked recruiting classes, and he has been able to attract some of the nation's best players to Georgia.

Smart's recruiting success is due to a number of factors, including his strong relationships with high school coaches, his ability to sell his vision for the Georgia program, and his willingness to offer scholarships to players who are not highly rated by recruiting services.

Coaching Philosophy

Smart is a defensive-minded coach who believes in playing physical, aggressive football. He demands a lot from his players, but he also gives them the freedom to make plays.

Smart's defensive philosophy is based on the principles of the 3-4 defense. He believes in creating pressure on the quarterback with a variety of blitzes and stunts. He also believes in playing man-to-man coverage in the secondary.

Smart's offensive philosophy is more flexible. He is willing to adapt his offense to the strengths of his players. However, he typically prefers to run the ball more than he passes.

Player Development

Smart is a master at developing players. He has a knack for getting the most out of his players, both on and off the field.

Smart's ability to develop players is due to a number of factors, including his strong relationships with his players, his knowledge of the game, and his willingness to give his players individualized attention.

Key Players

Smart has had a number of key players who have contributed to Georgia's success. Some of these players include:

• Stetson Bennett: Bennett is a walk-on quarterback who has become one of the most successful quarterbacks in Georgia history. He led the Bulldogs to the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2021 and was named the Offensive MVP of the game.
• Jalen Carter: Carter is a defensive tackle who is considered to be one of the best players in college football. He was named the Defensive MVP of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2021 and is a finalist for the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
• Nolan Smith: Smith is a linebacker who is considered to be one of the best pass rushers in college football. He was named a First-Team All-American in 2021 and is a finalist for the 2022 Bednarik Award.
• Kelee Ringo: Ringo is a cornerback who is considered to be one of the best defensive backs in college football. He was named a First-Team All-American in 2021 and is a finalist for the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award.

Kirby Smart has transformed the Georgia Bulldogs into a national powerhouse. He has done this through his strong recruiting, his innovative coaching philosophy, and his ability to develop players. Smart is one of the best coaches in college football, and he has Georgia poised to compete for more national championships in the years to come.

Attack the Day: Kirby Smart and Georgia's Return to Glory

by Seth Emerson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8353 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	281 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE