Kirby Smart's Blueprint for a Champion: Recruiting, NIL Strategy, and NFL Development
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When it comes to college football, few coaches have been as effective at building a perennial powerhouse as Kirby Smart. Since taking over as the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs in 2016, Smart has led the program to multiple national championships and established it as a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). A significant factor in this success is his unparalleled approach to recruiting, which is rooted in a relentless pursuit of excellence, a focus on character, and a strategic adaptation to the evolving landscape of college athletics, including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
"We Recruit to a Standard, Not to a Ranking"
One of Kirby Smart’s most quoted philosophies is, "We recruit to a standard, not to a ranking." While landing 5-star recruits and topping national recruiting rankings are often the benchmarks of success for many programs, Smart’s focus is on finding players who meet the specific needs and culture of Georgia football.
“We’re not just looking for the best athletes; we’re looking for the right athletes,” Smart explained in an interview. “That means guys who are tough, disciplined, and willing to buy into the team-first mentality. Rankings are great for headlines, but they don’t win championships.”
This philosophy has been borne out in the Bulldogs’ consistent success. Many of Smart’s recruits—from high-profile stars to under-the-radar prospects—have gone on to excel in Georgia’s system, proving that his approach goes beyond mere star ratings.
Emphasis on Character and Work Ethic
For Smart, character and work ethic are non-negotiable traits in his recruits. He often speaks about the importance of finding players who are not only talented but also have the mental toughness to handle the demands of playing in the SEC.
“Talent can only take you so far,” Smart said. “What separates great players from good players is their mindset. Are they willing to put in the work? Are they disciplined enough to do the right things off the field? Those are the guys we want at Georgia.”
This focus on character extends beyond the players themselves. Smart places a strong emphasis on understanding the family background of his recruits.
“We want to know the whole picture,” he shared. “When you recruit a player, you’re bringing in their family, their support system. It’s important that they share our values and are committed to helping that player succeed.”
Versatility and Football IQ
Another key element of Smart’s recruiting philosophy is identifying players with versatility and a high football IQ.
“The game is evolving, and we need players who can adapt,” Smart explained. “A guy who can play multiple positions or understands the game at a high level is invaluable. It gives us flexibility as coaches and makes the team better.”
For example, many of Georgia’s defensive standouts under Smart have been players who could excel at multiple positions. This adaptability allows the Bulldogs to match up effectively against a wide variety of offensive schemes.
Competitive Drive
Smart is also known for prioritizing players with a relentless competitive drive. “We’re looking for guys who hate losing more than they love winning,” he said. “That’s the kind of mindset that creates champions.”
This approach is reflected in the program’s intense practices and "iron sharpens iron" culture, where even the most talented players are pushed to their limits by competing against top-tier teammates.
Navigating NIL: A Balanced Approach
With the advent of NIL opportunities, Smart has strategically integrated this new dimension into his recruiting philosophy. While some programs emphasize NIL deals as a primary recruiting tool, Smart takes a measured approach, ensuring NIL benefits complement—rather than overshadow—the team’s culture and values.
“NIL is a great opportunity for players, but it can’t be the main focus,” Smart explained. “We want our guys to make the most of their opportunities, but we also emphasize that success on the field and in the classroom is what creates long-term value.”
Smart is deliberate about managing expectations surrounding NIL. He works closely with Georgia’s compliance department and partners to ensure transparency and fairness.
“We’re here to guide our players,” he said. “They need to understand the business side of things while staying grounded in what’s important: becoming the best version of themselves as athletes and as people.”
In practice, this means encouraging recruits to see NIL opportunities as a byproduct of hard work and performance, rather than a promise made during recruitment. By aligning NIL discussions with Georgia’s broader mission, Smart ensures that recruits who join the program are committed to its core values.
The Transfer Portal: Strategic Additions
While Kirby Smart’s recruiting classes are often stocked with top high school talent, he has also effectively utilized the transfer portal to address immediate needs and bolster the roster. Smart’s approach to the transfer portal is methodical, targeting players who fit specific gaps in the team’s depth chart and align with the program’s culture.
“The transfer portal is a tool, not a crutch,” Smart explained. “We’re not looking to build our program through it, but when there’s an opportunity to bring in a player who can make an impact and fits our standards, we’ll take it.”
Key examples include players like wide receiver Jermaine Burton and defensive back Tykee Smith, who joined the Bulldogs via the portal and provided valuable contributions. Smart’s ability to seamlessly integrate transfers into the team has ensured that Georgia remains competitive while maintaining its strong locker room culture.
Producing NFL Talent
Under Kirby Smart’s leadership, Georgia has become one of the premier pipelines to the NFL. As of 2023, the Bulldogs have had over 50 players drafted into the NFL during Smart’s tenure, including numerous first-round picks. This remarkable success is a testament to Smart’s ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level.
“Our goal is to help players achieve their dreams, whether that’s winning championships here at Georgia or playing on Sundays,” Smart said. “We take pride in our development process and making sure our guys are ready for the NFL both physically and mentally.”
Notable NFL stars who played under Smart include defensive lineman Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and quarterback Jake Fromm, who led the Bulldogs to a national championship appearance. Georgia’s dominance in the trenches has also translated to a high number of offensive and defensive linemen entering the league, reinforcing the program’s reputation for producing elite talent at every position.
Building Relationships
Smart’s success on the recruiting trail is also a testament to his ability to build strong relationships with recruits and their families.
“Recruiting is about trust,” he said. “You have to be honest with these kids and their parents. They need to know that you care about them as people, not just as players.”
This personal touch has resonated with recruits, many of whom cite Smart’s genuine interest in their development—both on and off the field—as a major factor in choosing Georgia.
Results Speak for Themselves
Under Kirby Smart’s leadership, Georgia has consistently finished near the top of national recruiting rankings, and the results on the field speak for themselves. The Bulldogs’ depth, talent, and cohesion have been critical to their sustained success, including multiple SEC titles and national championships.
“Recruiting is the lifeblood of our program,” Smart emphasized. “But it’s not just about getting players; it’s about getting the right players. That’s what makes Georgia special.”
As Kirby Smart continues to set the standard in college football recruiting, his philosophy—now incorporating a thoughtful approach to NIL and effective use of the transfer portal—serves as a blueprint for building not just a winning team, but a championship culture. For Smart and the Bulldogs, the future looks as bright as ever.
Under Kirby Smart's leadership since 2016, the University of Georgia has seen a significant number of its players transition to the NFL. As of April 2024, 63 players have been drafted, with 17 of them being first-round picks.
This impressive track record underscores Smart's commitment to recruiting and developing talent that excels at the collegiate level and transitions successfully to professional football. Here are some of them.
Roquan Smith
Position: Linebacker
High School Rating: 4-star recruit
College Stats: 252 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
NFL Draft: 1st round, 8th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2018
Sony Michel
Position: Running Back
High School Rating: 5-star recruit
College Stats: 3,613 rushing yards, 33 rushing touchdowns
NFL Draft: 1st round, 31st overall pick by the New England Patriots in 2018
Nick Chubb
Position: Running Back
High School Rating: 4-star recruit
College Stats: 4,769 rushing yards, 44 rushing touchdowns
NFL Draft: 2nd round, 35th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018
Isaiah Wynn
Position: Offensive Tackle
High School Rating: 4-star recruit
College Stats: Started 41 games
NFL Draft: 1st round, 23rd overall pick by the New England Patriots in 2018
Deandre Baker
Position: Cornerback
High School Rating: 3-star recruit
College Stats: 116 total tackles, 7 interceptions
NFL Draft: 1st round, 30th overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019
Andrew Thomas
Position: Offensive Tackle
High School Rating: 4-star recruit
College Stats: Started 41 games
NFL Draft: 1st round, 4th overall pick by the New York Giants in 2020
D'Andre Swift
Position: Running Back
High School Rating: 5-star recruit
College Stats: 2,885 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns
NFL Draft: 2nd round, 35th overall pick by the Detroit Lions in 2020
Eric Stokes
Position: Cornerback
High School Rating: 3-star recruit
College Stats: 78 total tackles, 4 interceptions
NFL Draft: 1st round, 29th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2021
Travon Walker
Position: Defensive End
High School Rating: 5-star recruit
College Stats: 61 total tackles, 9.5 sacks
NFL Draft: 1st round, 1st overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022
Jordan Davis
Position: Defensive Tackle
High School Rating: 3-star recruit
College Stats: 91 total tackles, 7 sacks
NFL Draft: 1st round, 13th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022
Nakobe Dean
Position: Linebacker
High School Rating: 5-star recruit
College Stats: 168 total tackles, 7.5 sacks
NFL Draft: 3rd round, 83rd overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022
Brock Bowers
Position: Tight End
High School Rating: 4-star recruit
College Stats: 2,538 receiving yards, 31 touchdowns
NFL Draft: 1st round, 13th overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024
Javon Bullard
Position: Safety
High School Rating: 3-star recruit
College Stats: 90 total tackles, 1 fumble recovery
NFL Draft: 2nd round, 58th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2024
This list highlights the diverse range of talent developed under Kirby Smart, showcasing players from various recruiting backgrounds who have successfully transitioned to the NFL.
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