Georgia Football: 2017 National Signing Day a Step Forward for Kirby Smart
Georgia football fans were looking forward to National Signing Day almost as much as last year’s spring football game, and the results were just as promising.
From an excitement standpoint, 2017’s National Signing Day was a dud for Georgia football fans. The Bulldogs had a large group of early enrollees, landed all their commitments, and had a pretty uneventful day with no major drama as had been seen in the past.
But from a numbers standpoint, the Bulldog Nation probably couldn’t be happier.
The Dawgs ended the day with the No. 3 recruiting class in the nation – per both ESPN and 247 Sports – and trailed only Alabama in the SEC. Interestingly enough, Kirby Smart’s mentor – Nick Saban – began his first full recruiting class in 2008 with…
The No. 3 class in the nation, behind Notre Dame and Miami.
Signing not only a highly-ranked class, but a class of players who fills a lot of immediate needs, is a step in the right direction for Smart.
Most importantly, unlike Mark Richt in his last seasons in Athens, Smart was able be successful in the talent-rich state of Georgia. The Bulldogs’ 26 signees contained 10 of the top15 prospects in the state, with only eight total recruits coming from outside the Peach State’s borders.
But as USA Today columnist Dan Wolken stated, a win in February only puts more pressure on Kirby Smart, whose first season at the helm was met with mixed reviews.
Now Smart has to prove that he can not only attract the best talent to Georgia, but he and his coaching staff can develop that talent as well – another knock that his predecessor was tagged with regularly.
Kirby Smart’s approach was more need-based, attempting to fortify the offensive line, defensive line, wide receiver corps and secondary – rather than going after the top talent at every skill position.
Despite that approach, Georgia still managed to pick up four-star quarterback Jake Fromm.
Now Kirby must translate this success on the fax machine to wins on the field. Fans and boosters may tolerate another 9 or 10 win season from the Bulldogs, but losses to the likes to Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech (or close calls against FCS teams) won’t be tolerated.
Is Smart’s job anywhere near in danger? Certainly not. Even if Georgia doesn’t take a big step forward in 2017 his job is probably safe for at least a few more seasons, despite the gnashing and wailing that may come from impatient fans and boosters.
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But athletic director Greg McGarity? That’s a different story.
If anyone is breathing a big sigh of relief at the sight of Georgia’s big National Signing Day, it’s probably McGarity.
It was McGarity who feuded with former coach Mark Richt and was the pencil-pusher behind his eventual exit. McGarity dragged his feet on the new indoor practice facility, until he had his man in place and then plans were quickly expedited.
Likewise, it’s been under McGarity’s watch that not only have Georgia’s big-money sports floundered, but the non-revenue sports (where Georgia would regularly win national titles) have slipped as well.
As goes Kirby Smart’s success, so goes Greg McGarity. If it becomes obvious that in the rush to push Mark Richt to the side, McGarity didn’t take the time to conduct a proper coaching search, he’ll be the one to pay the price.
Kirby Smart gets a temporary pass. This is his first head coaching job, and he’s an alum.
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So yes, February was a big win for Kirby Smart and the Georgia football program, but it’s December and January when fans want to see meaningful wins for the Bulldogs. It remains to be seen if that talent development phase can be achieved yet.