ATHENS, Ga.— The news of Kirby Smart being hired as coach at Georgia has been met with almost overwhelming approval from fans, alumni and others connected to the school. After all, Smart is one of their own, having played and coached in Athens.
Smart’s introductory news conference was Monday, and he said he has clear standards for those who are or will be part of Georgia’s program.
“Our student-athletes will represent the university with class and integrity,” Smart said. “We will demand that. The greatest satisfaction I’ve received as a coach is going into a 17-, 18-year-old’s home and recruiting that young man, and then watching them walk out the door as a graduate five years later.