Georgia HC Kirby Smart on his decision to recruit KJ Bolden despite Florida State commitment: "I don't see kids as committed to other places"

Georgia Bulldogs HC Kirby Smart spoke out on recruiting five-star recruit DB KJ Bolden. Bolden had committed to Florida State but flipped to the Bulldogs in December.

Smart and his staff remained steadfast in their efforts to bring Bolden to Georgia. The head coach discussed his persistence in the recruitment of the five-star defensive back.

“I don’t see kids as committed to other places because they’re not,” he said. “They’re not signed. I just know that we recruit good football players. We evaluate every player the same, whether they’re committed or not. If there’s interest and conversation from them, and there are visits where they come to your campus, you just stay very consistent."

Smart was satisfied with Bolden's performance at the team's first spring practice and expects him to make valuable contributions as the team advances to the 2024 season with a chip on their shoulder.

Kirby Smart talked about the new roster of the Bulldogs going into the 2024 season

Kirby Smart talked to Paul Finebaum on Monday and highlighted the unique nature of each team and the importance of recognizing its individual needs. Additionally, the 48-year-old head coach expects a new team dynamic for the 2024 college football season.

While talking about his new and updated roster, the Georgia Bulldogs head coach discussed last year's defeat in the SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“I think it’s different every year. You have a different team. I’m trying to figure out exactly what this team needs. This team has been a little hungrier in spring ball because they didn’t win it. They weren’t in the Playoffs. So there’s a little more motivation there,” Kirby Smart said.

This can mean that the head coach and the team will enter 2024 with a chip on their shoulder.

“I was really proud of the way we finished the season... That’s part of football. That’s the storyline is you can win all these games consecutively, but if you don’t win the championship and you don’t advance, you look back and say, ‘What could we have done better?’”

Despite facing a disappointing end to the season, Smart is optimistic and aims to face the challenges of the new season.