ATLATNA () — Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart is known as one of the best recruiters in college football and really focusing on in-state recruits.

At this year’s SEC Media Days, asked Coach Smart to explain his recent success in landing the top athletes from the Hostess City.

This season, there are two Savannah natives on the roster. Five-star defensive lineman Elijah Griffin went to high school at Savannah Christian. Three-star wide receiver Thomas Blackshear spent his first two seasons at Benedictince and his junior and senior years at Calvary Day.

In the past, Nolan Smith played in Athens. The outside linebacker helped Georgia win two national championships. This past season, Savannah Christian alum Warren Brinson completed his time at UGA.

“Savannah has grown,” Smart said. “You know, Nolan was from down there and went to IMG and Warren Brison just finished up with us. I mean, it’s one of the larger cities in the state of Georgia. So when you start talking about finding quality football players, population draws that. The youth football programs down there have gotten better and better. I tell people in the community, if you want to support Georgia, support your own community.”

The Bulldogs open their 2025 campaign on Aug. 30 at home against Marshall at 3:30 p.m.