ATHENS — Kirby Smart made a quick drop-by at the UGA Athletic Association’s board meeting on Tuesday. And as always, recruiting was on his mind.
He tried to recruit former football letterman Jon Stinchcomb to play tackle during the G-Day spring football game.
“I think he can still play a little bit,” he said to Stinchcomb, who retired a few years ago from the New Orleans Saints.
“Hopefully, we’re not that bad off,” Stinchcomb retorted as the crowded room broke into laughter.
While he was joking, Smart was on a recruiting mission of sorts. He continues to drum up support for his initiative to sell out Sanford Stadium for the April 16th G-Day Game. Smart, in his first year as the Bulldogs’ football coach, has called for 93,000 fans to come to the annual spring intrasquad scrimmage as a show of unity for the football program.
And, as always, to bolster Georgia’s recruiting efforts.
“I just wanted to say how much I appreciate the support this group has given the university,” said Smart, still dressed in coaching garb to the business-attire group. “We hope that continues. Obviously we’re looking for a great turnout for the G-Day Game. All the avenues you guys have to pursue that attendance is really important to me and important to the team and important to the players. I appreciate President Morehead and Greg McGarity as well. So if we can get a great turnout for that, that speaks volumes for us.”
Smart also delivered a similar message to the crowd gathered on Woodruff Practice Fields for the Indoor Athletic Facility earlier in the day Tuesday. And like in that instance, he was quick and to the point. He left immediately with his special assistant Mike Cavan to return to the football complex.