Georgia Recruits React to Bulldogs Reportedly Hiring Kirby Smart

With reports circulating that Georgia has hired Kirby Smart to fill its head coaching vacancy, a handful of Bulldogs targets have already let their feelings be known about the move.

According to Chip Towers of DawgNation, Smart—who is currently Alabama’s defensive coordinator—will be the man replacing Mark Richt “barring a last-minute snag.”

Smart is a Georgia native and Bulldogs alum who played safety at the program from 1995-98.

"

it's lit! #WelcomeHomeKirby

— William Poole III (@__WP3) December 2, 2015"

How are UGA’s top targets reacting to the news of the hire?

One of the more vocal supporters of the move was 2017 4-star cornerback William Poole III.

“The city of Athens should be partying tonight,” Poole told Bleacher Report.

The nation’s No. 11 corner and No. 95 player overall is clearly happy with the move, and he believes the overall sentiment from other prospects will be positive.

Poole, who already holds 39 offers, noted that while he was sad to see Richt move on, he still holds the Bulldogs program in high regard.

"

Boyyyyyyyyyy , coach Kirby between the hedges ??? pic.twitter.com/qIIGcrLr4P

— Richard LeCounte III (@LilEasy_35) December 2, 2015"

“I still have the same feelings for Georgia. [Richt’s] departure doesn’t affect how I feel about them at all,” Poole said. “They are still one of my top schools. I love Georgia as a school, not just because of Coach Richt or any other coach.”

Another top 2017 target, 5-star athlete Richard LeCounte III was pleased with how smooth the transition appears to be taking shape.

“Not a bad coaching change,” he told Bleacher Report.

Both Poole and LeCounte were also considering Alabama, with Smart being one of the reasons for their interest in the Crimson Tide.

The hire of Smart could also help the Bulldogs close the 2016 cycle on a strong note—especially with top defensive prospects such as 5-star defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

According to Kipp Adams of Dawgs247, the state’s top 2016 prospect approves of the Bulldogs’ new head coach.

"I think it is a great hire," Brown told Adams. "I got to sit down with him as the defensive coordinator and hang out, and he seems cool."

Brown also commented on the potential staff that Smart could put together, which includes the possibility of defensive line coach Tracy Rocker remaining in place.

"I feel better about Georgia now," Brown said. "I am going to go up there and hang out with them for my official and see how that goes." 

"

#WelcomeHomeKirby 

— Mr. Pancake (@Ej_Price77) December 2, 2015"

Additionally, top targets such as 5-star linebacker Lyndell Wilson and 5-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. took to Twitter to react to the changes in Athens.

Given Smart’s ties to the Georgia program and his success recruiting the Peach State during his tenure in Tuscaloosa, the Bulldogs’ recruiting efforts figure to gain momentum from the moment he arrives in Athens.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand and all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani