4-star IOL Cortez Smith commits to Georgia: ‘The coaches, the players and the community behind them are great’

Georgia was one of the first schools to offer Snellville (Ga.) Parkview four-star interior offensive lineman Cortez Smith. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound recruit received it during his sophomore season. 

Smith has already visited the Bulldogs 10 times, including for an official visit from June 21-23. Georgia Tech and Miami gave him a lot to think about, but Smith knew he wanted to play for head coach Kirby Smart and his staff a few days after concluding his trip. Smith made that decision official on Saturday by committing to Georgia. 

“The attention to detail and how they play made Georgia stand out,” Smith told On3. “The coaches, the players and the community behind them are great.” 

Smith feels ‘welcome’ at Georgia

Smith’s official visit to Athens was important in his decision because he was impressed by the consistency and attention to detail of Georgia’s players. Having long standing relationships with the Bulldogs’ coaches and players also contributed to his decision to choose the SEC program. 

Smith, the No. 19 player in Georgia, plans to play center for the Bulldogs and is excited to eventually suit up at Sanford Stadium on Saturdays. 

“The whole community behind the school is awesome and I want to be a part of that,” said Smith, the No. 155 overall prospect and No. 9 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 On300. 

“I feel welcome there and it’s down the road from me,” he added.

Two coaches played a key role in Smith’s decision

Georgia is heading into the fall as one of the favorites to earn the national championship. The Bulldogs won back-to-back titles recently under Smart, who made a strong impression on Smith throughout his recruitment. 

“He’s really down-to-earth, but he’s going to keep it real with you,” Smith said. “He’s going to tell you what you need to do.” 

The ability to compete for titles and attend a school that consistently sends players to the NFL “played a big role” in Smith’s pledge to Georgia. Once he arrives on campus, he is excited to compete under the tutelage of offensive line coach Stacy Searels. 

Smith spoke with Searels often as Georgia pushed to land his pledge. The Bulldogs assistant was one of the coaches who made him feel like a “priority” to the in-state program. 

“He’s a great coach,” Smith said. “… He’s definitely going to make sure I’m the best player I can be when I come out of Georgia. As a person, he’s a humble guy. He’s a good guy to talk to.”