Kirby Smart identifies what Georgia looks for in quarterback recruits

Kirby Smart doesn’t accidentally stumble across talents like Carson Beck. On Wednesday, the Georgia head coach revealed what he looks for in a quarterback.

“The physical traits are size, speed, intelligence. For the intangible traits, character, what the kid’s makeup is, the velocity with which he throws the ball,” Smart said. “We have guys that throw it hard. We’ve had guys that can’t throw it hard. They’ve had different levels of success. The common denominator for us has been intelligence, ability to create and extend plays.”

Smart believes 2024 signee Ryan Puglisi possesses all of these qualities. Puglisi is a four-star quarterback and the No. 9 QB in his class, according to On3 Industry Rankings.

Standing at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Puglisi can deliver bullets to his receivers. His arm isn’t limited to the gridiron. Puglisi can throw a 93-mile-per-hour fastball and is a legitimate MLB prospect. Nonetheless, Smart knows Puglisi belongs on the field with his fellow Bulldogs.

Kirby Smart raves about Ryan Puglisi

“Ryan came down here, I bet 5 or 6 times,” Smart said. “He checked the box every time for the right kind of kid, the right kind of competitor. He’s embraced the part about learning. He sees himself as a guy that needs to come in and develop under a system. He’s seen Carson’s success, so I think he understands that. He wants to grow and get better. 

“Quarterback is the leader of the team and leader of your class. He’s a really intelligent, fun kid to be around. He’s been out here at practices, competing. He’s got a really live arm. He’s another one of these baseball guys that can catch it and get it out really fast, which I think is really important in today’s day and age.”

Puglisi provides Georgia with much-needed depth after former five-star quarterback Brock Vandagriff transferred to Kentucky earlier this month. Vandagriff’s decision will firmly place Puglisi next in line to lead Georgia’s offense when Beck moves on.

Puglisi is ready for the challenge.

“I was looking for a school where I would be around the best and pushed to my limits. I want to be coached hard and pushed to my limits. Georgia is the prime example of what I was looking for,” Puglisi told On3’s Chad Simmons upon committing. “I will be pushed by the best, I will be surrounded by the best and I will be coached by the best. The culture at Georgia is supreme excellence. I have always wanted to be around great people. That is what I see at Georgia.”