Kirby Smart reveals talks with Kelee Ringo, not letting National Championship interception stunt his growth

Kelee Ringo already has his spot in Georgia history due to his championship-clinching pick six against Alabama, but Kirby Smart believes there’s more for the Bulldogs defensive back to accomplish.

Speaking with the media, Smart revealed his talks with Ringo about not letting one play stunt his football growth, and how he’s keeping his focus narrow on the goals ahead.

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“I think Kelee’s done a great job,” stated Smart. “You worry about a play like that going to a guy’s head, or maybe not realizing his deficiencies and how he could improve on them. We’ve had several talks in the off-season, and he embraced it. He was the first to admit, like I’m not where I need to be. He had some plays in that game that weren’t so good. He admitted that, and he said I can improve and that’s what I want to do.

“He’s been a leader, he’s been an every day work guy. I’m expecting him to have a great season because of the work he’s put in. He’s worked really hard to be a good player.”

Continuing, Smart elaborated on what Ringo has continually improved upon throughout the offseason.

“He’d be the first to admit, the play doesn’t define the player. I think so many people, fans want to do that, but he can’t let that do that to him, otherwise he’s limiting himself to plateauing where he is, and he can still ascend,” added Smart. “He’s still a young player, he’s only really played two years of football with us.

“So he has a lot of things he can improve on, and that he’s worked really hard on. He’s gotten so much better with his tackling and his physicality, and he continues to improve on that.”

As you can see, Kirby Smart wants nothing more than to get the best out of Kelee Ringo, regardless of how bright his star has already shined for Georgia.

Kirby Smart hilariously recalls his reaction to infamous Kelee Ringo pick-six

Moreover, Kirby Smart was the spirit animal of all Georgia faithful while Kelee Ringo was trucking to the end zone for his memorable pick-six during the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

During the play, Smart was seen jumping for joy as the Bulldogs effectively clinched their first title in over 40 seasons. Earlier this summer, the Georgia coach the ended the drought joined the SEC Network crew at SEC Media Days to recall his hilarious reaction to the infamous play by Ringo.

“Yeah, I was telling him to get down,” joked Smart. “But the reason I was telling him to get down nobody understands. There was guy coming behind him, and receivers are taught to do what?

“.. So I was worried about him turning the ball over. Then I said ‘Score!’ at about the twelve-yard line.”

In the moment Kirby Smart may have wanted Kelee Ringo to get down, but now he wouldn’t change a thing about a play that will live on in Athens for generations.