Wes Johnson reveals the type of players he's looking for at Georgia

Wes Johnson is determined to take Georgia baseball to new levels. But to accomplish those lofty goals, he’ll need even more determined players.

During his introductory press conference, the new head coach discussed what he’s looking for in players he recruits. Even Georgia’s enemies must admit the speech was stirring.

“At the end of the day, it’s going to come down to this,” Johnson said, “Are you going to be so invested in the University of Georgia and University of Georgia baseball program and when you put that ‘G’ on, you’re ready to go.

“You’re ready to do things that you may never thought you could do before. But when you look back, you’re gonna go, ‘Wow, that was that was actually enjoyable, but maybe it was hard.’ That’s what I’m looking for.”

If Johnson can find those players, he’ll have success. He certainly has no shortage of victories in the past. In one year with LSU, he mentored the best pitcher in the nation, Paul Skenes. Furthermore, he created a talented bullpen to boost the Tigers to their first national title since 2009.

Before coaching at LSU, Johnson was the first pitching coach in MLB history to go directly from the college ranks to the professionals when he was hired by the Minnesota Twins in November 2018. Johnson is a proven talent and intends on adding to his resumé.

“We’re gonna do some things that have been done here in a while,” Johnson said. “I’m looking for people who, when they put [the Georgia jersey] on, they’re ready to go. They know that they’re not only representing themselves but the university and a great baseball program.”

The Bulldogs haven’t been great lately. Georgia went 11-19 last season in conference play, finishing second from last in the SEC Standings. Furthermore, the program last made the College World Series in 2008 and last won the CWS in 1990.

Johnson isn’t waiting long to change the narrative. The Georgia head coach persuaded LSU’s director of baseball operations, Josh Simpson, to join the staff as the Bulldogs’ recruiting coordinator. Immediate action like that is why Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks hired Johnson and expects him to succeed.

“There were some fundamental things we were looking for. Someone who could help with player development, someone who had a history of success, and what I really like about Coach Wes, is success at many levels,” Brooks said. “Someone who could recruit at a high level, someone who is a leader of young men, overall a great person.”