If you have watched player interviews since Kirby Smart became head coach of the Dawgs, you have likely observed a gradual shift toward a more articulate and passionate roster. To be clear, I am not suggesting that earlier recruits were less intelligent. It is evident, however, that player buy-in levels have soared in the latest recruiting classes. The next logical question is, “Why?”
Kirby Smart often talks about “The Why.” Different folks respond to various motivations. For many college football players today, money in the form of NIL is their primary motivation for choosing one school over others.