Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Kirby Smart took helicopter to recruit's school after he de-committed from Alabama

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 1/16/24

Don't say Georgia head coach Kirby Smart won't pull out all the stops to land a top recruit.

Mason Short, a 4-star 2025 offensive lineman from Evans, Georgia, (Evans High School) has to be feeling like a priority for UGA after Smart showed up at his school in a helicopter.

The Big Dawg came in today to Evans!@MasonShort_ @KirbySmartUGA @EHSKnightsFB @UGAfootballLive @AthleticsEvans @RustyMansell_ @jeffsentell @ChadSimmons_ pic.twitter.com/O959jThEHE
— Barrett Davis (@barrettdavis4) January 16, 2024

That move alone is a pretty bold recruiting flex from Smart, but it's made even more impressive because this happened in the hours after Short de-committed from rival Alabama.

Short had been committed to Alabama since April of 2023, but the recent retirement of legendary Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban has shaken a lot of branches off the tree in Tuscaloosa. Kalen DeBoer, who just led Washington to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, was quickly named as Saban's replacement — but the Tide is quickly changing at Alabama (pun intended).

Speaking of intended puns, coach Smart was "smart" to get in touch with Short as soon as possible. According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Short is the No. 8 interior offensive lineman recruit in his class and at nearly 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds already, he would be a huge commitment for Georgia if the Bulldogs are indeed able to win him over.

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