It seems as though Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has his quarterback of the future — and it’s all thanks to offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.
The ‘Dawgs landed Jared Curtis — the top quarterback recruit in the 2026 class, according to On3 — following a March 2024 commitment and October decommitment, their highest-ranked prospect since Justin Fields in 2018.
Mike Bobo Credited for a Big Win with Curtis Amid Play Call Backlash
For On3 analyst J.D. PicKell, the Curtis recommitment is a sign that Kirby and Georgia haven’t lost a step on the recruiting trail.
“Georgia hasn’t lost a step on the recruiting trail,” PicKell said on “The Hard Count.” “If you thought they did, you were dead wrong … Kirby Smart landed this commitment from Jared Curtis not once but twice. You know how much of a dog you’ve got to be on the recruiting trail — no pun intended — to get a kid to recommit after he’s already decommitted from you? Like Jared Curtis is truly a program changer in my opinion, based on the complexion of what college football is trending towards.”
And PicKell had high praise for Bobo, calling him the reason the deal got done.
“Also, shout out Mike Bobo, dude,” PicKell said. “Everyone’s dunking on Mike Bobo for his play calls and the vertical passing game that’s been lacking and all those things. Mike Bobo got this deal done, let me make that very clear. Mike Bobo was a massive part as to why Jared Curtis chose Georgia. If you don’t have Mike Bobo, I don’t know that you land Jared Curtis and what he brings to the table.”
PicKell complimented Curtis’ game, focusing in on both his off-field demeanor and on-field traits, which have drawn him comparisons to Super Bowl champion Matthew Stafford.
“Now what I like about Jared Curtis,” PicKell said. “If you watched his commitment and the reaction to his commitment on the On3 YouTube channel, dude’s got some baller to him. Like he’s out there with the Georgia graphic tee, got the earrings in, got the little chain going, got the tat on the non-throwing arm, and has little sleeves. The other arm is strictly for buckets; I love that for my quarterback. Does it mean anything? I have no idea, but I want my quarterback to have that kind of swag, that kind of it factor for him. Which, again, from the outside looking in, Jared Curtis seems to have that.”
“Also, the mobility that he has. Jared Curtis is a legitimate playmaker, yeah, you see the arm talent when you watch his tape, he’s got the comp to Matthew Stafford for us here at On3, that’s a very lofty comp that I don’t think they’re making lightly, so the arm talent is there. He’s also a legit like threat on the ground, over 600 yards rushing a year ago for Nashville Christian, 18 touchdowns on the ground, that is the future of college football, a playmaker at quarterback.”
With the new 12-team College Football Playoff, PicKell believes a playmaker behind center is the key to success, and he thinks Curtis can provide that to the ‘Dawgs.
“What it means for Georgia is now you have a difference maker when you get to that 12-team playoff and it’s time to go make a run and win some ball games,” PicKell said. “There is no longer a world that exists where you win a national championship with a system quarterback. Those days are done. The reason is that you have to win three, maybe four games to win a national championship.
KEEP READING: Georgia Football Transfer Portal
“In those three or four games, you’re going to play a team that will apply pressure to you where you have to score points. Maybe their front seven is slightly more athletic, and they can force the issue with your quarterback. You got a statue back there, and you’ll lose that football game. We’ve seen it too many times. That’s not where this thing is headed.”
“So, for Georgia, good news, you got a dude who can wiggle wiggle and shake a little bit. I told you 18 rushing touchdowns so I love that factor with Jared Curtis and what he brings to the table.”
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