“Deion [Sanders] Said The Same Thing, Got Crucified”: Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Approach Puts Coach Prime in Unfair Spotlight Amid Internet Backlash

For many rising programs, when the transfer portal opens, it creates room for anxiety in the minds of the HCs. This season, for instance, Colorado leads the list of the programs with the most transfer departures in the 2024 cycle. This became a hot topic because Coach Prime threw subtle hints that he doesn’t mind players leaving or staying. 

But what if the HC of a leading college football program shares the same opinion? Kirby Smart is a successful HC in his nine seasons in Georgia and he knows the power of the program and how it’s more important than an individual player. So when somebody reveals his statement, the internet can’t remain low on comparisons.

WR Miles Thornton’s revelation draws a comparison 

According to an IG post by 247Sports, this is what Miles Thornton said of the Georgia HC, “Kirby says all the time, if we lose you, that’s ok. We will replace you. He keep it a hundred percent… If you want to somewhere else, that’s fine. We will find two of you.” But fans also love to keep it a hundred percent as an IG user commented, “Deion [Sanders] said the same thing and got crucified. I’m not even a Colorado fan but the double standards are crazy at this one.”

Colorado now has 40+ players who hit the transfer portal. But despite this, Coach Prime incites his fans to maintain their trust in him and as he says, “What are we losing?… Please have some faith in me. We good. We’re alright.” To top off his positive attitude, he said, “I think we got some [starting-caliber players] coming in from visits pretty soon, maybe even this weekend, but we can attract those type of players. I don’t think we’re losing those types of players, and if we do, we’re good.” Given the hints of similarity between the two HCs, Colorado and Georgia fans are divided in the comments. 

Fans share their divided opinions on Instagram 

A fan joins the conversation by posting, “This the same thing Coach Prime said and he catching slack for it.” Colorado lost 41 players in the portal which is a sharp blow to his reputation. But if they’re in line with the same recruiting mindset, how come the Bulldogs only lost four players? 

A user commented, “Kirby and Prime are not even in the same stratosphere. One has proven he can actually do it.” The Georgia’s HC already has two National Championships, six CFP appearances, and more while Colorado just ended with a 4-8 record last season under their new HC. It’s like comparing a rookie to an epic rising player. 

Thus, a fan summarized, “Trying to even compare Smart and Prime is absurd to begin with.” 

Another user breaks down the scene for easier reading saying, “Basically, we’ll win with you or we’ll win without you. Pick your side.” 

Smart’s approach also gains approval from another fan who posted, “Every coach should have that same mentality.”