BREAKING: QB Ryan Puglisi Commits to Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
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ATHENS - The Georgia Bulldogs have found their quarterback of the future in 2024 gunslinger, Ryan Puglisi.
After missing on five-star Arch Manning in the 2023 class, the Georgia staff moved on to the 2024 class, and today they’ve landed a commitment from one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the country.
The 6-foot-3 205-pounder out of Avon Old Farms (CT) has been on Georgia’s radar since earlier this spring and earned an offer from the Bulldogs on June 16th after wowing the Bulldog staff with an impressive camp performance. Sources say once Puglisi earned the offer he became a top priority for Kirby Smart, Todd Monken, Buster Faulkner, and the rest of the offensive staff.
Puglisi spoke with Christian McCollum of Irish Sports Daily about why he chose Georgia.
“First off, it’s just an excellent place”, Puglisi told McCollum. “I love coach Todd Monken and I love head coach Kirby Smart. I think the rest of the staff really cares for me as a person as well. Coach Scott Cochran, coach Buster Faulkner, along with Coach Monken and Coach Smart, we’ve created a very strong relationship over the last few months.”
There were a lot of staff members who had a part in Puglisi’s recruitment. Not only did the offensive staff do their best to win over Puglisi, but special teams coordinator Scott Cochran also helped reel in the talented passer to Athens.
“Ever since September 1st I’ve just been talking to them a ton and they really showed me that they care between daily texts and weekly phone calls. I’ve been on the phone with coach Smart a few times a week now. It feels weird to get used to it but it’s surreal to sit back and know that coaches at the University of Georgia want me to come on board. It’s something I’m very grateful for.”
Puglisi knows all about Georgia football. Everyone does. Not only did Monken’s ability to develop quarterbacks win him over, but Puglisi said the culture, atmosphere, and overall vibe impressed as well.
“I just love the culture there”, Puglisi added. “Obviously Georgia football is well known and one of the biggest brands in football. They have great coaches down there and a great atmosphere. I’m super excited to be there this weekend to take in a gameday atmosphere.”
“They like my arm talent and I think they believe in me”, Puglisi added. “I know there will be some doubts since I’m not as highly ranked as other quarterbacks they’ve recruited in the past. They believe in what I offer as a quarterback and that means a lot.”
What’s next for Puglisi now that he’s publicly committed to Georgia?
“100%” I have to build the class. I think I’m going to be silent about it. I’ll reach out to guys directly instead of doing it publicly.”
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Dawg Post caught up with Avon Old Farms head coach Jonathan Wholley who shared some thoughts on what Georgia is getting in his star quarterback.
“It all starts with arm talent”, Wholley said. “He has an elite ability to throw the ball from different positions. The throws a baseball 93 MPH and he’s a legitimate shortstop and pitching prospect for the MLB. He has a super strong arm.”
Wholley shared a story about Puglisi throwing earlier this year in 20 degree temperatures, zipping the ball all over the field. Puglisi had just got to Avon Old Farms and he knew right then that Puglisi had special arm talent.
“He has good temperament, he’s a hard worker, a good leader, and at 16-years old, he’s willing to get better. There’s not a lot of up and down. He’s not influenced by things outside football or things that happen during the game. He gets better and better every day.”
Of course, a lot of quarterbacks are good athletes with talented arms, but they don’t know how to play quarterback. The same can’t be said for Georgia’s newest commitment.
“He’s an elite thrower of the football but he’s becoming a great quarterback as well. He just throws the ball effortlessly and understands the game and what he needs to do. He knows how to be a QB, working to be the best leader that he can be. He knows how to work and he’s developing as a quarterback, processing the information and seeing the big picture.”
His arm talent is easy to see, but Puglisi knows how to make plays with his feet as well. He shows great footwork in the pocket, can throw accurately on the run, and can take off for a big gain if he needs too.
“He runs about a 4.8”, Wholley added. “He’s a good athlete. Again, he’s a draftable shortstop and basketball player. He’s had multiple 20 and 30 yard runs for us this year.”
Playing in Connecticut, it’s easy to say “well, he doesn’t play against anyone”. That would make sense, but it’s not entirely accurate. Puglisi plays the best of the best in Connecticut and has already played the Loomis Chaffee School, a program full of top-tier prospects.
In the end, there’s a lot to like about Georgia’s newest quarterback commit. Don’t let the current three-star ranking fool you. The Georgia staff is fully on board with Puglisi, who will see his ranking in the recruiting industry take a giant leap forward later this fall.