**Coach Smart Praises QB Ryan Puglisi’s Impressive Growth and Development**
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has never been one to hand out excessive praise unless it’s truly earned. So, when he speaks glowingly about a player’s development, it’s worth paying attention. This season, one name that has consistently drawn praise from the coaching staff is redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Puglisi. The young signal-caller, who arrived in Athens as a highly touted recruit, has made significant strides in his game, earning the admiration of his coaches and teammates alike.
Puglisi, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound quarterback from Avon, Connecticut, was a four-star prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. Known for his strong arm, quick release, and football IQ, he was expected to be a key piece of Georgia’s future at the quarterback position. However, transitioning from high school to the SEC is no small task, and Puglisi’s early days in the program were marked by the typical growing pains of a freshman adjusting to the speed and complexity of college football.
Despite the challenges, Puglisi’s work ethic and willingness to learn quickly set him apart. “Ryan is one of those guys who just puts his head down and goes to work,” Smart said in a recent press conference. “He’s always the first one in the building and the last one to leave. You love to see that kind of dedication from a young player.”
One of the most notable areas of improvement for Puglisi has been his command of the offense. Early in his tenure at Georgia, he occasionally struggled with pre-snap reads and defensive recognition—common hurdles for young quarterbacks. However, through relentless film study and extra reps with the coaching staff, he has developed a much sharper understanding of defensive schemes. “He’s seeing the field at a completely different level now,” Smart noted. “He’s making quicker decisions, anticipating throws, and understanding where the pressure is coming from. That’s a huge leap for any quarterback.”
Puglisi’s physical tools have never been in question. His arm strength allows him to make all the necessary throws, from deep sideline routes to tight-window intermediate passes. What has impressed the coaching staff even more, though, is his improved touch and accuracy. “Early on, he had a tendency to rely too much on his arm talent,” said Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. “Now, he’s learning when to put air under the ball, when to zip it in there, and how to lead receivers into open space. That’s the mark of a quarterback who’s maturing.”
Another critical aspect of Puglisi’s growth has been his leadership. Quarterbacks at Georgia are expected to be vocal leaders, and while Puglisi was initially reserved as a freshman, he has gradually taken on a more prominent role in the locker room. Teammates have taken notice of his increased confidence, both on and off the field. “Ryan’s always been a hard worker, but now you can see him stepping up, encouraging guys, and holding people accountable,” said senior wide receiver Dominic Lovett. “That’s what you need from your QB.”
Perhaps the most telling sign of Puglisi’s progress came during Georgia’s spring practices, where he consistently outperformed expectations. With incumbent starter Carson Beck moving on to the NFL, the Bulldogs entered the offseason with an open competition for the starting job. While Puglisi is still competing with fellow quarterbacks Gunner Stockton and incoming five-star recruit Jaden Rashada, his performances in scrimmages and live drills have made a strong case for him to earn significant playing time.
“He’s making plays that you only see from guys who truly understand the system,” Smart said after one particularly impressive spring scrimmage. “He’s not just relying on talent anymore—he’s processing at a high level, and that’s exciting for us as coaches.”
Puglisi’s development is also a testament to Georgia’s quarterback development program. Under Smart’s leadership, the Bulldogs have produced a string of successful quarterbacks, from Jake Fromm to Stetson Bennett to Carson Beck. The coaching staff’s ability to identify areas for improvement and tailor their teaching to each player’s strengths has been a key factor in Puglisi’s rapid ascent.
Of course, there’s still room for growth. Puglisi will need to continue refining his footwork, improving his consistency under pressure, and gaining more in-game experience. The SEC is a league filled with elite defenses, and even the most talented quarterbacks face steep learning curves. However, the foundation is clearly there, and if Puglisi maintains his current trajectory, he could soon find himself as the next great Georgia quarterback.
For now, Coach Smart is focused on ensuring that Puglisi stays on the right path. “The biggest thing for Ryan is to keep stacking good days,” Smart said. “He’s come a long way, but the best quarterbacks are the ones who keep improving, keep learning, and stay hungry. From what I’ve seen, he’s got that mindset.”
As the Bulldogs prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the quarterback competition. Whether Puglisi wins the starting job outright or serves in a backup role initially, his growth over the past year has been undeniable. With his combination of physical talent, football intelligence, and relentless work ethic, the future looks bright for Ryan Puglisi—and Georgia fans have every reason to be excited.
In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, player development can make all the difference between a good team and a championship contender. If Puglisi’s upward trend continues, he may very well be the next quarterback to lead Georgia to glory. And if Coach Smart’s praise is any indication, that day might come sooner than expected.
