Georgia’s Kirby Smart lands via helicopter at Plant (Florida) for recruiting visit

Kirby made a lasting impression by showing up to 4-time state champion Plant via helicopter

Whenever you get a visit from a head coach from a college football national championship-caliber program, it's a big deal. 

On Thursday afternoon, Plant High School in Tampa got a visit from one of the best coaches in the college landscape. 

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart stopped by the Panthers' Dads Stadium for a quick visit to see Plant head coach Hank Brown and meet 4-star running back Waltez Clark, a 2025 prospect. Clark is committed to the University of Florida. 

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart with Plant head coach Hank Brown (Photo provided by Plant Football)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart talking to Plant RB/LB Waltez Clark (Photo provided by Plant Football)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart shaking hands with Plant RB/LB Waltez Clark (Photo provided by Plant Football)

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart's helicopter on the field at Dads Stadium in Tampa (Photo provided by Plant Football)

Plant is coming off a solid 2023 campaign under Brown, who led the Panthers to the Class 4M state semifinals. With many key returners back in the mix in 2024, the Panthers should remain a contender when it comes to winning a state championship. 

Clark is one of the most coveted running backs of the 2025 recruiting class after the last two seasons he's had. This past season at Plant, Clark finished the season rushing for 476 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. 

Georgia's 2024 recruiting class consists of 28 commitments and is rated No. 1 nationally, according to 247Sports. 

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl