Bulldog Coaches Leave a Lasting Impression on No. 2 Tight End Brock Williams During G-Day Visit

As Georgia wrapped up its annual spring game with all the tradition, excitement, and anticipation fans have come to expect in Athens, one of the most closely watched visitors inside Sanford Stadium wasn’t already donning red and black. Instead, he was evaluating, observing, and experiencing what the program had to offer—and if the Bulldogs’ coaching staff has anything to say about it, Brock Williams’ next trip to Athens could very well be as a commitment.

Williams, the No. 2 tight end in the country according to most major recruiting services, was on hand for G-Day and walked away with his expectations exceeded. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, the athletic, highly-coveted prospect out of New Jersey has the size and skillset to contribute early wherever he ends up. After his time in Athens, it’s safe to say Georgia made a significant move in his recruitment.

Georgia’s G-Day serves as more than just a culmination of spring practice—it’s a showcase. A sellout crowd, a national television audience, and a first-hand look at the intensity and structure of a championship-caliber program all wrapped into one weekend. And for a player like Williams, who’s weighing some of the biggest decisions of his life, every detail matters. From the way the coaches interact with players, to the tempo of practice, to the offensive scheme and even the camaraderie in the locker room—each element contributes to the overall impression. And in this case, the Bulldogs hit all the right notes.

Williams spent much of his visit speaking with tight ends coach Todd Hartley, who has developed a reputation as one of the top recruiters and developers of talent at the position in all of college football. Hartley, who helped mold Brock Bowers into arguably the most dynamic tight end in recent memory, didn’t hold back in showing Williams exactly how he could fit into Georgia’s system. That personal connection, along with tangible examples of past success, clearly made a difference.

“He’s real with me,” Williams said of Hartley. “He doesn’t sugarcoat things. He lets me know exactly what’s expected of guys who play tight end at Georgia, but also how they’re going to put me in a position to succeed. That’s big for me. I want a coach who’s going to challenge me and help me get to that next level, and Coach Hartley is definitely that guy.”

Of course, Hartley isn’t the only Bulldog coach making a pitch to Williams. Head coach Kirby Smart made his presence known during the visit as well, taking time to talk with Williams about the program’s culture, expectations, and the brotherhood that fuels the team’s success. For a young man exploring a future hundreds of miles from home, that connection with the head coach is essential. Smart’s ability to make top-tier prospects feel like a priority while keeping the program’s focus on winning has been a driving force in Georgia’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail.

And dominance is not an overstatement. Georgia is fresh off back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022, with a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023, and has continued to reload with elite talent. With that kind of consistency at the top, it’s no wonder prospects like Williams are giving the Bulldogs serious consideration. But even with all the accolades, the coaches haven’t grown complacent. Their hunger, energy, and vision for the future were all on full display over G-Day weekend.

“It’s one thing to see what Georgia has done,” Williams said, “but it’s another to see how hungry they still are. The coaches aren’t just living off those championships. They want more. They expect more. That’s the kind of environment I want to be in.”

While the gameday atmosphere certainly left an impression, Williams also took in the finer details of Georgia’s offense during the scrimmage. The tight end position, as expected, was heavily featured—something that didn’t go unnoticed. Despite the departure of Bowers to the NFL, it’s clear that the Bulldogs plan to continue utilizing the position in versatile and creative ways. Multiple sets featuring tight ends as pass-catchers, blockers, and even motion threats were part of the G-Day script, which allowed Williams to visualize himself in that role.

“Watching the way they use tight ends—it’s legit,” Williams said. “They move them all over the field. They’re not just sitting there next to the tackle blocking every play. They’re running routes, creating mismatches, doing a little bit of everything. That’s the kind of role I want.”

The day also included plenty of interactions with current players, giving Williams a glimpse into what it’s like to be part of the Bulldog family. For many recruits, that player-to-player perspective can be just as influential as anything a coach says. Williams noted that the authenticity of the team stood out—guys weren’t putting on a show because it was a big recruiting weekend. They were just being themselves, and that honesty carried weight.

“A lot of places, you can kind of tell when people are faking it,” Williams said. “But here, it just felt real. The players were relaxed, but focused. They treated each other like family, and they welcomed me like I was already one of them. That really hit home.”

That kind of culture is what Kirby Smart has worked to build—and preserve—even as Georgia has risen to the top of college football. It’s a culture built on accountability, competitiveness, and connection. It’s no coincidence that Georgia’s top recruits often speak about the “family feel” of the program. For players like Williams, that balance between high expectations and genuine support could be the deciding factor.

As the spring visit season winds down and summer approaches, Williams plans to trim his list and take official visits. While no public list of finalists has been announced, Georgia is clearly in a strong position following G-Day. Other programs in the mix include Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama, and Penn State—each of which has made Williams a priority and will no doubt continue pushing hard in the months to come.

Still, the momentum from Athens can’t be ignored. In a recruitment often filled with flash, the Bulldogs’ substance stood out. And for a player like Williams, who is seeking a long-term fit more than just short-term hype, that matters.

“I want to be developed. I want to be challenged. And I want to win,” Williams said. “Those are the biggest things I’m looking for. Georgia showed me that they can offer all three.”

As the tight end dominoes begin to fall across the 2025 class, Georgia’s clear vision for how to use a player like Brock Williams gives them a compelling edge. And with Hartley’s track record, Smart’s leadership, and a culture that continues to breed excellence, the Bulldogs aren’t just making a pitch—they’re making a case that Williams may find hard to ignore.

Recruiting battles for top-5 national prospects often come down to relationships, trust, and clarity. After G-Day, Georgia checked all three boxes in a big way. While Williams will continue to do his due diligence and take other visits, the impression left in Athens could loom large when it comes time for a decision.

Nothing is guaranteed in recruiting, but if this weekend was any indication, Georgia might just be leading the charge for one of the most sought-after tight ends in the country.