ESPN NEWS NOW: multiple insiders reveals Atlanta Falcons’ Raheem Morris is ‘jealous’ of Kirby Smart’s success at Georgia

First-year Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris has watched Georgia’s college football success from afar in recent years and praised this week the Bulldogs’ program, which he intends to replicate in the NFL. Morris believes Georgia’s ability to identify and nurture players has piqued the interest of coaches around the country.

“Jealously is my relationship with Kirby Smart,” Morris stated Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to AJC. “Let’s go win some titles, like that man. They’ve done nothing but develop an excellent program.”

Georgia’s 2024 signing class is ranked first nationally, marking another impressive grab from Smart and his legion of talented assistant coaches. Georgia boasts the most elite bunch in five years, and it should continue the program’s tradition of producing draft picks and winning championships.
“They’ve done nothing but formulate a great program,” Morris went on to say. “Again, it begins with the people. I was just watching him win titles. It’s been entertaining to see. It’s been exciting to see Georgia produce such talented individuals. I know where I reside now is a major Georgia contingency. I need to buy my Bulldog hats and support what those guys are doing.”

The broader Atlanta area is obviously packed with Georgia fans, many of whom have been around for decades of success, which has reached a fever pitch in recent years under Smart during the program’s march to two national titles.

The Falcons have many picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including a slot in the top ten at No. 8 overall. Morris and Atlanta could have the opportunity to select Georgia’s Brock Bowers or offensive tackle Amarius Mims, both of whom are expected to be named early on Day 1.

Morris was hired in January to turn around the NFL team in Peach State. He previously worked as the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator for the last three seasons and was a head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009 to 2011.

Smart and the Bulldogs are likely to be preseason No. 1 in August, unless Ohio State or Texas earn the honour from media members. Carson Beck returns at quarterback, as do a number of quality offensive playmakers and a couple of All-American contenders on defence, notably safety Malaki Starks.

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Georgia went undefeated during the regular season in 2023 before being eliminated from the playoffs after losing to Alabama in the SEC Championship game. The Bulldogs defeated Florida State 63-3 in the Orange Bowl and finished as one of the nation’s best teams.