By: Seth Ellerbee

ATLANTA -- Georgia High School Football Hall of Fame Executive Director I.J Rosenberg opened t3he fourth-annual Hall of Fame ceremony bringing attention to University of Georgia football coach – and 2025 inductee -- Kirby Smart.

“You know you have made it,” Rosenberg said in a ceremony at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta Saturday. “When you have the greatest college football coach in the nation in the building tonight.”

The nostalgic crowd cheered as pictures of Smart during his time as a player at the University which he now coaches.“

Look at the state now,” Smart said, referencing Georgia Tech and Georgia, each ranked in the Top 10 in the latest College Football poll. “And we are stacked with high school players from Georgia. We have the greatest in the nation.”

Rosenberg’s opening remarks came after VIP Guests enjoyed open bars and a dinner buffet with a fantastic food selection. The salad with countless toppings/dressings made a great pair with the brussels sprouts for sides.

The mains consisted of either pan-roasted salmon, roasted chicken or perfectly grilled beef tenderloin as well as a country corn chowder. The dessert offerings included marbled cheesecake, fruit tarts and strawberry sheet cake.

The Hall of Fame welcomed 2024 inductee Jerry Mays to walk down the aisle after he was unable to attend last season. Then, the Hall recognized two of the most storied high school football teams.

Players, coaches and cheerleaders from the 1971 Valdosta Wildcats and the 1976 Warner Robins Demons were in attendance to represent their legendary teams, each of whom were state and national champions.

Other inductees in the 2025 Class included Keith Brooking, Isaiah Crowell, Robert Edwards, Josh Nesbitt, Cam Newton, Greg Reid, Lindsay Scott, Sterling Sharpe and Walt Frazier.

To see the entire 2025 Inductee Class, follow the link here.