Jackson Muschamp’s late decision to turn down an opportunity to play quarterback at Colorado State under scholarship to instead walk-on at Georgia caused a stir leading into National Signing Day.

Some have even suggested that Jackson’s decision means Will Muschamp may eventually return to his alma mater to work under Kirby Smart. In reality, Jackson’s decision to walk-on at Georgia appears to make his father’s return to Athens all the less likely.

During his Wednesday National Signing Day press conference, the South Carolina coach explained why his son did not pursue a scholarship offer at Colorado State and decided to walk-on at Georgia.

“Georgia’s been recruiting Jackson since summer. He went over there to summer camp. He had a really good camp, and they were very impressed with him,” Muschamp shared on his son’s recruitment. “They felt like in a walk-on situation they’d love to have him on their roster.”

Muschamp went on to share that his son’s familiarity with Kirby Smart also played a role in Jackson’s decision. In addition to that level of comfortability, Muschamp shared that Jackson made the decision long ago that playing for his father would not be something he would be interested in exploring.

“Coach Smart’s known Jackson since he was born. So, obviously there’s a relationship there,” Muschamp said. “So, I felt like it was a good fit for him. It’s what he wanted to do.

“He also in that conversation that we had a long time ago is, ‘Dad, I don’t want to be where you are. Whether it’s at Texas, if it’s South Carolina, if it’s at Florida, or wherever it is, Auburn, I want to blaze my own path, and be my own man.’ And I totally respect that. That’s a unique position because it’s a quarterback position and it’s not a receiver, it’s not a DB where you’ve got an opportunity to maybe get on special teams, to maybe play, to maybe get on the bus to be on the kickoff team or the punt. Well that’s not happening at that position.

“And then he made a statement for a very young man at that time. I believe he was in eighth grade when he said that, ‘If I go where you are, the reason why I’m playing is because of you, and the reason why I’m not playing is because of you, and I don’t want to get into that.’ And you know what? He’s right. So, I’m proud of him and the opportunity that he’s going to get and look forward to competing against him.”

Based on that exchange Jackson had with his father, it would appear Georgia just added a quarterback with wisdom well beyond his age. Now it’s easy to see why Smart wanted Jackson Muschamp to join his UGA program.