Wes Johnson stepped foot in Athens for the first time as Georgia baseball coach on Tuesday.

It came eight days after Georgia announced the LSU pitching coach to replace Scott Stricklin.

Johnson's introductory news conference two days after LSU clinched a spot in the College World Series. He’s got duties still to finish at LSU which opens CWS play against Tennessee Saturday in Omaha.

The 51-year old Johnson takes over a program that reached the NCAA regionals three times during Stricklin’s 10 seasons.

"We think we found a leader to take us to the next level in baseball," athletic director Josh Brooks said.

More: 'I'd go to war with that guy:' Wes Johnson left lasting impression on path to UGA baseball

Georgia has made the College World Series six times, winning it in 1990. The Bulldogs made the CWS in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2008 but haven’t gone back since.

"We're going to do some things here that haven't been done in a while," Johnson said.

Johnson said he's taking over a program "that in my mind is fixing to be the best place in college baseball and football."

Here's more topics that Johnson hit on during the press conference:

Not enough hours in the day for UGA baseball coach Wes Johnson

Johnson flew from Baton Rouge and was heading back Tuesday. He was joined by wife Angie and daughter Ava.

He’s juggled both jobs since being named UGA coach.

“It’s wake up really early, go to bed really late and drink a lot of caffeine in the middle,” he said.

He’s focused on LSU game prep from 5 to 8 a.m, then calls to Georgia players until noon. He has practice prep and then when he returns home, he’s back on the phone again for the Georgia job.

“You go to bed at midnight and then you do it again,” he said.

Georgia lost a commitment from outfielder Jaxon Walker who flipped to home state Tennessee. Starrs’ Mill catcher Ariston Veasey also decommitted.

Eight Georgia players are in the transfer portal, according to D1baseball, most notably pitchers Charlie Goldstein and Luke Wagner

LSU’s stay in the College World Series could go until June 26.

Johnson will be his own pitching coach. That's a job he had with the Minnesota Twins and stops including Arkansas, Mississippi State and Dallas Baptist.

“We’re going to get an offensive guy,” he said. “I think our ballpark is very unique in the best way. Hitting the ball to right field (314 feet), you can run a lot of balls out of the year. It’s Yankee Stadium, they’ve got a short right field, but it also can play to speed when you look at the gaps you’ve got in left center. … We’re going to be able to score runs in a lot of different ways.”

How committed is UGA to Georgia baseball?

Georgia’s $3.5 million in baseball spending last year was third lowest of public schools in the SEC, according to the USA Today Network.

Brooks declared that Georgia will do what it takes for the program to be successful.

“We as a university and athletic department are committed to reaching new levels with baseball at the University of Georgia," he said.

While Johnson spoke, construction workers were busy as part of the first phase of a $45 million, 18-month renovation to Foley Field with work in left field.

“It will become the best place to play this game at this level with a commitment they’ve made not only to facilities but the technology we’re going to bring in and implement,” Johnson said.

He said he’ll also sell to recruits that Georgia will develop players “better than anybody in the country.”

Brooks also talked about growing NIL for the baseball program.

Keeping Charlie Condon a high priority

Johnson is working with the nation’s best pitcher in Paul Skenes at LSU, and he’s taking steps already to make sure that he gets a chance to coach one of the nation’s best hitters at Georgia.

Asked about conversations he’s had with Charlie Condon, the NCBWA freshman hitter of the year, Johnson smiled.

“Well, I’ve had a couple of conversations with Charlie,” Johnson said, including one on Monday. “The guy could be the best right-handed hitter in college baseball next year. Not that he’s not one of them this year.

The first baseman/outfielder set the SEC freshman record with 25 home runs while batting .386 with 67 RBI. He is playing in the Cape Cod League and will compete for a spot on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

Georgia’s current players have heard from Johnson with phone calls and not just quick hellos.

“Those phone conversations aren’t easy, they’re not quick,” Johnson said. “Those things would last a good 30 minutes. I want them asking me questions. I want to get to know them.”

Johnson didn’t make any promises for how far Georgia may go next season, but did say he wants the team to be united.

“We’re going to high five more than anybody next year,” Johnson said.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: New UGA baseball coach Wes Johnson on elevating program in the SEC