Kirby Sets Up Big Weekend: Dawg Post Recruiting Board v9.3
ATHENS - Dawg Post give its readers insight and analysis on UGA recruiting each day heading into Signing Day next week on Feb. 6th.
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Georgia’s recruiting weekend started a little early - with an unofficial visit from 4-star DeMatha Catholic DB and Florida State commit Nick Cross.
Cross will leave for an official visit to Penn State after he departs from UGA this weekend. Matt DeBary reports that the prospect had a great relationship with Mel Tucker before he left to take over head coaching duties in Boulder in December.
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That meant there was some doubt about it Cross would stick with the Bulldogs’ recruiting efforts. But Georgia’s work has paid off in the form of a visit from Cross to close the recruiting calendar.
Meanwhile, UGA coach Kirby Smart was at it once more in the helicopter. His most notable visit on Thursday was to Rabun County in northeast Georgia. That’s where 2022 Rabun County QB Gunner Stockton plays.
Stockton was named the to the 2018 Max Preps Freshman All-American Football Team after throwing 34 touchdowns and running for another 17 as a freshman. He is set to visit Georgia this weekend along with a slew of other young players.
“Stockton is going to be a national recruit very soon,” DeBary said Thursday. “I could easily see him being a 5-star in the 2022 class.”
From Clayton, Kirby hoped over the Hartwell to see 2021 Hart County TE Cane Berrong. DeBary reports the Bulldogs have not offered yet, but the Gators, Penn State and LSU have.
Kirby was also in Tampa today at Aaron Murray’s old stomping grounds - Plant High School. Kirby took recruiting madman UGA TEs coach Todd Hartley with him. The duo checked in on several players, but primarily 2020 Plant QB Tucker Gleason.
UGA also checked in on major TE target Brett Seither while in the Tampa area. Seither will also visit Penn State this weekend.
UGA OLBs coach Dan Lanning visited 2021 Woodstock ATH David Daniel. The 6-2, 185 prospect already holds offers from the Gators, Florida State, LSU and Michigan.
2021 Duncanville (TX) OL Savion Byrd was offered by UGA today. He’s got offers from Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Texas, Oklahoma and others.
Also, 4-star Wellington (FL) RB Mark-Antony Richards said he will make his college announcement at 11 AM on Signing Day at his high school.
In case you missed it:
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v1.1
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v1.2
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v1.3
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v1.4
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v2.1 - Recapping UGA's Big Weekend
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v2.2 - UGA Commits to Visit Knoxville
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v2.3 - UGA Targets Spread Out
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v3.1 - "Big and Nasty" Recruit Sticks Out
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v4.1 - Richt Fights for UGA Prospect
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v5.1 - Georgia the Program to Beat for 5-star?
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v5.2 - 5-Star RB Heading to Athens?
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v6.1 - I’ll Sleep on the Floor
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v7.1 - Offers Flowing From Kirby
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v7.2 - Kirby, Dawgs Attack Jacksonville
Dawg Post Recruiting Board v7.3 - The Kirbycopter Flies Once More
Kirby, Dawgs Strike Out West: Dawg Post Recruiting Board v8.1
Big Weekend Setting Up for Kirby, Dawgs: Dawg Post Recruiting Board v8.2
Recruiting Never Ends: Dawg Post Recruiting Board v9.1
Kirby Goes After Auburn Commit: Dawg Post Recruiting Board v9.2
Kirby Sets Up Big Weekend: Dawg Post Recruiting Board v9.3
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UGA has 18 prospects committed for the Class of 2019. Dawg Post Recruiting Analyst Matt DeBary thinks the Bulldogs are set to sign around 24-26 players in this cycle.
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Who will fill out the final three or four (maybe) spots in this 2019 class?
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Georgia is sitting at 22 commits right now. That number does not include Plumlee. The Bulldogs are “expected” to sign “about” 24 prospects this cycle. After the transfers and early departures of the last few weeks, the Dawgs have 83 known players on scholarship - 22 of which are in the class of 2019. Again, the only official number is kept by UGA, so they know more than we do on this. But we can do math, and that’s the math as it stands at this moment.
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4-star The DeMatha (MD) DB Nick Cross
Matt DeBary on Cross: The longtime FSU commit is one of the nation's top safety prospects and a guy the Georgia staff has been after for months now. The Bulldogs were in a good spot to possibly flip the 4-star defensive back with Mel Tucker on the staff, but sources say things have taken a step back since. With the hiring of a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator coming soon, look for the Georgia staff to go all out for Cross the rest of the way. The Bulldogs needs to sign at least one more defensive back in the 2019 class, and Cross is one of Georgia's biggest targets. Most feel FSU will hold onto him in the end, but don't expect the Georgia staff to give up just yet.
11/12/2018 Update - Nick Cross visited Athens for UGA's win over Auburn.
UGA’s chances to sign - Unlikely
4-star The Benjamin School (FL) DB Kaiir Elam
Matt DeBary on Elam: Elam has family ties to Florida and has been a major Gator target since the beginning of his recruitment. Elam knows he’s a wanted man in Athens as well. Missing out on Elam would be a gigantic loss to the Gators class. Elam plans to take his official visit to Georgia the weekend of January 18th. Dawg Post still feels the Gators are in the best position to land him at this time.
UGA’s chances to sign - Possible; Gators have a slight lead
Hoover (AL) WR George Pickens
Matt DeBary on Pickens: The longtime Auburn commitment is one of the top receivers in the country, but has stayed in contact with the Georgia staff for quite some time. He has a relationship with receivers coach Cortez Hankton.
The Bulldogs would love to add another receiver in this class and Pickens is one of the best options available. He is a long, athletic kid at 6-foot-4, 200-pounds with outstanding jump-ball skills. Pickens uses his size to his advantage and should be a reliable weapon in the red zone. Pickens will likely not be able to make a final trip to Georgia before Signing Day, but many feel the Bulldogs are still in the race.
UGA’s chances to sign - Possible
Clearwater Central Catholic (FL) TE Brett Seither
Matt DeBary on Seither: With the departures of Isaac Nauta and Luke Ford, it’s easy to see why the UGA staff would want to add another tight end in this class. Dawg Post believes the newly-offered Seither is a take in this class as he was visited by running backs coach Dell McGee on Friday. Seither plans to take his official visit to UGA the weekend of January 18th. He was also visited by Alabama special teams coordinator Jeff Banks on 1/13. Some feel TCU is the team to beat right now, but new assistant Todd Hartley will give it one last chance during Seither's official visit. At 6-foot-5 230-pounds, Seither is another big body with good balls skills who can help in the passing game.
UGA’s chances to sign - Possible
Huntington (WV) OL Darnell Wright:
Matt DeBary on Wright: There is question as to if Wright will end up taking an official visit to Georgia the weekend of January 25th. If he does visit Athens, UGA has an outside shot of landing the 5-star prospect. Tennessee has been the favorite to land Wright for a long time now, and the Vols will host him the final weekend before Signing Day. Wright plans to take an official visit to West Virginia the weekend of Jan 19th. The big 6-foot-6, 320-pounder has elite size and strength and excels in the run game. He has held his own in pass protection at multiple camps and is ranked as the top offensive tackle prospect in the country.
UGA’s chances to sign - Unlikely
Spring Valley (WV) OL Doug Nester:
Matt DeBary on Nester: The 4-star guard out of West Virginia is a guy Sam Pittman has visited multiple times recently. He is currently committed to Ohio State, and while many last month thought Georgia has an outside chance here, it does appear Nester will stick with his commitment to the Buckeyes.
UGA’s chances to sign - Unlikely
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Matt DeBary on Smith: One of the top overall prospects in the country, Smith is an elite pass rusher at outside linebacker who should be able to contribute immediately as a freshman in 2019. At 6-foot-3 235-pounds, Smith is quick off the edge and is strong enough to set the edge the edge in the run game. He has been dominant during the camp circuit and one of the top players on a loaded ING Academy team. Smith committed to Georgia early in the process and will be the leader of Georgia’s defense for years to come. He’s a special talent.
11/10/2018 Update - Smith visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
11/15/2018 Update - Smith is set to visit Tennessee for the Missouri game.
4-star Oxford (AL) OL Clay Webb
Matt DeBary on Webb: One of the top offensive line prospects in the country, the Oxford, Alabama star is the ideal center prospect due to his size, football IQ, quickness, and overall nasty play. He has been an elite performer in camps for years now and rarely loses a rep while going up against bigger defensive lineman. At 6-foot-3 295-pounds, Webb moves very well for his size, and it as fundamentally sound as it gets. He’s a special lineman and a guy Georgia has a legitimate shot at landing in December. Georgia will have to fight off Alabama and Auburn, but sources say Georgia can get it done. Webb plans to take his official visit this upcoming weekend when Georgia hosts the Auburn Tigers.
11/05/2018 Update - Keep an eye out for Webb possibly visiting UGA the weekend of the Auburn game.
12/10/2018 Update - Webb commits to UGA over home-state Alabama
5-star Upson-Lee DL Travon Walker
Matt DeBary on Walker: There isn’t a more athletic defensive lineman in the country than Upson-Lee’s Travon Walker. A long, leaner defensive tackle prospect, Walker stands 6-foot-5 275-pounds with great quickness and playmaking ability. He runs well for a guy his size and has played mostly middle linebacker during his senior season. Walker is an outstanding basketball prospect as well due to his elite size and athleticism. Like Smith, expect Walker to make an early impact in the 2019 season as a freshman. Walker chose Georgia on July 24th over Clemson, Alabama and many others.
11/05/2018 Update - Walker visited Florida over the weekend, but it doesn't sound like the Gators made up much ground on him.
11/05/2018 Update - Walker is "expected" to stay enrolled at Upson-Lee in the spring to play basketball and defend the school's back-to-back state titles.
11/10/2018 Update - Walker visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
11/14/2018 Update - Walker is set to visit Tennessee for the Missouri game.
4-star Walton WR Dominick Blaylock
Matt DeBary on Blaylock: The high four-star receiver from Walton might be the best route runner in the country. He’s a natural at the position with reliable hands who can consistently create separation from a defender. He’s got great ball skills and while he’s not a burner, he has plenty of speed and the ability to get yards after the catch. He’s as consistent as it gets. The 6-foot-1 190-pounder chose Georgia on July 16th, 2017 over Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, among others. Blaylock is another 2019 signee who has a chance to see the field early next fall.
11/10/2018 Update - Blaylock visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
4-star Trinity Christan (TX) DB Lewis Cine
Matt DeBary on Cine: Kirby Smart wants his defensive backs to have some size to them, and that’s exactly what Lewis Cine will bring at 6-foot-2 180-pounds. Cine is a level-headed kid who knows he can excel in Georgia’s offense with his range and physical play against the run. He’s a smart player and knows how to play multiple positions in the secondary. One of the best defenders in Texas, Cine chose Georgia over Michigan, Penn State, Florida and Texas.
4-star Wekiva (FL) LB Rian Davis
Matt DeBary on Davis: Dawg Post saw Davis play earlier this fall and came away extremely impressed. The four-star linebacker has great size at 6-foot-2 240-pounds and can really run. He’s a physical player and very vocal on the field. He plays with a lot of passion and is someone who can call defensive plays for Georgia’s defense down the road. Davis has some swagger about his game and really looks the part physically to go along with his intense style of player.
4-star Clinch County LB Trezmen Marshall
Matt DeBary on Marshall: A true “thumper” out of Clinch County, the 6-foot-1 236-pounder is all muscle who is as physical as it gets. He’s a guy who can help clog those lanes in the middle of the field and shoot the gaps. He’s a tackling machine at inside linebacker but could help out at running back down the road if he needs too. One of the top 10 prospects in Georgia, Marshall could help immediately on special teams before seeing time at linebacker early on.
11/10/2018 Update - Marshall visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
11/14/2018 Update - Marshall is set to visit Tennessee for the Missouri game.
4-star Independence JUCO (KS) DL Jermaine Johnson
Matt DeBary on Johnson: Another JUCO commitment with a year of experience at the collegiate level, Johnson has great size at 6-foot-6 240-pounds. He will be expected to come in and provide some pass rush next fall. He’s got a great motor to go along with a great pass rush, and is considered one of the top JUCO prospects in the country. His film isn’t on the same level as Nolan Smith’s or others who have recently signed with Georgia, but he has experence in college ball that they don't.
4-star Kennesaw Mountain TE Ryland Goede
Matt DeBary on Goede: One of the top tight end prospects in the south, the Kennesaw Mountain product is another signee who will bring good size to the position at 6-foot-7 240-pounds. He’s a good blocker on the edge and a big target who could really help in the red zone. He still needs to get stronger and he’s coming off knee surgery, but Goede could turn into a solid player down the road. He showed good ball skills as a receiver at the Atlanta Opening Regional, and proved he’s one of the better blocking tight ends around when Dawg Post saw him play against Lassiter back in October. He’s likely headed for a redshirt season in 2019, but he’s a solid four-star tight end who can make an impact down the road.
11/10/2018 Update - Goede visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
4-star University Lab (LA) ATH Makiya Tongue
Matt DeBary on Tongue: Maybe the most versatile player in this class. The 6-foot-2 210-pounder can play on both sides of the ball, but will likely player receiver in Athens. He has great ball skills and has no problem going up into traffic to make a great catch. He’s got decent speed for his size and has a knack for making plays. Some schools recruited him to play linebacker due to his size and physical style of play. That means we should expect him to be an excellent blocker on the outside in the run game. Tongue broke his leg earlier this year. He is not expected to enroll early.
4-star Christian Brothers (TN) DL Bill Norton
Matt DeBary on Norton: The four-star from Christian Brothers High School in Memphis is a guy Tray Scott will love to coach these next four-years. At 6-foot-5 275-pounds, Norton is a big guy with an outstanding motor. He does a great job of playing through the whistle and making big plays when the game is on the line. He’s still a little raw in a lot of ways but he has a lot of potential to be a good player in Athens. He will add immediate depth at defensive tackle position next year.
11/10/2018 Update - Norton visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
4-star Brunswick OL Warren McClendon
Matt DeBary on McClendon: One of the better offensive lineman in the peach state, The Brunswick lineman is a versatile player who could play either tackle or guard down the road. He’s not nearly the size of Xavier Truss, but still has some size on him at 6-foot-4 318-pounds. He won’t blow you away with his play, but he’s a consistent player with size who goes out and does his job. He won’t be asked to play early, so he’s another guy who will benefit from developing over time and perfecting his craft before he’s asked to go out and play a ton. Overall, he’s a solid four-star prospect and a nice addition to the class. McClendon committed to Georgia on July 16th over Florida, South Carolina, among others.
11/06/2018 Update - McClendon tells Matt DeBary he plans to attend Georgia's game with Auburn.
11/10/2018 Update - McClendon visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
4-star Georgia Military College DB D.J. Daniel
Matt DeBary on Daniel: One of Georgia’s most unknown commits in the 2019 class is cornerback D.J Daniel. The Griffin, Georgia native out of Georgia Military College was a major target for the Bulldogs this summer before surprising everyone and committing to South Carolina. After a few months, the four-star cornerback flipped to Georgia.
At 6-foot-0, 180 pounds, Daniel is not the biggest cornerback out there, but he’s not undersized either. What stands out the most about Daniel is his speed. He’s sound fundamentally, showed quick feet to go along with his speed and showed on film that he can be physical on the line of scrimmage. He’s a tough guy and a true competitor. Overall, there’s a lot to like, and with so many uncommitted cornerbacks still out there, it says a lot that Kirby Smart wants him in this class.
4-star Bishop Hendricken (RI) OL Xavier Truss
Matt DeBary on Truss: It’s clear Sam Pittman wants some beef along the offensive line, and that’s exactly what he’s getting in four-star Xavier Truss. At a massive 6-foot-7 350-pounds, Truss is a great run blocker who really moves people in the run game. Playing in Rhode Island, it will take him some time to develop against better athletes, bit he can be a very good player down the road if he can be developed properly by Pittman. He will have to drop some weight and work on his pass protection, but the potential is there to make an impact later in his career.
4-star Franklin Road Academy (TN) DL Tymon Mitchell
Matt DeBary on Mitchell: The three-star defensive tackle from Franklin Road Academy in Nashville, Tennessee isn’t the most highly regarded prospect out there, but he’s a guy with good size at 6-foot-3 309-pounds who will add depth to the defensive line. He will likely plat defensive tackle in Athens but has a chance to move inside and play some nose guard down the road if needed. He shows good quickness for a guy over 300 pounds but like others in this class, he won't be asked to play early, and needs to develop more overall before he can make much of an impact.
11/10/2018 Update - Mitchell visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
4-star Lebanon (TN) DL Zion Logue
Matt DeBary on Logue: Georgia found this under the radar prospect late in the spring and went hard after him until his commitment on July 15th. Another big lineman at 6-foot-6 285-pounds, Logue still has a lean look to him after putting on a ton of weight as a junior. His recruitment took off later than most, but the Georgia staffed loves him and his potential is sky high. His film won’t blow anyone away, but he had a very goos senior season and could be the biggest steal for Georgia in the entire class.
11/06/2018 Update - Logue tells Matt DeBary he plans to attend Georgia's game with Auburn.
11/10/2018 Update - Logue visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
4-star Hutchinson CC (KS) DL Tramel Walthour
Matt DeBary on Walthour: Perhaps the most forgotten players in this class, the three-star defensive end has a year of college football experience already under his belt but needs to keep adding weight if he wants to see the field anytime soon. He won’t blow you away with his play, but he’s still a consistent player who does his job. He’s got some quickness to him but needs to continue getting off blocks and developing into an SEC caliber defender. Like Mitchell, he won’t be asked to play early and will have some time to develop while he adds emergency depth to the position.
4-star University School (FL) RB Kenny McIntosh
Matt DeBary on McIntosh: Another four-star back from the Sunshine State, the University School prospect is one of the best in the country. McIntosh has a relationship with running backs coach Dell McGee. The Bulldogs beat out Auburn and Miami to get his commitment. He’s a bigger back at 6-foot-0 218-pounds with deceptive speed and tackle-breaking ability. He will be a very good addition to Georgia’s 2019 class.
11/07/2018 Update - McIntosh confirms that he will officially visit UGA for the Auburn game.
11/10/2018 Update - McIntosh visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
11/14/2018 Update - McIntosh commits to Georgia.
4-star Southridge (FL) DB Tyrique Stevenson
Matt DeBary on Smith: You won’t find a more physical cornerback out there than Tyrque Stevenson. The 6-foot-1 202-pounder has outstanding ball skills who isn’t all about physicality. Stevenson is a true cover corner and possibly Georgia’s most important target left of their board on defense. Like current cornerbacks Deandre Baker and Divaad Wilson, Stephenson is a south Florida kid who plays with lots of swagger and passion. Sources continue to say this is a Georgia/Miami battle and the Bulldogs are in a great spot. He currently plans to sign in February.
5-star Horn Lake (MS) LB Nakobe Dean
Matt DeBary on Dean: One of the top linebackers in the country, the five-star prospect from Horn Lake, Mississippi is a true sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker. He’s a fast linebacker who knows how to tackle as well. He’s not the biggest guy, but the 5-foot-11, 220-pounder has been a top Georgia target for a long time now and sources say the Bulldogs are in the driver’s seat here with a decision coming in December. Georgia is fighting off Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, LSU and others. He will take his official visit to Georgia this upcoming weekend when the Bulldogs host the Auburn Tigers.
11/05/2018 Update - Matt DeBary reports: Sources say the Bulldogs have the momentum here.
11/10/2018 Update - Dean visits Athens for the Georgia-Auburn game.
11/12/2018 Update - Matt DeBary reports that Dean loved the "game day feel in Athens."