BREAKING: Pass-Rusher CJ Madden Commits to Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
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Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs continue to roll on the recruiting trail - picking up another commitment from an in-state linebacker.
That would be three-star edge defender, Carlton Madden.
The 6-foot-3 240-pounder hasn’t played a ton of football in his career, missing about half of his sophomore season due to injury and his entire junior season due to teansfer rules.
Without playing as a junior, Madden had to wait until June to get out and camp in front of college staffs. That’s when his recruitment took off. He told Dawg Post that he worked out twice for the Georgia staff on campus and earned his Bulldog offer on June 17th. The Cedar Grove (GA) standout de-committed from Colorado shortly after, and the Bulldogs were seen as the team to beat for Madden the rest of the way.
In the end, the three-star chose Georgia over Auburn, Oregon, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Colorado, among others.
“I could fit in well with their defense because I can play both inside and outside”, Madden told Dawg Post. “They want me to play the JACK position because they like the way I move with my size.”
So what about Georgia won him over?
“Georgia is different because I really see a lot of opportunities there”, Madden said. “There’s the NIL that can help me there. Just having an education from Georgia means a lot to me. There’s just a lot of benefits.”
What will Madden bring to Athens?
Size, length and potential.
He still needs to keep learning and developing as he still hasn't played a ton, but he already looks like an SEC defender from a physical standpoint. He has long arms, natural athleticism, and he runs well for his size as well.
MAdden played middle linebacker in front of Dawg Post in April when Cedar Grove scrimmaged Buford. Madden made a couple tackles and came away with an INT that night. He’ll be playing on the EDGE in Athens and be asked to get after the passer. He has all the raw tools to be successful at the next level, but he might have to sit and wait his turn. He'll be a nice project for Dan LAnning and the defensive staff, but if they can turn him into a true EDGE defender, Madden could have a promising Bulldog career down the road.
He’s off to a strong start so far this fall as a senior and his best football is still ahead of him. He’s someone the staff is very high on and happily accepted his commitment.
MAdden becomes Georgia's 4th linebacker commitment in the 2022 class, joining 4-star Jalon Walker, 4-star C.J. Washington, and 4-star Darris Smith. He becomes Georgia’s 17th commitment in the 2022 class.
Dawg Post ranks Madden as the No.24 overall prospect in Georgia for his class.
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