2023 OL Commit Ryqueze McElderry: "Georgia Feels Like Home"
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ALPHARETTA - After a big day at the Atlanta Under Armour Camp, it’s easy to see why the Georgia staff is so high on current 2023 commitment RyQueze McElderry.
A mammoth offensive guard at 6-foot-4 340-pounds. McElderry was one of the camp’s top performers this past weekend, showing strength, a strong lower base, and the ability to drive opposing defenders backwards.
Don’t let the three-star ranking fool you. The Anniston (AL) native is a solid looking guard prospect and broke down why he’s currently committed to Georgia with Dawg Post.
He also said he has a few visits lined up for this month.
“I’m going to Alabama this weekend and then Georgia on the 15th and then Tennessee on the 26th, McElderry said.
Dawg Post spoke with McElderry right before Georgia hired current offensive line coach Stacy Searels, but it was Matt Luke who earned McElderry’s verbal pledge back in late November. After Luke resigned, McElderry explained why he stayed verbally committed to the Bulldogs.
“It was shocking when coach Luke resigned but it didn’t put too much pressure on me because I still like Georgia”, McElderry said. “Coach Gordon was been in contact with me a lot since then. He’s young and can respond to us a little better. Coaches are usually way older than us and coach Gordon is in his 20s so he can relate to us a little bit more and understands where we’re coming from.”
Even without a position coach at the time, the Alabama native said there's just something different about the Georgia program and the Classic City.
“I love it up there in Athens,” McElderry said. “If I could be there right now I would be. Georgia feels like home. It feels like how Alabama feels like Anniston. You can’t go wrong with being at Georgia. That’s why I still love it there. Even if position coaches get changed, I understand it. It’s nothing personal. Coach Luke did what’s best for him and I can respect that.”
The Bulldogs have his pledge for now, but it’s going to be a fight to keep him on board for a while. The in-state Alabama Crimson Tide are coming on strong, and a possible decommitment could absolutely happen down the road.
“Even though I’m still committed to Georgia, anything can happen”, McElderry said. “I just know I’m going to make the best decision for me at the end of the day.”
