5-Star Georgia Bulldog Target Recaps UGA Football Visit
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ATHENS - If you don’t know about Tyler Atkinson, you’re going to learn today.
One of the top overall prospects in the country, Tyler Atkinson is a game-changing defender out of Grayson High school who put up video game type of numbers for the Rams last fall as a sophomore.
A long, athletic pass-rushing machine at 6-foot-3 205-pounds, Atkinson is a big play waiting to happen who knows how to attack the quarterback.
This 5-star prospect in the 2026 class made 197 tackles last year along with 25 TFLs and 10.5 sacks.
The in-state defender is no stranger to Athens as he took in a game this past fall when the Dawgs took down South Carolina in Sanford Stadium.
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“The atmosphere was crazy as always!” Atkinson told Dawg Post last fall. “I got the chance to catch up with the coaches and some players. The energy of the fans always gets me fired up, and the fact that UGA always finds a way to win. The staff and the players are awesome! They all show me a lot of love and give me great advice too. Like I said, they always finds a way to win. SC came out to play, and Georgia adjusted and responded. That stands stood out to me because it matches my mindset, too, as far as never giving up.”
Atkinson was back in Athens on Wednesday night where he watched the Bulldog basketball game with head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann.
“Coach Smart and coach Schumann are really great coaches and recruiters because they have been taking time to build a strong relationship with me since I was in 7th grade. Watching the game with them last night felt comfortable. I always learn something new from coach Schumann every time we get together. Coach Kirby is fun to be around and keeps it 100! I always like that.
As a prospect, Atkinson is an elite pass-rusher with excellent length and explosiveness. He was a quarterback’s worst nightmare last fall, dominating against Buford late in the 7A playoffs. He’s technically sound and knows how to shed blocks on his way to the quarterback. He learned it while training with former Georgia Bulldog pass-rusher Marcus Howard.
Atkinson is a maximum effort guy who knows how to deliver a big hit on the ball-carrier. He strikes when he hits and knows how to create turnovers. He’s a reliable run defender, but his ability to attack the quarterback is why he’s one of the nation’s best in the 2026 class. Currently ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect in the state for his class, Atkinson is coming off a ridiculously productive season where he sacked the quarterback 10.5 times. According to MaxPreps, the elite defender also made 197 tackles and 25 TFLs this past season as a sophomore. He’ll only get better, and that’s bad news for opposing offensive linemen next season.
Atkinson is ranked as the No. 14 overall prospect in the 2026 class.