Let’s get into it
Bear Alexander - The Big Bear. But plays more like a bull. Generates a lot of push and strong as hell. Showed up at IMG a little out of shape but when he got right he was tough to deal with. Not as tall as listed, but that doesn’t matter much in regards to him. Plays mean and will be a focal point of the DL for years to come imo. Not as quick twitch as someone like Jalen Carter, but that’s not his game. He uses that brute strength to power thru the OL and leans in with hands, pretty much demands a double team. The move to IMG was needed for him to progress and also definitely didn’t hurt UGA in landing him. One of the hardest fought recruitments for UGA this cycle, had to never let up from day 1. Very excited to see what Tray Scott can do with him.
Aliou Bah- Showed major improvement from his junior to senior year, like a ton. His feet are so much better now and he’s the prototypical size for an SEC OT. Could play guard but I expect him to be a tackle. Probably my favorite out of all the OL that UGA signed this class, think he can see eventually see minutes. Recruited him hard this summer when he was all about FSU and never let up, took a few under the radar visits, he’s all dawg now.
Dillon Bell - Dominated this year as an all around playmaker on offense for Kinkaid, played QB, RB, WR whatever they needed him to. He’s another one that had a big improvement from his jr year to senior year. UGA worked him at a camp and instantly offered, really showed out in front of them. As he did with Texas A&M staff and had a commitable offer there, but he wanted out of state. Still feels disrespected that Texas and A&M waited so long to offer. Big body guy kind of like AJ Brown. One of my “steals” of the class. Truth is, he’s coming from private school ball so there will probably take some adjusting to the SEC caliber DBs and he’s still learning how to be a wide receiver, but there’s some upside here.
Drew Bobo - Honestly, was a bit unsure this was a great take but after watching his senior film the kid has improved a ton. I’m not sure if he’s an OT at the next level I don’t see that type of athleticism, but he could be a guard and see some minutes in a few years. Plays thru the whistle and plays pretty mean, kinda reminds me of a taller Warren Ericson a little. Had a good work out for UGA and Bama and both offered on the spot (neither as a favor to Mike).
Oscar Delp - Hartley locked in on him early in the process and never really recruited anyone else very hard.. and Hartley rarely misses. I don’t think he’s Bowers 2.0 because BB19 runs a legit 4.4/4.5 and has hands like suction cups, but he’s in that mold. He’s explosive and catches the ball. Nowadays the TE/WR label is a little overblown, as in there are pass catchers and primarily blockers, Delp will get in there and block but he’s a pass catching weapon for the offense. Runs really good routes, doesn’t run away from DBs like Bowers or Gilbert but gets his when he gets into the open field plenty good enough. Plays tough and talks shit on the field. His mom was a big SCjr girl, but being this close to home won her over and the family built a great relationship with the staff. Big target for the Dawgs and they got their man.
Daylen Everette - This was a massive pickup late. For my money, he’s one of the top CBs in this class if not the best. In HS he doesn’t get targeted much for good reason. Had 11 INTs as a sophomore before he went to IMG, he’s a machine. His ranking trended way up this summer after he ran a sub 4.4 at an IMG camp and dominated in front of analysts. IMG has some freaks there and Everette was the fastest recorded. Pretty big dude too. He’s polished at this stage as well. Has that Trevon Diggs type ball hawk instincts. One of my favorites by far in this class. He fell in UGA’s lap and was damn sure glad to get him.
Jacob Hood - Ppl aren’t talking about it now, but when he gets on campus everyone is going to be enamored with him because of his outlier size. Jordan Davis is a LARGE human being, this kid is bigger. He was over 430 pounds and has worked his tail off to reshape his body down to 330 range, much like Solomon Kindley did. But I do think when his feet adjust he could be at OT, everything depends on how he develops. Miami made a big push in the summer and so did Auburn, has family ties to GA. Measured in at 6’9 with 87 inch wingspan at Miami on his visit there. For reference, Isaiah Wilson measured in at 84 inches.
Julian Humphrey - Speed. Can absolutely fly, low 4.4 high 4.3 type. Preferred size and speed for an NFL CB. Kind of reminds me a bit of Tyson Campbell maybe a little smaller and thinner at this stage, but similar skillsets. UGA made him a priority during the summer and he took a few visits while still committed to Florida. UGA would have flipped him regardless of Florida’s season or them firing Mullen. A&M wanted him too but had a better relationship with UGA staff.
Marvin Jones Jr - Probably my favorite get this cycle. To me, he’s the best edge guy in this class. Has outrageously long arms and in a 6’4 250 lb range can whip you around the corner with speed. Would surprise me if he wasn’t the first drafted out of this class to be honest. The NFL loves guys that can get to the QB and he’s that dude. Love his jr film but he put on 20 lbs and his play as a senior was next level. Reminds me of Jermaine Johnson a little bit. Heritage boys usually pan out. Will be hard to keep him off the field early. FSU legacy and his mother went to Miami, but this recruitment was all about the best fit for him. I knew if he showed up on that last visit things could UGA’s way. Kirby visited him the week of SECCG and saw what kind of priority he was. Huge pickup late in this cycle.
Carlton Madden - He was 100% a camp offer, missed his jr year due to him being indelible because of his transfer. Was very impressive when he worked out for UGA, think he could get more rocked up and stronger with his frame. Cedar Grove played him some at ILB out of necessity and he was just out of position there, but he could eventually see the field in some capacity. I’m not as high on him, but the coaches saw something they liked for sure.
De’Nylon Morrisette - I like De’Nylon a good bit. Strong hands and gets open. Not going to blow the top off the D but can outrun guys in the open field. I think his skillset is similar to Kearis Jackson, he’s taller and not as stout but their games are similar in what they can do when the ball comes their way. Had an injury set back and missed some week but had a damn good year when he got back, just gets better every year. He’s a leader off the field and is not a “me” guy. Should see meaningful minutes at UGA for sure.
Branson Robinson - Most definitely he’s a “first off the bus” type. I think he has pretty good vision and obviously a load to tackle, he looks about what it would look like if Nick Chubb and Elijah Holyfield had a love child, STRONG as an ox. His running style I can see more Josh Jacobs, pretty violent but can cut (not as good as Chubb, but a lot better than he should at his size). He’s more than just a big body lumbering for tough yards, he can make those explosive runs. Will be a feature Back at UGA in the near future barring injury. Dell showed why he makes bank on this one, got on him and zero’d in early before his recruitment blew up. Tennessee and Bama pushed late, was all dawg tho.
Griffin Scroggs - Honestly, I’m not very enamored here. Thought taking him was a reach. Could be wrong and hope I am, but he isn’t a guy that’s been at a small school and has the room to drastically improve as much as some others. Maybe in a few years could might play center if UGA gets in a bind with injuries.
Jaheim Singletary - Pure CB. Super long and very refined game. Been a top Corner prospect for a long time with good reason. Technique is as good as you will see from a HS prospect. Not a 4.3 guy, but plenty quick enough. Never gets in a bind because everything is so clean in his game, being a burner at CB is important mostly to help you get out of a bind, but players like Deandre Baker didn’t have to be as fast because their approach was money.. Slim falls into that category except about 4 inches taller and crazy length. If you would have told UGA fans back in the spring that this guy would flip to Georgia y’all would have been so fired up, I thought this recruiting win should have been celebrated a little more to be honest. Should see the field early imo, think he will be one of the best DBs in that room the minute he walks on campus. FL breeds CBs too… huge pickup.
Chandler Smith - This one is tough.. he’s a track guy and runs STUPID fast, although it doesn’t quite translate on the field as much as I was expecting when diving into his film. I was expecting those 80 yard house calls and didn’t see him bust those open. He has nice size as well at close to 6’2. Also a bit concerned with his inability to stay healthy, which isn’t a rare thing for track guys to have trouble with on the football field. I can see him more of a Justin Scott-Wesley than an Arian Smith if I had to peg it today.
Darris Smith - This is my guy. Putting the stamp on it now. Raw coming from Appling Co so it’ll take a bit to adjust but when that light comes on, he has things you can’t teach. This is more Leonard Floyd type than Adam Anderson and def not Nolan or Azeez, etc. Didn’t do the camp thing, got his offer he wanted and jumped on it early and that was it. Think he’s good to go grade wise too. Has freak type upside, legit right around 6’7 and arms like tree limbs.. when he gets a year in a college S&C I just don’t see how you keep him off the field when he learns the defense. I could be way off here and he not pan out whatsoever, but if he develops, he could very well be a first round talent.
Cole Speer - He’s a burner, ran off the charts for UGA this summer and became a take at that point. I don’t think McConkey is an accurate comp for him, different style players imo. Ladd slashes and uses route running and wiggles his way open, Speer grabs it and hauls ass and when you can run low 4.4 then it works. I could see him making plays at UGA, and I could also see him never making the 2 deep. Kind of torn on how this one could go… I was a bit higher on McConkey out of HS than Speer. I see Speer’s game more like a Chris Conley (not expecting him to be quite that good, but similar skill sets).
Malaki Starks - Probably the best overall athlete in this class. For his size he’s freaky in his speed and vertical verified ridiculous for both and his highlight reel is a freaking joy to watch. I think he’s going to be a Safety/Star at UGA, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up on offense eventually, but for now he could really be used at Safety with his range and the need is there. He’s so good with the ball in his hands so it’d be hard not to give him reps on O at some point, or at least I would be tempted. Had some ties to Clemson but in the end he was always staying home, him and his family love Georgia. Jam up kid and very high character. It may take him some time to adjust to one side of the ball specifically at the college level, but he’s going to be really really good. Get excited about him.
Gunner Stockton - Gamer. He’s not very tall and skillset isn’t as refined as some others, but when it’s game time he shows up. He can beat you with his arm but he’s low key fairly dynamic with his legs. I think his mechanics need some work, but he’s an asset to the QB room. I still prefer Vandagriff, but I like Stockton. Was committed to SCjr because of Bobo, he might just get to reunite with him..
JaCorey Thomas - This one was a Muschamp eval. Worked him out and personally endorsed him to Kirby. He’s pretty electric at the HS level. Had a fantastic senior year on both sides of the ball. I had initially thought he was perfect for Star but the more I think about it the more I could see Safety. Hell I like him at WR better than 80% of the guys UGA has signed the past two classes. I don’t see how you can watch his film and not see a top 150 player there, guarantee coaches hold him in higher esteem. Played tough competition. It didn’t matter who UGA went after at DB, they wanted to keep him in the fold.. if that tells you anything..
Brett Thorson - AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE. Hammer leg. Older guy with all his eligibility, was hand picked to go to UGA. May be more popular than most college punters, especially with the ladies.
Jalon Walker - If this isn’t one of your favorite recruits this class then you’re doing it wrong. Son of a coach, HIGHLY intelligent. Great ball player is so versatile, but I expect him at ILB for sure. It’s the hardest position to “get” in Kirby’s defense, but guys like him and Nakobe that are super smart can come in and grasp things helps them get on the field sooner.. he’s not a compact built guy, he’s long like Quay but not as stout, but quicker. Has a nose for the ball. Have high expectations here. Committed and was ALL DAWG recruited his ass off for UGA every single day. Clemson thought they were getting him, but he was on campus more than reported during his recruitment. Would be very surprised if he wasn’t selected for an SEC Media Days at some point.
CJ Washington - Off the hoof, one of the better looking prospects this class. Grown man. I do think he’s best suited for ILB, but his pass rush skills are so good. When Cedartown used him as a DE he had 20+ sacks. Much like Tindall in HS who could have been a pass rusher too, they are both big dudes that can roll. Cedartown needed him mostly at RB this year and Washington was damn good for them, took a team to bring him down but also showed how quick his feet are for someone that size. He dominated against Perry a few weeks back, they had no answer for him. The work ethic will be there for him, works out with Chubb in the offseasons. LSU worked him hard behind the scenes he was very high on their board before the coaching changes, but he’s been all Dawg since he got the offer.
Shone Washington - He’s another one that the staff worked out over the summer and jumped up their board in a big way. Big, strong Louisiana dude. Had some grade concerns so LSU backed off, as he was once committed there. Didn’t get to play his senior year to focus on his school work and getting prepared for college with his trainers. He’s interesting because he could go several directions on the DL… he’s 6’4 so he could play that Nose role in more of like a John Atkins type more so than a JD99. UGA staff was higher on him than Tyre and that is a fact. Only time will tell.
Mykel Williams - Another huge pick up here. Strong at the point of attack, has closing speed, great size. I’m really conflicted on which way he’s going to go at the next level, I’m leaning more towards a Travon Walker DE type role, with some good weight he could definitely play there at a high level. Very productive at the HS level, but his best football days are ahead of him. Can’t wait to get him in UGA S&C program and see what they can do with him. Even without the coaching changes, he was still coming back to UGA. Was set to commit to the Dawgs back in March but they opened things up and he wanted to check everything out. UGA got a little relaxed in this recruitment and really had to work to show him that he was a priority in Athens. He was in MJJ’s ear all weekend recruiting for UGA, and it worked.
UGA took a big class so it was a lot to write, so didn’t proofread but I’m sure there are about 1,500 run on sentences😂
Overall, another home run class for Kirby and UGA. Keep in mind, not ALL of these guys are 2022 counters.. just saying, the numbers work themselves out. Feel free to share your thoughts as well!
Part 2: Post-Feb NSD
Earnest Greene - Massive get, literally and figuratively. If you look at him off the hoof, he don’t look like the most athletic body frame for an OL… but then you watch him play and see how polished his game is and see why he’s pretty much a can’t miss OL prospect. Personally, I think he’s a Guard in a mold of a more refined and even better Solomon Kindley.. but I also think that if he leans up then he very well could be an OT at UGA. He is so powerful and has an elite punch, when he puts his foot in the ground it’s planted and he’s driving. Moves way better than what you would think as well. Went to a major HS and major competition. Signed in December and announced at the All America game, he’s an EE and already on campus. By far my favorite pickup on the OL this cycle and it’s not close. He could start for UGA sooner than later if needed, if that room wasn’t already deep then he could start as a freshman and I truly believe that.
EJ Lightsey - I like his senior tape. He strikes well and blitzes in a way that would remind you of Tindall. Has good length and plays pretty dang physical. Was a DE until he changed to ILB, was a smart move. Kind of reminds me of Tae Crowder to an extent. He’s not built like a pitbull like how Dumas-Johnson looks, but if he can pack on some more muscle mass then there’s something to work with here. If Schu is high on a guy, then sign me up.. he knows what he wants at the position and makes them better than what they would be under someone else.
Christen Miller - Love his improvement on his senior tape, really think his ranking would have trended up if he was able to compete at the All America week. His first step is really good and plays with a lot of power and technique. Pretty long arms and quick off the ball. Drives forward exceptionally well. Can get stronger and add a little more muscle mass, has the frame to. Great kid off the field, will be a leader in the locker room. On ESD I would have said he’d end up at Ohio St, throughout the last month or so it swung more toward him staying home. Almost committed to UGA in March or so, but when visits opened up he backed off that, really surprised he held out committing to a school this long tho. Believe he will be hard to keep off the field and has position diversity on the defensive front as well. Really nice get here, future speaker at SEC Media Days.. him and Jalon Walker.
Andrew Paul - Late bloomer and late addition to the class, much like Ladd McConkey in the 2020 class. His senior film looks fantastic. I don’t think he’s a burner but is explosive and accelerates impressively. I see good vision and power as well. I’m struggling with a comp for him, as he reminds me of Daijun Edwards in a sense and also reminds me of Damien Harris some. I see some handwringing about his competition, with running backs you can see the good no matter the competition in high school.. with Chubb you could see it on film and production as well. He definitely helps the RB room, I’m interested in seeing how high his ceiling can go. Clemson was a major leader here and he was a big priority for them, was also a priority for Michigan and Oregon among others as well. UGA definitely swooped in late and sealed the deal.
*side-note: after doing some more digging, I really think Shone Washington could be something nice in the future. This guy has not played much high school ball at all, didn’t play his soph year due to transfer rule and didn’t play his senior year to get his grades right and prepare for college on and off the field.. he has more upside than his ranking indicate imo.
Bear Alexander - The Big Bear. But plays more like a bull. Generates a lot of push and strong as hell. Showed up at IMG a little out of shape but when he got right he was tough to deal with. Not as tall as listed, but that doesn’t matter much in regards to him. Plays mean and will be a focal point of the DL for years to come imo. Not as quick twitch as someone like Jalen Carter, but that’s not his game. He uses that brute strength to power thru the OL and leans in with hands, pretty much demands a double team. The move to IMG was needed for him to progress and also definitely didn’t hurt UGA in landing him. One of the hardest fought recruitments for UGA this cycle, had to never let up from day 1. Very excited to see what Tray Scott can do with him.
Aliou Bah- Showed major improvement from his junior to senior year, like a ton. His feet are so much better now and he’s the prototypical size for an SEC OT. Could play guard but I expect him to be a tackle. Probably my favorite out of all the OL that UGA signed this class, think he can see eventually see minutes. Recruited him hard this summer when he was all about FSU and never let up, took a few under the radar visits, he’s all dawg now.
Dillon Bell - Dominated this year as an all around playmaker on offense for Kinkaid, played QB, RB, WR whatever they needed him to. He’s another one that had a big improvement from his jr year to senior year. UGA worked him at a camp and instantly offered, really showed out in front of them. As he did with Texas A&M staff and had a commitable offer there, but he wanted out of state. Still feels disrespected that Texas and A&M waited so long to offer. Big body guy kind of like AJ Brown. One of my “steals” of the class. Truth is, he’s coming from private school ball so there will probably take some adjusting to the SEC caliber DBs and he’s still learning how to be a wide receiver, but there’s some upside here.
Drew Bobo - Honestly, was a bit unsure this was a great take but after watching his senior film the kid has improved a ton. I’m not sure if he’s an OT at the next level I don’t see that type of athleticism, but he could be a guard and see some minutes in a few years. Plays thru the whistle and plays pretty mean, kinda reminds me of a taller Warren Ericson a little. Had a good work out for UGA and Bama and both offered on the spot (neither as a favor to Mike).
Oscar Delp - Hartley locked in on him early in the process and never really recruited anyone else very hard.. and Hartley rarely misses. I don’t think he’s Bowers 2.0 because BB19 runs a legit 4.4/4.5 and has hands like suction cups, but he’s in that mold. He’s explosive and catches the ball. Nowadays the TE/WR label is a little overblown, as in there are pass catchers and primarily blockers, Delp will get in there and block but he’s a pass catching weapon for the offense. Runs really good routes, doesn’t run away from DBs like Bowers or Gilbert but gets his when he gets into the open field plenty good enough. Plays tough and talks shit on the field. His mom was a big SCjr girl, but being this close to home won her over and the family built a great relationship with the staff. Big target for the Dawgs and they got their man.
Daylen Everette - This was a massive pickup late. For my money, he’s one of the top CBs in this class if not the best. In HS he doesn’t get targeted much for good reason. Had 11 INTs as a sophomore before he went to IMG, he’s a machine. His ranking trended way up this summer after he ran a sub 4.4 at an IMG camp and dominated in front of analysts. IMG has some freaks there and Everette was the fastest recorded. Pretty big dude too. He’s polished at this stage as well. Has that Trevon Diggs type ball hawk instincts. One of my favorites by far in this class. He fell in UGA’s lap and was damn sure glad to get him.
Jacob Hood - Ppl aren’t talking about it now, but when he gets on campus everyone is going to be enamored with him because of his outlier size. Jordan Davis is a LARGE human being, this kid is bigger. He was over 430 pounds and has worked his tail off to reshape his body down to 330 range, much like Solomon Kindley did. But I do think when his feet adjust he could be at OT, everything depends on how he develops. Miami made a big push in the summer and so did Auburn, has family ties to GA. Measured in at 6’9 with 87 inch wingspan at Miami on his visit there. For reference, Isaiah Wilson measured in at 84 inches.
Julian Humphrey - Speed. Can absolutely fly, low 4.4 high 4.3 type. Preferred size and speed for an NFL CB. Kind of reminds me a bit of Tyson Campbell maybe a little smaller and thinner at this stage, but similar skillsets. UGA made him a priority during the summer and he took a few visits while still committed to Florida. UGA would have flipped him regardless of Florida’s season or them firing Mullen. A&M wanted him too but had a better relationship with UGA staff.
Marvin Jones Jr - Probably my favorite get this cycle. To me, he’s the best edge guy in this class. Has outrageously long arms and in a 6’4 250 lb range can whip you around the corner with speed. Would surprise me if he wasn’t the first drafted out of this class to be honest. The NFL loves guys that can get to the QB and he’s that dude. Love his jr film but he put on 20 lbs and his play as a senior was next level. Reminds me of Jermaine Johnson a little bit. Heritage boys usually pan out. Will be hard to keep him off the field early. FSU legacy and his mother went to Miami, but this recruitment was all about the best fit for him. I knew if he showed up on that last visit things could UGA’s way. Kirby visited him the week of SECCG and saw what kind of priority he was. Huge pickup late in this cycle.
Carlton Madden - He was 100% a camp offer, missed his jr year due to him being indelible because of his transfer. Was very impressive when he worked out for UGA, think he could get more rocked up and stronger with his frame. Cedar Grove played him some at ILB out of necessity and he was just out of position there, but he could eventually see the field in some capacity. I’m not as high on him, but the coaches saw something they liked for sure.
De’Nylon Morrisette - I like De’Nylon a good bit. Strong hands and gets open. Not going to blow the top off the D but can outrun guys in the open field. I think his skillset is similar to Kearis Jackson, he’s taller and not as stout but their games are similar in what they can do when the ball comes their way. Had an injury set back and missed some week but had a damn good year when he got back, just gets better every year. He’s a leader off the field and is not a “me” guy. Should see meaningful minutes at UGA for sure.
Branson Robinson - Most definitely he’s a “first off the bus” type. I think he has pretty good vision and obviously a load to tackle, he looks about what it would look like if Nick Chubb and Elijah Holyfield had a love child, STRONG as an ox. His running style I can see more Josh Jacobs, pretty violent but can cut (not as good as Chubb, but a lot better than he should at his size). He’s more than just a big body lumbering for tough yards, he can make those explosive runs. Will be a feature Back at UGA in the near future barring injury. Dell showed why he makes bank on this one, got on him and zero’d in early before his recruitment blew up. Tennessee and Bama pushed late, was all dawg tho.
Griffin Scroggs - Honestly, I’m not very enamored here. Thought taking him was a reach. Could be wrong and hope I am, but he isn’t a guy that’s been at a small school and has the room to drastically improve as much as some others. Maybe in a few years could might play center if UGA gets in a bind with injuries.
Jaheim Singletary - Pure CB. Super long and very refined game. Been a top Corner prospect for a long time with good reason. Technique is as good as you will see from a HS prospect. Not a 4.3 guy, but plenty quick enough. Never gets in a bind because everything is so clean in his game, being a burner at CB is important mostly to help you get out of a bind, but players like Deandre Baker didn’t have to be as fast because their approach was money.. Slim falls into that category except about 4 inches taller and crazy length. If you would have told UGA fans back in the spring that this guy would flip to Georgia y’all would have been so fired up, I thought this recruiting win should have been celebrated a little more to be honest. Should see the field early imo, think he will be one of the best DBs in that room the minute he walks on campus. FL breeds CBs too… huge pickup.
Chandler Smith - This one is tough.. he’s a track guy and runs STUPID fast, although it doesn’t quite translate on the field as much as I was expecting when diving into his film. I was expecting those 80 yard house calls and didn’t see him bust those open. He has nice size as well at close to 6’2. Also a bit concerned with his inability to stay healthy, which isn’t a rare thing for track guys to have trouble with on the football field. I can see him more of a Justin Scott-Wesley than an Arian Smith if I had to peg it today.
Darris Smith - This is my guy. Putting the stamp on it now. Raw coming from Appling Co so it’ll take a bit to adjust but when that light comes on, he has things you can’t teach. This is more Leonard Floyd type than Adam Anderson and def not Nolan or Azeez, etc. Didn’t do the camp thing, got his offer he wanted and jumped on it early and that was it. Think he’s good to go grade wise too. Has freak type upside, legit right around 6’7 and arms like tree limbs.. when he gets a year in a college S&C I just don’t see how you keep him off the field when he learns the defense. I could be way off here and he not pan out whatsoever, but if he develops, he could very well be a first round talent.
Cole Speer - He’s a burner, ran off the charts for UGA this summer and became a take at that point. I don’t think McConkey is an accurate comp for him, different style players imo. Ladd slashes and uses route running and wiggles his way open, Speer grabs it and hauls ass and when you can run low 4.4 then it works. I could see him making plays at UGA, and I could also see him never making the 2 deep. Kind of torn on how this one could go… I was a bit higher on McConkey out of HS than Speer. I see Speer’s game more like a Chris Conley (not expecting him to be quite that good, but similar skill sets).
Malaki Starks - Probably the best overall athlete in this class. For his size he’s freaky in his speed and vertical verified ridiculous for both and his highlight reel is a freaking joy to watch. I think he’s going to be a Safety/Star at UGA, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up on offense eventually, but for now he could really be used at Safety with his range and the need is there. He’s so good with the ball in his hands so it’d be hard not to give him reps on O at some point, or at least I would be tempted. Had some ties to Clemson but in the end he was always staying home, him and his family love Georgia. Jam up kid and very high character. It may take him some time to adjust to one side of the ball specifically at the college level, but he’s going to be really really good. Get excited about him.
Gunner Stockton - Gamer. He’s not very tall and skillset isn’t as refined as some others, but when it’s game time he shows up. He can beat you with his arm but he’s low key fairly dynamic with his legs. I think his mechanics need some work, but he’s an asset to the QB room. I still prefer Vandagriff, but I like Stockton. Was committed to SCjr because of Bobo, he might just get to reunite with him..
JaCorey Thomas - This one was a Muschamp eval. Worked him out and personally endorsed him to Kirby. He’s pretty electric at the HS level. Had a fantastic senior year on both sides of the ball. I had initially thought he was perfect for Star but the more I think about it the more I could see Safety. Hell I like him at WR better than 80% of the guys UGA has signed the past two classes. I don’t see how you can watch his film and not see a top 150 player there, guarantee coaches hold him in higher esteem. Played tough competition. It didn’t matter who UGA went after at DB, they wanted to keep him in the fold.. if that tells you anything..
Brett Thorson - AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE. Hammer leg. Older guy with all his eligibility, was hand picked to go to UGA. May be more popular than most college punters, especially with the ladies.
Jalon Walker - If this isn’t one of your favorite recruits this class then you’re doing it wrong. Son of a coach, HIGHLY intelligent. Great ball player is so versatile, but I expect him at ILB for sure. It’s the hardest position to “get” in Kirby’s defense, but guys like him and Nakobe that are super smart can come in and grasp things helps them get on the field sooner.. he’s not a compact built guy, he’s long like Quay but not as stout, but quicker. Has a nose for the ball. Have high expectations here. Committed and was ALL DAWG recruited his ass off for UGA every single day. Clemson thought they were getting him, but he was on campus more than reported during his recruitment. Would be very surprised if he wasn’t selected for an SEC Media Days at some point.
CJ Washington - Off the hoof, one of the better looking prospects this class. Grown man. I do think he’s best suited for ILB, but his pass rush skills are so good. When Cedartown used him as a DE he had 20+ sacks. Much like Tindall in HS who could have been a pass rusher too, they are both big dudes that can roll. Cedartown needed him mostly at RB this year and Washington was damn good for them, took a team to bring him down but also showed how quick his feet are for someone that size. He dominated against Perry a few weeks back, they had no answer for him. The work ethic will be there for him, works out with Chubb in the offseasons. LSU worked him hard behind the scenes he was very high on their board before the coaching changes, but he’s been all Dawg since he got the offer.
Shone Washington - He’s another one that the staff worked out over the summer and jumped up their board in a big way. Big, strong Louisiana dude. Had some grade concerns so LSU backed off, as he was once committed there. Didn’t get to play his senior year to focus on his school work and getting prepared for college with his trainers. He’s interesting because he could go several directions on the DL… he’s 6’4 so he could play that Nose role in more of like a John Atkins type more so than a JD99. UGA staff was higher on him than Tyre and that is a fact. Only time will tell.
Mykel Williams - Another huge pick up here. Strong at the point of attack, has closing speed, great size. I’m really conflicted on which way he’s going to go at the next level, I’m leaning more towards a Travon Walker DE type role, with some good weight he could definitely play there at a high level. Very productive at the HS level, but his best football days are ahead of him. Can’t wait to get him in UGA S&C program and see what they can do with him. Even without the coaching changes, he was still coming back to UGA. Was set to commit to the Dawgs back in March but they opened things up and he wanted to check everything out. UGA got a little relaxed in this recruitment and really had to work to show him that he was a priority in Athens. He was in MJJ’s ear all weekend recruiting for UGA, and it worked.
UGA took a big class so it was a lot to write, so didn’t proofread but I’m sure there are about 1,500 run on sentences😂
Overall, another home run class for Kirby and UGA. Keep in mind, not ALL of these guys are 2022 counters.. just saying, the numbers work themselves out. Feel free to share your thoughts as well!
Part 2: Post-Feb NSD
Earnest Greene - Massive get, literally and figuratively. If you look at him off the hoof, he don’t look like the most athletic body frame for an OL… but then you watch him play and see how polished his game is and see why he’s pretty much a can’t miss OL prospect. Personally, I think he’s a Guard in a mold of a more refined and even better Solomon Kindley.. but I also think that if he leans up then he very well could be an OT at UGA. He is so powerful and has an elite punch, when he puts his foot in the ground it’s planted and he’s driving. Moves way better than what you would think as well. Went to a major HS and major competition. Signed in December and announced at the All America game, he’s an EE and already on campus. By far my favorite pickup on the OL this cycle and it’s not close. He could start for UGA sooner than later if needed, if that room wasn’t already deep then he could start as a freshman and I truly believe that.
EJ Lightsey - I like his senior tape. He strikes well and blitzes in a way that would remind you of Tindall. Has good length and plays pretty dang physical. Was a DE until he changed to ILB, was a smart move. Kind of reminds me of Tae Crowder to an extent. He’s not built like a pitbull like how Dumas-Johnson looks, but if he can pack on some more muscle mass then there’s something to work with here. If Schu is high on a guy, then sign me up.. he knows what he wants at the position and makes them better than what they would be under someone else.
Christen Miller - Love his improvement on his senior tape, really think his ranking would have trended up if he was able to compete at the All America week. His first step is really good and plays with a lot of power and technique. Pretty long arms and quick off the ball. Drives forward exceptionally well. Can get stronger and add a little more muscle mass, has the frame to. Great kid off the field, will be a leader in the locker room. On ESD I would have said he’d end up at Ohio St, throughout the last month or so it swung more toward him staying home. Almost committed to UGA in March or so, but when visits opened up he backed off that, really surprised he held out committing to a school this long tho. Believe he will be hard to keep off the field and has position diversity on the defensive front as well. Really nice get here, future speaker at SEC Media Days.. him and Jalon Walker.
Andrew Paul - Late bloomer and late addition to the class, much like Ladd McConkey in the 2020 class. His senior film looks fantastic. I don’t think he’s a burner but is explosive and accelerates impressively. I see good vision and power as well. I’m struggling with a comp for him, as he reminds me of Daijun Edwards in a sense and also reminds me of Damien Harris some. I see some handwringing about his competition, with running backs you can see the good no matter the competition in high school.. with Chubb you could see it on film and production as well. He definitely helps the RB room, I’m interested in seeing how high his ceiling can go. Clemson was a major leader here and he was a big priority for them, was also a priority for Michigan and Oregon among others as well. UGA definitely swooped in late and sealed the deal.
*side-note: after doing some more digging, I really think Shone Washington could be something nice in the future. This guy has not played much high school ball at all, didn’t play his soph year due to transfer rule and didn’t play his senior year to get his grades right and prepare for college on and off the field.. he has more upside than his ranking indicate imo.
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