Four star offensive tackle Dayne Shor looks the part. Standing at 6’6″
and hovering around the 300 pound mark, the Georgia native is an imposing prospect. The class of 2022 tackle is now at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, after previously playing for upstart GHSA program Denmark High School in Alpharetta. Shor is highly coveted and has verbal scholarship offers from 25 Power 5 schools, including the University of Georgia.
Unfortunately Shor is unlikely to suit up for IMG this season. The massive
lineman has suffered a shoulder injury and is scheduled to undergo surgery
soon. World renown surgeon Dr. James Andrews is who Shor has consulted with, so it’s safe to say the promising offensive line prospect is in safe hands. Recently I caught up with Dayne to discuss his move to IMG, his high octane recruitment, and his relationship with the Georgia Bulldogs.
On the decision to move from Denmark to IMG…
“So, honestly, they (Denmark) were going through another coaching transition and ever since Coach Crowder had left the program had really gone down. I didn’t think the oline environment was right or the best for me. Then, obviously, IMG contacted me and I talked to Coach Acosta. One of my main goals in college is to make an impact in college early. I’d like to play as a freshman and I thought what IMG offered and what they do would help me be prepared to do that and make that goal a reality. I didn’t come here (IMG) to get recruited. I came here to get ready for college.”
On rehab process and advantage of being at IMG while injured …
“Oh, being at IMG is huge. They treat us great and the guy I’m going to for my shoulder is Dr. James Andrews. Of course, he’s worked with every top college program and many professional athletes. Having talked to Mack Brown recently, and some coaches at Maryland and Alabama, they all raved or how great Dr. Andrews is, so he’s definitely the real deal and excited to get ready for spring ball afterward.”
Having always lived in the metro Atlanta area, what was it like getting the offer from Georgia? How is the relationship building?
“At the time (April of this year), getting offered by my the big hometown university. It was definitely a shock. It was a big deal. Especially for my family. A big part, a lot of, my family are huge UGA fans. So that really meant a lot to my family. My Dad’s side is a little more Auburn, but definitely a lot of love for Georgia in my family.
“The coaches at UGA have been great. There are three coaches that I’ve talked to a good bit. Coach Luke and Coach Gordon are both really good guys and I’ve talked to them the most and I’ve talked to Coach Smart a few time. Coach Smart is another really good guy. Georgia has always been one of my dream schools and I know they develop lineman. It’s a good deal.”
“I went to UGA camp going into my freshman year. At the camp I won the All-Dawg Team Award and Coach Smart said he remembered that, remembered me and watching me there. So that was really cool that he cared and remembered exactly who I was. That speaks a lot to who Coach Smart is as a person.”
In terms of what Dayne Shor is looking for in his ultimate school of choice at the next level, well for Shor it comes down to four things.
- Having coaches he can relate to, talk to openly, and that feel like family.
- Academics. Shor wants to be prepared for life after football and set up for success.
- The campus and football facilities. Shor wants to be in an environment that he can envision himself working and growing in for years to come.
- The fit for his family. Shor wants to go to a place that has the whole family on board, comfortable, and excited for his future there.
Despite Shor being a life-long Georgia native, he has not been to Athens much, if any, other than the camp he attended going into his 9th grade year. Shor’s recruitment plans have been altered by COVID. His original timeline to commit was going to the summer of 2021. Now, with visits being shutdown, his decision could linger on until late until his senior year. The 2022 tackle was planning on graduating in December of 2021 and early enrolling at the school of his choice, but now Shor made it clear it’s possible his decision could wait until the spring of his senior season.
Stay tuned here on Bulldawg Illustrated for the latest on Shor’s recovery and his recruitment. Go give him a follow on Twitter via @dayneshor11 as well.