For the third consecutive season, Georgia controls their destiny to play in the SEC Championship game and make the Playoffs. The success on the field has spilled over into recruiting under Kirby Smart and the Dawgs have become a juggernaut on the trail. Below is a look at my Top 10 players on UGA’s Big Board as we enter the closing stretch of the season.
#1 – Darnell Washington – 6’8 261 – TE
The biggest need remaining in this class for Georgia is the addition of playmakers on offense. At 6’8 261 pounds Washington is a nightmare mismatch for opposing defensive coordinators because of his size, physicality and underrated athleticism. He has the versatility to block in-line or flex out wide where he can physically dominate smaller defensive backs. UGA has some nice pieces in Fitzpatrick, Goede and Seither on the roster but no clear difference makers. After missing out on Arik Gilbert, Washington is a “must get” for the Todd Hartley.
Today’s Prediction = UGA
Confidence = High
#2 – Arian Smith – 6’1 170 – WR
The narrative of adding playmakers on the offensive side of the ball continues with Arian Smith. When you watch his film his speed comes so effortlessly. It looks like he is out for Sunday stroll until you see him blow by opposing defenders. As a football player he is still a work in progress but from the moment he steps on campus he will be able to create separation from nearly any defensive back in the SEC. The Alabama coaching staff views him as very similar to Henry Ruggs, III. While Georgia has some very talented receivers returning in 2020, Smith’s speed will immediately set him apart in that room.
Confidence = High
Today’s Prediction = UGA
#3 – Kelee Ringo – 6’2 205 – CB
Georgia has tremendous talent at cornerback but a player of Ringo’s caliber is an immediate difference-maker. As everyone has seen this season, the SEC is no longer 3-yards and a cloud of dust. Elite programs like Alabama, LSU and Florida are going to have multiple athletes who can fly on the outside. Ringo is the type of corner that you can put out an island the moment he steps on campus and he will not be physically outmanned by anyone. While Stokes, Campbell, Daniel, Wilson, Stevenson, and Webb are all likely to return you can never have too many cover corners. It doesn’t hurt the Dawgs chances that his mom loves Athens, Coach Smart and potential career opportunities with Delta in Atlanta.
Today’s Prediction = UGA
Confidence = High
#4 – Zykevious Walker – 6’5 265 – DE
The Dawgs are losing a minimum of five scholarship defensive lineman after this season and adding new talent has been a priority for the defensive staff. While SEC offenses are spreading the field more and more to win championships you still must win at the line of scrimmage. Walker is the type of defensive lineman that Coach Smart and Coach Scott dream about. At 6’5 265 he is still filling out his frame and will easily tip the scales at 285 with a college strength and nutrition program without losing any of his athleticism. Adding to him to a class that already includes Jalen Carter, Nazir Stackhouse, and Warren Brinson would be a huge addition.
Today’s Prediction = UGA
Confidence = High
#5 – Noah Sewell – 6’2 266 – ILB
There is only one word to describe Noah Sewell, a word that is often thrown around carelessly but not in this case – FREAK! At 6’2 266 he is a beast at the point of attack with the quickness and speed to cover tailbacks and slot receivers. It is not out of the question that he could play linebacker on defense and have a short-yardage/goal-line package on offense. Sewell is a tone-setter that will elevate the physicality of any collegiate programs he joins. Many experts have him as a lock to Oregon but Sewell may choose to follow his own path.
Today’s Prediction = Oregon
Confidence = Medium
#6 – Michael Henderson – 6’1 231 – FB/TE
An Oklahoma commit, Michael Henderson is a name that many Georgia fans are likely not familiar with. Henderson plays QB in high school but on the collegiate level will most likely be FB/TE hybrid. He is a thickly built athlete who runs with power but will have to learn how to play an entirely new position before he is ready to compete at the collegiate level. However, he is the type of guy that explodes onto the scene as a sophomore or junior and becomes an immediate fan favorite. It is possible that Georgia could add Henderson in this class in-lieu of signing a second tailback.
Today’s Prediction = Oklahoma
Confidence = Medium
#7 – Running Back (Marshawn Lloyd, Jahmyr Gibbs or Daijun Edwards)
With D’Andre Swift and Brian Herrien leaving Athens at the conclusion of this season the Dawgs are potentially looking for two tailbacks to add to the mix. Zach Evans was at the top of this list but there are some character concerns and questions about how he would handle not being the alpha dog in the running back room. Georgia has great options with Lloyd (SC commit), Jahmyr Gibbs (no UGA offer) and Daijun Edwards. Whether or not Georgia chooses to add a 2nd running back will likely depend on how the rest of the class fills out.
Today’s Prediction = UGA adds another running back to the Class of 2020
Confidence = Medium
#8 – CJ Stroud – 6’3 194 – QB
Stroud is a name that emerged for Georgia when he announced he would be coming to Athens for an unofficial visit for the Texas A&M game and return for an official visit prior to the early signing period. He is a pass-first quarterback who can extend plays with his legs causing fits for opposing defenses. Even though Carson Beck is already in the fold the Dawgs are aggressively recruiting Stroud who is having a monster senior season in California. If Jake Fromm decides to forego his final season of eligibility leaving the QB position in Athens wide open it may prove to be too good of an opportunity for CJ to pass up.
Today’s Prediction = Ohio State
Confidence = Low
#9 – Jordan Burch – 6’5 255 – OLB/DE
Perhaps the best high school player in the country, Burch has long been considered a lock to Clemson or USC. Since South Carolina has imploded this season the recruitment of Columbia native Jordan Burch has become infinitely more interesting. When you combine that with Clemson returning their entire depth chart at defensive end and two more five-star defensive ends already committed that gives the Dawgs a chance to make a push. It would not be a shock to see this one come down to an SEC battle between UGA, Alabama, and LSU. It seems that every year Coach Smart pulls off a Signing Day shocker and I am going with Burch as that surprise as of today.
Today’s Prediction = UGA
Confidence = Low
#10 – Theo Johnson – 6’6 242 – TE
With my confidence that Darnell Washington is going to be a member of the Class of 2020, Theo Johnson falls further down on this list. However, if Johnson decided to commit to the Dawgs he is a 100% take. The Canada native is a natural pass catcher that will have to adjust to becoming an in-line blocker in the SEC. That being said, he is an immediate weapon and another nightmare matchup for opposing defensive coordinators.
Today’s Prediction = Michigan
Confidence = Low