It’s been three weeks since National Signing Day 2017, and the Bulldogs did pick up a commitment from 2019 defensive lineman Rashad Cheney, Jr. this past Saturday, but when will be, who will be Georgia’s next commit? It was one of several questions Lucas Rogers, Michael Pope, Savannah Richardson, and Michael Pope fielded during Bulldawg Illustrated’s Wednesday night UGA college football recruiting chat.
It’s been three weeks since National Signing Day, when will Georgia’s next 2018 commitment happen and who is it most likely to be?
Lucas: “Might be a little bit, but I feel as if Brenton Cox has been close for a bit.”
Michael: “I’m gonna go with one of the (offensive) guards, and say (Jamaree) Salyer or (Trey) Hill commits at G-day or sooner.”
Savannah: “I like the Brenton Cox kid too”
What’s biggest position need for 2018 class? (from member RobDawg)
Lucas: “Georgia definitely needs to get at least one QB, and they also need to get some quality DL this year.”
Bulldawg Bob: “RB, DT and QB are the top 3 IMO.”
Savannah: “Defensive line and linebacker in my opinion, and UGA can always take more (offensive) lineman.”
What other Defensive tackles and inside linebackers do we have a good shot at in 2018? (from member Avon Barksdale)
Lucas: “Teradaja Mitchell (ILB), Darnell Jefferies (DL), and TK Chimedza (DL) are some.”
Bulldawg Bob: “Linebacker Donovan Georges is already committed but keep your eye on Teradja Mitchell also. Michael Harris and JJ Peterson are two other linebackers to watch. Georgia has over 9 offers out to ILBs. As far as defensive lineman, TK Chimedza is a strong possiblity. Also, Andrew Ogletree could get a preferred walk-on from Georgia. The Bulldogs have over 17 offers out to defensive tackles for 2018”
Talking defensive line and defensive tackles, what about 2018’s D’Andre Litaker?
Lucas: “Right now, I think Tennessee; especially with his mother passing and everything. I think he will want to stay close to his support system.”
Who does UGA end up with at DT in 2018? (from member Jesus Quintana)
Lucas: “Right now, my guess would be Darnell Jefferies and one other DT. Just not sure who. I believe Brenton Cox could possibly play with his hand in the dirt; so, I’ll include him as a DE.”
Bulldawg Bob: “Think Georgia will take at least 3 DTs for 2018. They have offers out to over 17 DTs so far. Would love the Dawgs to flip Robert Cooper Jr., who is committed to FSU, but that is a long shot. TK Chizmeda out of IMG Academy is one to keep an eye on.”
Where do you have the DT from IMG going (TK Chizmeda)? (from member Jesus Quintana)
Lucas: “Far away right now, but I believe it could be Georgia or FSU.”
Do we have any TE targets for 2018 and 2019? (from member RobDawg)
Bulldawg Bob: “For 2018, Georgia has offered Brevin Jordan, Will Mallory, Mustapha Muhammad, Jeremy Ruckert, George Takacs. There is also John Fitzpatrick, Tyneil Hopper, and Reed Tyler who Georgia hasn’t offered but have shown interest in.”
Michael: “George Takacs is a name I have heard linked with the Bulldogs.”
Lucas: “Yes. George Takacs is one to watch IMO.”
Rick: “I think George Takacs as well.”
Savannah: “Keep your eye on Mustapha Muhammad.”
How important Is winning this coming fall to our success come NSD 2018? … Not saying we won’t have a good class but I believe winning on the field is the only piece we are currently missing to achieve Great class. (from member MMCSDAWG )
Lucas: “I agree actually. Need to see results on the field or people are going to start questioning Kirby. Don’t expect playoffs or anything this season but 10-2 or so with winning SEC East would be good.”
Michael: “I think that winning is always important, but I think it is the added boost that could see the Bulldogs flip a few kids… maybe even a kid like Fields.”
Savannah: “I agree, but I also think that the coaching staff is selling the program as you guys (recruiting prospects) come in and help us win and y’all will become the dynasty of the University of Georgia. I think winning more this season is something that will help the recruits decide, but I also think there are other elements too.”
Speaking of QBs … will the Dawgs take 2 in 2018, and who do they have a likely shot at? (from member Russell Miler)
Lucas: “QB position right now is crazy to be honest. It could be any of the guys that they have offered, but it could be none of them also. I think it is going to be a dual threat guy they can try to develop. Not sure who because a lot of people aren’t going to like joining a QB room with (Jacob) Eason and (Jake) Fromm.”
Michael: “I really think they will go hard after Justin Fields. I think Kirby wants a dual-threat quarterback, and Fields will be an easier battle than (Emory) Jones … although I do not think they will give up on Jones.”
Savannah: “Don’t count out Trevor Lawrence just yet, and I think UGA just takes one QB (in this class).”
Bulldawg Bob: “One name that not a lot of people talk about, but he is a solid DT-QB and that is Dakereon Joyner. But as the others have stated, UGA is not out of it for any of the committed targets like Justin Fields, Emory Jones or even Trevor Lawrence.”
Rick: “(Dakereon Joyner out of South Carolina is who I see us taking.”
What about Zeus (Zamir White)? (from member RumRunnerDoogie)
Lucas: “From everything I have gathered, if signing day were today, I believe Zamir White would pick Georgia. UGA has momentum right now, and he hasn’t visited Clemson in a long time.”
Bulldawg Bob: “I know there are a number of people who thought he was a big Clemson lean, especially after Trevor Lawrence, and they may still feel that way even though he has visited Athens twice in less than a month. I just don’t see it. I think it is a pretty even-keeled Clemson-Georgia battle, and Alabama is sticking their foot in that door too. But I like Georgia’s chances here. The Bulldogs have the momentum at the moment. How long they hold that momentum and can they carry it all the way through his decision date on June 27th, that is the question.”
Michael: “Gotta love the Dogs chances.”
Savannah: “Georgia.”
So outside of Zeus, who else could Georgia take at RB? Will they take two if Zeus commits? If so, who? (from member Russell Miler)
Lucas: “I believe they will take 2. Could see them get back into it with Lyn J Dixon or someone like that.”
Bulldawg Bob: “Keep your eye on some Peach State RBs. Lyn-J Dixon out of Taylor County High School, Butler, GA – 5 foot 10 and 180 lbs. Dixon probably is the top all-purpose back in the state of Georgia this year and one of the top in the country. He has rushed for 4,526 and 62 TDs in his high school football career, thus far, on 556 carries. That is an average of 8.1 yards per carry. And he catches the ball well out of the backfield too. Dixon has 984 receiving yards and 9 TDs on 66 catches.
Not offered yet by UGA, but interested and targets: are:
Nolan Edmonds – Alpharetta High School, Alpharetta, GA – 5 foot 11 and 200 lbs
Rico Frye – Creekside High School, Fairburn, GA – 5 foot 10 and 205 lbs
Emeka Nwanze – Northview High School, Duluth, GA – 5 foot 11 and 196 lbs
Jalynn Sykes – Rome High School, Rome, GA – 5 foot 11 and 195 lbs”
So how confident are we that 2018 OGs Trey Hill and Jamaree Salyer will commit to and sign with Georgia? (from member Russell Miler)
Lucas: “I believe both will be at Georgia.”
Michael: “90-95%”
Rick: “I’m about 90% sure we land both. Max Wray is working them and Zeus (Zamir White) really hard.”
Bulldawg Bob: “I’m pretty confident on Hill and Salyer picking the Dawgs, but they are two of the top offensive guards in the country for 2018; so, they are going to be recruited by everyone and their brother. Right now, UGA is a heavy favorite for both.”
Will Georgia take as many o-lineman in 2018 as they did in 2017? (from member Russell Miler)
Lucas: “Nope. Probably 4 max.”
Michael: “I don’t think so … 3 maybe 4.”
Rick: “Michael, you’re right on point.”
Bulldawg Bob: “Georgia will take no less than 4 offensive linemen per signing class with Kirby Smart and Sam Pittman on the staff. I think those 4 will likely be Trey Hill, Jamaree Salyer, Max Wray and probably Christian Armstrong.”
Do we make the same splash with 18 class as 17? Hope we keep momentum … (from member RobDawg)
Lucas: “Top 10 class but not top 5 IMO.”
Rick: “Agreed (with Lucas).”
Savannah: “I agree with Lucas. I think UGA has a top 10 class for 18 and a top 3 for 19 … 2019 is Georgia’s year.”
Michael: “I’d say top 5.”
Bulldawg Bob: “I think Georgia will finish around finish with number 5, 6, to 7 ranked class.”
BULLDAWG RECRUITING BYTES
Lucas on Donovan Georges: “So I talked to Donovan Georges, the 2018 LB commit, just to see how his visit went this weekend. He said his favorite part of the visit was when he got to put on the uniforms and take pictures in them. He mentioned that it put everything into reality, and he visualized himself playing in that uniform for 4 years. He said he also enjoyed the 1-o-n 1 conversation with (Kirby) Smart. Donovan and Coach Smart talked about how he would be used in the defense, and how much he could help the program.
He said he isn’t sure if he will be taking visits to other schools, but right now, he feels confident in his decision and is very happy with it. He said he will be recruiting his friend Mikel Jones a lot. He also mentioned that he hasn’t been to UGA since his freshman year for a camp and that he was really impressed with the new IAF. He said they had all the lights flashing and the music jamming. He also mentioned how fun the basketball game was with the electric atmosphere. He plans to come back again during spring or summer.”
Lucas on Stephen Herron: “Talked to Stephen Herron who is a 2019 DE and also received an offer from UGA the other day. I asked what he thought about Georgia and he said, ‘I think they’re a great school, and I can’t wait to get down there and visit the coaches. I always wanted to be surrounded by the caliber of athletes that the region down there has.’
Herron visited TN this weekend and he said it was a great visit. He was able to meet their new DL coach who was a great guy. Also said he was one of the only guys that got a 1-on-1 with Butch so that made him feel good. He plans to visit every school that has offered this spring and summer, which isn’t a short list. The major programs that have offered are Michigan, UGA, Ohio St, Louisville, Oregon, and Tennessee. He is looking for a great school and great relationships with the coaches. He also wants to have early playing time and wants to study business and law, so the school must have a good program there. As of right now, all schools are even to him.”
Lucas on Frank Ladson, Jr.: “Also talked to Frank Ladson (2019 WR) who received an offer from Georgia the other day. He said he thinks Georgia is a great school and one of the top schools in the SEC. He did say that he plans to come and camp at UGA. The main thing he is looking for in a school is a good environment and somewhere he can call a 2nd home. He said as of right now, Miami and Florida are standing out.”
Lucas on Zamir White: “From everything I have gathered, if signing day were today, I believe Zamir White would pick Georgia. UGA has momentum right now, and he hasn’t visited Clemson in a long time. Momma likes Georgia and Bama. If Georgia can get him to visit once or twice more, I definitely think he will be a Dawg.”
Michael on 2018 offensive line recruiting: “(Sam) Pittman continues to lock down elite lineman. I get the feeling that after last year’s class, they would be content with landing (Jamaree) Salyer, (Trey) Hill, and (Max) Wray, but they still may land more, which is outstanding.”
Bulldawg Bob on Georgia’s Junior Day on Feb. 18th: “Talking with some of the 2018 prospects after they had attended Georgia’s Junior Day, and the feedback was very positive. The 2019 prospects that visited were also impressed. For some, it was their first trip to Athens or their first time seeing the new IAF facility. Several mentioned that it was the most impressive practice facility they had seen. Overall, the recruits had a good time with the coaching staff and in Athens. Even though Georgia didn’t beat Kentucky in the men’s basketball game that Saturday night, the fact that it was sold out and such a great atmosphere made it a fun experience for them. Lucas already mentioned Donovan Georges, but Teradja Mitchell had a good visit as well.”
Rick on Amari Gainer: “I talked with Amari Gainer, a 2018 OLB out of Florida, and he really likes UGA a lot but said he should is deciding to play football or baseball. Keep an eye on this one he’s a top 25 player.”
Rick on Arjei Henderson: “Briefly spoke with 2019 WR Arjei Henderson, the recent OU commit. He said Uga was #1 on his list right before he committed. He told me today that his recruitment is still open, and it’s between Oklahoma and UGA.”
If you would like to read through all of the chat from Wednesday night, CLICK HERE. Our next recruiting chat should be in a couple of weeks at the first part of March.