It's the general consensus in the recruiting world that Georgia's 2011 football class is it’s best since the 2007 class, which included Eric Berry, Caleb King, Jonathon Dwyer, Allen Bailey, Josh Nesbitt. I'll run through the list, and give a few predictions as to where the top 20 talents will end up.
1. Ray Drew, DE, Thomas County Central (Thomasville), 6'5, 243. At the surface, it seems that Drew's recruitment will take months to totally unfold. Even though Ray Drew is deeply religious, but that doesn't necessarily make him a lock to play for Mark Richt and the Dawgs. He has also stated that he wants to play with his hand in the dirt, and if he doesn't put on significant weight by time to report to college, then he'd fit the mold of a 3-4 OLB. However, Drew will probably weigh around 260 pounds by this time next year, and once he reports to campus he'll put on another 10 to 20 pounds in a hurry. Combining that with the fact that Mark Richt's spirituality only helps with Drew, many have began to believe that UGA has replaced the team to beat for Drew, and that he's simply enjoying the process at this time. Drew will more than likely be a consensus 5 star guy by the time it’s all said and done. He’s a physically imposing defender, has long arms, and shows decent ability to chase ballcarriers once they’re out of the backfield. Drew is a great strongside defender, who excels in getting his hands on backs and not letting go.
2. Isaiah Crowell, RB, Carver (Columbus), 5'11, 190. Where do I begin with this guy? First of all, how is he not ranked as a 5 star prospect? Maybe the best playmaking back I've ever seen coming out of high school, the main players in Crowell's recruitment are UGA, Alabama, Clemson, and FSU. Most likely, it'll come down to UGA and Bama. Most recent word says that UGA has taken an ever-so-slight lead over Bama, evidenced by his now 'wide-open' status as opposed to saying that the Tide leads, as he did for a few earlier months. All evidence points to Crowell making a signing day decision, however it is possible that he will give a silent commitment to Saban or Richt. Crowell has forged a relationship with Mark Ingram, as well as Caleb King and UGA RB coach Bryan McClendon. Depth at the RB position is a factor in Crowell's recruitment, and while Heisman Winner Mark Ingram may be leaving Tuscaloosa after this season, he will be backed up by Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, and Corey Grant. These three will get significantly more carries than Caleb King and Washaun Ealey's backups, Dontavius Jackson, Carlton Thomas, and Boo Malcome. Also, even though Richardson will be gone from Bama a year after Crowell arrives on campus, Lacy and Grant will be around for the same time, and Crowell may see a better opportunity at UGA, the school he grew up a fan of.
3. Jay Rome, TE, Valdosta, 6'6 240 – In my opinion, Rome’s rankings are based moreso on his awesome potential than his production at this point. Most of this is due to the fact offensive system he played in during his junior year. He has more than enough ability to go up and snag the ball, and uses his hands more frequently than relying on his body to catch balls. He has prototypical size for the tight end position, big enough to be an effective blocker, and athletic enough to be a weapon in the passing game. Strictly a UGA/Clemson battle, especially at this point in time. Most people know the situation: Jay's dad is a Clemson alum, however the Dawgs have made up a great deal of ground. Some would even say that UGA leads, especially when their reputation for putting tight ends in the NFL is considered; the success of Orson Charles this year will prove that to Rome. However, Clemson is still a strong enough contender for it to be considered a toss-up at this point.
4. Damian Swann, CB, Grady (Atlanta), 6'0 175 - Swann's been touted as the next Branden Smith for months now, and those comparisons seem pretty accurate to me. Swann would likely be just as effective at wideout as he is at corner, but he has the attitude that separates good corners from great ones. He has great athleticism and he knows it. For months, the battle to get his LOI has been a dogfight between UGA and Bama. However, word on the Net in the past few weeks has tabbed Swann as a silent to UGA, set to reveal his intentions in the coming weeks. We'll see how true that is.
5. Stephon Tuitt, DE/LB, Monroe Area (Monroe), 6'5 260 - This jumbo athlete's stock has risen in the past few months, and rightfully so, with a glance at his film, Tuitt exhibits the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and the quickness to become a finesse player in his college years. Tuitt has made it clear that Georgia Tech is his leader, but many UGA fans feel the Dawgs are making up ground, sincet Tuitt hinted at an early commitment months ago, but has since changed his tune. Todd Grantham has made it clear that Tuitt is one of the staff's highest priorities, however, right now, I haven't seen enough solid evidence to make me believe he'll end up anywhere besides Tech.
6. Gabe Wright, DT, Carver (Columbus), 6'3 273 - The epitome of a disruptive force on the line, Gabe Wright is quick, strong, and will only get stronger when he gets to college. It once appeared to be a UGA/Bama battle, (anybody noticing a trend here?) however the last few months have led to Auburn and Alabama leading, with UGA and Tennessee behind. The safest bet to take would be Alabama here, however I'm not counting out Rodney Garner, Chuck Smith, or any of Auburn's recruiters here.
7. Quan Bray, APB, Callaway (Hogansville), 5'11 178 - another UGA/Bama battle for a playmaker. Quan Bray is FAST, and could be used as a slot receiver at the next level. He is one of those athletes that can sink his hips, or make a cut, and go about 60 yards to the endzone easily. His acceleration makes him almost impossible to stop in high school, and in the right system will be a game-breaking back on the next level. One play on his highlights particularly impressed me. The play comes against Troup County (or Lagrange); Bray bobbles a pitch from the quarterback, and is knocked back by a group of defenders. The opposing bench goes wild, yet he keeps his balance, changes directions and manages to pick up the first down. If he reaches his full potential, by putting on muscle weight and maintaining elusiveness at the next level, and is used in the right situations by the offensive coordinator, he will remind people of Jacoby Ford from Clemson. He won’t be a 25 carry-per-game back, but when he does receive the right amount of touches he will be a player to watch. Bray has kept a low profile as of late, perhaps meaning that he's already made his decision, or is close to making one. I haven't the slightest clue at this point, but I'd bet on either of these two teams. This decision is one of about three that will be impacted by other RBs. Along with Isaiah Crowell and Mike Bellamy of Florida.
[SN:] Bellamy has made it clear that immediate playing time is one of the most important factors in his recruitment. He now claims Clemson as his leader, citing the way they used C.J. Spiller, after being interested in UGA, Alabama, and Florida, all of which don't have much playing time to spare.
8. Sterling Bailey, DE, East Hall (Gainesville), 6'5 260 – Bailey is quick, explosive, and has the perfect frame to become a playmaker in Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense. He shows patience, staying home until he recognizes the direction the play is moving in, and shows nice ability to pursue the ballcarrier. In his film, he doesn’t seem to get tangled up with offensive linemen much. He committed to UGA in May, after admitting that he was not really “into UGA” back in the fall.
9. James Vaughters, LB, Tucker, 6’2 233 – James Vaughters is a truly national recruit, bringing excellent size, great instincts, and a 4.0 GPA to the table. He’s an intelligent player, with great ability to read plays. He has done a great job of staying conditioned, showing a strong powerbase and even stronger upper body while blocking as a tight end on offense. This ability allows him to knock tacklers back at the point of attack. Vaughters can become an effective pass defender at the next level as well, he doesn’t lack speed or agility. Recruiting-wise, he has ties to Ohio State University, as both of his parents are originally from Ohio. Unless the Dawgs impress Vaughters on-campus and on the field, expect him to pick OSU over Stanford and UGA.
10. Corey Moore, S, Griffin 6’1 195 – Corey Moore may be one of the most underrated safeties in the nation. Known as one of the biggest hitters in the state after his junior year, Moore used the spring to prove that he had excellent cover skills. A big trash talker on the field, Corey has become one of the Dawgs’ most aggressive recruiters of the 2011 class. I expect Moore to move up the rankings either during the season or after a successful week at the US Army All-American Game.
11. Xzavier Dickson, DE, Griffin 6’3 238 – Xzavier Dickson is another prospect who grew up a fan of UGA, yet allowed the timing of their offer to rub him the wrong way. An explosive DE who excels at pursuing ballcarriers Dickson will make his choice at the Under Armour All-American Game. Expect it to be UGA or Alabama. While UGA fell behind Alabama to begin with, the hiring of Todd Grantham has allowed the Dawgs to make up some serious ground. UGA fans should feel good about Dickson, especially since he’ll have Corey Moore in his ear for the entire year. However, Alabama is still in the lead here, and depending on a few factors, such as the effectiveness of the 3-4 in Athens, and the decision made by former UGA 2008 signee Toby Jackson, Dickson could still land in Tuscaloosa come National Signing Day.
12. Justin Scott-Wesley, WR, Mitchell County (Camilla) 6’1 210 – Justin Scott Wesley is the fastest man in Georgia, and won the 100 meter dash at this year’s state meet with a 10.35 time, the second-fastest time in Georgia history, and faster than UGA’s Branden Smith’s 10.4 time, which ranked 5th all-time. Scott-Wesley will be a deep threat and an ‘offensive utility player’ for the Dawgs when he arrives on campus. At 210 pounds, he’s got a strong upper body, which will make him more of a match-up problem for corners, and this combined with his elite speed will make him an effective backup for Tavarres King in Athens.
13. Malcolm Mitchell, DB, Valdosta, 6’1 170 – Mitchell is a versatile athlete with the right size to play in multiple positions on the field. With good hands and jumping ability, Scott Lakatos wants this tall defensive back to play corner, however he could possibly be used on offense as well. After the G-Day game, the Dawgs appeared to lead for Mitchell, and there hasn’t been much indication to the contrary so far. Mitchell excels on both sides of the ball, and has a frame that will allow him to add muscle when he gets to college, he’s stronger than he looks and flashes ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. On defense he shows that he’s not afraid to come up in run support, and will only improve after adding weight. He has been ranked as the fifth-best wide receiver in the nation by ESPN.
14. Avery Walls, DB, Union Grove (McDonough), 5’11 184 – Walls is a relatively short, stocky safety who lays the wood and loves to patrol the secondary from the safety position. Walls possesses ball-hawk ability, and is one of the more complete safeties in the 2011 class in my opinion. He has the knack to be in the right place at the right time, and that’s something that will only help him once he gets into a legitimate defensive scheme. qWith offers from around the country, Walls will have to decide soon, as he will be an early enrollee. Walls has stated that distance will not factor in his decision. I expect him to decide between Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Cal.
15. Shannon Brown, LB, Cook (Adel), 6’2 240 – Shannon Brown is already ready for college, size-wise. A stocky, muscular ‘backer, Brown is agile enough to play running back for Cook County, and uses that agility to laterally pursue the ballcarrier effectively. Once he gets into a college weight program, it isn’t out of the question that Brown will be used in certain situations on the defensive line. Committed to Alabama for more than four months now, rival schools are still contacting him, but I would only expect him to visit Auburn or UGA, for now.
16. Nick Marshall, QB, Wilcox County (Rochelle), 6’2 185 – Marshall emerged on the scene after his state championship game performance. While Nick is a great high school quarterback, he may be an even better point guard. Recently offered by Alabama, Marshall has reportedly expressed openness to playing in the secondary, and this opens up a new can of worms, being that its significantly easier to juggle playing defensive back and point guard than it is to juggle playing quarterback for a major SEC contender and point guard. Maybe Marshall will end the confusion and decide to play basketball. In that case, expect him to decide between UGA and FSU. If he decides to only play quarterback, expect him to pick FSU. I can see him choosing FSU, UGA, or Bama if he decides to defer to playing defensive back.
17. A.J. Johnson, LB, Gainesville, 6’3 226 – AJ Johnson is a big LB who’ll gain weight and probably play off the edge on the next level. Once committed to Tennessee, he also has friends at Alabama, yet Clemson is doing a nice job of recruiting him. Smart money bets on Kirby Smart and Alabama here.
18. Chris Sanders, S, Tucker, 6’1 185 – Sanders was UGA’s first commitment back in the fall. A tall, lanky safety, Sanders shows playmaking ability that will be put to use in Scott Lakatos’ system. He looks more like a tall corner than a safety at this point in time, but he definitely isn’t afraid to move into the box and support the run. Sanders is also a proficient playmaker in pass defense, and a vocal leader of a consistent powerhouse program in Georgia. Getting Sanders and Moore early were two great gets for Lakatos and Grantham.
19. C.J. Uzomah, QB, North Gwinnett (Suwannee), 6’5 230 – Uzomah is a talented athlete who has his mind set on playing QB at the next level. A hard worker, Uzomah has spent the past off-season gaining muscle and playing 7-on-7’s. Uzomah is not overly impressive at the QB position, but his prototypical size makes offensive coordinators drool about the possibility of developing his talent. Some teams prefer Uzomah at tight end, however it seems to me that Uzomah will take the chance to play QB in Gus Malzahn’s offense.
20. Chris Milton, ATH, Charlton County (Folkston), 6’0 175 – Chris Milton is a relative of Champ and Boss Bailey, and he flashes playmaking ability in his film. He hasn’t been offered by Georgia yet, but I believe he is UGA’s to lose. However, if many more major programs offer him before the Dawgs, they could see him slip away to another SEC program.
The Bottom Line: Many rival fans may read this blog and consider it the delusional ramblings of a UGA homer, but when national recruiting is considered, Georgia has barely focused on out of state targets this year, as opposed to last year, when at one point in time the Dawgs had more commitments from Florida than Georgia. As for the top talent in the state, there shouldn’t be a major invasion of the state like last year, when Tennessee, Auburn, Alabama, and Florida got a great deal of talent from the state, while Georgia was struggling to keep commitments on National Signing Day. It’s a well-known fact that the only contender Dawg fans should be concerned about this year is Alabama.
The Tide’s recruiting success doesn’t hinge on their on-field success as much it does for UGA. Rivals’ coaches, reader-starved sportswriters, and bloggers alike have spread the rumor that Mark Richt is on the hot seat, taking advantage of these kids being uninformed, and the only sure way to silence that talk is for UGA to win the SEC East. It doesn’t really matter to these recruits that Georgia AD Damon Evans came out and said that Richt wasn’t on the hot seat, rival coaches have convinced a great deal of kids that if the Dawgs go through another 8 or 9 win season, he won’t be back next year. And no matter how dirty that is on the other coaches’ parts, that’s just SEC football. By the Auburn game, it may very well be a done deal for most of these prospects. Frankly put, unless UGA is meeting Alabama in the Georgia Dome, or taking an at-large bid in the BCS, most of these prospects that are on the fence between ‘Bama and Georgia will sign with the defending champs. This is because UGA has been a top 10 recruiter since Richt got on campus, but have no national championships to show for it, the reason why can be discussed on another day. Basically, its put-up-or-shut-up time for the Dawgs, and while Richt won’t necessarily be fired after another season like last year, but recruits will no longer look at the Dawgs as a national championship contender if they don’t significantly improve this year.
