4-star OT Michael Uini makes the call for Georgia: 'I just loved it'

Michael Uini camped at Georgia in July of last year, and he earned an offer on his first visit to Athens. Then the four-star offensive tackle out of Copperas Cove (Texas) did not visit Georgia again until this past weekend on his official visit.

Heading into the summer, Michigan was a favorite. He then took official visits to Alabama and Georgia and his recruitment changed. The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs battled it out over the past few weeks, but ultimately no school compared to what he felt at Georgia, and Friday night he announced for the Bulldogs.

“I picked Georgia because of how they develop offensive linemen, the education being top-tier, their life after football program and the connection between the coaches and the players,” he told On3. “That connection is visible. It is easy to see Georgia coaches and players are a tight-knit group. Their bond is unbreakable.”

Relationship with Stacy Searels was paramount for Michael Uini

Offensive line coach Stacy Searels was the one to extend him an offer last summer, and he has remained in contact with Uini consistently over the past year. The 6-foot-7, 335-pounder loves Searels’ demeanor and the relationship they have been able to build.

“I love Coach Stacy Searels. He is honest. He is genuine. Coach Searels will tell you how it is,” Uini said. “Our relationship started last July and it is a no-brainer why he has put so many offensive linemen into the NFL. He is good at getting to know people and developing offensive linemen. We clicked from the beginning. My whole family likes him. On the official visit, the connection with me and the family got stronger.”

The connection to the coaching staff, the players, other recruits, and also the official visit put Georgia over the top.

“As soon as I stepped foot on Georgia’s campus for the official visit, I just loved it,” he said. “I kept checking with me family to see if they were feeling what I was feeling throughout the visit. They were feeling the same as me. We went through the official visit, then as soon as we left, on the car ride back to the airport, that is when the decision was made.

… On the days after that, leading up to my commitment date, we would compare other schools to Georgia to make sure I was not regretting my decision and I wasn’t. I am set on going to Georgia.”

Consistency, Kirby Smart were also key

While Michigan was considered the leader for sometime in Uini’s recruitment, Georgia’s consistency over the past year paid off. They stayed in contact with both Uini and his family every week, and they got to know more than just the football player.

“We all loved Georgia as a family,” he said. “Georgia was genuine from the start. Going back to last summer, Georgia was always genuine. I love Coach Kirby Smart and the way he handles himself and handles his team. It is clear why the Bulldogs are the way they are now. They are back-to-back national champions because of the base foundation Coach Smart has created.

… He knows how everything starts up front. He wants great offensive linemen and he knows what it takes to win on the offensive line, so I like that about him too.”

Uini is the No. 150 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 10 offensive tackle and the No. 28 recruit in Texas.