EJ Lightsey stays home, commits to Georgia

A couple of weeks ago, South Carolina was trending for Fitzgerald (Ga.) linebacker EJ Lightsey. That was before Georgia got him on campus for an official visit.

The 6-foot-1, 206-pound three-star got to Athens, took his visit, and he knew he wanted to call Athens home.

“I left Georgia seeing all I needed to see,” Lightsey said. “I called coach Schu (Glenn Schumann) the next day and committed to him. Then I talked to coach Kirby Smart that night too. Both were excited to have me and I knew I wanted to be a Bulldog.”

It was that feeling he had on his official visit. He was scheduled to visit South Carolina the weekend before Signing Day, but he didn’t need to.

“The people are all about love at Georgia. The coaches, the people, the players – it is a family.

“I always liked Georgia and I had interest in them, so after that visit, I knew. Over the phone I had created a bond with them, but it was even better in person.

“I didn’t need any more visits. I knew Georgia was where I wanted to be.”

EJ Lightsey knows he will be loved after signing with Georgia

Lightsey saw Georgia win national championships, then south Georgia towns like Blackshear and Cordele recognize Stetson Bennett and Quay Walker for what they did as Bulldogs.

He knows he will have support like that signing with the home-state school.

“Everyone down here loves Georgia,” Lightsey said. “It means a lot to be from south Georgia and to have the opportunity to go to Georgia.

“My family, the community, and all those at Georgia are going to have my back. It is an amazing feeling. I get to stay home and play for the Georgia Bulldogs.”