Four-Star DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye commits to Georgia

Four-star defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye of Conroe (TX) Oak Ridge High announced his commitment to Georgia Thursday night.

The 6-foot-5, 275 pounder chose the Bulldogs over Oklahoma and Georgia Tech.

Jonah-Ajonye on why he chose Georgia

“What led me to Georgia was the bond I have with the players, the coaches and the recruits.  The tools that UGA has to develop their players into becoming the best version of themselves, and the need to win and dominate every opponent they come across including themselves.”

Relationship with coaching staff + their plan for him

“I’m closest with all of the defensive coaches, really including coach Smart. How they plan on using me in the defense is I’m going to play defensive end but on some third down packages I move to defensive tackle. Coach Scott also expects me to be able to drop in coverage like Trayvon Walker did at his time at Georgia.”

The Lone Star State defensive lineman joins coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs’ No. 1 class in the 2024 team rankings. He is accompanied by five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, five-star cornerback Ellis Robinson IV, and others.

Scouting Summary

“Athletic, versatile defensive lineman with one of the higher developmental upsides at the position in the 2024 cycle. Measured at around 6-foot-3.5, 275 pounds prior to his senior season. Has a big frame and plus length with a 10.5-inch hand and wing-span over 6-foot-10. An easy, natural athlete who moves like a much smaller player. Lines up at defensive end and inside on Friday nights. Flashes outstanding speed in pursuit, running down plays from the backside. Plays to the whistle and makes second effort plays. Shows quick hands at the point of attack. Is a mismatch due to his quickness and overall athleticism when he slides inside.”

“Capable of overpowering offensive tackles as a edge setter against the run. Will need to continue honing his skill and growing as a player. Could stand to improve his pass rush. Born in Nigeria and did not start playing football until his freshman year of high school. Also extraordinarily young for the cycle, with a November birthday. Is the age of a 2025 prospect. Has notable upside based on his lower level of development and the room for growth relative to most other top 2024 prospects.”

Jonah-Ajonye ranks as the No. 44 player in the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also tabs in as the No. 8 defensive lineman and the No. 10 player in the state of Texas.

On3 ranks him higher than the industry, as he ranks as the No. 38 player nationally, the No. 6 defensive lineman, and the No. 9 player in Texas.

He currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $149K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.