2024 top-50 S Jaylen Heyward commits to Georgia: 'It is different there'

Since Sept. 1, Georgia heavily recruited Rockledge (Fla.) four-star safety Jaylen Heyward. The Bulldogs made Heyward’s top six, which also included Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Michigan and Ohio State.

Heyward had “known for a while” that Georgia would be the school to land his commitment. After watching the Bulldogs defeat TCU 65-7 for their second straight national championship, the 5-foot-10.5, 175-pound defensive back knew it was time.

“I saw all I needed to see,” Heyward told On3. “I was already high on Georgia. It had been my top school for a while, so seeing the team, how they played together and at that level, that pushed me to go ahead and commit.”

Georgia impressed Heyward on multiple fronts

Georgia’s 58 point win over the Horned Frogs was the largest margin of victory in bowl game history. Heyward wants to be a part of big wins like that with the Bulldogs.

“In that game Monday, I saw dogs be dogs,” said Heyward, the No. 42 overall prospect and No. 3 safety in the 2024 On3 Consensus. “My boys played fast, physical, smart and as a team. Georgia plays as one and that is what I want to be part of that team. They are one unit, they play for each other and it is a brotherhood. They are for each other and that culture Kirby Smart has created is what draws me to them. It is different there.”

Heyward visited Athens on June 2. That trip was one of the sparks for his interest in Georgia.

In addition to the national championship win, the Bulldogs landing Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco four-star safety Peyton Woodyard — a fellow top-50 defensive back — was a big plus for Heyward. He gradually realized that not only did Georgia want him in red and black, but he also wanted to be a Bulldog.

“Georgia is not slowing down,” Heyward said. “We are going to make a run for another 5-10 years. It is not the Alabama era anymore. It is the Georgia era. Everyone wants to go to Athens, be coached by one of the best coaching staffs in the nation and play together for championships. Georgia is not going anywhere.”

Heyward feels a strong connection with the Bulldogs’ coaches

Heyward believes that “the fit at Georgia is just right.” Two key reasons are his connections with Smart and co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and the guidance they can provide him.

“I have a really good relationship with coach Muschamp,” Heyward said. “We have had some great talks and he has shown me and told me everything I needed to see and hear about Georgia during the recruiting process. He is a great coach, he communicates well and he knows a lot about Georgia and my position.

“Coach Muschamp and coach Smart played at Georgia and they played my position, so I know they can help me and prepare me for the NFL. They love Georgia, they have great knowledge and I know they will put time in with me to make me the best I can be.”

The four-star is now the eighth member of the Bulldogs’ 2024 recruiting class. Even though he has more than a year until the Early Signing Period, Athens already “feels like home” to him.

“I have visited Georgia twice and it feels right for me,” said Heyward, whose grandfather lives in Atlanta. “Each time I have been there, the environment felt right. It is not only great for football in Athens, but everyone loves living there too. The people are nice, the campus is beautiful and I will be at a great place.”