The Inside Scoop: Two teams battling for On3 5-star EDGE Damon Wilson

Venice (Fla.) five-star EDGE Damon Wilson is one of the top uncommitted prospects in the entire country as we head toward the middle of October.

On3’s No. 4 overall prospect is officially down to four schools in his recruitment — Alabama, Georgia, Miami and Ohio State. But after a weekend official visit to Athens, it’s shaping up to be a two-team race between the Buckeyes and Bulldogs, according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons.

“Coming into the weekend, you know. Ohio State had the momentum and the edge,” Simmons said Monday during On3’s The Inside Scoop recruiting podcast. “The kind of class they could potentially put together along the defensive front — if all the pieces fall their way — is pretty amazing. Georgia is trying to change that, at least taking one piece away from Ohio State with Damon Wilson. People thought he was a strong Alabama lean at one time, taking that OV in the summer. Bama has somewhat faded; it’s become somewhat of a battle between Ohio State and Georgia.

… Georgia had him on campus in June for three or four days, had him back on campus this weekend for an official visit. I talked to Damon, his father, and other sources. And everyone basically was raving about the visit and how Georgia presented itself as a program, as a football school, as an educational opportunity, as for life after football, as the social scene in Athens. They really checked every box. Georgia, if they didn’t take a little bit of a lead, they made this extremely tight with Ohio State. And a decision could come, I think, in the coming weeks.”

The Bulldogs are also very much in the mix with five-star IMG Academy (Fla.) EDGE Samuel M’Pemba, while the Buckeyes are chasing Wilson, five-star EDGE Keon Keeley, and five-star defensive lineman Matayo Uiagalelei.

Damon Wilson Scouting Summary

“Disruptive pass rusher with one of the best first steps in the 2023 cycle. Bursts off the snap and is often in the backfield before opposing offensive linemen are out of their stance. Owns a solid build, checking in at nearly 6-foot-4, 230 pounds prior to his junior season with plus length for the position. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting but plays quicker than his times indicate. Shows the ability to bend and dip around the edge, in addition to the outstanding first step.

… Plays for a top high school program in Florida. Turned in strong production with 15 sacks as a junior. Has added strength and checks in as one of the strongest EDGE defenders in the class in terms of weight room numbers. Highly technical and polished with his hands. Has few holes in his game and looks like one of the highest floor defenders in the cycle to go with substantial upside.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings