Georgia signs fast-rising, late flip OT Dennis Uzochukwu

Georgia is always searching for elite frames in the trenches, and in Peachtree Ridge four-star offensive tackle Dennis Uzochukwu, they’ve found one of the most impressive in the Peach State for the Class of 2025.

A 6-foot-5 and a half, 285 pound lineman, Uzochukwu ranks as the nation’s No. 399 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is the nation’s No. 26 offensive tackle and No. 54 prospect in Georgia per the same metric. On3, however, views him much higher within our own rankings, where he is the No. 189 overall prospect and No. 16 tackle per the On300.

A late addition to the Class of 2025, the Bulldogs flipped the rising star from Georgia State in late November, following a quick courting and a heavy pursuit.

The Dawgs received unexpected help from an old friend in landing Uzochukwu — Georgia State head coach Dell McGee was quick to discuss what the Dawgs had to offer.

“It was a tough decision, but at the same time, I talked about it with coach McGee. He kind of had a feeling of what was going to happen from looking at how much traction I was getting. He told me, ‘Do what’s going to be best for you.’ Coach McGee was saying that he’s going to be with me no matter what and that if I have any questions to ask him, he’ll help me out with anything. No matter what happens, he told me to let him know if I needed anything,” Uzochukwu told On3’s Chad Simmons of the decision. “He was honestly a huge factor in me going to UGA because he told me, ‘I already know what type of program it is. I was up there for a long time.’ He did work in recruiting while he was there. Talking to him about it solidified that Georgia is the perfect place for me. Coach McGee was the first person to recruit me. Knowing that he was at UGA and since he’s recruited me at Georgia State, maybe if he was still at UGA, he probably would’ve recruited me there too. Talking to him about it solidified my feelings about UGA.”

Dennis Uzochukwu is part of a five man offensive line class for the Bulldogs, joining fellow four-stars Cortez Smith, Dontrell Glover, Mason Short, and Juan Gaston.

Coach Speak on Dennis Uzochukwu

“[Dennis’] length and athleticism is exactly what colleges are looking for. He’s going to carry 315, 320 pretty well. He’s already got some decent strength, but once he gets into a college program, he’s just going to take off as far as his strength and add that to his athleticism. I think we’re going to see him on Sundays. I was able to see some really good players when I was coaching down in Fort Lauderdale at St. Thomas Aquinas. We always had a pretty good offensive line. Bobby Hart comes to mind as someone who just had some length,” Helmerich said. “He played at Florida State for four years. As far as athleticism, he reminds me a little bit of Bobby, but he’s actually a little bit more athletic and probably a little bit longer than Bobby was. I think Bobby’s played ten years in the league. I think the sky’s the limit for him. It’s been quick and fast and crazy the last couple weeks, but just the excitement of the O-line coaches that are coming in from all over and get on the phone, they’re just like, ‘Holy cow, coach, I like this kid.’ I think he’s got a chance to play on Sundays if he just keeps getting better, and I think he will. He’s a really smart kid, really good student, really good work ethic. I think the sky’s the limit. I know you hear about a lot of recruits that coaches say that and people say that. But for him, I think he’s just touching the surface.” – Peachtree Ridge head coach Matt Helmerich on Dennis Uzochukwu