Joenel Aguero, one of nation's top safeties, signs with Georgia
In a defensive heavy class for Georgia, the Bulldogs land one of the nation’s best at safety with the signature of Joenel Aguero. The Danvers, Mass. native who played high school football at IMG Academy (Fla.) and St. John’s Prep (Mass.) is ranked the No. 4 safety in the country according to the On3 Consensus, and after committing to Georgia this summer, he has stuck with his commitment and signed with the Bulldogs on Wednesday.
Aguero was named Massachusetts’ MaxPreps Player of the Year earlier this month after a senior season that saw him help guide St. John’s Prep (Danvers) to a state championship. Aguero, who is listed as a safety according to On3, played on both sides of the ball, tallying nearly 600 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on offense. One of those touchdowns came in the title game against Springfield Central, that state’s highest-scoring offense as he also helped hold them to 0 points.
“I feel like it’s the best fit for me because it feels at home to be honest,” Aguero told On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons as he mad his commitment. “It feels at home to me and my family. I feel that the development, that’s No. 1 for real for me, getting developed and they do a good job to develop us. That’s something I wanted to be a part of. A goal of mine is to get to the league. I know the people at that school will help me do that.”
“I want the fans to know that and just all the coaches, man, they got a great player,” Aguero added. “They got a player that (is) going to give his all no matter what, no matter what I go through. I’m going to make sure I’m giving my 100% Georgia just got a dog and I’m gonna be ready. Whenever I get my chance, it’s go time. I’m gonna just shock the world and be the best safety to ever come out (of) the program.”
On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power offers the following scouting report on Aguero whose NFL “Reminds Us Of” compares him to former Mississippi State safety and Oakland Raiders 2019 first round draft pick Johnathan Abram, now of the Seattle Seahawks.
“Head-hunting, twitched-up safety who is the biggest hitter in the 2023 cycle. Delivers crushing blows over the middle of the field. Explodes into ball carriers and receivers. A top athlete who tests very well in the combine setting. Ran a 4.48 electronically-timed 40-yard dash prior to his junior season. Was considered the top athlete on the loaded IMG Academy defense as a junior. At his best when he can use his athleticism and physicality to play fast and move forward as a cover down defender. More of a strong safety type at this stage. Not overly long and may not have much more room for growth on his 5-foot-11 frame. Will need to continue developing his man coverage skills.”
