PHOTOS: Star-studded group of recruits make their way to Georgia
The ‘Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry’ between Georgia was an attractive recruiting ground on Saturday. Big-time prospects have descended upon Athens in droves.
The Bulldogs have 13 commits on campus and a few high-profile official visits taking place. We were on sight to take in some of the prospects as they entered Sanford Stadium pre-game.
2023 EDGE Damon Wilson
Venice (Fla.) edge Damon Wilson: 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.
Four-star 2023 DL Jordan Hall
Jordan Hall: Explosive defensive lineman who has one of the best first steps in the 2023 cycle. Explodes into the backfield in a split second, blowing up plays in the backfield. Shows outstanding short area burst, closing on quarterbacks and running backs. Uses active hands at the line of scrimmage and employs an effective swim move. Looks to have long arms, which aid in his ability as a violent finisher behind the line. Has the play speed to track down plays from the backside. Put together some of the best junior season video among defensive tackles in the 2023 cycle. Played well when facing top competition. Will benefit from time in a college strength program.
2023 OL Monroe Freeling
Mount Pleasant (S.C.) Monroe Freeling: Physically-gifted offensive tackle prospect who pairs an elite frame with high-end athleticism. Has grown to around 6-foot-7, 285 pounds prior to his senior season. Has plus length to go with the stature, checking in with a 7-foot wing-span. Also a top athlete at the position. A fluid, flexible mover on the field. Moves as well as any top offensive lineman in the cycle. Tests very well in the combine setting and is a dunker on the hardwood. At his best as a second-level run blocker at this stage. Still developing from a technical standpoint. Needs to improve his pass set technique and functional play strength. Physical traits and continued growth potential point to a high ceiling.
2023 EDGE Samuel M’Pemba
Samuel M’Pemba: Physically developed two-way athlete, with the highest projected ceiling as an EDGE prospect. Played as a pass rusher and wide receiver at his initial high school prior to transferring to IMG Academy as a junior. Primarily played as a tight end/h-back at IMG during the fall of 2021. A strong athlete with dip and feel for rushing the passer. Had considerable murkiness around his ultimate position. Practicing at EDGE in the spring for IMG and looks primed to make an impact as a pass rusher. Measured at 6-foot-3.5, 240 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wing-span prior to his senior season. Tests as a solid to good athlete, clocking an electronically-timed 4.94 second 40-yard dash prior to his senior season. Would benefit greatly from a permanent move to defense as a senior, in our opinion.Practicing at EDGE in the spring and looks good there. Can continue to improve initial quickness but savvy and has natural pass rush ability.
2023 CB A.J. Harris
A.J. Harris: Polished, developed defensive back with positional versatility. Has good stature and size, checking in at 6-foot-1 and around 180 pounds prior to his junior season. A smooth mover and shows some technical refinement to his game. Coordinated and looks to have good ball skills for the position. Was a top performer at The Opening Finals prior to his junior season, showing anticipation and ball skills in picking off a number of passes while lined up as a safety. Played subpar competition at a small private school prior to transferring to a powerhouse public school as a senior. Has not shown high-end long speed to this point and may be best fit as a safety long-term, despite being considered as a cornerback prospect to this juncture.