Georgia Misses Out On 5-Star Receiver Josh Malone

Nov 30, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Georgia Bulldogs celebrate with fans after beating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia won 41-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Today, 5-star wide receiver Josh Malone made his decision to commit to Tennessee, leaving Georgia among several other teams who missed out. The Bulldogs were heavily recruiting the talented player out of Gallatin, Tennessee, along with Clemson, Florida State and Ohio State.

With his decision, Georgia will remain with 16 recruits in their 2014 class, and just one 5-star recruit — running back Sony Michel.

Malone is the No. 20 player in the nation, and said he chose Tennessee because of the dedication shown by the coaches, especially first-year head coach Butch Jones:

"“Really, Coach Jones was the difference for me,” Malone said. “He made me a priority and I respected that, and he really earned my respect and my trust. I really enjoy being around Coach Jones, Coach Azzanni and Coach Thigpen and really all the offensive coaches at Tennessee.”"

Another top recruit that Georgia is after is Macon County linebacker Roquan Smith. Tennessee is also recruiting Smith, but it’s possible that the proximity of UGA will give the Bulldogs an advantage that they didn’t have with Malone.

Still, Smith could be a hard get with 13 other teams offering him a scholarship.

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Be sure to check in for more UGA recruiting news as it unfolds.