Georgia Bulldogs Football: 2016 recruiting update, Jan. 11
By John Buhler
The Georgia Bulldogs begin 2016 spring classes today and so a perfect time to see what the 2016 UGA recruiting class looks like as Signing Day approaches.
The Georgia Bulldogs had a great showing at the 2016 US Army All-America Bowl with four early enrollees at the game in San Antonio, Texas Saturday afternoon. Though the West throttled the East in the All-America Bowl, UGA came out of the game victorious as its four biggest signees all played in the Alamodome and will take their classes as early enrollees sometime Monday.
As of January 11th, the Georgia Bulldogs have 16 hard commitments for the 2016 Recruiting Class, according to Dawgs 24/7. Of those 16 hard commitments, six have already enrolled at the University of Georgia.
They are as follows: five-star quarterback Jacob Eason (Lake Stevens, Lake Stevens, WA), five-star tight end Isaac Nauta (IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL), four-star defensive tackle Julian Rochester (McEachern, Power Springs, GA), four-star offensive tackle Ben Cleveland (Stephens Co., Toccoa, GA), four-star wide receiver Cavin Ridley (Deerfield Beach, Deerfield Beach, FL), and three-star cornerback Chad Clay (Peachtree Ridge, Suwanee, GA). Eason, Nauta, Rochester, and Cleveland all played in the 2016 US Army All-American Game in San Antonio on Saturday.
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Enter spring semester, the Georgia Bulldogs have the No. 5 recruiting class in the country and the No. 2 class in the SEC behind only LSU. LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, and Florida State all have more commitments than the Georgia Bulldogs, but the Dawgs have the highest average player rating of any team in the country at 92.19, hundredths of a point better than LSU.
Getting Nauta to Commit to the G on Saturday definitely put the Dawgs over the top with their second five-star signing of the 2016 class along with highly touted pocket passer Jacob Eason. At the All-American Bowl, scouts compared Eason to former UGA great and Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford. Nauta drew comparisons from former Tennessee standout and Dallas Cowboys Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten.
As of January 11th, here are the other 10 firm commitments of the 2016 Recruiting Class: four-star defensive end Chauncey Manac (Clinch Co., Homerville, GA), four-star wide receiver Charlie Woerner (Rabun Co., Tiger, GA), four-star running back Elijah Holyfield (Woodward Academy, Atlanta, GA), four-star inside linebacker Jaleel Laguins (Oconee Co., Watkinsville, GA), four-star defensive tackle Tyler Clark (Americus Sumter Co. South, Americus, GA), four-star wide receiver Javon Wims (Hinds CC, Raymond, MS), three-star Randrecous Davis (Mays, Atlanta, GA), three-star offensive guard Aaron Dowdell (Creekside, Fairburn, GA), three-star offensive tackle Chris Barnes (Lee Co., Leesburg, GA), and three-star cornerback Tyrique McGhee (Peach Co., Fort Valley, GA).
Even after going through a complete coaching staff change, the Georgia Bulldogs will still likely finish with a top 10 recruiting class in the country again in 2016. This is very impressive since many great programs usually plummet in recruiting after their athletic department had fired their head coach. UGA’s current position at No. 5 is a testament to what the program stands for and the type of recruiter than incoming head coach Kirby Smart is.
Next: Kirby Smart like a son, according to Nick Saban
Look for the Georgia Bulldogs to grab at least a few more great high school prospects between now and National Signing Day. With six freshmen enrolling early and Smart at UGA full-time by this time tomorrow, the Georgia Bulldogs look to finish recruitment strong with all eyes on a great 2016 season. Go Dawgs!