The date has been set. The battle lines are drawn.
Defensive end Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson), quite possibly the best prospect to come out of Georgia in the last decade, is ready to make his announcement.
Five lucky schools, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss, are currently at the top, and DawgNation takes a look at why the University of Georgia might have a great shot to land the 6-foot-5, 270-pound recruit.
Although he had not mentioned any leaders this spring, Nkemdiche has taken visits to Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Clemson, and LSU in that order, and although reports have come out that say LSU currently leads Alabama for his commitment, Clemson, Georgia and Ole Miss are still very much in the mix.
Nkemdiche has a tentative date set for May 18, and the Bulldogs are still in the hunt because:
Defensive end Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson), quite possibly the best prospect to come out of Georgia in the last decade, is ready to make his announcement.
Five lucky schools, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss, are currently at the top, and DawgNation takes a look at why the University of Georgia might have a great shot to land the 6-foot-5, 270-pound recruit.
Although he had not mentioned any leaders this spring, Nkemdiche has taken visits to Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Clemson, and LSU in that order, and although reports have come out that say LSU currently leads Alabama for his commitment, Clemson, Georgia and Ole Miss are still very much in the mix.
Nkemdiche has a tentative date set for May 18, and the Bulldogs are still in the hunt because:
- Nkemdiche has been in weekly contact with coach Mark Richt, who has developed a strong relationship and earned the respect of the defensive end.
- Athens, being less than 40 miles away from Grayson, provides an opportunity for Nkemdiche to stay close to home and gives his friends and father the ability to easily visit him or come watch him play.
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Loganville (Ga.) Grayson defensive end Robert Nkemdiche, widely considered the top prospect for the class of 2013, will soon make his college decision, according to his high school coach.
Grayson coach Mickey Conn said Monday night that Nkemdiche, an Under Armour All-American, has scheduled to announce his decision on May 18 after the school’s spring game.
“That’s the tentative plan for now,” Conn said. “I don’t think that’s 100 percent for sure but Robert would like to get the decision done and out of the way.”
Grayson coach Mickey Conn said Monday night that Nkemdiche, an Under Armour All-American, has scheduled to announce his decision on May 18 after the school’s spring game.
“That’s the tentative plan for now,” Conn said. “I don’t think that’s 100 percent for sure but Robert would like to get the decision done and out of the way.”
Georgia’s defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was a guest on Atlanta’s ESPN Radio 680 The Fan today and discussed some of the topics related to the Bulldogs’ spring camp, which starts Tuesday. Here is a transcription of a few of his comments:
On the first priority for the Bulldogs’ D this spring
Grantham: We are going to give everyone that is on our defensive side of the ball an opportunity to earn a position, whether it be a starting position or a backup position. We will start out on Day 1, just like last year, going through basic fundamentals. We will move some guys around just to give us flexibility because last year we had about 11 different lineups for 14 ballgames and we had to move guys around then to get our best players on the field.
On how offensive coordinator Mike Bobo feels about Malcolm Mitchell moving from receiver to cornerback
On the first priority for the Bulldogs’ D this spring
Grantham: We are going to give everyone that is on our defensive side of the ball an opportunity to earn a position, whether it be a starting position or a backup position. We will start out on Day 1, just like last year, going through basic fundamentals. We will move some guys around just to give us flexibility because last year we had about 11 different lineups for 14 ballgames and we had to move guys around then to get our best players on the field.
On how offensive coordinator Mike Bobo feels about Malcolm Mitchell moving from receiver to cornerback
2014's James Boyd psyched about school 
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
2:31
PM ET
By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
It’s an exciting time for James Boyd. Late last fall this 2014 quarterback prospect transferred from Fairburn (Ga.) Langston High School to College Park (Ga.) Banneker. He can’t wait for fall.
“Langston is a new school and only about four years old,” he said. “This is just a better opportunity for me at Banneker. I am going to be the starting quarterback there and can’t wait. It’s a very talented team.”
Boyd, 6-foot-2 and 177 pounds, has some talent himself. He was among several good prospects at his position at the National Underclassmen Combine Five-Star Showcase on Saturday in Zachary, La.
“Langston is a new school and only about four years old,” he said. “This is just a better opportunity for me at Banneker. I am going to be the starting quarterback there and can’t wait. It’s a very talented team.”
Boyd, 6-foot-2 and 177 pounds, has some talent himself. He was among several good prospects at his position at the National Underclassmen Combine Five-Star Showcase on Saturday in Zachary, La.
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LB Ben Boulware (Anderson, S.C./T.L. Hanna) picked up another SEC offer on Saturday. This one came from Texas A&M.
Boulware, 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, also holds scholarship offers from teams like Georgia, Clemson, Stanford, UCLA, USF, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Duke, Ole Miss Tennessee and others.
Boulware, 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, also holds scholarship offers from teams like Georgia, Clemson, Stanford, UCLA, USF, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Duke, Ole Miss Tennessee and others.
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2014 LB Kevin Crosby loading up on offers
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
2:29
PM ET
By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
Sophomore Kevin Crosby (Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Ehrhardt) already from teams like South Carolina, Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, USC, Virginia Tech, Florida, and a couple dozen more.
“I never thought it would happen this fast, this quick” Crosby said. “Never.”
Only 15 years old, Crosby will have his 16th birthday in late May. And he will go into the summer as one of the country’s most sought after recruits, regardless of class. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound recruit had 36 receptions for 784 yards as a tight end. He also racked up 58 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
“I never thought it would happen this fast, this quick” Crosby said. “Never.”
Only 15 years old, Crosby will have his 16th birthday in late May. And he will go into the summer as one of the country’s most sought after recruits, regardless of class. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 225-pound recruit had 36 receptions for 784 yards as a tight end. He also racked up 58 tackles and two interceptions on defense.
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Role reversal for Mitchell a question mark
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
10:12
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
To get ready for the start of Georgia’s spring football practice Tuesday, DawgNation will do a position breakdown each day and feature one player to watch at that position. Today we look at the secondary and sophomore Malcolm Mitchell.
ATHENS, Ga. -- One of the breakout performers on Georgia’s offense last season now hopes to make a similar impact on the Bulldogs’ defense.
Malcolm Mitchell emerged as arguably the Bulldogs’ most valuable receiver in his first year on campus, ranking second on the team with 665 yards on 45 catches, despite missing three games with a hamstring injury.
ATHENS, Ga. -- One of the breakout performers on Georgia’s offense last season now hopes to make a similar impact on the Bulldogs’ defense.
Malcolm Mitchell emerged as arguably the Bulldogs’ most valuable receiver in his first year on campus, ranking second on the team with 665 yards on 45 catches, despite missing three games with a hamstring injury.
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To get ready for the start of Georgia’s spring football practice Tuesday, DawgNation will do a position breakdown each day. Today we will analyze the secondary. On Tuesday we will look at the special teams.
2011 starters: CB: Brandon Boykin, 2011 senior (55 tackles, 3 interceptions, 11 tackles for loss); Sanders Commings, Sr. (55 tackles, 1 interception, 4 TFL); S: Bacarri Rambo, Sr. (55 tackles, 8 interceptions, 1 TFL); Shawn Williams, Sr. (72 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 TFL)
Key losses: Boykin, Jordan Love (transfer), Nick Marshall (dismissed), Chris Sanders (dismissed)
Reserves: CB: Branden Smith, Sr. (24 tackles, 2 interceptions); Malcolm Mitchell, So. (played offense); Damian Swann, So. (5 tackles, 1 TFL); Blake Sailors, Jr. (9 tackles); Devin Bowman, RFr. (Redshirted); S: Corey Moore, So. (1 tackle); Quintavius Harrow, So. (10 tackles); Marc Deas, So. (3 tackles); Connor Norman, So. (13 tackles)
2011 starters: CB: Brandon Boykin, 2011 senior (55 tackles, 3 interceptions, 11 tackles for loss); Sanders Commings, Sr. (55 tackles, 1 interception, 4 TFL); S: Bacarri Rambo, Sr. (55 tackles, 8 interceptions, 1 TFL); Shawn Williams, Sr. (72 tackles, 4 interceptions, 5 TFL)
Key losses: Boykin, Jordan Love (transfer), Nick Marshall (dismissed), Chris Sanders (dismissed)
Reserves: CB: Branden Smith, Sr. (24 tackles, 2 interceptions); Malcolm Mitchell, So. (played offense); Damian Swann, So. (5 tackles, 1 TFL); Blake Sailors, Jr. (9 tackles); Devin Bowman, RFr. (Redshirted); S: Corey Moore, So. (1 tackle); Quintavius Harrow, So. (10 tackles); Marc Deas, So. (3 tackles); Connor Norman, So. (13 tackles)
Join DawgNation recruiting writer Kipp Adams at 1 p.m. ET for his bi-weekly live chat. Get a head start and ask Kipp your questions now by clicking here.
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Results: After beating Alcorn State 8-5 and 23-6 in two midweek games, No. 19 Georgia took two of three from Tennessee -- 4-0 and 10-5 wins and a 3-0 loss -- in its first series of SEC play this season.
Georgia record: 15-6 (2-1 SEC)
Highlight of the week: Georgia rallied from an early 5-1 deficit in Saturday’s game against Tennessee, with its 10-5 win clinching a series victory to open SEC play. Freshman Hunter Cole started the comeback with a two-run home run in the fourth inning and the Bulldogs went on to score nine unanswered runs.
Georgia record: 15-6 (2-1 SEC)
Highlight of the week: Georgia rallied from an early 5-1 deficit in Saturday’s game against Tennessee, with its 10-5 win clinching a series victory to open SEC play. Freshman Hunter Cole started the comeback with a two-run home run in the fourth inning and the Bulldogs went on to score nine unanswered runs.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Marietta (Ga.) Walton Senior offensive line prospect Brandon Kublanow visited Gainesville on Saturday to watch the Gators practice, and the 6-foot-2, 285-pound guard/center prospect said he enjoyed his trip.
"It was a lot of fun. I liked it a lot," Kublanow said. "I saw a couple things that I haven't seen before. I talked to coach [Will] Muschamp, coach [Tim] Davis and coach [DJ] Durkin. They told me I was their top guy. They are saying they really want me there, they need me there, and at Florida it would be a great opportunity for me."
Kublanow said he came away impressed with the Florida coaching staff and in particular Davis, the new offensive line coach.
"It was a lot of fun. I liked it a lot," Kublanow said. "I saw a couple things that I haven't seen before. I talked to coach [Will] Muschamp, coach [Tim] Davis and coach [DJ] Durkin. They told me I was their top guy. They are saying they really want me there, they need me there, and at Florida it would be a great opportunity for me."
Kublanow said he came away impressed with the Florida coaching staff and in particular Davis, the new offensive line coach.
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Ogletree poised to pack even more punch
March, 18, 2012
3/18/12
11:14
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
To get ready for the start of Georgia’s spring football practice Tuesday, DawgNation will do a position breakdown each day and feature one player to watch at that position. Today we look at the linebackers and junior Alec Ogletree.
ATHENS, Ga. -- One of the top stories heading into Georgia’s spring practice last year was how Alec Ogletree would fare after shifting from safety to inside linebacker.
We got a taste last season, and the results were impressive. But how much better can he get with a full season at the position?
ATHENS, Ga. -- One of the top stories heading into Georgia’s spring practice last year was how Alec Ogletree would fare after shifting from safety to inside linebacker.
We got a taste last season, and the results were impressive. But how much better can he get with a full season at the position?
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To get ready for the start of Georgia’s spring football practice Tuesday, DawgNation will do a position breakdown each day. Today we will analyze the linebackers. On Monday we will look at the secondary.
2011 starters: OLB: Jarvis Jones, Jr. (70 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks); Cornelius Washington, Sr. (17 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 sacks); ILB: Mike Gilliard, Sr. (65 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks); Alec Ogletree, Jr. (52 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks)
Key losses: None
Reserves: OLB: Chase Vasser, Jr. (16 tackles, 3.5 TFL); Ray Drew, So. (8 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks); T.J. Stripling, Jr. (2 tackles); Reuben Faloughi, Jr. (3 tackles, 1 TFL); ILB: Christian Robinson, Sr. (47 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks); Amarlo Herrera, So. (37 tackles, 3 TFL); Ramik Wilson, So. (4 tackles); Brandon Burrows, So. (missed season with injury)
New faces: The Bulldogs signed several outside linebackers, highlighted by heavily recruited Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County) and Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes), who could contribute immediately. None of the linebacker signees are on campus yet.
2011 starters: OLB: Jarvis Jones, Jr. (70 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks); Cornelius Washington, Sr. (17 tackles, 6 TFL, 5 sacks); ILB: Mike Gilliard, Sr. (65 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 sacks); Alec Ogletree, Jr. (52 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 3 sacks)
Key losses: None
Reserves: OLB: Chase Vasser, Jr. (16 tackles, 3.5 TFL); Ray Drew, So. (8 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks); T.J. Stripling, Jr. (2 tackles); Reuben Faloughi, Jr. (3 tackles, 1 TFL); ILB: Christian Robinson, Sr. (47 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks); Amarlo Herrera, So. (37 tackles, 3 TFL); Ramik Wilson, So. (4 tackles); Brandon Burrows, So. (missed season with injury)
New faces: The Bulldogs signed several outside linebackers, highlighted by heavily recruited Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County) and Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes), who could contribute immediately. None of the linebacker signees are on campus yet.
DE Antonio Riles impressed with Florida
March, 17, 2012
3/17/12
8:22
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer defensive end Antonio Riles visited Gainesville on Saturday to watch Florida conduct its first full-pads practice. For Riles, who visited Florida for its junior day in February, the second visit was much better than the first.
"It was much more fun the second time," Riles said. "Of course the first time I visited Florida I didn't really know anyone. But this time I got to really meet the coaches and see what the practice was all about. I got to talk to coach [Will] Muschamp on multiple occasions, coach [Bryant] Young and coach [Derek] Lewis and pretty much every coach.
"[Muschamp] just told me they were really interested in getting me down here and what his plans are for the next couple years"
"It was much more fun the second time," Riles said. "Of course the first time I visited Florida I didn't really know anyone. But this time I got to really meet the coaches and see what the practice was all about. I got to talk to coach [Will] Muschamp on multiple occasions, coach [Bryant] Young and coach [Derek] Lewis and pretty much every coach.
"[Muschamp] just told me they were really interested in getting me down here and what his plans are for the next couple years"
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ching
David Ching came to ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering UGA for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer and Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens. Email him at davidchingespn@gmail.com.
Radi Nabulsi
Radi Nabulsi joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Rivals.com for four years and for the UGA Athletic Association since 1993. Nabulsi is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and lives in Athens. He can be reached at radinabulsiespn@gmail.com.
Kipp Adams
Kipp Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.