Yes, it's early. The ink isn't dry on the LOI's kind of early. But that won't stop RecruitingNation from getting a jump on the Class of 2013. Who are the players among the nation's top 100 heading into next season? Find out here.
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Georgia offers 2013 DE Naim Mustafaa 
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
8:15
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
During the middle of a very busy day, the Georgia Bulldogs coaches stopped what they were doing to talk to a recruit. He wasn’t one of the 2012 targets from whom the staff was eagerly awaiting word, but rather a high-priority recruit for 2013.
Defensive end Naim Mustafaa (Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta) now has a Georgia offer to add to his 12 others.
“Today I got offers from Georgia, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State,” Mustafaa said. “It feels pretty good. I have always liked Georgia.”
Defensive end Naim Mustafaa (Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta) now has a Georgia offer to add to his 12 others.
“Today I got offers from Georgia, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State,” Mustafaa said. “It feels pretty good. I have always liked Georgia.”
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Josh Dawson flips to UGA in the 11th hour
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
7:53
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Until late last night, outside linebacker Josh Dawson (Tucker, Ga./Tucker) was committed to Vanderbilt. But as of this morning, the talented pass-rusher is a Georgia Bulldog.
“I made my decision around 11:00 pm last night,” Dawson said. “I called Vanderbilt last night to show my respect. I talked to Coach [James] Franklin. He was disappointed, very disappointed, but I had to make the decision that was right for me.”
Dawson was scheduled to sign his letter of intent with the rest of his Tucker teammates at a ceremony at the school. Each player went up to onto a stage to sign while pictures were taken in front of the logo for their new school. Dawson signed his Georgia letter of intent in front of a huge Vanderbilt star.
“I made my decision around 11:00 pm last night,” Dawson said. “I called Vanderbilt last night to show my respect. I talked to Coach [James] Franklin. He was disappointed, very disappointed, but I had to make the decision that was right for me.”
Dawson was scheduled to sign his letter of intent with the rest of his Tucker teammates at a ceremony at the school. Each player went up to onto a stage to sign while pictures were taken in front of the logo for their new school. Dawson signed his Georgia letter of intent in front of a huge Vanderbilt star.
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Todd Gurley has quite the doubleheader of activity scheduled today.
This morning he faxed in his letter of intent to officially become part of Georgia’s 2012 football signing class. Then at 6 p.m. ET, Gurley will represent the United States in the International Bowl -- an all-star game in Austin, Texas, that pits an under-19 team of Americans against a “World” team composed of players from outside the U.S.
After a lengthy playoff run that resulted in a third consecutive state championship for Gurley’s Tarboro (N.C.) High School, this will be the 18th game in which he has competed since the start of the 2011 football season.
“It’s a blessing, man, just to be able to get anywhere in the playoffs,” Gurley said. “Some people don’t get in the playoffs or lose in the first round. I’m kind of blessed that we played all those playoff games. It felt real good. And this feels good, to go out and represent my country and know what that feels like.”
Although Georgia already has a stable of backs on campus -- including his friend and fellow North Carolinian Keith Marshall, who enrolled in January -- Gurley is not concerned about having to share carries.
In fact, he likes the Bulldogs’ tailback depth.
“Most people wouldn’t want to share, but I don’t really care about that,” Gurley said. “These days, most people are using two or three backs, especially in the SEC when you’re banged up week in and week out. You never know what’s going to happen.”
In fact, Marshall’s presence was a factor in Gurley also selecting the Bulldogs.
“I don’t think that’s the only reason he came here, but I think we definitely wanted to play together,” Marshall said. “When I committed, that was my main goal -- to get him to come here.”
This morning he faxed in his letter of intent to officially become part of Georgia’s 2012 football signing class. Then at 6 p.m. ET, Gurley will represent the United States in the International Bowl -- an all-star game in Austin, Texas, that pits an under-19 team of Americans against a “World” team composed of players from outside the U.S.
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Max Olson/ESPN.comNew Georgia RB Todd Gurley's senior season wasn't even finished today when he signed his LOI at the International Bowl in Texas.
Max Olson/ESPN.comNew Georgia RB Todd Gurley's senior season wasn't even finished today when he signed his LOI at the International Bowl in Texas.“It’s a blessing, man, just to be able to get anywhere in the playoffs,” Gurley said. “Some people don’t get in the playoffs or lose in the first round. I’m kind of blessed that we played all those playoff games. It felt real good. And this feels good, to go out and represent my country and know what that feels like.”
Although Georgia already has a stable of backs on campus -- including his friend and fellow North Carolinian Keith Marshall, who enrolled in January -- Gurley is not concerned about having to share carries.
In fact, he likes the Bulldogs’ tailback depth.
“Most people wouldn’t want to share, but I don’t really care about that,” Gurley said. “These days, most people are using two or three backs, especially in the SEC when you’re banged up week in and week out. You never know what’s going to happen.”
In fact, Marshall’s presence was a factor in Gurley also selecting the Bulldogs.
“I don’t think that’s the only reason he came here, but I think we definitely wanted to play together,” Marshall said. “When I committed, that was my main goal -- to get him to come here.”
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Richt on OL class: 'The day's not over yet'
February, 1, 2012
2/01/12
12:27
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Mark Richt says he likes what Georgia brought in with today’s offensive line signing class -- but he reminded fans at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall that the class might not be complete yet.
Offensive lineman Avery Young will announce his decision at 2 p.m. ET live on ESPNU and reportedly listed Georgia among his finalists.
“I don’t know for certain because the day’s not over yet,” Richt told fans when asked how many offensive linemen Georgia would sign in this class. “… I know I’m thrilled about the ones that have already signed on the dotted line. The biggest issue that we thought that we had was at the tackle position and I feel like we did a tremendous job there.”
The Bulldogs already have three offensive line signees in junior college transfer Mark Beard -- who enrolled in January -- John Theus and Greg Pyke.
Offensive lineman Avery Young will announce his decision at 2 p.m. ET live on ESPNU and reportedly listed Georgia among his finalists.
“I don’t know for certain because the day’s not over yet,” Richt told fans when asked how many offensive linemen Georgia would sign in this class. “… I know I’m thrilled about the ones that have already signed on the dotted line. The biggest issue that we thought that we had was at the tackle position and I feel like we did a tremendous job there.”
The Bulldogs already have three offensive line signees in junior college transfer Mark Beard -- who enrolled in January -- John Theus and Greg Pyke.
High three-star star defensive end Josh Dawson (Tucker, Ga.) switched from Vanderbilt to Georgia on national signing day. He made an official visit to Athens on Jan. 13.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Josh Harvey-Clemons’ ability as a defensive player is well known, but Georgia’s interest in the outside linebacker isn’t limited to that side of the ball.
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) has offensive skills that the Bulldogs intend to utilize -- particularly when they get close to an opponent’s goal line.
“He’s a heck of a wide receiver, too,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said on ESPNU Wednesday morning. “He’s a guy that in the red zone we may need to use his talents inside the 20-yard line because he’s got such great leaping ability and strong hands.”
ESPN ranks Harvey-Clemons as the nation’s top outside linebacker, No. 17 overall prospect and as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Georgia.
Although his ability to catch jump balls in the end zone is enticing, Harvey-Clemons still projects as a defensive star. And that’s what most excites Richt’s staff about the newcomer.
“I think he really fell in love with Georgia period and then he fell in love with the players,” Richt said. “I know he really is excited about what we’re doing defensively and the leadership of Todd Grantham. Todd’s actually our coordinator and our outside linebackers coach, so he’ll be working with him a lot.”
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) has offensive skills that the Bulldogs intend to utilize -- particularly when they get close to an opponent’s goal line.
“He’s a heck of a wide receiver, too,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said on ESPNU Wednesday morning. “He’s a guy that in the red zone we may need to use his talents inside the 20-yard line because he’s got such great leaping ability and strong hands.”
ESPN ranks Harvey-Clemons as the nation’s top outside linebacker, No. 17 overall prospect and as the No. 1 prospect in the state of Georgia.
Although his ability to catch jump balls in the end zone is enticing, Harvey-Clemons still projects as a defensive star. And that’s what most excites Richt’s staff about the newcomer.
“I think he really fell in love with Georgia period and then he fell in love with the players,” Richt said. “I know he really is excited about what we’re doing defensively and the leadership of Todd Grantham. Todd’s actually our coordinator and our outside linebackers coach, so he’ll be working with him a lot.”
Four-star outside linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes), the top prospect in Georgia, No. 1 outside linebacker and No. 17 player in the ESPNU 150, announced his decision to remain inside state lines and play for the Bulldogs.
Georgia topped Florida and Florida State for Harvey-Clemons. Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville, Clemson, Alabama, Miami-FL, South Carolina, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Tennessee also offered Harvey-Clemons, who could end up playing anywhere from defensive end to outside linebacker to safety, or even wide receiver, according to ESPN's Tom Luginbill.
Georgia topped Florida and Florida State for Harvey-Clemons. Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville, Clemson, Alabama, Miami-FL, South Carolina, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Tennessee also offered Harvey-Clemons, who could end up playing anywhere from defensive end to outside linebacker to safety, or even wide receiver, according to ESPN's Tom Luginbill.
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Signee: OT John Theus (Jacksonville, Fla./Bolles)
6-6, 295 pounds
Other schools considered: Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame
The skinny: A Bulldogs target for more than two years, Theus could be the most important signee of the 2012 class. His brother, long snapper Nathan Theus, signed with Georgia last year, but John maintained he was not a lock to follow Nathan to Athens. The connection to the coaching staff, players and the overall program were too much for Theus to ignore, and the ESPNU 150 tackle committed to Georgia at Dawg Night in July. When Georgia got off to a rocky 0-2 start, Theus took an official to Notre Dame, coincidentally enough with Keith Marshall, acknowledging the need to have a backup school in case something happened to the coaching staff at Georgia. But after the Bulldogs reeled off 10 straight wins, Theus’ commitment was solidified, and he went to work on recruiting Marshall and others like Jordan Jenkins to join him at Georgia. With the lack of depth and his immense talent, Theus has a chance to push for immediate playing time, and it is not out of the question that he starts on day one.
6-6, 295 pounds
Other schools considered: Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame
The skinny: A Bulldogs target for more than two years, Theus could be the most important signee of the 2012 class. His brother, long snapper Nathan Theus, signed with Georgia last year, but John maintained he was not a lock to follow Nathan to Athens. The connection to the coaching staff, players and the overall program were too much for Theus to ignore, and the ESPNU 150 tackle committed to Georgia at Dawg Night in July. When Georgia got off to a rocky 0-2 start, Theus took an official to Notre Dame, coincidentally enough with Keith Marshall, acknowledging the need to have a backup school in case something happened to the coaching staff at Georgia. But after the Bulldogs reeled off 10 straight wins, Theus’ commitment was solidified, and he went to work on recruiting Marshall and others like Jordan Jenkins to join him at Georgia. With the lack of depth and his immense talent, Theus has a chance to push for immediate playing time, and it is not out of the question that he starts on day one.
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List of Georgia Bulldogs Class of 2012 official signees:
1. OT John Theus (Jacksonville, Fla./Bolles), 6-foot-6, 295 pounds
2. RB Keith Marshall (Raleigh, N.C./Millbrook), 5-11, 199 pounds
3. OL Mark Beard (Coffeyville, Kan./Coffeyville CC), 6-3, 290 pounds
4. QB Faton Bauta (West Palm Beach, Fla./Dwyer), 6-2, 222 pounds
5. P Collin Barber (Cartersville, Ga./Cartersville), 6-1, 200 pounds
6. RB Todd Gurley (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro), 6-1, 215 pounds
7. OL Greg Pyke (Baltimore/Boys Latin School), 6-5, 315 pounds
8. DL John Atkins (Thomson, Ga./Thomson), 6-3, 315 pounds
9. WR Blake Tibbs (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King), 6-1, 170 pounds
10. DB Sheldon Dawson (Memphis, Tenn./Ridgeway), 5-11, 175 pounds
11. ATH Quayvon Hicks (Blackshear, Ga./Pierce Co.), 6-2, 252 pounds
12. DE Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County), 6-3, 245 pounds
13. OLB Leonard Floyd (Eastman, Ga./Dodge Co.), 6-4, 220 pounds
14. TE Ty Flournoy-Smith (Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt Co.), 6-3, 225 pounds
15. DE James Deloach (Millen, Ga./Jenkins Co.), 6-3, 265 pounds
16. DT Jonathan Taylor (Millen, Ga./Jenkins Co.), 6-4, 315 pounds
17. DE Josh Dawson (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), 6-5, 225 pounds
18. K Marshall Morgan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./American Heritage) 6-3, 195 pounds
19. Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) 6-5, 210 pounds
1. OT John Theus (Jacksonville, Fla./Bolles), 6-foot-6, 295 pounds
2. RB Keith Marshall (Raleigh, N.C./Millbrook), 5-11, 199 pounds
3. OL Mark Beard (Coffeyville, Kan./Coffeyville CC), 6-3, 290 pounds
4. QB Faton Bauta (West Palm Beach, Fla./Dwyer), 6-2, 222 pounds
5. P Collin Barber (Cartersville, Ga./Cartersville), 6-1, 200 pounds
6. RB Todd Gurley (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro), 6-1, 215 pounds
7. OL Greg Pyke (Baltimore/Boys Latin School), 6-5, 315 pounds
8. DL John Atkins (Thomson, Ga./Thomson), 6-3, 315 pounds
9. WR Blake Tibbs (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King), 6-1, 170 pounds
10. DB Sheldon Dawson (Memphis, Tenn./Ridgeway), 5-11, 175 pounds
11. ATH Quayvon Hicks (Blackshear, Ga./Pierce Co.), 6-2, 252 pounds
12. DE Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County), 6-3, 245 pounds
13. OLB Leonard Floyd (Eastman, Ga./Dodge Co.), 6-4, 220 pounds
14. TE Ty Flournoy-Smith (Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt Co.), 6-3, 225 pounds
15. DE James Deloach (Millen, Ga./Jenkins Co.), 6-3, 265 pounds
16. DT Jonathan Taylor (Millen, Ga./Jenkins Co.), 6-4, 315 pounds
17. DE Josh Dawson (Tucker, Ga./Tucker), 6-5, 225 pounds
18. K Marshall Morgan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./American Heritage) 6-3, 195 pounds
19. Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) 6-5, 210 pounds
In a ceremony Tuesday afternoon, juco wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (Rock Hill, S.C./Hutchinson, Kan., CC) announced his decision to attend Tennessee, adding that he had made up his mind a while ago. Read more here.
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Updated: Harvey-Clemons still lists four
January, 31, 2012
1/31/12
9:06
PM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
The top outside linebacker in the country was supposed to narrow his final list down to two schools Tuesday night. Instead, Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes) will decide between Georgia, Florida, FSU and Miami at 9:15 am ET Wednesday on ESPNU.
Harvey-Clemons was originally scheduled to cut two schools from his final four at a Valdosta restaurant, as part of the Lowndes County Fourth Annual Season Celebration as Signing Show. He spoke at length about the schools involved in his recruitment, but in the end did not cut any of them.
When asked whether he was ready to trim his list to even three schools, he replied, “No.”
Harvey-Clemons was originally scheduled to cut two schools from his final four at a Valdosta restaurant, as part of the Lowndes County Fourth Annual Season Celebration as Signing Show. He spoke at length about the schools involved in his recruitment, but in the end did not cut any of them.
When asked whether he was ready to trim his list to even three schools, he replied, “No.”
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Bulldogs returning from eight-day break
January, 31, 2012
1/31/12
7:12
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia’s basketball team hasn’t reached the midway point of its SEC schedule just yet, but Coach Mark Fox believes last weekend’s open date came at a perfect time.
“I felt like our young players had hit the wall big-time. We’ve had to play Kentavious [Caldwell-Pope, the freshman who leads Georgia in scoring at 14.4 points per game] so much,” said Fox, whose team visits Auburn at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. “We’ve had to play him so much and play him out of position. He’s had to play at the small forward against bigger, stronger guys and then have to play 35 minutes a game in the league.
Watch the game on ESPN3.
“He, Neme [Djurisic] and a lot of these young guys, it’s just a long year. It’s a physical adjustment for them. It’s a mental adjustment. And I felt like we were hitting that wall.”
The Bulldogs (10-10, 1-5 SEC) return to the court from an eight-day layoff, having last faced Kentucky last Tuesday and lost 57-44.
“I felt like our young players had hit the wall big-time. We’ve had to play Kentavious [Caldwell-Pope, the freshman who leads Georgia in scoring at 14.4 points per game] so much,” said Fox, whose team visits Auburn at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. “We’ve had to play him so much and play him out of position. He’s had to play at the small forward against bigger, stronger guys and then have to play 35 minutes a game in the league.
Watch the game on ESPN3.
“He, Neme [Djurisic] and a lot of these young guys, it’s just a long year. It’s a physical adjustment for them. It’s a mental adjustment. And I felt like we were hitting that wall.”
The Bulldogs (10-10, 1-5 SEC) return to the court from an eight-day layoff, having last faced Kentucky last Tuesday and lost 57-44.
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.