Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Georgia Bulldogs' top in-state targets
By Kipp Adams
With the 2013 recruiting cycle in the rear view mirror, the University of Georgia can focus on reeling in the top talent in the 2014 class. Offers are starting to pour out and with over 180 prospects signing with FBS programs out of Georgia each year, it is impossible for Georgia to keep all of the talent from leaving the state. Here is a look at five early in-state recruits that Georgia has targeted that could be priorities for the next recruiting cycle.
Georgia will battle more than 30 schools for Lorenzo Carter, who could be the top pass-rusher in the country.
Lorenzo Carter, OLB (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) 6-foot-5, 228 pounds ESPN Watch List prospect
Why he’s on the list: With 136 tackles, 17 sacks, 50 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hurries and five caused fumbles on a 15-0 team that won the AAAAAA championship. Carter has proven himself to be one of the top pass rushers in the country for 2014. Early on in the 2014 cycle, Carter could be the top outside linebacker target for UGA, but the Bulldogs are already battling close to 30 other programs for Carter’s commitment.
Nick Chubb, RB (Cedartown, Ga./Cedartown) 5-11, 210 pounds ESPN Watch List prospect
Why he’s on the list: Chubb rushed for 2,721 yards and 38 TDs on 312 carries in 10 games as a junior, topping the 330-yard mark in half of them, and totaling more rushing yards in 10 games than any back in state history. Just like in 2011 with Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, look for Georgia to try and reel in two top-tier running backs in 2014. Over a dozen programs have offered, but early on, the Bulldogs, along with Tennessee, are on top for Chubb.
Why he’s on the list: McMillan made 151 tackles, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also ran for 316 yards and nine touchdowns. Georgia is in the top group for McMillan, but will have to catch schools like Clemson and Ohio State, two programs that have made a solid early impression.
Why he’s on the list: After sitting out as a sophomore, Shaw played both ways as a junior, making 22 tackles, seven tackles for loss and two sacks on defense. His ability to dominate the line of scrimmage and demand a double team makes him especially coveted by teams running a three-man defensive front. Looks like a battle between Georgia and Alabama once again for a top prospect in Georgia.
Why he’s on the list: Watson had possibly the best season in Georgia high school history as a junior, completing 305 of 434 passes for 4,011 yards and 50 touchdowns, while running for 1,430 rushing yards, and 24 touchdowns en route to Gainesville’s first state title. Already the most prolific passer in state history, Watson, a Clemson commitment, has emerged as the guy offensive coordinator Mike Bobo wants for the 2014 class.
