AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2008 > December > 01 > Entry
UGA assistants visit with Branden Smith and Jarvis Jones
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Categories
UGA’s top two remaining in-state recruiting targets are Booker T. Washington cornerback Branden Smith and Carver-Columbus linebacker Jarvis Jones.
UGA sent six assistant coaches into the homes of both players on Sunday, which was the first day of a three-week NCAA contact period. Smith said actions speak louder than words, and the fact that UGA visited on the opening day meant a lot.
“They said they came straight here after talking with Jarvis,” Smith said. “They feel like if both of us came to Georgia, that they might have the best recruiting class in the country.”
Ironically, both Smith and Jones spent the previous day together at Florida State: Smith was making an official visit, while Jones was on an unofficial trip. The two have developed a friendship after making the rounds on the recruiting circuit over the past year.
“I asked Jarvis how recruiting was going and he said ‘just fine’ and that he had ‘no idea which college he was going to pick,’” Smith said. “So we’re sort of in the same situation. I feel like I have four great colleges to choose from, and I really can’t go wrong by picking any of the four.”
Smith has made official visits to FSU, Florida and Alabama, and will go to UGA on Dec. 12. He plans to make his college announcement on Jan. 4.
Smith said he got soaked in the rain while watching FSU’s loss to Florida, but still had fun. He met with FSU coach Bobby Bowden.
“[Bowden] said all I had to do was to watch the game to see how badly they need some defensive backs,” Smith said. “He said they really needed me, and very quickly. He made a point of telling me how many defensive backs Florida State has put into the NFL over the years.”
Smith again said he has no favorites among his four finalists. Jones has taken only one official visit (USC) and said he will travel to Texas, Florida, Georgia and LSU in January.
Got some recruiting news? mcarvell@ajc.com
Click below to see the following:
Are you a senior prospect “overlooked” by colleges? Here’s what to do about it
Note: Any inappropriate comments will not be tolerated, along with offensive “screen names.” Your posts are identified by the AJC with logging your IP address, not your screen name or email address. We encourage your comments and opinions, and only request that you use good judgment.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, Tennessee, UGA




DEL.ICIO.US


Comments
By dbc
December 1, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this
I’m sure both will jump at the chance to come to UGA and be coached by a defensive genius like Willie Martinez.
By HG
December 1, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Looks like we got Smith according to many rivals analyist, We need him BAD
By HG
December 1, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Looks like we got Smith according to many rivals analyist, We need him BAD
By HG
December 1, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Looks like we got smith according to many rivals analyist, lord knows we need him BAD
By bpcdogg
December 1, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
ROLLTIDE Baby. Go where ya feel comfortable because you have to prove yourself on whateveer campus you go on.
By bank walker
December 2, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Smith and Jones, fellas we would love for you to represent your state in beautiful Athens, Ga. Nevermind all the negativity some people have been spreading on here lately. Most aren’t UGA fans, just posers! You guys know Georgia’s track record since Richts been here. You know he will have the team high flying again next year! Jones get well and hope to see you and Smith in Red and Black next year!