UGA is scrambling to add one or two more offensive linemen in this year’s recruiting class.
On Wednesday, Mark Richt gave it his best shot with two offensive linemen committed to other SEC schools.
The UGA coach was at Creekside High School to meet with one of his 2015 commits, wide receiver Jayson Stanley.
But he also took advantage of the golden opportunity to give a final sales pitch to Creekside offensive linemen Venzell Boulware (committed to Tennessee) and Marquel Harrell (committed to Auburn). Both got last-minute UGA offers last week.
Mark Richt (AP)
Richt, who was accompanied by new UGA offensive line coach Rob Sale, had mixed results with the duo:
Boulware, who initially turned down UGA’s invitation to visit later this month, said he may consider a trip with the Bulldogs. “We’ll see after the Ohio State visit this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Harrell respectfully declined Richt’s overtures.
“We talked for a bit, and he (Richt) was asking if I was solid,” Harrell said. “I told him ‘Yes sir, I was.’ And then he congratulated me on Auburn.’ Georgia is a good school, but it’s a little too late in the recruiting process. Signing day is almost here.”
Sale, who is under pressure to make some sort of splash in recruiting in only a few weeks on the job, definitely caught Harrell’s attention with his sales approach on Monday.
“I was in PE playing basketball when he (Sale) first got there,” Harrell said. “He was like ‘If I play you in basketball and I beat you, is there a chance we can get a visit?’
“I was like ,’No sir, I can’t accept that offer. I’m 100-percent committed to Auburn.’ He was like ‘I respect that. Congratulations. I know Auburn will be getting a good player.’”
UGA coaches appeared to be apologetic about not offering the Creekside tandem much earlier in the recruiting process. Harrell remembers former UGA offensive coordinator Mike Bobo being one of the first college scouts to notice him, walking up to stand next to him at the 2013 state championship at the Georgia Dome to get an idea on his height.
“We had a long talk about that,” Harrell said. “He (Sale) said not to hold a grudge against Georgia. He was like ‘If we were there earlier, we would’ve offered you sooner.’ I appreciated that, but it was a little too late. I told them that I would like to thank them for the opportunity to stay home, but I’m firm to Auburn.”
Richt had better success at Dunwoody High School last Friday, convincing offensive lineman Nick Buchanan to take an official visit. Buchanan, who is committed to Cal, will go see the Bulldogs on Friday.
UGA only has one OL commit for 2015, Sage Hardin of Marist. The 3-star was offered after his camp performance last summer and quickly accepted.
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