Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson (AJC File)
Emanuel Bridges admitted that he may have moved too quickly back in November when he committed to Tennessee, but he appears certain this time around.
The 3-star linebacker from Newnan High School committed to Georgia Tech on Thursday, he announced via Twitter.
Bridges, who held 19 offers, chose the Yellow Jackets over Michigan State, Ole Miss, Penn State and Tennessee.
Bridges committed to the Volunteers last November, but broke off the engagement in February, telling the AJC in an interview two weeks ago that he may have rushed his decision.
“I didn’t weigh my options like I should have,” Bridges said.
Emanuel Bridges (RisingSeniors.com)
After he de-committed from the Volunteers, Bridges reopened his recruitment and visited Georgia Tech twice during the offseason, most recently in June. He acknowledged to the AJC that he had grown fond of defensive coordinator Ted Roof, who sold Bridges on Tech’s defensive scheme.
“They tell me they want me to be an outside linebacker,” Bridges told the AJC. “They also see me being able to cover slot receivers as a bigger nickel cornerback.”
Bridges’ versatility has been a selling point for many programs, his coach, Mike McDonald, told the AJC in an interview.
“He’s probably going to be a three-down linebacker at the next level,” McDonald said. “He’s got long arms, he likes to stuff the run, he’s good on pass plays. And that’s what folks are looking for in college nowadays. He’s got great size, he runs well and he’s long.”
Bridges echoed those same thoughts. He told the AJC that he would be a fit in Georgia Tech’s defense given his ability to defend the pass.
“With so many schools lining up in the spread — Georgia Tech’s the only school I know who doesn’t run the spread like that — they need someone who can drop back into pass coverage. That’s a strength for me and that’s why they like me so much.”
The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is ranked as the No. 37 outside linebacker in the country and the No. 49 overall player in Georgia.
