AJC recruiting expert Michael Carvell details the committed players to the University of Georgia. As signings come in on Wednesday, the list will be updated continuously. Check for updates.
SIGNINGS
Keyon Brown, defensive end from Hardee High School of Wauchula, Fla.
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over FSU and Miami on Sept. 26, 2013.
- Why UGA? "I think the big reason was he liked the way they talked about him fitting in the defensive scheme — He will be a part of the defensive scheme. I also think the family-first atmosphere that coach Richt brings to the football program is a big deal to him," Hardee coach Buddy Martin said.
- Vitals: 6-foot-3, 240 pounds.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Semper Fi All-America game.
- They said it: "There was a play this year where the other team ran a reverse to try to fool Keyon. Keyon ran lateral with the line of scrimmage. Then you've got a 160-pound back who tried to juke our big guy. It didn't work, and Keyon tackled him for a loss. You just don't find many kids that big who can run that fast." — Hardee coach Buddy Martin
Detric Dukes, inside linebacker, Tucker High School
- Colleges: Flipped his commitment from Louisville to UGA on June 23, 2013. Dukes pledged to Louisville on April 15, 2013.
- Why UGA? "It was a very hard and difficult decision. My parents and I took some time to talk it over because they wanted to make sure I was making the right decision, and that it was 100 percent where I wanted to be. The deciding factor was that Georgia was closer to home, and I could still get a great education there."
- Vitals: 6-foot, 230 pounds. He has a 2.8 GPA and wants to study physical therapy.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Dukes committed early to Louisville, and then switched after he got a summer offer from UGA. He became a priority for the Bulldogs after they missed on another LB target (Buford's Korie Rogers, who committed to Clemson) … As a senior at Tucker, Dukes had 76 tackles, 13 tackles for losses, and 5 sacks … As a junior, Dukes finished with 78 tackles, including 11 tackles for losses
- They said it: "Detrick Dukes is probably one of the more underrated prospects in the state of Georgia simply because he's so physical. He loves contact, and he loves flying down the field to make the big hit. He's put together like a linebacker should be, and he has good length with his arms. He's still learning the position at linebacker after playing some defensive line as a sophomore. He plays for a good program at Tucker, where the kids learn how to play fast. He's a really good athlete who doesn't shy away from the contact. He seems like he enjoys the contact, and you always want those type of guys." – UGASports.com's Jake Rowe
Jacob Park, quarterback, Stratford High School of Goose Creek, S.C.
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Alabama on June 14, 2013.
- Why UGA? "It was different. Coach Richt and (offensive coordinator Mike) Bobo didn't hassle me. They didn't call me every day. They sent me letters. They didn't send me a million letters like everybody else. But when they did, it was a letter that meant something. I went on a visit there, and it came down to Georgia and Alabama. Alabama was being wishy-washy. Coach Bobo told me 'I sent two offers out this year, you and Deshaun Watson. I'm not going to offer anybody else until you make a decision.' I took that to mean that he liked me a lot. Everything fell together after that. All my friends are Georgia fans. My brother is the biggest Georgia fan that you will ever know."
- Vitals: 6-foot-3, 205 pounds. He has a 3.4 GPA and plans to major in Business or Sports Management. Said Park, "I want a degree in something where I can manage my own money, just in case I get to play pro ball. If I do run into a lot of money, I want to be able to know where my money is at and what I'm doing with it. I don't want to get scammed out of nothing."
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Park was named as South Carolina's Mr. Football by the Columbia (S.C.) State newspaper after passing for 3,665 yards and 33 touchdowns while leading Stratford to an appearance in the state championship game … Park struggled in a pair of all-star games. At the Shrine Bowl, Park completed 3 of 11 passes for 63 yards and took three sacks. At the Army All-American Bowl, completed 1 of 8 passes for 6 yards and 1 interception … Last summer, Park went from a little-known quarterback to a national recruit. He earned an offer from UGA at June's Mark Richt Camp and committed within a week … Park was invited to participate in the nation's most prestigious QB camp (Elite 11 at Nike headquarters) in July, and he was named as one of the most outstanding performers (final Elite 11 roster) … As a junior and sophomore at Statford, threw for a total of 3,700 yards and 35 touchdowns … Almost committed to Auburn during junior season but held off because of rumors about the impending coaching change
- They said it: "Jacob has a cannon for an arm, and I think that's one of the things that really sticks out when you first see him. He's a big guy, but he's still kind of slim. He's got the frame that he can fill into. He's just got a really good arm. He's accurate, and I know that's been a concern at times for some folks. But he worked out for Georgia at Mark Richt Camp, and was really accurate. He's looked great at The Opening, and is also kind of an underrated athlete." – UGASports.com's Jake Rowe
Jeb Blazevich, tight end, Charlotte Christian School (N.C.)
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Clemson and Ole Miss on ESPNU on April 23, 2013.
- Why UGA? "Honestly, there are two ways I can answer. One way, it's just where God was calling me to go. But I know a lot of people won't understand that. Honestly, I just loved the coaches – Coach Richt and (tight ends coach John Lilly). I love what they're doing there, and they are having a lot of success."
- Vitals: 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, 3.5 GPA, and will likely major in Communications and minor in Business. "I will probably change my mind 20 times before I graduate," Blazevich joked.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Under Armour All-America game in St. Petersburg, Fla. … As a senior, Blazevich played both ways for Charlotte Christian, posting 85 tackles, including 20.5 tackles for losses on defense. He also had 18 QB hurries and 5 sacks. On offense, Blazevich caught 32 passes for 441 yards and 5 touchdowns … Won Wide Receiver MVP at 2013 Atlanta Nike Camp, which is a rare accomplishment for a tight end … Devout Christian and outspoken about his faith.
- They said it: "He's going to fit in well at Georgia. Georgia asks their tight ends to be able to spread out at receiver, and also be able to (come inside) and block the edge. When you look at Jeb, he's got a big frame on him. He's hard for a DB to cover because of his big body. He's a hybrid tight end that can also line up at receiver. Both times when I watched him live, it impressed me that he was a polished route runner and has very big hands." – Rusty Mansell of 247sports.com
Shakenneth Williams, wide receiver from Rutland High School
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Vanderbilt at Dawg Night prospect camp on July 12, 2013.
- Why UGA? Me and my mom talked it over and she liked everything (about UGA), and I felt like it was time to commit."
- Vitals: 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Offense-Defense All-America Game in Orlando, Fla. … Williams earned a scholarship offer at last June's Mark Richt Camp, and committed about a month later … As a senior at Rutland, Williams caught 36 passes for 898 yards and 12 touchdowns.
- They said it: "The deal with Williams is that he has ideal size for a wide receiver. He's a really strong kid, with great speed as well. He just has a ton of potential. He's still very raw as wide receiver. In terms of potential, I think he has more upside than any receiver in the state of Georgia" – UGAsports.com's Jake Rowe
Isaiah Wynn, offensive guard from Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, Fla.
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Florida, Auburn and Arkansas on July 14, 2013.
- Why UGA? "I'm a Dawg. I committed because of the way me and my family felt. The coaching staff great, and I know they can develop me not only athletically but also academically." – Wynn to Scout.com
- Vitals: 6-foot-2, 270
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … Named to Pinellas County All-Conference team all four years in high school
- They said it: 247sports.com's Rusty Mansell: "Isaiah started showing everybody he was pretty good at camp last spring. He has real good feet from watching him on film. He plays offensive tackle in high school but he's going to be an offensive guard at Georgia. He's an athletic big guy. What you see on tape is how strong he is, how he finishes blocks. He's as good in person as he is on his highlight tape." – 247sports.com's Rusty Mansell … Said UGASports.com's Jake Rowe: "His best football is ahead of him. He's a 270-pound kid who is just going to get bigger and stronger. He's extremely athletic and already has the mindset of an offensive lineman. You know, he showed up at the Rivals camp in Atlanta and was just nasty. He didn't lose a single rep, and beat some of the most elite guys there, which was really impressive. He has it all. On top of that, he's only 6-2 but he has elite length. His body almost looks odd because his arms and legs are so long. He's just extremely athletic. He can play a lot of roles for Georgia. He can play any of the three interior positions. I think he could even hold his own on the edge, if they needed him there, despite not having prototypical height.
Sony Michel, running back, American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla.
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Miami, while also considering Notre Dame, Florida and Florida State on ESPNU on April 26, 2013. Miami, the hometown area favorite, dispatched coaches to Michel's high school the day before his TV announcement, hoping to sway his college decision.
- Why UGA? "Georgia was a wonderful place the first time I stepped on campus. I loved it. Georgia is something different. And I also wanted to experience something different."
- Vitals: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … As a senior at American Heritage, Michel rushed for 1,840 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading team to first-ever state championship. In championship game, Michel had 13 carries for 98 yards and three touchdowns … He was named Florida's Gatorade Player of the Year for 2013 … Became a schoolboy legend as an eighth-grader, rushing for 1,825 yards and 18 touchdowns for the varsity … After missing his sophomore year with a knee injury, Michel ran for 1,264 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior
- They said it: "In Sony Michel, Georgia is getting the complete package. He has the size, speed, strength, receiving and blocking ability to be a workhorse back in the SEC, and has produced at a high level since gaining over 1,800 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns on varsity – as an eighth grader. Michel gives Mark Richt another elite out-of-state talent from another prominent program's backyard, a stark reminder that borders are no longer important in recruiting." – 247sports.com's Kipp Adams
Shattle Fenteng, safety from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Ole Miss and Kansas State on Aug. 9. 2013.
- Why UGA? "They've been telling me that I'm the best DB on their board, and I have a chance to come in and play right away. They really seem to like me. That's a place that's close to home. My parents can come to all my games, and I can go home anytime I want."
- Vitals: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Fenteng starred at Grayson High School in 2011 but wasn't an academic qualifier … One of Fenteng's assistants at Grayson was Daryl Jones, the Director of On-Campus Recruiting at UGA … At Hutchinson for 2013, Fenteng finished 23 tackles and four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns
- They said it: "You look at the 3-4 teams — Alabama, Georgia and Florida runs some of that (type of defense). All those guys are looking for bigger corners. That's a growing trend for a few years now. Everybody wants a corner around 6-1, and Shattle is close to 6-2. Talking to coaches, if he had qualified out of high school, he was a high-level D1 prospect." – 247sports.com's Rusty Mansell
Kendall Baker, defensive lineman, Marist
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Florida State and Auburn on July 3, 2013.
- Why UGA? "I wanted to play for the home-state school. It feels really good. I've been here in Georgia my whole life, and I can play here and represent my home state."
- Vitals: 6-foot-5, 270 pounds, 3.0 GPA and plans to study sports management.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Baker was recruited by most colleges as a two-way prospect who could play either defensive line or on the offensive line. Baker prefers defense … At Marist, Baker has played very little on the offensive line because of the Wing-T offense, which employs smaller and faster linemen … As a senior, Baker had 55 tackles, 12 quarterback hurries, and one sack … Toughed it out as a junior at Marist, playing the entire season with a high-ankle sprain … As a sophomore, Baker missed the last five games of the season with a torn ACL … Baker also played for Marist's basketball team as a center.
- They said it: "We don't get kids very often that are that big and that athletic. He's a pleasure to coach, and has a great personality. We're expecting some big things out of him this year … He's got such a big, strong body. He's hard to move. He can get off blocks. He makes plays, and he rushes the passer well. We want him to be dominating for us, get off blocks and make plays. We want him to dominate offensive linemen." – Marist coach Alan Chadwick
Nick Chubb, running back, Cedartown High School
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over South Carolina and Auburn on June 11, 2013.
- Why UGA? "That's where I feel most comfortable. I've been to Georgia more than anywhere. I really like it there."
- Vitals: 5-foot-11, 216 pounds. 3.8 GPA and wants to major in business, probably accounting.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … As a senior, Chubb rushed for 2,690 yards and 37 touchdowns … As a junior, Chubb rushed for 2,721 yards and 38 TDs on 312 carries (8.7 yards per carry). He gained more yards in 10 games than any back in state history and was named 2012 Class AAAA offensive player of the year … In December 2012, Chubb dominated practices at the RisingSeniors.com all-star football game, earning the full attention of college scouts … He was elevated to 5-star status (by 247sports) after finishing third out of 161 of the nation's top prospects in the SPARQ athletic skill competition at Nike headquarters in July 2013.
- They said it: "Nick Chubb is a finisher; this kid will run slap over you, or he's got enough speed to go around you. I like his physicality … Comparing him to other people, he kind of reminds me of Mark Ingram. I don't want to compare a high school kid to a Heisman Trophy winner but he's that type of running back. He's a finisher with good enough speed to get to the hole." — 247sports.com's Rusty Mansell
Rico Johnson, wide receiver from Georgia Prep Sports Academy
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Middle Tennessee State and Marshall on Jan. 20, 2014.
- Why UGA? "I'm happy for Rico because this was his dream to go back to UGA," said Johnson's coach, Mike Carson of Georgia Prep Sports Academy. "I'm just glad that we were able to be a part of that process for him. I'm real excited about it. Coming into our program, that was his intent or hope that the University of Georgia would stay on him. I know it got kind of rocky there for a while. But in the end, it all worked out for him."
- Vitals: 5-foot-11, 178 pounds
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Johnson originally signed with UGA the previous year out of Swainsboro High School but failed to qualify academically. He attended Georgia Prep Sports Academy this past season … Johnson won a 2012 state championship in track in the 100 meters while at Swainsboro.
- They said it: "You can't coach speed. I just reflect back to the first game against LaGrange College. We don't want a punt fielded if it's over your head inside the 10-yard line. Well, Rico fields the ball three yards deep into the end zone, and takes it 103 yards for the touchdown. Speed definitely kills. He can score from anywhere on the field any time he touches the ball." – Georgia Prep Sports Academy coach Mike Carson.
Jake Edwards, offensive guard, Heard County High School
- Colleges: Committed to UGA within 10 minutes after being offered at Mark Richt Camp on June 8, 2013. Edwards also had offers from Middle Tennessee State and Marshall.
- Why UGA? "My family, we've always been Georgia fans. We've always loved the team. I like the coaches, and program's history of winning games and being good. I always wanted to go up there and be a part of that."
- Vitals: 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, and plans to major in sports management or business.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Offense-Defense All-America Game in Orlando, Fla. … As a senior at Heard County, Edwards had 52 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and 9 QB hurries … As a junior, Edwards registered 51 pancake blocks, and graded at 81-percent for his blocking for the season … His hobbies include duck hunting
- They said it: Heard County coach Tim Barron: "His work ethic reminds me of Ben Jones, who played center for Georgia years ago. Jake has got some of the same nastiness about him, which I like. He's going to be one of those types of kids that gets after it." … Said 247sports.com's Rusty Mansell: "When I saw Jake for the first time, he had a good tape. Initially, I wasn't sure if he was going to get there. He was around 250 pounds, and I wasn't sure if he was going to gain any weight. He looked good at the RisingSeniors.com all-star game (last December) but he still needed to gain weight. But from January to this June, he was as impressive as anyone in the 2014 class. He's around 280 pounds and he benches 360-plus pounds. He's worked as hard as anybody in the state of Georgia this calendar year … At UGA, he might can play some right tackle but I think he's going to be an offensive guard. He's an inside guy."
Lamont Gaillard, defensive tackle from Pine Forest High School of Fayetteville, N.C.
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Clemson and Alabama on July 20, 2013.
- Why UGA? "My family liked it, and I liked the way Georgia talked to me about things other than football. I was really impressed with that. They care more about me than being a football player."
- Vitals: 6-foot-2, 310 pounds.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: As a senior at Pine Forest, Gaillard finished with 74 tackles, including 6 tackles for losses, 4 QB hurries, and 2 sacks … After UGA defensive line coach Chris Wilson was hired away by USC in January, Gaillard listened to overtures from Miami and Louisville before deciding to stick with the Bulldogs … Gant had a gigantic "Georgia Bulldogs" tattoo inked across both forearms … Gaillard was selected for the Under Armour All-America game, but was held out with a back injury just before kickoff. During practices, he was labeled as "overweight" and "out of shape" by several recruiting analysts. Pine Forest coach Bill Sochovka defended Gaillard, saying, "In the first few games, he was out of shape. He got a little heavier this year. But I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that he wanted to get himself to the point where he was used to playing with that weight at the next level"
- They said it: "With his initial quickness, he's got the ability to be a really good player. I think with some guys, they have to watch their weight. With Lamont, I think he added some bad weight for his senior season. When you go back and watched his film as a senior, he wasn't as explosive as he was as a junior. I think that's one thing, and that's hard for big kids. When you're 300 pounds at 16 or 17 years old, it's hard to get up and run in the summer. It's hard to stay in shape. Those guys tend to get into shape once they get to the college level. So I think the athletic ability, the raw ability, the baseline of skills, I think he's going to have to change that a little bit to get back to where he was as a junior, when he was one of the most explosive guys you saw on tape." – ESPN's Gerry Hamilton
Gilbert Johnson, wide receiver, Southridge High School of Miami, Fla.
- Colleges: Earned a scholarship offer from UGA at Mark Richt Camp on June 8, 2013, and committed on the spot to the Bulldogs. Johnson also reported offers from Marshall, Minnesota and Pittsburgh.
- Why UGA? "I loved every minute when I was up there at Georgia for camp – what happened and how it happened. Yes, it's hard to believe. I think about it every day."
- Vitals: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, 2.7 GPA and plans to study Sports Medicine.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: As a junior at Southridge, Johnson caught 35 passes for 572 yards and five touchdowns … Played shooting guard and small forward on the Southridge basketball team, averaging 17 points. Johnson will only play football in college.
- They said it: "While many of the prospect names heading into (Dawg Night) were known to Georgia and recruiting fans, Gilbert Johnson officially burst onto the radar with a standout performance. (Gant) showed plus-hands and ball skills throughout the day, earning singled-out praise from assistants Tony Ball and Mike Bobo on numerous occasions – especially in the second session. Johnson is quicker than fast, showing very good feet and balance." – ESPN's Gerry Hamilton
Malkom Parrish, cornerback from Brooks County High School
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Georgia in a rare head-to-head battle between archrivals on June 13, 2013
- Why UGA? "I love Mark Richt, and he's a great coach. He puts the team first, before himself. I like the way they coach them boys up to get after the ball. They want me to play nickelback or corner. That's great. That's right up my alley. That's where I want to be."
- Vitals: 5-foot-9, 186 pounds. Wants to study to be an occupational therapist.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … Parrish was recruited by Georgia Tech to play quarterback, which was his main position in high school … As a senior at Brooks County, Parrish was one of the state's top dual-threat quarterbacks, passing for 3,309 yards and 19 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,065 yards and 22 touchdowns. On defense, Parrish had 49 tackles and 4 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. He was named Region 1-AA player of year.
- They said it: "Malkom is the definition of a football player. He's only about 5-9 but he play safety or cornerback. He can come up and strike you on a running play. He really does remind you, and this is not because Jeremy Pruitt was at FSU, but he reminds you of FSU safety Lamarcus Joyner. He's a little undersized but you can't help but notice him flying around and making plays." – UGAsports.com's Jake Rowe
Dyshon Sims, offensive lineman from Lowndes High School
- Colleges: Committed to UGA over Alabama at Dawg Night prospect camp on July 12, 2013.
- Why UGA? "It was a pretty close battle. I just felt more comfortable with Georgia. I know more people there, and I really don't know anybody at Alabama. I also like how you get a four-year scholarship at Georgia. That's one of the main reasons I picked it. From my understanding, you get three years at Alabama, and you only get a scholarship for each year. If you don't show enough progression, then your scholarship is pretty much gone at Alabama."
- Vitals: 6-foot-4, 270 pounds.
- Recruiting rankings: TBA
- Things to know: Selected to play in Army All-America Bowl in San Antonio, Texas … His cousin is UGA safety Josh Harvey-Clemons, who also played at Lowndes … As a senior at Lowndes, Sims graded 85-percent with his blocking for the season … Sims transferred to Lowndes from Valdosta after his junior season.
- They said it: "I really Sims. He's about 6-4 but he's much longer than that with long arms and long legs. He's a very hard worker. I think he has the potential to be an elite tackle at the next level. But it's going to take some time for him develop. I do think he'll be able to rotate in and contribute early, though. I think his future is really bright." – UGASports.com's Jake Rowe
Dominick Sanders, S-CB, 5-11, 185, Tucker
Isaiah McKenzie, WR, 5-8, 175, Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage
Shaquille Jones, safety, 6-2, 175, Merritt Island, Fla.
Hunter Atkinson, TE, 6-6, 257, West Hall
Lorenzo Carter, DE, 6-5, 235, Norcross
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