With national signing day four weeks away, here’s an update on how state school’s stand:
GEORGIA TECH
Number of commits: 22
Expected class size: 23-26
Star recruit: A.J. Gray, Washington County High's quarterback, was named The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's all-classification player of the year. He'll play defensive back in college.
News of the week:Four players who committed to enrolled early this week: defensive tackle Kyle Henderson of Tampa's Plant High, wide receiver Harland Howell from Wheeler High, running back Quaide Weimerskirch of Pace High in Milton, Fla., and Will Bryan, an offensive lineman of Franklin County High. They will be joined by UGA transfer J.J. Green.
What to feel good about: Tech is one of the few major college programs in the country that hasn't had a recruit in this year's class switch his commitment to another school. It has been unusually quiet and drama-free so far. That probably is a direct result of the team's strong finish, which included wins over Clemson, Georgia and Mississippi State in the Orange Bowl.
What to worry about: Wide receiver Brandon Singleton of Boutte, La., remains committed, but he recently received an offer from Minnesota. UGA also inquired about him. Singleton appears to be solid with Tech, and he'll take his official visit next week.
Quote of the week: "My parents really like Georgia Tech. They want me to go where I want to go, but they love the fact that it's only 30 minutes down the road." — Anree Saint-Amour, defensive end at North Gwinnett. He has Tech among his five finalists and will announce later this month following a visit to Stanford.
Next: Tech would like to sign another linebacker. But can they find someone they like enough in time for signing day? The Yellow Jackets are scanning the Southeast.
GEORGIA
Number of commits: 26
Expected class size: 28-31
Star recruit: Natrez Patrick, linebacker at Mays. He helped his team reach the state championship game as a senior and was a top performer at the Army All-America Bowl.
News of the week: UGA had eight recruits enroll early and start classes this week, led by Tucker defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter. … UGA added a recruit and lost one over the weekend when offensive lineman Patrick Allen of Reistertown, Md., backed off his commitment and Langston Hughes defensive end D'Andre Walker pledged during the Army game on national television.
What to feel good about: UGA has the nation's No. 3-rated class in the 247Sports composite rankings, trailing Alabama and Florida State.
What to worry about: Wide receiver Van Jefferson of Brentwood, Tenn., was supposed to join the early enrollees but apparently wants to see who UGA's new offensive coordinator will be. The delay could benefit Ole Miss and Texas, which are both still courting Jefferson.
Quote of the week: "Everybody expects me to go to LSU. But if I was going there, I'd be committed. It's not that hard to just commit. But I think every team has a chance to get me." — Cornerback Donte Jackson of New Orleans. He'll announce his choice between LSU, UGA and USC on Jan. 21.
Next: UGA is in a holding pattern until hiring a new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.
GEORGIA STATE
Number of commits: 19
Expected class size: 25-27
Star recruit: Chase Middleton, a linebacker who was considered the best overall player last season at Brookwood. He posted 114 total tackles.
News of the week: At least 13 players are expected to report this weekend and begin classes Monday. The group includes eight junior-college players, two transfers from UAB and three high school players who were asked to delay enrollment.
What to feel good about: Georgia State needed veterans who can make an impact, and they're accumulating them well so far. … The Panthers could add a couple of more UAB transfers by the weekend.
What to worry about: Your recruiting class lacks if bigger schools aren't trying to poach some of your recruits. Two commits, Mays linebacker Charlie Patrick and Middleton, are possible targets by competitors.
Quote of the week: "I think they've filled needs on defense. This class is very heavy on that side. I don't see a ton of impact offensive players, as far as skill players from the high school ranks. But with junior-college guys, they hit home runs." — PantherTalk.com's Ben Moore
Next: Ferrod Gardner, a linebacker from Yaton, Ohio, will announce Jan. 19 his decision between Georgia State, Bowling Green and Missouri. He grew up in the Atlanta area and is friends with some Georgia State commits.
KENNESAW STATE
Number of commits: 9
Expected class size: 22
Star recruit: Dustyn Moore, a transfer linebacker who is returning home after two seasons at Kent State. Moore prepped at Heritage High in Conyers.
News of the week: Four junior-college signees, along with Moore, were expected to begin classes this week. They will be eligible to participate in spring drills.
What to feel good about: More than half of this year's class (around 14) will be transfer players, and the Owls are making steady progress on that goal. … Five high school players have publicly committed and at least two others have reportedly let the Owls know that they're coming.
What to worry about: Kicker A.J. Wells, a transfer from Middle Tennessee, switched from Kennesaw State to Holy Cross. The Owls may not sign a kicker.
Quote of the week: "We're on the road recruiting this week. FCS schools can be on the road. For us, we're spending this week going to see committed kids. And we have a few other kids that we're trying to solidify." — Kennesaw State coach Brian Bohannon
Next: The Owls are in the process of setting up all of their remaining official visits for the last two weekends of January.
