Is everyone excited?
On paper, UGA signed its strongest recruiting class in its history on National Signing Day 2018.
Warren Ericson
Where Ericson lands in Athens will be the real question, as he’s a candidate at both the guard and center positions, but there’s little doubt that he’s got the size and tenacity to make an impact on the interior. Ericson helped lead his North Gwinnett Bulldogs to a state title in 2017, playing largely at the left tackle position, but he’s well versed in running an offense and making adjustments at the line.
Jake Camarda
Camarda brings skill at both the kicker and punter position, and he’ll be in the mix for both spots while in red and black. Look for him to be in the mix to take over the spot vacated by Cameron Nizialek early on, as he’s shown tremendous technical skill and leg power throughout his high school career.
Owen Condon
A Georgia legacy, Condon will leave the plains of Oklahoma to head to Athens and compete for time at the offensive tackle position. The midsummer pledge sports a large, buildable frame but will likely need to add weight upon his arrival to campus. A developmental prospect coming off of injury, he’ll likely find himself down the depth chart upon arrival but may contribute later in his career.
John Fitzpatrick
Best known for his blocking by virtue of playing in Marist’s triple option offense, FitzPatrick emerged in spring camps as one of the most sure handed tight ends in the southeast. Measuring in at a true 6-foot-6, he’s a tough assignment to cover for smaller defensive backs or linebackers and has the ability to become a force once he adds weight in strength and conditioning.
Trey Hill
Hill sports a nasty streak a mile wide when dealing with would-be pass rushers, and his impressive physical base makes him all the more capable of dealing with them. An absolute fiend for competition, Hill participated in every major showcase on the recruiting circuit and proved his mettle against the nation’s best. He may find himself in the conversation for the center position once Lamont Gaillard departs, but he could be a valuable asset at guard as well.
Jamaree Salyer
The nation’s top guard since the release of the 2018 Rivals rankings, fans hope to see Salyer follow in the footsteps of his former Pace Academy teammate Andrew Thomas and find himself in the offensive line mix immediately. With an ideal frame, refined technique, and power to spare, Salyer is widely considered to be one of the best guard prospects out of high school in some time.
Kearis Jackson
A stout speedster, Jackson has the ability to win any jump ball thrown his way and should be excellent replacement for a guy like Terry Godwin further down the line. With the versatility to play both sides of the ball, don’t be surprised if Jackson gets a look at defensive back at some point in his career. Either way, he’s got the athleticism to excel in the SEC and should find his way onto special teams quickly upon arrival.
Divaad Wilson
Initially committed to Florida, Wilson opted to explore the recruiting world further when the Gators made a coaching change, and Georgia became an immediate focus. The four-star cornerback sports measurables quite similar to those of former and future teammate Rachad Wildgoose, but, as he’s played the position longer, Wilson is the more touted. His south Florida speed should come in handy in the SEC.
James Cook
Like Zamir White, Cook is in five-star territory, but he’s more well known for his shiftiness and top end acceleration. Additionally, he may be the stronger receiver of the two. Consider this pickup “lightning” to White’s “thunder” and expect Georgia coaches to have the best problem of all, which is figuring out how to get enough touches for two talented playmakers.
Zamir White
Zamir White
As the nation’s No. 1 running back, White possesses the rare combination of speed and power that raises the heart rate of coaches. His ability to run through tackles is a hallmark, but he’s just as capable of making everyone miss and going the distance on almost any carry. Perhaps his best attribute, White seems to gain steam as games go along, making him an ideal every down back.
Azeez Ojulari
Ojulari was a late bloomer in the recruiting world, but he’s quickly ascended the ranks at outside linebacker. With his impressive physical tools and speed off the edge, the Rivals150 pass rusher may find himself as the Bulldogs’ answer to Lorenzo Carter’s abilities. While Ojulari may not be as tall, he’s as physical and may have even more room for development than Carter did upon arriving in Athens.
Christopher Smith
Georgia’s second defensive back from Hapeville Charter in as many classes (William Poole being the first), Smith is a disruptive force in the secondary and has consistently been so throughout his career. His speed and skills in coverage bode well for his future, but it’s his approach to the game, grit, and preparation that should help him find his way to playing time during his tenure in Athens.
Justin Fields
The crown jewel of Georgia’s recruiting class, Fields gives the Bulldogs their first true dual threat quarterback since DJ Shockley. The five-star signal caller is well known for his ability to extend plays with his legs, but it was the arm strength and accuracy he flashed heading into his senior year that vaulted him to the No. 2 spot in the nation.
Adam Anderson
Throughout Anderson’s three commitments (twice to Georgia, once to LSU), Bulldog coaches never relented in their pursuit and for good reason. The Rome High standout is a two time state champion whose pass rush prowess and quickness off the ball helped him earn five-star status in the most recent Rivals rankings. He’ll be in the mix to compete for the vacated spots of Lorenzo Carter and Davin Bellamy early.
Cade Mays
A late surprise in the recruiting process, Mays was a longtime Tennessee commit and is a Vols legacy who reopened his process during the coaching turmoil in Knoxville. His massive frame has made him a long time five-star prospect, and he’s a dominant force on the offensive line due to his immense size and strength. Expectations will be understandably high for Mays to compete for playing time early.
Brenton Cox
A longtime Ohio State commit, Cox opted to reopen his process, and that was tremendous news for Georgia. With excellent power and an array of pass rush moves at his disposal, Cox is a natural fit to cause havoc for the Bulldogs defensive front. Whether he lands at outside linebacker or with a hand on the ground will depend on his growth, but making an impact shouldn't be a problem.
Devonte Wyatt
Originally a member of the 2017 class, Wyatt should provide Georgia with some much needed beef in the defensive trenches, as well as bringing a year of top tier junior college experience to the table. Whether he finds his way to the interior of the line or ends up as a jumbo end, expect him to be part of Georgia’s line rotation in the 2018 campaign.
Nadab Joseph
A lengthy defensive back prospect in the top 100 and a flip from Alabama? It's hard to call the addition of Nadab Joseph anything but a huge win for the Bulldogs. A one-time LSU commit, in addition to his former Alabama commitment, Joseph has the measurables that should make him a quick favorite of both Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker.
Luke Ford
The top tight end prospect in America, Ford blossomed from humble three-star beginnings to his current Rivals100 ranking. He’s every bit of his listed 6-foot-7, but his biggest attribute may be his hands. A talented and polished receiver at the spot, Ford is the total package.
Channing Tindall
As athletic of an inside linebacker as you'll find, Tindall could easily find himself as the heir apparent to either Roquan Smith or Natrez Patrick at the conclusion of their careers. With excellent sideline to sideline speed and a willingness to strike, Tindall should flourish under Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker, and it's not going too far to say his best football is still ahead of him.
Tyson Campbell
There aren't many recruits that fit what the Georgia staff looks for in the secondary better than Campbell. A product of Florida's American Heritage High School, the five-star cornerback cemented his status among the nation's best during the Army All-American Bowl in January with a stellar performance that seemed to get better as the week wore on. With great size, length, and speed, expect Campbell to get every opportunity to find a role in the secondary even in his freshman season.
Jordan Davis
Few men in the 2018 class are as physically imposing as Davis, who measures in at 6-foot-6 and over 300 pounds, and Georgia is counting on him leveraging that size into a potential future at nose tackle. Davis, who spend most of his senior season playing offensive tackle for Mallard Creek, may get some attention from Sam Pittman, as well, but Tray Scott is hoping he’s the answer in the middle of the defensive line.
Otis Reese
One of the quietest recruits of the 2018 cycle, Reese was a longtime Michigan commit before switching his pledge on National Signing Day. The real question now becomes where the Lee County star finds himself in the Georgia defense. With athleticism to spare, Reese has the ability to contribute in the linebacking corps or even potentially in the secondary as a hybrid safety/star candidate. His versatility should help him find the field early on.
Quay Walker
Another longterm pledge elsewhere, Walker saw his primary recruiters at Alabama move on and followed suit on National Signing Day. A long, quick prospect, Walker's final home on the field may depend on how his slender frame responds to strength and conditioning. He'll likely be holding down a spot at either outside or inside linebacker when all's said and done, and expectations will be understandably high for the former Crisp County Cougar.
