The Georgia Bulldogs ended National Signing day with the #1 ranked overall class and the #1 SEC class, according to 247 Sports Composite. The Bulldogs were able to hold off the serious challenges by Alabama and Clemson. While there are still a few prospects to sign, it looks as if Georgia wan the 2020 race! Let’s take a closer look at the defensive prospects that have committed to them in this class.
CB, Kelee Ringo, Saguaro High School, AZ #4 OVR, #1 ST, #1 CB
The Bulldogs prize prospect signed his NLI on December 18th, 2019, during the early signing period and is an elite track and field athlete. Kelee currently ranks as the 4th best overall recruit in the country. He has all the skills and traits to be a future lockdown cornerback and models his game after Jalen Ramsey. At 6’2”/205, he has the size and mentality to be a physical presence on the outside. An aggressive player, who will have to learn how to control that aggressiveness at times.
DT, Jalen Carter, Apopka High School, FL #18 OVR, #3 ST, #4 DT
The next highest-graded recruit for the Bulldogs is help for their defensive front. Jalen signed his NLI during the early signing period on December 18th, 2019. At 6’3”/301, he translates speed to power very well. He has excellent first-step quickness and is a violent finisher. His weightlifting background shows off his power, and his basketball background shows his athleticism. He’ll have to improve his technique at the SEC level, but there is a lot of promise and tools to work with.
OLB, Mekhail Sherman, St. Johns High School, DC #32 OVR, #2 ST, #2 OLB
Sherman was one of many early signees, as he signed his NLI on December 18th, 2019. He gives Georgia their third defender ranked in the top 50 overall recruits. At 6’3”/234, he is what the Bulldogs need to continue their recent run of NFL linebackers. Mekhail carries his weight extremely well and has excellent speed to match, which is verified by his 4.53 fort time at last year’s Opening Finals. He is fast, physical, smart, and has good instincts. He shows good acceleration and change of direction, which could allow him to play inside as well. Missed all of his junior year with a torn ACL, but showed no complications or loss of skill as a senior.
CB, Jalen Kimber, Mansfield Timberview High School, TX #104 OVR, #13 ST, #8 CB
Jalen signed and enrolled early and has been on campus since January 5th of this year. At 6’2”/180, he has the frame to add more weight to withstand the physicality of the SEC. Length and speed (4.44 40-yd) are two of the top traits for defensive backs, and Jalen has both. Very athletic with good awareness. He needs to trust his speed more and become more physical. Enrolling early will be a huge advantage for his development and quicker path to playing time.
S, Major Burns, Madison Prep Academy, LA #180 OVR, #7 ST, #13 POS
The Bulldogs were able to steal Major away from the LSU Tigers and got him both signed and enrolled early. Burns had waffled before on commitment, so to lock him down was big. He is 6’2”/176, and like most safeties early in their careers, he has the frame to bulk up. Can play outside as a cornerback, and that versatility will serve him and the team well. Major is long, lean, and physical with very good speed to match. He is aggressive and willing to tackle. He’ll get moved around early to see just where he fits and excels. Lots of potential and a great chess piece for Georgia.
DT, Nazir Stackhouse, Columbia High School, GA #247 OVR, #25 ST, #27 POS
The Bulldogs have always had big men along their defensive line, and it’s very much needed to play in the SEC. At 6’3”/306, Nazir gives them yet another big man to develop and keep their pantry stocked. Has the size but will need to develop the tools to produce SEC numbers.
DT, Warren Brinson, IMG Academy, FL #308 OVR, #52 ST, #31 POS
Georgia, proving they get the importance of depth along that defensive front, got Warren signed and enrolled early. He has been on campus since January 6th, and that can only help both him and the team by getting a jump on learning the scheme and the weight room. He’s 6’4”/290 and shows good athleticism for that size. It will be interesting to see how the Dawgs develop him.
CB, Daran Branch, Amite High School, LA #671 OVR, #28 ST, #50 POS
The Bulldogs made it a point to address two of their weaker positions, which are defensive tackle and defensive back. Daran gives them their third cornerback of this recruiting class and 2nd defender from Louisiana. Like Kimber and Ringo, he has good size and frame, but not quite the speed they possess. At the very least, he will give them depth in case of an injury.
DT, Cameron Kinnie, Collins Hill High School, GA #1626 OVR, #156 ST, #117 POS
Just as I mentioned with Branch, Cameron is a depth piece at a position of need. At 6’3”/305, he has nice size but will really need to develop his game and overall skillset, to become anything more than a backup. The best thing with young recruits is they have time to develop, and the coaches at Georgia can do just that.
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