Previewing a star-studded weekend ahead for Georgia
Another June weekend, another huge visit list for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Here’s who we’re expecting in town and what you need to know on where it stands before it starts.
Official visitors
The top player in the Peach State for the cycle and the top safety in the country, Bolden has been one of Georgia’s top wants in 2024 since the Dawgs began recruiting the class. He plays at nearby Buford, has been to campus numerous times, and keeps coming back. Ohio State remains the biggest competition for his services.
USC and Tennessee look to be the teams to overcome in this race, but as one of the top wideouts in the country, Georgia isn’t going down without a fight. Dylan Raiola has made Matthews a pet project since committing. Let’s see if Georgia can position itself well coming off of this trip.
One of the top defensive line prospects in the nation, Houston has felt a consistent push from Georgia throughout his recruitment and has made time to stop by. Still, the feeling is that Georgia needs to make up ground this weekend. Ohio State is the team to watch for the time being.
A big man from up north, Thomas isn’t as oft-discussed as some names on this list, but make no mistake — Georgia would love to add his services. He’s spent time in Athens already and seems to be interested in the offerings of the SEC, with an official also set for South Carolina. Intrigued to hear where things stand on this name post-weekend.
EDGE help is always in high demand, and Ross is one of the best in country. Though he hails from Alabama, he appears to be looking out-of-state in a big way, with Tennessee also heavily involved. Still, there’s a belief that Georgia could be the team to beat here, and this weekend may help solidify those notions.
Westphal is no stranger to the Classic City, and the big man has felt a big push from offensive line coach Stacy Searels throughout his process. Clemson made a big impression last weekend, and Arkansas is on the docket for Westphal’s official visits, as well. The Dawgs should be considered a player.
A bit of an under-the-radar name in terms of how often he’s mentioned, Calloway walked away from his first visit to Athens with a feeling that he could call it home, and the Dawgs have done well in the Tar Heel State for years. Watch this one closely, as his is a name we could be talking about much more in terms of the offensive line in the coming weeks.
A Florida commit, Bowens continues to show up in Athens despite his pledge to the Gators. There was some back channel smoke over the spring that he may reopen his process, but to this point, he’s stuck with Billy Napier’s squad. Can Georgia shake that up this weekend? The Dawgs are considered a favorite if he decides to explore his options.
Unofficial visits
The top running back in On3’s own ranking, Frazier is a major want for the Bulldogs in this cycle and had some possible commitment buzz around him this spring. That’s cooled a bit, but Georgia has kept the hammer down and is thrilled to have him on campus this weekend. Look for the Dawgs to go all-in on this one.
Mbakwe’s commitment to Alabama has done little to deter Georgia’s pursuit for the top athlete in the nation. He maintains he’s locked in with the Crimson Tide, but perhaps another look at Athens will have Georgia on his mind more so than before. Uphill battle here but one worth fighting for a player of this caliber.
Georgia commits on official
One of two quarterbacks committed for the Class of 2024, Puglisi has been firm in his pledge to the Bulldogs and sounds ready to compete today. Others continue to pursue, but he’s seemingly turned a deaf ear. That’s excellent news for Kirby Smart and Mike Bobo, as Puglisi is a special talent in his own right.
The top-rated tight end in the On300 rankings, Reddell is a complete package at the spot and was a major recruiting win for Todd Hartley over the likes of Alabama and Tennessee. Expectations for Reddell are high at the next level and rightfully so.
A big body in-state, Toliver has positional flexibility and will likely get cross-trained upon arrival in Athens. Auburn was very involved, but the Dawgs closed him out early on and are glad to have him on board.
White’s not the biggest guy on the field, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in pure athleticism. He’s capable of playing on either side of the field, though he’s expected at wideout for the Dawgs, and his agility and speed should make for mismatches.
One guy we’re very high on at DawgsHQ, Tuggle has a tremendous frame, basketball player moves, and should hone his craft against some of the nation’s best in transferring to IMG for his senior season. Tyler Williams vibes on film, and he may be further along at the same stage.
A standout defensive back from the Sunshine State, Heyward is listed at safety but could project to the star position in Georgia’s defense. Miami and Florida continue to press to keep him home, but he’s shown no real signs of wavering at this point, though he is listening to those pitches.
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