Georgia is still the Bulldogs’ state, but more outsiders have begun creeping across state lines on the recruiting trail than ever before.

The state that produces as much talent for the SEC as any other in the nation has historically belonged to the University of Georgia. And it still does, as five of the top 10 prospects in the state from the class of 2016 are either committed to or favored to attend UGA after next season.

But on that same note, half the state’s top 10 players are looking at places other than Athens, which has to be concerning for Mark Richt and company. What’s more concerning is all five of those players looking outside the state are still looking inside the SEC, meaning not only might Georgia miss on its best home-grown prospects, it will have to oppose them for 3-5 years.

The No. 1 player in the state from the class of 2016, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, is favored to commit to the Dawgs, just as the No. 1 player in the state did this year in defensive tackle Trent Thompson. Brown is regarded as the No. 2 defensive tackle and No. 5 overall talent in the class on a national level, and he should make an early impact at UGA if he follows through with his commitment.

Five-star offensive tackle Ben Cleveland is already committed to Georgia, and he should help compensate for the loss of offensive linemen like John Theus following the 2015 season. The fact that Georgia is favored to haul in two of the state’s three five-star recruits is a major plus for the Bulldogs’ recruiting efforts.

But the Dawgs may lose out on a few top talents to its rival just across state lines, the Auburn Tigers. Auburn is favored to bring in three more of the top 10 players from the state of Georgia, including five-star defensive tackle Julian Rochester, who could add even more depth to a defensive line that should still be featuring Carl Lawson and Byron Cowart in 2016.

The only program outside the state to earn a hard commitment from a top 10 Georgia player is Alabama, which locked down four-star athlete Demetris Robertson. South Carolina has also made noise in the Peach State, making a strong push to attract four-star defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson.

Player Rating Position 247 Sports Prediction
1. Derrick Brown 5-star DT Georgia
2. Julian Rochester 5-star DT Auburn
3. Ben Cleveland 5-star OT Georgia*
4. Demetris Robertson 4-star ATH Alabama*
5. Jawon Pass 4-star QB Auburn
6. Antwuan Jackson 4-star DT South Carolina
7. Marquez Calloway 4-star WR/CB Georgia
8. Chauncey Manac 4-star DE Georgia*
9. E.J. Price 4-star OT Auburn
10. Nigel Warrior 4-star S Georgia

*Already committed.