Georgia received some great news heading into the holiday weekend as Marlin Dean just recommitted to Kirby Smart’s program.

The 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive lineman originally committed to Georgia back in March but he backed off that commitment once his recruitment started heating up. After receiving attention from several other SEC programs, Dean has made the decision to return to Athens and pledge his commitment to Georgia.

The Elberton, Ga., native currently plays for IMG Academy. Dean is rated as a three-star prospect, the No. 28 defensive tackle in the nation and a top 500 overall prospect in the 2021 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Dean’s pledge gives Georgia a total of 15 commitments for the 2021 recruiting cycle in a class that currently ranks No. 5 in the SEC — but with plenty of room remaining in the class to make a massive jump up the recruiting rankings.

To get an idea of why so many SEC programs were eager to land Dean, check out his sophomore season highlight reel with Elbert County High School:

Georgia’s 2021 Recruiting Class

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