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Landing a commitment from “The Opening” competition camp is a big deal, as only the most talented high school prospects get invited to Nike headquarters. Pick up two commitments, like Georgia did, and the weekend becomes a huge success.
After picking up pledges from four-star RB Toneil Carter and four-star OL Andrew Thomas, the Bulldogs now have the No. 1 class in the SEC according to 247Sports Composite. Georgia ranks No. 2 overall nationally, leapfrogging Alabama. The nation’s top class currently belongs to Ohio State.
The Crimson Tide and Bulldogs both have 15 commitments in their 2017 classes. By star rating, Georgia’s class breaks down as follows: 1 five-star, 11 four-star and 3 three-star. Alabama’s current class consists of 2 five-stars, 10 four-stars, 2 three-stars and 1 two-star (a long snapper).
It’s a long ways off from National Signing Day 2017, and the recruiting rankings will likely change again between now and then, but it’s impressive to see what Kirby Smart has already done in his first full recruiting cycle. Smart has noticeably placed an emphasis on keeping top Georgia prospects in the Peach State by getting them to commit to the Bulldogs.
Another Georgia boy staying home to play for his State!! #homeGrown #CommitToTheG
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) July 11, 2016
It was almost a year ago that Sports Illustrated writer Andy Staples declared Georgia the best job in college football because of the in-state talent available to UGA.
"UGA is the best job in CFB & if they don't meet expectations they need to ask some hard questions" – @Andy_Staples pic.twitter.com/QTQ5ONPQWd
— Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) August 5, 2015
Because Georgia is the No. 4 state in terms of talent production, and UGA has the least in-state competitors. https://t.co/yHcLQKkgYs
— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) August 5, 2015
If Smart can continue to dominate recruiting in Georgia, the Bulldogs will likely stay near the top in class rankings.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
