Familiar Foes
As we approach the 2019 College Football Season, like so many others teams, the University of Georgia is not only focused on the upcoming season on the field; but also the competitive season of recruiting for the 2020 cycle. As we all know, recruiting is king in the world of college football. Few have done it at the level of Kirby Smart and his staff over the past few years. The few that have kept pace, well, you may have heard of them. Once again, UGA will have to square off against the usual heavyweights in recruiting found in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Clemson, South Carolina. As always, Nick Saban is working on another top class for 2020. With 22 commits so far as of July 2019, and an average recruit rating of 93.26, the Tide look fine. And right above the Crimson Tide, as the 2019 national title game would suggest, sits the defending champion Clemson Tigers. Their class boasts 19 commits and a whopping 94.08 average recruit ranking as of July 2019.
Of course, the likes of heavyweight programs like LSU, Ohio State, Texas, and others around the country also might have something to say to these 5 key prospects in the 2020 class. In this article we will name and explain the 5 players, and why UGA must land them in order to attain the number 1 recruiting class in the nation for 2020.
#5: Tank Bigsby/Zachary Evans
Alright, so we said the top 5 players… but we start with a 5A and a 5B player in this number 5 slot. The reason being, is because UGA has already landed a commitment from another 5 star running back in Kendall Milton. But that’s not enough for Kirby Smart and Dell McGee. Georgia would really like to sign 2 top running back prospects in this class. And with one already checked off; the bulldogs now set their eyes on “Tank” Bigsby and superstar prospect Zachary Evans. Bigsby is a 4 star back from Georgia’s backyard in Callaway, Georgia. He has been one of the fastest risers in the rankings lately and currently is the #7 running back in this class.
Evans sits firmly as the #1 back in the entire country for 2020. The 5 star elite prospect was once the number 1 overall player in the entire nation. He released a top 5 of Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, Oklahoma, and LSU. This top 5 shocked many, being that Evans is from Texas. If the Bulldogs want to chase down that top spot, they need to secure one of these priority running backs.
#4: Noah Sewell
Coming in at the fourth spot is 5 star inside linebacker Noah Sewell out of Orem, Utah. Sewell is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class because of his athletic ability on a 6 foot 2, 266 (!!!) lbs frame. 266 pounds is a very stout number for an inside linebacker but Sewell posted a 4.75 40 yard dash the The Opening Finals camp, proving he can move very well for his size. He is considered an Oregon lean right now, but the Bulldogs are knocking on the door for an elite linebacker prospect.
#3: Arik Gilbert
Arik Gilbert is a top priority for Georgia in this class. The 6 foot 5 tight end resides right in Bulldog territory: Marietta, Georgia. Considered a Georgia lean, this would be a great addition to UGA’s tight end heavy offense. Gilbert is a dynamic player who can line up anywhere on the field if needed.
#2: Kelee Ringo
With this spot, we look at the number 1 corner prospect in the country. Kelee Ringo is an absolute must sign for Kirby Smart and his staff. Hehas shown significant interest in UGA with multiple unofficial visits with his mother in attendance. Ringo is one of the fastest prospects in the nation boasting a 4.35 40 yard dash at the Rivals Challenge this summer. He is a bigger CB standing at 6 foot 2, 205 lbs.
#1: Jordan Burch
Coming in at #1 on our list is fittingly the #1 overall player in the nation currently in the 2020 class. With Clemson, South Carolina, and Georgia all giving him their best shot, he is certainly a most wanted target. Jordan Burch is a 5 star defensive end from Columbia, South Carolina. His film proves his ability to both stop the run and rush the passer. As a DE, he would fit nicely into Kirby Smart’s 3-4 defensive scheme. If UGA was to land Burch, it would make 2 years in a row that Smart and company have landed the #1 prospect in the nation. (Assuming Burch stays at #1)
