Georgia football recruiting 2017: JUCO OT D’Marcus Hayes commits to ‘Dawgs

The Georgia Bulldogs added to their impressive class of 2017 on Monday with the commitment of junior-college offensive tackle D’Marcus Hayes. While Hayes isn’t as highly regarded as some of UGA’s current commitments, he possesses the type of ability and experience to possibly step in and compete for a starting spot in 2017.

A 3-star pledge from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Hayes is ranked 17th out of Georgia’s 19 commits for this class.

Hayes, at 6’6”, 320 pounds., has prototypical size for the offensive tackle position. He is a mauler in the run game and could see immediate playing time for Georgia next fall.

Georgia’s starting offensive tackles from 2016 both graduate and it’s not like the Bulldogs’ offensive line was a position of strength this year. The group struggled all year. Hayes will compete with several young players for a starting position next year and if he proves adept at protecting Jacob Eason, he could be the most impactful newcomer for the ‘Dawgs in 2017.

Mississippi Gulf Coast coach Chad Huff believes the Bulldogs are getting an immediate starter at left tackle, per Dawg Nation.

“He has the footwork and athleticism to be a left tackle right away,” Huff said. “He needs to continue to build on his upper-body strength and continue to develop every day. He knows that. He’s got the potential to be a really good left tackle.”

With the addition of Hayes, Georgia still ranks No. 3 in the 2017 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings.