Georgia Football Recruiting: The ‘Dawgs pick up commitments from a pair of 4-star athletes

Kirby Smart’s first season on the sideline may have been a bit disappointing, but good things continue to happen for the ‘Dawgs on the recruiting trail.

On Thursday, Georgia received commitments from a pair on 4-star in-state prospects: Malik Herring and Jeremiah Holloman.

Herring, a 6’ 3 1/2 “, 265-pound defensive end from Forsyth, Georgia, joins Robert Beal as UGA’s second high-profile defensive end for the class of 2017. Herring picked the Bulldogs over Alabama and Clemson.

One look at Herring and you see a player that looks ready to see the field as a true freshman in 2017. He certainly passes the eye test and is a terrific athlete for his size. He isn’t as twitchy of an athlete as Beal, but may be more well rounded.

Herring has an amazing lower-body strength and easily tosses aside high school offensive linemen. He has the type of build where he could continue add weight at the next level without sacrificing any athleticism. He could potentially play inside at Georgia, too. With his strength and quickness, Herring would be a mismatch for interior linemen in the SEC once he gains experience.

The former star at Mary Persons High School was one of Smart’s top priorities in this class.

One of the weaknesses for the 2016 Georgia Bulldogs was a lack of talent at the wide receiver position. Well, Holloman will almost certainly see the field in 2016.

When it comes to pure physical traits, Holloman is perhaps the top incoming receiver in the country. Timed at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at The Opening, Holloman has also recorded a shuttle time of 4.2 seconds and a vertical of over 41 inches, per Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. He is also a two-time state champion in the triple jump.

As a football player, Holloman continues to improve. He has large hands and displays the ability to high-point the football on downfield throws.

At 6’2”, 195 pounds, Holloman has excellent size in addition to his blazing speed. As with most young receivers, Holloman must show the ability to run precise routes. There’s no reason he shouldn’t see the field as a true freshman in 2017 as Smart will look to take advantage of his speed in the open field. He and Jacob Eason could form a pretty lethal combination in Athens over the next couple of years.

With the commitments of Herring and Holloman, Georgia remains the No. 3 team in 247Sports’ Composite Team Rankings for the class of 2017.