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The Georgia Bulldogs received some big news on Tuesday when 5-star defensive Robert Beal announced his college intentions.
5-star DE Robert Beal commits to Georgia. https://t.co/7SHSnFaPlN
— Marc Weiszer (@marcweiszer) July 5, 2016
Beal, a 6'4", 230-pound pass-rusher from Norcross, Ga., chose the ‘Dawgs over Alabama, Florida State and Notre Dame. His offer list was loaded with some of the top programs in the country.
Beal's addition to UGa's 2017 class pushes the Bulldogs to the No. 3 ranked class, per 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. Georgia now has 13 total commitments and Beal is the first 5-star pledge for head coach Kirby Smart.
The nation's No. 30 overall player, Beal explained to Kipp Adams of 247Sports why Georgia was the right choice for him.
I finished making my decision last week. I figured out the University of Georgia was the right place for me. It is where I want to be. My last visit, about two weeks ago, I knew that's where I want to be. That is when I found a home. Georgia has a lot of special things going on right now. I want to be a part of that.
The new head coach also played a big part in Beal's decision.
"I like Kirby Smart a lot," Beal said. "He is an intense guy. He does not just sit back and watch. He goes out and gets in your face if he needs to."
Smart's message is resonating with kids from the Peach State. It helps, of course, that Smart himself is a Georgia native and Bulldog alum. Smart played high school football for the Bainbridge High Bearcats before playing defensive back for the ‘Dawgs in the mid-90s.
While Beal plays for the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., he is from Georgia. In the Bulldogs' 2017 class, 11 of their current 13 commitments hail from Georgia.
As for Beal, he is almost the perfect prospect for this day-and-age. At 6'4", he has outstanding length. His long arms and quick hands can get inside of an offensive tackle before he can get out of his stance. His speed and explosiveness is ideal and he has the frame to add additional muscle without sacrificing any athleticism.
Beal's addition is a big one for Smart and the Bulldogs. And more help could be on the way as five of the top 10 players in the state of Georgia remain uncommitted.