2018 National Signing Day Wrap-Up: Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs ended the early signing period in December with, arguably, the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class. The ‘Dawgs had quite a haul and there were questions about how many more players head coach Kirby Smart could sign. Georgia was in the mix for a few unsigned players, however, most felt it would be a fairly quiet National Signing Day on Wednesday.

Not so fast.

The ‘Dawgs picked up five-star cornerback Tyson Campbell on Wednesday and four-star wide receiver Tommy Bush. Both were huge additions to Georgia’s 2018 recruiting class. UGa wasn’t done, though. The ‘Dawgs flipped a pair of four-star linebackers, Quay Walker from rival Alabama and Otis Reese from Michigan. Walker has the size and athleticism to step on the field as a true freshman at outside linebacker in 2018. Reese needs some time in the weight room.

Losing Walker was a tough blow for ‘Bama. He was expected to be the next great linebacker for the national champs.

Campbell is an elite prospect. At just under 6’3”, he has terrific size. He had offers from all of the premier programs. A former receiver, Campbell has superb ball skills. As with most players transitioning to defense, he will need some work on his technique. He’ll receive outstanding coaching in Athens.

Bush is a 6’5”, 191-pound receiver from Schertz, Texas, who chose Georgia over Baylor, Texas and Ole Miss, among others. He is the second receiver the Bulldogs signed for the class of 2018, joining Kearis Jackson who signed in December.

Bush is a far different player than Jackson and that is good news for the future of Georgia’s offense. While Jackson is smaller and quicker and is reminiscent of a running back when he has the ball in his hands, Bush is big and fast. He was timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40 in high school and will remind some Georgia fans of A.J. Green. The ‘Dawgs haven’t had a big, fast receiver in the mold of Green since he left in 2010. Bush could see early playing time, too, if he separates himself in fall camp.

All in total, Georgia signed 26 players for the class of 2018. We reviewed the Early Signing Period for the ‘Dawgs back in December. Nine players enrolled in January, including quarterback Justin Fields, offensive tackle Cade Mays and running back Zamir White. The starting quarterback job likely belongs to Jake Fromm in 2018 and rightfully so. But Fields isn’t afraid of competing. Mays and White, thanks in part to enrolling early, could find themselves in the two-deep next fall.

White was far and away the nation’s top running back prospect in 2018 and Georgia is losing both Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. He will play next season.

Georgia ended Alabama’s run of recruiting dominance this week. The Crimson Tide had finished with the No. 1 recruiting class for the past seven years. No more. Now, UGa looks poised to stay at the top for a long time. Smart can recruit and he has surrounded himself with talented coaches who are aggressive recruiters, too.

The Bulldogs’ 2018 class is legendary. It is the second-highest ranked recruiting class in the history of the modern era where recruiting services rank players and classes. Georgia signed nine of the nation’s top 41 players, per 247Sports’ Composite Rankings. The ‘Dawgs signed seven five-stars and 15 four-stars.

Don’t expect Georgia to slow down either. The Bulldogs already rank No. 1 in 2019, with three five-star athletes already committed. Now, the ‘Dawgs must beat the Crimson Tide on the field to prove they are the kings of the SEC.