Georgia adds commitment from in-state DL Corey Howard

Valdosta (Ga.) defensive lineman Corey Howard is staying home. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder announced on Tuesday that he has committed to the Georgia Bulldogs.

It came down to UGA and Florida, but following an official visit to Athens on the weekend of June 13, the Bulldogs’ staff made a big push down the stretch and have now added Howard’s commitment to a rising pledge list.

”I chose Georgia because they are the best at developing players,” Howard told On3. “I also love the coaches, their style of defense and how they play in the SEC.”

He becomes the 12 in-state commit for head coach Kirby Smart and the UGA staff this cycle. He’s also the 10th pledge for the Bulldogs this month, adding to a class that’s vaulted to No. 6 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.

Howard can now gear up for a big senior campaign at Valdosta, one of the top South Georgia high school football programs. The Wildcats are coming off a nine-win season in 2024. They were a top-25 team in the state, per the On3 Composite Rankings.

Georgia is making a big move on the trail this summer

June has treated the UGA staff quite well. Top-100 cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of NFL DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, helped get the ball rolling with a surprise commitment on June 3. He is On3’s No. 4 corner this cycle.

Since then, four-star offensive tackle Ekene Ogboko committed, giving UGA another top-100 pledge. Four-star CB Caden Harris flipped from Vanderbilt, while four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle flipped from Auburn. Four-star EDGE Khamari Brooks, the No. 115 overall prospect, is among those who picked the Dawgs this month, too.

It continues what’s been a big summer in general for the SEC powerhouse. After landing Five-Star Plus+ quarterback Jared Curtis for the second time at the beginning of May, Georgia has surged up the recruiting rankings and is in line for more pledges across the coming weeks, too.