Elite EDGE Damon Wilson will be a Georgia Bulldog
The words Kirby Smart and company have been hoping to hear can finally be said — five-star EDGE Damon Wilson will be a Georgia Bulldog.
Wilson, the nation’s No. 17 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, announced his commitment to the Bulldogs today via social media. He also ranks at the No. 2 EDGE prospect in the class per the On3 Consensus, as well as the No. 4 prospect in the state of Florida.
A product of Venice, Florida’s Venice High School, the almost 6-foot-4, 235-pound defender becomes Georgia’s twenty-fourth commitment of the cycle.
He is also the Bulldogs’ third commitment of the senior class this week, joining fellow 2023 Consensus five-star EDGE Samuel M’Pemba and On300 four-star offensive lineman Jamal Meriweather.
Ahead of the decision, it was clear that Georgia development and on-field performance were all weighing heavily into the choice.
“They put in (15 players) into the draft last year, and then they’ve just been dominating for the past few years,” Wilson told On3’s Chad Simmons of Georgia. “That’s good to see that they’re gonna be good next year.”
Of course, the staff played a major role in the decision, as well.
“[Kirby Smart] wants the best for all his players and staff,” Wilson said. “He’s a really funny guy; I didn’t know he was that funny. You can really tell he cares about his players, and he takes the time to get to know you and how he can help you reach your goals,” Wilson told Simmons earlier this year.
And the Bulldogs were clear as to how they might utilize Wilson at the next level, as well.
“… I feel like I fit into that scheme. Me and Nolan Smith are cut out of the same frame, same size and build. I feel like I’d be able to play that role and fill that spot,” he said.
On3 Scouting Report on Damon Wilson
“Disruptive pass rusher with one of the best first steps in the 2023 cycle. Bursts off the snap and is often in the backfield before opposing offensive linemen are out of their stance. Owns a solid build, checking in at nearly 6-foot-4, 230 pounds prior to his junior season with plus length for the position. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting but plays quicker than his times indicate. Shows the ability to bend and dip around the edge, in addition to the outstanding first step. Plays for a top high school program in Florida. Turned in strong production with 15 sacks as a junior. Has added strength and checks in as one of the strongest EDGE defenders in the class in terms of weight room numbers. Highly technical and polished with his hands. Has few holes in his game and looks like one of the highest floor defenders in the cycle to go with substantial upside.” – Charles Power, On3 director of scouting and rankings
