Mammoth Georgia OL Jacob Hood enters transfer portal
One of the most intriguing prospects signed by Georgia in the 2022 class is taking his talents elsewhere. Jacob Hood has entered his name in the NCAA’s transfer portal, opening the door for other schools to reach out and recruit him.
Hood did not play for Georgia in 2022 after enrolling in the spring. He was dinged up for most of the year, dealing with various lower-body ailments.
At 6-foot-8 342 pounds, Hood was rated as a three-star prospect. Georgia, along with a host of other top programs, pursued him because of his rare frame and upside. He was ranked as the nation’s No. 490 overall player and No. 27 offensive tackle per the industry-generated, equally-weighted On3 Consensus. He was also the No. 17 player in Tennessee.
“I visited to watch the UGA vs. Kentucky game, and it was amazing. I can honestly say UGA has the best and most supportive fanbase in the SEC,” Hood said after a visit last fall. “The offensive line held their ground against Kentucky’s defense. It was great to see all my future coaches and have a chance to talk and build on the relationships we have. I spent most of the day enjoying the game and talking to commits and recruits. I enjoyed the love from the fans.”
The giant offensive lineman will have four years to play four once he picks his next home. Players have until January 18 to use the NCAA’s transfer portal. The window opened up on December 5.
Georgia has had instances in the past when a player has entered the portal only to return to the program. Robert Beal did it in 2019 and decided to come back. He went on to lead the Bulldogs in sacks during the 2021 National Championship season.
Amarius Mims entered the portal after the 2021 season, visited Florida State, but ultimately chose to return to Georgia. He rotated in at right tackle throughout the year and started Georgia’s playoff wins against Ohio State and TCU.
Hood is out, now what at offensive tackle?
Hood was going to need some serious time to get up to speed and the injuries set him back even further. The Bulldogs weren’t going to be relying on him in the immediate future.
With that said, losing him does ding the depth some. With Georgia expected to lose two tackles — Broderick Jones and Warren McClendon — to the 2023 NFL Draft, it is thin when it comes to experience.
Amarius Mims returns at one of the tackle positions. Earnest Greene, who signed in the same class as Hood, will get a look at the other tackle spot. Another 2022 signee, Aliou Bah, will get some work along with Austin Blaske, a rising fourth-year junior.
Keep an eye on true freshman Monroe Freeling as well. He’s an early enrollee with the frame and flexibility to play right away. He’s a tremendous athlete who just has to get stronger over the next few months.
