Recruiting Recap: Georgia puts together a stellar end to 2023

The Georgia Bulldogs went out with a bang in the 2023 season, with a decisive, dominating win over the Florida State Seminoles, but that was just one of a few big wins for the Dawgs in the final month of the year.

You can’t do better than No. 1…

And that’s exactly where the Georgia Bulldogs found themselves when the dust settled in the Early Signing Period.

That didn’t come as a huge surprise, as the Dawgs had long held the spot, but don’t let that diminish the accomplishment.

In the 2024 cycle, Georgia reeled in deep classes in the trenches, both offensively and defensively, added three of the top running backs in the country, signed three of the top ten linebackers nationally, and generally got most of what they wanted along the way and held onto it for the long haul. Perhaps that was the most impressive aspect of the entirety of the class. Much of it was done by the start of the season, and there was little fluctuation from that point forward. Identify, close, and deliver. That would adequately sum up Smart and company’s approach to 2024.

Of course, what’s Signing Day without a little drama, though?

A Five-Star Flip

The KJ Bolden recruitment was one that Georgia fought in fiercely and initially lost to the Florida State Seminoles.

Kirby Smart, Will Muschamp, and Fran Brown (yes, even after his departure for Syracuse) never let up on this one, however, and the rumors were flying hot and head starting about 36-48 hours out of the decision. While many didn’t want to get their hopes up again for the Buford standout, Bolden ended up switching his pledge and giving the Bulldogs the biggest win of the early signing period.

Bolden, the top safety in the country, put a cherry on top of an outstanding defensive backs group and helped the Bulldogs shake off the lingering ghosts of the “Buford Curse”.

The Transfer Portal Giveth to Georgia in December

While the Bulldogs certainly saw their share of players opting to transfer upon the window opening in early December, the final month of the year was quite favorable in what it returned from the portal.

Former Vanderbilt wide receiver London Humphreys was one the Dawgs had zeroed in on from the get-go, and there seemed to be no doubt about which way he’d ultimately fall when the time came. Meanwhile, Xzavier McLeod opted to bring his defensive line talents to Athens from Columbia, South Carolina, after leaving the Gamecocks during the season. Bryan McClendon’s room received another boost, as well, with the addition of the big-bodied Colbie Young, a New York native who’d been playing his ball in South Beach. To cap it off, however, the Dawgs delivered a strong blow to the rushing attack of the rival Florida Gators by snapping up running back Trevor Etienne, the lead scorer from the backfield for Billy Napier and company in 2023.

While Georgia will continue to keep its eyes peeled, say for another possible wideout, EDGE rusher, or plug-and-play defensive lineman in the middle, it was a solid all-around month for the Dawgs where the portal was concerned. Needs were addressed, rivals were impacted, and no huge shockers left the roster in the process.

A couple of hits…

It wasn’t all sunshine for the Bulldogs in December, however, and we’d be remiss not to include the bad news, as well.

The much-publicized flip of Dylan Raiola was certainly among the most memorable moments of 2023 given the rapidity with which it all seemed to fall into place. Raiola went from Georgia commit since May and expected signee with little drama to lightning rod name just over a week out of signing day. Ultimately, he chose his father’s alma mater, Nebraska, which was probably the least surprising of the decisions he could’ve made. Georgia still managed to sign the long-committed Ryan Puglisi, however, so no one was left empty-handed at the end of the day.

In less surprising news, standout junior offensive lineman Micah DeBose reopened his recruitment after having been pledged to the Bulldogs for almost a year. His continued flirtation with the likes of Auburn and Alabama painted a clear picture early on that he would prove difficult to keep in the fold.

Looking ahead for Georgia recruiting

January shouldn’t be too crazy given how much of the hay is in the barn for 2024. There will be visits, coaches in schools, new offers out, and of course, the Dawgs will be monitoring the remainder of the 2024 class (lookin’ at you, Terry Bussey), and the portal to see where improvements can still be made.

We’ll be following the addition of Donte Williams to the staff closely to see how he acclimates to life and recruiting down south, as well.