The Georgia Bulldogs put together a great recruiting class in Kirby Smart's first National Signing Day as head coach, leading to optimism and anticipation all over Athens.
A big tip of the hat to 247Sports, as the commitment list and top recruits are based on their rankings. Here's everything you need to know about the 2016 Georgia Football Recruiting class.
Full Commitment List (20):
5-Star QB Jacob Eason (Lake Stevens, Washington) (Early Enrollee)
5-Star TE Isaac Nauta (Bradenton, Florida) (Early Enrollee)
5-Star ATH Mecole Hardman Jr. (Elberton, Georgia)
4-Star Julian Rochester (Powder Springs, Georgia) (Early Enrollee)
4-Star OT Ben Cleveland (Toccoa, Georgia) (Early Enrollee)
4-Star DE Chauncey Manac (Homerville, Georgia)
4-Star DT Michail Carter (Jackson, Georgia)
4-Star WR Charlie Woerner (Tiger, Georgia)
4-Star RB Elijah Holyfield (Atlanta, Georgia)
4-Star WR Riley Ridley (Deerfield Beach, Florida) (Early Enrollee)
4-Star LB Jaleel Laguins (Watkinsville, Georgia)
4-Star DT Tyler Clark (Americus, Georgia)
4-Star JUCO WR Tyler Wims (Raymond, Mississippi)
3-Star WR Tyler Simmons (Powder Springs, Georgia)
3-Star CB Chad Clay (Suwanee, Georgia) (Early Enrollee)
3-Star DE David Marshall (Thomaston, Georgia)
3-Star OT Chris Barnes (Leesburgh, Georgia)
3-Star CB Tyrique McGhee (Fort Valley, Georgia)
3-Star OT Solomon Kindley (Jacksonville, Florida)
3-Star P Marshall Long (China Grove, North Carolina)
Top 3 Commitments:
5-Star QB Jacob Eason
There was a point this recruiting cycle where the Bulldogs were in danger of losing Eason. When Mark Richt "resigned," Eason re-opened his recruitment. In the end, he stuck with Georgia and enrolled early. He's the No. 5 player in the nation and the No. 2 pro-style QB. The No. 1 recruit from Washington could be the starting QB sooner rather than later at UGA.
5-Star TE Isaac Nauta
Eason and Nauta could be connecting for TD passes for several years at Georgia. Nauta was the top TE in the nation and the No. 12 overall player. Michigan made a late push, but Eason stuck with UGA and enrolled early. The Florida prospect was the No. 3 player in the state. For more on Georgia's recruiting class, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
5-Star ATH Mecole Hardman Jr.
Hardman made his decision on Signing Day and elected to stay in-state. Ohio State, Alabama and Tennessee tried to land Hardman, but the Bulldogs came away. He's the No. 13 overall player and the No. 1 athlete. Georgia landed three of the top 15 players in the nation, an impressive haul.
Where The Class Ranks:
247Sports:
National: 7
Conference: 4
Rivals.com:
National: 10
Conference: 5
ESPN:
National: 7
Conference: 4
Scout.com:
National: 9
Conference: 4