Georgia's two month recruiting "drought" came to an end on Saturday when Colquitt County tight end Ty Smith chose the Bulldogs over the Florida Gators.
Obviously March of 2011 is a tad early to be worried about the class that we'll sign in February 2012. That being said, Smith fills a major need for the future. While the Bulldogs appear to be in good shape at tight end for 2011 with Orson Charles, Aron White, Artie Lynch and Jay Rome on the roster, past that things look a bit spartan. White will graduate after this season and Orson Charles is a legitimate candidate to turn pro after his upcoming junior campaign. Lynch has shown potential, but has never really come close to cracking the starting lineup. Additionally, Lynch and Rome are both bigger tight ends (in the 6'5, 260 lb. plus range), neither of whom fits the "hybrid" role Charles and White have filled, acting at times almost as another slot receiver.
The 6'3, 220 lb. Smith looks to step into that role. I'll be back with a TMI feature on him at a later date. But for now I can say that we've picked up one of the best big athletes in the state, who could even theoretically play wide receiver if we need him to (and he doesn't keep growing and filling out). While it's still a bit early for them, and they're of dubious utility at all times, I expect Smith to ultimately be ranked among the top 10-15 players in the state of Georgia and among the top 10-15 tight ends in the country when the major sites' recruiting rankings emerge. He's not the biggest target on our board for 2012, but he plays a position of need and he's a born and bred Bulldog fan who never wanted to go anywhere else. That's good enough for me. Welcome aboard, Ty.
Until later . . .
Go 'Dawgs!!!