/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55728911/132011163.0.jpg)
This weekend’s recruiting event in Athens is already paying dividends, with the Bulldogs picking up a commitment from one of the top defensive players in the Peach State for 2019.
I am excited to announce that I am committed to the University of Georgia!! #CommitToTheG #NewBreed19 pic.twitter.com/zIpsglD06u
— JD Bertrand (@JDBertrand1) July 15, 2017
JD Bertrand is currently rated a four star prospect by 247Sports and the #15 prospect in the state for 2019. Bertrand picked the Bulldogs over early offers from Mississippi State, LSU, North Carolina, and Tennessee among others. His pledge gives the Red and Black five super-early commits for 2019, and the class is currently ranked #3 in the country.
The 6’1, 215 pound junior from Roswell was a productive player for Blessed Trinity in 2016, tallying 68 tackles on defense and 14 receptions for 205 yards and 4 touchdowns. Bertrand has good instincts, uses his hands well to shed blockers, and plays physical at the point of attack. At this point I’d project him to end up at inside linebacker in Athens.
Another interesting aspect of Bertrand’s commitment is his friendship with a pair of other big UGA targets for 2019, Walton wide receiver Dominick Blaylock and Kennesaw Mountain tight end Ryland Goede. Goede is currently rated the #9 prospect in Georgia and Blaylock #3. Blaylock recently said that the trio would like to play together in college, and that he anticipated making a decision in mid-July. Bertrand’s commitment could be read as either a good start on signing the other two, or an indication that those prospects could soon go public, too.
Go ‘Dawgs!!!