Early Signing Day Open Thread: Where we are, scheduled announcements, and the race for #1

Early National Signing Day is here, though it feels a little different from prior years. Usually Kirby Smart and Co. are preparing to finish with a flourish, with tons of blue chip prospects whose announcements could make or break the class.

This year however the Bulldogs already have 20 commits and the #3 ranked class in the nation behind only Alabama (22 pledges) and Ohio State (21). The name of the game on this Early Signing Day is holding onto the commitments already secured and landing a few remaining key pieces to put this class over the top. Here are some of the announcements by uncommitted players to keep an eye on:

Donovan Edwards, tailback. The nation’s #4 tailback will announce his choice at 1:30 eastern from among a host of schools, with Georgia and the home State Michigan Wolverines the likely top contenders.

Xavian Sorey, linebacker. One of the top 20 prospects in the country, the versatile IMG Academy linebacker will choose at 1:45 pm from among Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

Maason Smith, defensive tackle. The nation’s #2 defensive line prospect and #18 player in the nation will announce live on his Instagram feed at 3:30 central/4:30 eastern. Smith’s from Houma, Louisiana, and I never expect any big time prospect from the Pelican State to ever pick a school other than LSU. But if he did choose the ‘Dawgs it would be a huge coup.

There are also a couple of players who may or may not sign tomorrow and could be Bulldog targets.

One is four star defensive tackle Lee Hunter out of Eight Mile, Alabama. The nation’s #7 DT looked like a lock to Auburn, but with Gus Malzahn’s firing Georgia and a host of other schools may have a shot. Hunter would be a nice pickup if Maason Smith does stay home.

Another to keep an eye on is Sanford, Florida receiver Jimmy Horn. Georgia offered the 5’9, 170 pound slot receiver late, but could have room for him with some recent transfers.

Also, here’s a list of expected commitment times for players already committed to the good guys:

Micah Morris- 8:00 am - Signed

David Daniel- 10:00 am - Signed

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins - 10:00 am - Signed

Chaz Chambliss - 10:00 am - Signed

Nyland Green- 10:00 am - Signed

Jackson Meeks- 11:00 am - Signed

Amarius Mims-noon - Signed

Lovasea Carroll- noon - Signed

Brock Vandagriff- 12:30 pm - Signed

Kamari Lassiter- 1:00 pm - Signed

Smael Mondon- 3:30 pm - Signed

Jared Wilson- 4:00 pm - Signed

Jamon Dumas-Johnson- 5:00 pm - Signed

Jonathan Jefferson- 6:00 pm - Signed

Javon Bullard- 6:00 pm - Signed

Dylan Fairchild- 6:00 pm - Signed

Brock Bowers- 7:00 pm - Signed

Marlin Dean- Thursday evening - Signed

Adonai Mitchell- TBA - Signed

Xavian Sorey Jr - Signed

Off the Board:

De’Jahn Warren- TBA - Jackson State

Jimmy Horn - Univ of S Florida

Lee Hunter - Auburn

Donovan Edwards - Michigan

This will be the spot today for breaking news, analysis and speculation. Let’s do it.

Go ‘Dawgs!!!

Updated from CKS/UGA Football Twitter feed 12:43pm.