Georgia picks up commit from blue chip defensive lineman Jonathan Jefferson

How about some good news?

While the Bulldog football coaches aren’t able to hit the road recruiting these days it doesn’t mean they’re standing still. We got a great reminder of that this morning with the commitment of four star defensive lineman Jonathan Jefferson.

The 6’4, 260 pound standout picked the Bulldogs from among over 20 offers including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Oregon. Jefferson’s ranked the #143 player nationally in the 247Sports composite rankings, and the number 12 player in the Peach State.

Jefferson is an intriguing player because he has solid physical tools but potential to develop in one of several directions once he gets on campus. He has a good first step and nice lateral movement, and is what I like to call “slippery” in that he is good at keeping offensive linemen from getting their hands on him. As you can see from the highlights he’s athletic enough to play some goal line receiver and appears to have a hoops player’s ball skills.

He will need to polish his pass rushing skills, but I’ve been pleased with how Tray Scott has developed guys like Tyler Clark and Devonte Wyatt, so there’s reason for optimism in that regard. I’d also like to see Jefferson be more physical at the point of attack. He’s not really controlling the point of attack in a lot of these highlights.

I don’t foresee Jefferson either having the length or staying small enough to play standing up as a strong side linebacker, but he could theoretically be used anywhere from there to the nose. Ideally I see him as 6’4, 275 pound every down 3-4 defensive end or a 3rd down interior lineman.

Remember after Signing Day 2020 when we talked about the ‘Dawgs likely turning back instate in this class? At this point all four of the Red and Black’s pledges for 2021 are from the Empire State of the South, and it’s likely that will continue, so stay tuned. Until later...

Go ‘Dawgs!!!