The Georgia Bulldogs are one of the final suitors for an elite 2027 defender, and he has just set his commitment date.
The Georgia Bulldogs are among the final schools vying for an elite 2027 linebacker, and he has just set a commitment date which will reveal where he attends.
According to a post from Hayes Fawcett of On3 and Rivals, four-star linebacker AJ Randle out of Garner, North Carolina is set to announce his commitment on May 21 and is going to be choosing between some heavy hitters who are all vying for his signature.
Randle's final six schools include not only Georgia, but also the Miami Hurricanes, South Carolina Gamecocks, Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida Gators, and North Carolina State Wolfpack all trying to land him.
Bulldogs Will Have Strong Challenge from Across Map
Randle is one of the best defensive players in the entire country, so it makes sense why schools from around the nation all are trying to get him to commit. As of right now, there does not seem to be much indication which way he's leaning, but each school on the list feels like they have a real shot.
247 Composite rankings have Randle as the No. 6 linebacker in the entire country, the No. 5 overall player in the state of North Carolina, and a top-100 player in the nation for his class.
Should Georgia wind up with his signature, Randle could end up being the next elite linebacker in a long line of them to play in Sanford Stadium.
What Kind of Skillset Randle Would Bring to Bulldogs
Randle is described in his 247 scouting report as a player with a "monster ceiling", a tall order which his tape seems to verify. Notably, he is a two-sport athlete who also excels in track which means his speed is a major factor on the football field.
Kirby Smart has shown a tendency to covet fast linebackers who can have a say not only in the pass rush and stopping the run, but also dropping into coverage as well. If that translates to the next level, Randle could be someone who locks up opposing tight ends while also chasing down quarterbacks, an extremely exciting prospect.
Clearly, Smart is prioritizing Randle and for good reason. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds while still being able to move the way he does looks like a linebacker built in a Kirby Smart football lab.
Time will tell if they can get Randle to commit, but May 21 is going to be a huge day with lots of answers.