Georgia Football Recruiting: Mark Richt Goes to Jail to Talk with 5-Star Athlete

By (Featured Columnist) on January 26, 2012

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 21:  Head coach Mark Richt of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Athens, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

College football coaches will do just about anything to land the best recruits in the country, even if it means going to jail. That's what Mark Richt did for 5-star linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons, but it isn't as bad as it sounds. 

According to Michael Carvell of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo found themselves at a Valdosta jail making a last-minute pitch to their No. 1 priority. 

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Richt and Bobo were visiting with Harvey-Clemons and his family on Wednesday. They all had dinner together and went to church, but then things got a little strange. 

Harvey-Clemons works as a bail bonds agent for his grandfather, Woodrow Clemons, who is also his legal guardian after the death of Josh's parents. Woodrow received a phone call during church that people needed to get out jail. 

Josh had to go do the work and Richt was told he could join him if he wanted to. He opted to stay at the church and wait for Josh to return, but Woodrow's daughter forget her ID, so Richt and Bobo brought it to her. 

136416193_crop_650x440 Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

I highly doubt Richt ever envisioned himself making a recruiting pitch at a jail, but that's what happened. Carvell reported Richt and Harvey-Clemsons talked for around a half hour at the jail. 

It was a nice gesture by Richt to bring the ID, although I'm sure he knew the media would catch wind of what he did. Talking with a recruit in jail is definitely an attention-grabber, and it just goes to show that coaches will do whatever it takes to get the best recruits. 

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National Signing Day is less than a week away, and if the Bulldogs want to have another year of superb talent coming in, they need to get Harvey-Clemsons. 

Along with Georgia, the 5-star outside linebacker is considering Florida and Florida State. His grandfather predicted it would be a photo-finish between Georgia and Florida. 

Listed at 6'5", 208 pounds, Harvey-Clemons has room to add bulk and will definitely be a great defender wherever he lands. 

Currently, he is the top target for Georgia, barely edging out offensive tackle Avery Young. Rivals compares Harvey-Clemons to DeMarcus Ware, which certainly brings a smile to faces of Bulldog Nation. 

Richt going to jail for recruiting isn't exactly what it sounds like, but it is proof that coaches will sell their school to recruits no matter where they're at. 

 

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