Georgia Football: Early Grades for 2016 Recruiting Class

One of the best things Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt has done since 2001 is getting top recruits to come play in Athens. And it looks like it won’t be any different for 2016 as the class is ranked No. 4 in the country and No. 1 in the SEC, according to 247Sports.

Richt and his coaching staff never had an issue recruiting in Georgia. They may not always get the top player in the state, but they always get good players who have the ability to contribute right away.

But Richt also gets great players from the pipeline. A couple of good examples are Aaron Murray from Florida, and Todd Gurley from North Carolina. Richt has 12 players committed for the upcoming signing class, and he’s been able to keep the same formula that has helped him be a contender in the SEC consistently.

So here are some early grades for the 2016 recruiting class.

Offensive Skill Players

Credit: 247Sports

As far as the offensive skill players go, the Bulldogs have three players committed right now. And that may be more than enough because Jacob Eason's commitment is a huge pull.

Eason is the No. 3 recruit in the country, according to 247Sports, and he has all the tools to be the next great quarterback for the Bulldogs. In fact, he could be the best quarterback recruit Richt has had since Matthew Stafford.

The Bulldogs are deep at running back, but adding more depth is always a priority. That’s why they are going after B.J. Emmons. He has not made a hard commitment to Georgia because he’s still looking at other schools. Emmons is a 4-star recruit who could make waves as soon as he arrives on campus.

Receiver Darion Anderson is not one of the top-rated receivers in the country, but he’s a playmaker who has good hands and can also return kicks.

Grade: A

Offensive Linemen

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The Bulldogs are always looking for depth on the offensive line, and so far they have done a good job of getting four players to commit.

E.J. Price is the cream of the crop as one of the 10 best offensive tackles in the country, according to 247Sports. He has the size (6’6’’, 311 lbs) and the athleticism to be an elite left tackle at the college level.

Ben Cleveland is no slouch either, as he’s listed as the eighth-best offensive tackle in the country. Cleveland is bigger than Price (6’7’’, 322 lbs) and may be more athletic.

Aaron Dowdell and Chris Barnes are the other two offensive linemen committed. Both are solid players who should have a great chance to start in the next two seasons.

Grade: A

Defensive Front Seven

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When it comes to the defensive front seven, the Bulldogs have two players committed, but that number will grow in a big way by the end of the year.

Defensive tackle Tyler Clark has the ability to be great at the next level, but he still has room to grow, which will happen in the fall. Defensive end Chauncey Manac is listed as one of the top 100 players in the country, according to 247Sports. He has good hands, plus he’s quick and good at the point of attack.

The Bulldogs have no linebackers committed, but Jaleel Laguins could be a Bulldog by signing day. Adding him would help add depth at outside linebacker, which is needed because Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd will be gone after the 2015 season.

Also, the Bulldogs have a great chance of landing defensive tackles Julian Rochester and Derrick Brown. Both players are from the state of Georgia and are over 300 pounds, which will help add much-needed size to the interior line.

Grade: B

Secondary

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Georgia has yet to land a blue-chip secondary player, but its three committed cornerbacks should compete for playing time in the fall of 2016.

Chad Clay is the latest player to commit to the Bulldogs. He is listed as the No. 27 cornerback in the country, and he’s the son of former NFL player Willie Clay.

Malek Young is a cornerback from Florida, and he’s slated to play in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl. He is fast and confident and can return kicks if needed.

Tyrique McGhee is a cornerback who committed to play for Richt back in January. He’s physical, quick and plays with a lot of confidence.

Nigel Warrior and Mecole Hardman are two players the Bulldogs are going after, according to Kipp Adams of 247Sports. Warrior is the fourth best safety in the county, while Hardman is the seventh-best corner in the country.

Grade: B+

Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.