Devonta Smith Commits to Georgia: Bulldogs Land 2017 4-Star ATH

As the Georgia Bulldogs build what already looks like an impressive 2016 recruiting class, the team's staff is already preparing for even further in the future by landing a commitment from a talented 4-star athlete from Louisiana.

According to Kipp Adams of 247Sports, Devonta Smith has committed to Georgia, becoming the program's third pledge in the 2017 class. Smith is a 6'1", 155-pound athlete from Amite, Louisiana, and the No. 17-ranked athlete in his class.

Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon were Smith's primary recruiters.

"I love Georgia, they have family environment," Smith told Adams. "I have a bond with the coaching staff, and I really like the academics."

Demetric Warren of Varsity Preps in Mississippi first reported the news:

Even though he hails from LSU country, Smith has strong ties to Georgia. According to Adams, Georgia director of player personnel Sam Petitto was a successful head coach at Amite High School, where Smith plays.

"It had been a while since I had seen Sam Petitto," Smith told Adams in July. "So we were able to talk about how things were when he was down here, and he really made me feel like nothing has changed—I can still go and talk to him about anything. I have some family in Georgia, but having Sam there really helps Georgia."

Smith picked up a scholarship offer during his visit to Athens for the Dawg Night camp in July. Less than three weeks later, he is the newest member of Georgia's 2017 class.

The athlete also has offers from Alabama, Baylor, LSU and Ole Miss.

Smith is projected to play wide receiver—a position he starred at during Dawg Night—for Georgia. His time in the 40-yard dash is listed on his 247Sports profile as a blazing 4.39 seconds.

The commitment from Smith could put Georgia in great position for a talented prospect in the 2016 class. Smith is close to 4-star Louisiana cornerback Shyheim Carter, who announced his decommitment from Alabama earlier Monday. 

Georgia is now the leader for Carter's commitment on his 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions page; 10 different recruiting experts picked the Bulldogs on Monday.

"With Petitto being at Georgia, that brings Shyheim Carter and I closer, knowing he is there," Smith told Adams. "I am pretty sure that has us both seriously considering Georgia."

Recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Justin Ferguson is a college football writer at Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @JFergusonBR.