Jaleel Laguins Commits to Georgia: In-State 4-Star LB Perfect Fit for Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs claimed another crucial in-state defensive commitment early Wednesday morning, landing local linebacker Jaleel Laguins.

He decided between a pair of SEC programs after exploring other opportunities in the conference.

"I can say it was a tough decision," Laguins told Chad Simmons of Scout.com. "Auburn was right there, and it was Georgia over Auburn for me with Florida and Tennessee next. It was not easy."

The 6'2", 213-pound playmaker is a senior at Oconee County High School, located a short drive away from campus in Athens. He broke the news to Georgia head coach Mark Richt shortly before an announcement ceremony, per Fletcher Page of the Athens Banner-Herald.

Laguins, rated 15th nationally among outside linebackers in 2016 class composite rankings, is considered one of the Peach State's premier prospects. His list of scholarship offers features universities far beyond the region, with Notre Dame and Penn State in the mix.

Ultimately, he elected to remain close to home as a Bulldog.

Georgia was the favorite here throughout, evidenced by a 96 percent pledge prediction rate in 247Sports' Crystal Ball, but it was another strong recruiting effort by the Tigers' defensive staff. Don't expect Auburn to back off completely, even after this decision.

He is another ideal fit for Georgia defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who helped the Bulldogs sign nine 4-/5-star defenders last national signing day. Pruitt and company now claim four such commitments on the 2016 recruiting trail.

Laguins, who tallied 64 tackles and four sacks last season, is another perimeter force for Georgia to utilize. Richt is a man of riches right now when it comes to edge defenders, and his latest pickup further enhances the stockpile.

With an array of elite, young linemen up front and more potentially on the way (5-star tackles Derrick Brown and Rashan Gary remain possibilities), there should be plenty of room for the back seven to maneuver at Georgia. Laguins is exactly the kind of athlete who can exploit those opportunities.

His blitzing abilities are a highlight at this stage of his career, as he fires downfield with tenacity. Laguins likely needs to gain at least 20 pounds to withstand the pounding that comes along with duties as an every-down SEC linebacker, but there are glimpses of that potential two to three years down the road.

Georgia now holds 16 commitments in a class that rates seventh nationally in composite class rankings.

The Bulldogs' attention will continue to focus on homegrown talent. Brown, 5-star athlete Mecole Hardman Jr. and dynamic wide receiver Kyle Davis are a few of several 2016 in-state targets still undecided.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.