Georgia Football Recruiting: Grading Every Commitment

The recruiting class of 2012 is intact, and the Bulldogs came away with some good talent.

From Josh Harvey-Clemons to Ty Smith, all 17 players the Bulldogs have signed have the ability to have stellar careers in Athens.

Some of the players will play right away, and the rest will have to wait a little bit before they have a chance to show what they are capable of.

Nonetheless, this class has a chance to really do something special if they continue to do all the right things.

Here are grades for each commitment.

Josh Harvey-Clemons

This was huge get for the Bulldogs because Josh Harvey-Clemons is considered as the best prospect in the state of Georgia.

Where he will play is still uncertain, and if he does play linebacker, he will need to put on some more weight, but he is too gifted to not contribute right away.

Grade: A+

John Theus

John Theus was another big signing for the Bulldogs. With the offensive line missing three starters, Theus will be in the running for one of the starting offensive tackle positions.

He will need to work on his pass-blocking skills, but Theus is a very physical lineman that has a mean streak.

Grase: A+

Jonathan Taylor

With the Bulldogs running the 3-4. Jonathan Taylor can play either the nose tackle or defensive end position.

Taylor has great strength, athleticism and awareness. Don't be surprised if he is playing in the defensive line rotation in the fall.

Grade: A+

Keith Marshall

With the running back position uncertain, Keith Marshall has a good chance to play right away.

He does not have great size, but Marshall has great speed and better vision. This is the back the Bulldogs have been looking for.

Grade: A

Todd Gurley

As good as Marshall is, Todd Gurley may be better.

Gurley is not as fast as Marshall, but he is more balanced and has the size to take on SEC defenders.

Gurley should be able to compete for playing time this fall.

Grade: A

Blake Tibbs

The best option for Blake Tibbs to see playing time is on special teams because he more dynamic as a return specialist.

Tibbs is quick and has great hands, so he should fit right in with the pro-style offense the Bulldogs run.

He does need to get stronger, though.

Grade: B+

Faton Bauta

Faton Bauta is listed as a quarterback, but he can also play fullback and linebacker.

Bauta will likely redshirt this season, but if he impresses the coaches during spring football and summer camp, he could be used for short yardage situations.

Grade: A-

John Atkins

John Atkins has the makings to be a very good defensive end.

Because of depth, he won't play right away, but he is strong enough to take on the SEC guards and tackles.

Grade: B+

Mark Beard

Mark Beard spent time at a junior college last year and was effective.

With three offensive line positions up for grabs, Beard will be in the running for one of the tackle positions.

Grade: A-

Josh Dawson

Leading Tucker High School to a state championship, Josh Dawson was one of the best defensive ends in the state of Georgia.

He has the prefect size to play outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, and it will be interesting to see if he is able to see some early playing time.

Grade: B+

Sheldon Dawson

This was another big pickup for UGA because Dawson is a guy that can play numerous positions. He has played running back, safety or cornerback in high school.

Dawson has great closing speed and is extremely tough.

Grade: A

James DeLoach

Standing at 6'3'', 265 pounds, James DeLoach could play defensive end or outside linebacker for the Bulldogs.

He is explosive off the ball and knows how to rush the passer.

Grade: B+

Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd has great size, but will have to get stronger in order to play outside linebacker.

Floyd has great pursuit and is very athletic. He will more likely redshirt and will be ready to go in 2013.

Grade: B

Ty Smith

Georgia is known for great tight end play, and Ty Smith should be another good one.

The one thing he has to do is adjust to the pro-style offense because he played in the spread formation in high school.

Grade: B+

Greg Pyke

Greg Pyke is a 315-pound offensive guard that is quick on his feet.

He is also one the most athletic offensive linemen to be recruited by Georgia because he is also one of the top lacrosse prospects in the country.

Grade: A-

Jordan Jenkins

One of the Bulldogs' focus during the recruiting season was adding more playmakers on defense, and they did that with adding Jordan Jenkins.

Jenkins is the right fit for outside linebacker, and because of his size and strength, he could play as early as this fall.

Grade: A-

Quayvon Hicks

The Bulldogs needed a fullback, and they got one in Quayvon Hicks.

He can also play defensive end, but Hicks wants to play fullback, and with him at 6'2'', 245 pounds, he has the right size to be an effective lead blocker for players such as Marshall.

Grade: B+

Marshall Morgan

The Bulldogs also need kickers, and Marshall Morgan is one of the best in the country.

Morgan is very accurate and has a good enough leg to make moderate to long field goals.

Grade: A

Colin Barber

Colin Barber is an excellent kicker, but might be more effective as a punter.

Last season in high school, Barber averaged 43 yards per punt and has the ability to put up a five-second hang time.

Grade: A-