Georgia's 2015 Recruiting Class Riding on This Weekend

Georgia hosts Auburn this Saturday in a pivotal showdown between a pair of two-loss SEC programs. The matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to climb in conference standings and gives Georgia a chance to showcase its game-day atmosphere in front of several key recruits.

Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt and his staff have assembled the country's No. 3 recruiting class in 247Sports' composite rankings less than three months shy of national signing day. The squad could make a charge at top-ranked Alabama and No. 2 Florida State by cashing in on a talent-packed visitor list this weekend.

"The atmosphere that I know we can provide is very attractive to the recruits that come in, official visits, unofficial visits," Richt told Jake Rowe of 247Sports. "Just how our fan base loves our team and supports them means an awful lot to those players, and it means an awful lot to those parents as well."

Despite a late official visit cancellation from 5-star Florida cornerback Tarvarus McFadden, Georgia will still have its hands full selling the university's vision to premier prospects. Bulldogs coaches will have help from a variety of committed players who are also expected on campus, including Jonathan Ledbetter, Patrick Allen and Natrez Patrick.

Georgia could solidify a strong class and perhaps surge to the top of national recruiting rankings by adding more top-tier pieces to its latest haul of pledges. Here's a peek at the most-wanted playmakers expected in Athens for the prime-time showdown against Auburn.

5-star defensive end Josh Sweat (Chesapeake, Virginia)

The nation's top overall 2015 prospect returns to the recruiting trail after spending approximately two months out of the spotlight. Sweat, a 6'5", 240-pound defender from Oscar Smith High School, suffered a season-ending knee injury in September and ensuing surgery postponed his official visit schedule.

He spent time at Ohio State earlier this fall and will stay busy during the final stretch toward a decision. Sweat is set to stay at Georgia this weekend before rounding out November with visits to Virginia Tech and Florida State.

The freak athlete drew comparisons to No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Jadeveon Clowney this July at The Opening, an invite-only football showcase held at Nike's world headquarters. He turned heads by running the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and held his own against America's top offensive linemen throughout drills.

"You have to be perfect against Sweat," 5-star Clemson offensive tackle commit Mitch Hyatt told me after multiple one-on-one matchups. "Otherwise, you're done."

Sweat dominated during his final full high school season, compiling 94 tackles and 22 sacks as a junior. He previously visited Georgia in June and could create quite a formidable duo with fellow 5-star defensive lineman Trent Thompson, a tackle who committed to the Bulldogs this summer.

5-star offensive lineman Chuma Edoga (Powder Springs, Georgia)

The McEachern High School mauler may have verbally committed to USC in April but that hasn't stopped the Bulldogs from staying on his trail. Edoga, a 6'3", 276-pound tackle, is rated third nationally among players at the position in 247Sports' composite rankings.

Offensive line remains an area of need for Georgia in this recruiting cycle, and Edoga has topped the team's target board for quite some time. He impressed at The Opening and earned an invitation to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Edoga initially spurned the Bulldogs with his Trojans pledge but never cut off communications with Georgia's staff. This trip presents a last-ditch opportunity for the team to keep him close to home in coming years.

Georgia has struggled to claim top in-state offensive linemen during this cycle, so expect a full-court press with Edoga on campus.

Credit: 247Sports

4-star defensive tackle Albert Huggins (Orangeburg, South Carolina)

Huggins, yet another heralded lineman, hasn't made an official visit to this point. If Georgia has its way, he won't need to take anymore after this weekend.

The 6'3", 279-pound Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School standout rates 10th nationally among defensive tackles in 247Sports' composite rankings. However, his athleticism and length leave the door open for a possible career at strong-side end.

Huggins, who tallied 135 total tackles and 18 sacks as a sophomore and junior, spent time on campus in July and is anticipating an exciting return trip.

"It was a good atmosphere and they treat you well," he told Phil Kornblut of GoUpstate.com. "Hopefully I can have fun and see what Georgia is all about. I'm really considering Georgia."

Clemson is viewed as another strong contender for his commitment. The Tigers have been frequent hosts of Huggins throughout his recruitment process and present the biggest challenge for the Bulldogs to bring him into town for good.

Credit: 247Sports

4-star defensive back Ronnie Harrison (Tallahassee, Florida)

Perhaps the long and winding recruitment of this Sunshine State safety has one final twist up ahead. The 6'3", 205-pound University School star initially committed to North Carolina prior to his junior season but flipped to Alabama this summer.

Now the rangy defensive back is exploring other options before taking an official visit to Tuscaloosa later this month. His visit to Georgia will be followed by a journey to Notre Dame, according to 247Sports.

Harrison, rated 11th nationally among safeties in 247Sports' composite rankings, offers help at a crucial position for the Bulldogs. Georgia managed to address it with the addition of in-state safety Rashad Roundtree and could truly bolster things by adding Harrison.

He's a two-way standout in high school, leading the team with 800 rushing yards, 26 tackles and 13 touchdowns, per MaxPreps.

Credit: 247Sports

4-star linebacker Roquan Smith (Montezuma, Georgia)

Smith is another must-have in-state target for the Bulldogs. He remains one of the country's top uncommitted defenders, rated fourth nationally among outside linebacker prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings.

The 6'2", 205-pound Macon County High School playmaker enjoyed arguably the finest game of his career last Friday. Smith starred on both sides of the ball in a victory over Lamar County that clinched a regional championship.

He rumbled through defenders for 263 rushing yards and three scores, per Michael Carvell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith added more than 20 tackles at linebacker during a commanding performance.

“He had one for the ages,” Macon County coach Larry Harold told Carvell. “Roquan put us on his back and carried us to that region title. ... I’ve never in my life seen a performance like that on both sides of the ball."

Smith is viewed as a Georgia lean but several schools remain in the mix, including Florida, Miami, Ole Miss and South Carolina. He could be the next stud to join an impressive Bulldogs class.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.