Darion Anderson Talks Commitment to Georgia, Playing with No. 1 QB Jacob Eason
Georgia nabbed an in-state commitment Monday night from Darion Anderson, less than two weeks after extending a scholarship to the wide receiver:
Anderson added an offer from the Bulldogs on Feb. 21 while attending a junior day event. The Houston County High School standout didn't wait long to weigh an opportunity in Athens, announcing his pledge just nine days later.
"It's a big honor for me and my family," Anderson said.
He also holds reported offers from Wake Forest, Boston College, Kentucky and Cincinnati. The Bearcats were viewed as Georgia's primary competitor as Anderson closed in on a decision.
The 6'1", 170-pound prospect is rated 64th nationally among wide receivers in 247Sports' composite rankings. He was named Georgia's Region 2-AAAAA Player of the Year last season.
Anderson caught 55 passes for 1,262 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2014, per Michael Carvell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He fills a position of need for Bulldogs coach Mark Richt, who suffered late decommitments from 2015 receiver recruits Van Jefferson (Ole Miss) and Darius Slayton (Auburn).
Anderson is already looking forward to the possibility of running routes for top-rated 2016 quarterback Jacob Eason. The 5-star Washington product committed to Georgia last summer and grades out as one of the premier players at his position this decade.
"I think it would be great to play with him," Anderson said. "He's a big playmaker and a good athlete from what I've seen."
Anderson added he may soon reach out to Eason on social media, in order to "get to know him a little."
The 6'5", 205-pound passer, who threw for 5,770 yards and 55 scores during the past two seasons, could help attract multiple top-tier talents at receiver as this cycle progresses.
Anderson believes there's an opportunity for 2016 prospects to compete for immediate roles in Georgia's rotation of pass targets.
"They give freshmen a chance to make plays and I like that," he said.
That sentiment was certainly apparent in the Bulldogs' 2014 offensive attack, which featured true freshman tight end Jeb Blazevich and relied heavily on newcomer Nick Chubb (1,547 rushing yards). Fellow freshman rusher Sony Michel also made an impact on the ground, gaining 410 yards and five touchdowns.
That formidable duo will enter their junior seasons at Georgia when Anderson and Eason are set to arrive on campus.
"Things open up a lot more (for the passing game) when you have running backs like that," Anderson said.
Bulldogs assistant Mike Lilly served as his primary recruiter. Despite some key offseason staff departures—notably offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and receivers coach Tony Ball—Anderson isn't expecting significant changes from what the Bulldogs have done in recent years.
"I had a chance to meet the new coaches during my junior day visit," he said. "I think the offense is going to stay the same."
Anderson is the seventh player to join Georgia's 2016 recruiting class. The group currently rates seventh nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings.
Quotes obtained firsthand. Recruit ratings and info courtesy of 247Sports.
