Julian Rochester to Georgia: Bulldogs Land 5-Star DT Prospect

Julian Rochester, a 5-star defensive tackle recruit from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, announced Thursday that he'll play college football at Georgia.

He tweeted news of his decision:

Credit: 247Sports

Rochester is the third-rated defensive tackle and the 10th overall prospect in the class of 2016, according to 247Sports' composite rankings.

That highlights how deep this crop of talent seems to be at Rochester's position. It's also a testament to how he's deserving of the highest possible rating a recruit can have.

Listed by 247Sports at 6'5 ½" and 315 pounds, he has a fair amount of athleticism to accompany an already massive frame. His length and size allow him to disengage blockers with relative ease and close quickly into the backfield.

Although he could use some agility work to improve his initial burst, there's no denying Rochester has the physical tools to be a college star.

Because he is nimble for such a young big man and has shown the ability to line up on the edge, he can see time as a 3-4 defensive end, play on the interior in a 4-3 alignment or even evolve into a true nose tackle.

A lot of that depends on what Georgia does schematically, how the program tailors Rochester's diet and exercise program and where the Bulldogs envision him succeeding.

Wherever the young stud lines up, he figures to wreak havoc and blow up plays at the highest level of college football soon enough. The Bulldogs have to be pleased to add such a blue-chip prospect with a tremendous ceiling.

Recruit star ratings and information via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.