CFB Recruiting: Five-Star TE Jay Rome Has Georgia on His Mind

Jay Rome, the No. 1 tight end in the country has been courted by countless schools from around the country and while many assumed he was a Clemson lean considering his father played for the Tigers, it looks like the Georgia native is feeling the home team after a recent visit to Athens. 

It's often difficult to gauge what certain recruits are thinking, but in this case it appears like Rome is genuinely excited and intrigued by the possibilities offered at Georgia. One thing is certain, the coaches did an excellent job selling him on the program because he's had nothing but good things to say about the school and football team since. 

So exactly what's the deal with Rome?

Lets breakdown his situation and figure out where the top tight end in the country will be playing his college ball. 

What Rome Has to Offer

Jay Rome is the No. 1 ranked tight end recruit in the country for a reason. He has a very rare blend of intangibles that make him a special prospect that just doesn't come around every often. 

An extremely athletic tight end with NFL potential, Rome has the size, the speed, and the athleticism to become a dominate player at the college level right from day one. He's got great instincts, moves like a gazelle, and is an incredibly difficult cover due to his balance and body control, long arms, and solid hands. 

He has tremendous blocking skills and can line up at receiver or tight end. If Rome can improve his strength, he has the potential to be one of the all-time great tight ends; that's how high the ceiling is. 

Rome's Top Choices

As stated previously, Rome's father Stan played for the Tigers during his collegiate days, but the elder Rome will quickly shoot down the idea that his son is destined to follow in his footsteps. 

“I don’t want him to go to Clemson just because I went to Clemson," Stan Rome said. "I want him to go wherever he feels like he’s comfortable with the staff and where the fit works for him. The last thing I want is for him to go to Clemson and he gets there and then it’s not ideal for him. I never would forgive myself for something like that.”

Rome may yet decide to become a Tiger like his father, but you can bet there isn't any pressure for it. 

The other schools at the top of Rome's list are Georgia, Florida, and Alabama, but the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs are clearly at the head of the pack. 

Potential Playing Time at Georgia

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 21: Orson Charles #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Kentucky Wildcats at Sanford Stadium on November 21, 2009 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

One of the issues with Rome playing at Georgia is the presence of another star tight end and unlike Rome, Orson Charles has experience on his side. 

Charles was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and the No. 3 tight end of the 2009 class. He became the Bulldogs starter late last season as a true freshman and finished the year with 23 catches for 274 yards and three touchdowns. 

In 2010, the starting job will be his without question barring an injury and he looks like a potential breakout candidate on the verge of becoming a star. He's got all the intangibles to be a great tight end and until he steps down there likely wouldn't be many touches for Rome. 

Assuming Charles sticks around for his senior year, that would mean Rome sitting second on the depth chart until 2013, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Watching Charles play for a year or two is a great way to learn how it's done. 

Plus, both of them are versatile and if the talent is there, the coaches will find a way to get them both on the field. 

What Rome Is Saying About the Bulldogs

This isn't normally how we do things with these types of pieces but it seems fit for this one considering how much Rome's comments play into the prediction. 

So, here you have it straight from the horse's mouth, Rome's top quotes on the Bulldogs from the last month:

“I grew up in Georgia and always liked Georgia. It’s a place I can see myself fitting in and making a big impact on the team. They said they’d definitely move me around on offense a bit and make sure they got me the ball. It’s also a really beautiful campus. I love it there and I’m real familiar and comfortable in Athens already." 

“I saw a lot of tape mainly of Leonard Pope and Orson Charles and how Georgia has used them in their offense. I saw the routes they ran, where they lined up, how often the tight ends are thrown to, and things like that. Coach Bobo really took a lot of time to make sure I understood how much they would use me there.”

“Coach Richt has made it very clear to me that he really wants me at Georgia. I have great relationships with Coach Richt, Coach Bobo, and Coach [John] Lilly there now and they all let me know how much they want me. It is really easy to see and I could really see myself playing there.”

“Georgia has a very tight end friendly offense, I get along with the staff very well, I like the atmosphere there, and I like a bunch of stuff about Georgia."

Predicting Rome's Decision

A big part of Rome's decision comes down to a desire to play with quarterback Christian LeMay, the 5-star prospect who headlines Georgia's 2011 recruiting class. That's ultimately why the belief here is that Rome will eventually commit to Bulldogs.

The coaching staff has done a good job convincing Rome that they'll find a way to get him on the field and plan to utilize his strengths by force-feeding him the ball. 

A reputable source gave me the hint that LeMay might be wavering on his commitment due to concerns over playing time, but I've since been warned there might not be too much to that, at least for now. Apologies to any UGA fans that became distraught at the news.