National Signing Day 2011: 5-Star DE Ray Drew Commits to The Georgia Bulldogs

In an announcement Friday at his high school, Ray Drew has announced he will play college football at the University of Georgia. He chose Georgia over Auburn, Clemson, LSU and Miami.

Drew is highly regarded as one of the best prospects in the 2011 class, earning a 5-star rating, the highest rating possible.

He is ranked as the 15th ranked overall prospect in the 2011 class and is the second rated DE.

Drew should be able to come in and make an immediate impact for this Georgia Bulldogs defense.

The Bulldogs had a top 10 recruiting class before the announcement, and that ranking is likely to improve with Drew committing to the Bulldogs.

But the Bulldogs recruiting isn't over yet. They are still in the running for 5-star and top-ranked RB Isaiah Crowell and 5-star JUCO DT John Jenkins.

Crowell has narrowed his decision to Georgia and Alabama after canceling his visit to Auburn. Jenkins is considering Georgia, Miami, Oklahoma State and Auburn.

If the Bulldogs are able to get both Crowell and Jenkins, the Bulldogs will most likely end up with a top five recruiting class.

Here is an evaluation, from ESPN.com:

"There is plenty to like about Drew as this kid is a talented and disruptive defender who still possesses a frightening amount of upside. He has great size and displays a nice wingspan. Despite already being in that 250 pound range he still has plenty of room to pack on more good bulk with time in a college weight program.

"He can be quick off the ball, but does need to be more consistent. He will flash real good quickness at times, but can be a beat late at other times in getting off on the ball. While he needs to fine tune his get-off one thing is certain when he does get moving he can cause serious problems. He moves much better then a person of his size should.

"He has very good speed and can be a factor from the backside and downfield. He also flashes the ability to utilize good angles in pursuit. While he is athletic he displays the ability to play smart. He is not out there just trying to out-athlete everyone and does not just run around wildly. He comes across the line and stays square.

"Does a solid job of squeezing down and closing daylight and locates the ball well. He moves well laterally and has good reactive athleticism and once he locates the ball he can redirect and close. He is a good wrap-up tackler. While his athleticism is impressive he is also a physical and stout player when taking on blocks.

"Despite his long frame does a good job of coming out of his stance and keeping solid pad level and being able to generate power from his lower body when engaging a blocker. He is able to take on a block and hold his ground.

"Displays good raw strength, but one area of his game that needs to improve is in the use of his hands. He has a great reach but needs to utilize it more. He will get hands on, but needs to work on creating better separation so he can more easily and quickly disengage.

"He has the tools to be a menace as a pass rusher. He flashes the ability to attack the outside shoulder, sink in a rip move, and turn the corner. He moves so quickly that he can make tackles pay if they open up too quickly.

Has the power and can generate the leverage to bull rush his way back. Needs to keep developing his pass rush arsenal and working on being violent and consistently active with his weapons. Drew is a fun kid to watch and has the tools to be a hell of a college football player. Has some areas to still improve in which is kind of scary."