THE SITUATION: This was a fight. A fight between three SEC powers, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. All three coveted top 100 player Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy Xavian Sorey, and at different times, the Crimson Tide, the Gators and the Bulldogs were viewed as the favorites. Sorey took numerous trips over the last few months, and visited Florida and Georgia at least twice, and those visits to the Classic City paid off because he picked the Bulldogs.
WHY ITS BIG FOR GEORGIA: Kirby Smart and the defensive staff made Sorey a target early, and the Bulldogs didn't target to many EDGE players this cycle, so landing Sorey is huge. He was wanted by Nick Saban. He was wanted by Dan Mullen. Smart beat both, and Sorey is an athletic EDGE player, a need this cycle for Georgia and he gives Georgia another top 50 player on their commitment list. He is one of the best in Florida, and some of Georgia's top signees under Smart have come out of the Sunshine State. Georgia went against for this one and won this battle.
WHO IT HURTS THE MOST: Florida was thought to be the favorite much of the time. Sorey never named a leader, so it is unknown when, and how often the Gators were actually the top school, but we know he and his family were fans of the in-state school. This is an in-state loss for Mullen, so that makes it sting that much more. He was on top of Florida's board, Christian Robinson was extremely close to Sorey, and after investing so much time and effort, this is a tough loss.
PLAYER BREAKDOWN: Sorey is one of the top athletes in the country, and after getting healthy, he shined this fall. He is a versatile defender that can rush the passer off the edge or play in space. Sorey has been a star in basketball, and is a serious athlete with so much upside. He plays fast, he changes direction with ease and he is likely a future star in the Athens.
