New Georgia State Rankings: Meet the Top 5, get our predictions
The most recent Rivals.com National Rankings update was completed last month, but now the complete state rankings are rolling out. Take a look at the top five players in Georgia, how they got there and where we think they might end up signing next year.
Background: McBride remains the state’s No. 1 prospect, despite missing his junior year after injuring both of his wrists in an August car accident. Now fully healthy, McBride is hoping to follow the trajectory that saw him become one of the country’s top overall prospects in his class. The two-way star is also a track star, and even beat 2016 five-star Demetris Robertson in a head-to-head match up on the track last spring.
Recruiting Wrap: A trio of schools have been at the forefront for McBride for the last year, with Alabama, Georgia and Oregon being the programs that have McBride’s eye. But the new defensive staff at Auburn has made quite the impression on McBride and there appears to be four major contenders for signature going forward.
Prediction: Georgia. McBride nearly committed to the Bulldogs prior to Mark Richt being fired and he’s always been close with Georgia coach Kirby Smart. With Smart coming to Georgia, McBride should end up playing his college football in Athens.
Background: It’s been a whirlwind year for Mills, who went from having no offers last year at this time to having offers from schools from all over the country. The pro-style passer plays with far less Division 1 talent than some of the country’s other stars at the position, but he managed to catch the eye of programs coast-to-coast.
Recruiting Wrap: Despite a late charge from Georgia, Mills committed to Stanford earlier this week. Just a day after making the call for the Cardinal, Alabama also joined his offer list.
Prediction: Stanford. The Tide will work to get Mills on campus, but Stanford made Mills their No. 1 priority at the position from the get-go and unless something changes academically, expect Mills to sign with the Cardinal.
Background: Johnson started his high school career in Texas, playing for Deion Sanders’ Prime Prep program in the Dallas area. After that academy closed, Johnson relocated to Georgia where he quickly caught the eye of college coaches.
Recruiting Wrap: After earning an offer from Alabama at camp last summer, Johnson committed on the spot. He has since re-opened his recruitment, with schools like Georgia, USC and several others entering the picture.
Prediction: Auburn. Johnson initially wanted to commit to the school when he was offered last spring, but was told to wait and explore his options. But with high school teammate Antwuan Jackson already on campus and the Tigers already Johnson’s “dream school,” Auburn is the safe pick at this point.
Background: Poole burst onto the scene after winning the MVP at the Rivals Camp Series event in Atlanta, taking home the honors over several older and higher ranked prospects. He then turned heads at the Five-Star Challenge, helping his team take home the 7-on-7 crown while making several plays in the defensive secondary.
Recruiting Wrap: Poole visited several programs in the fall but as his recruitment has moved along, Florida and Georgia appear to be the prime contenders from his services.
Prediction: Florida. Poole recently visited the Gators and all indications are that the trip went very well. The question now is whether Poole will leave the Peach State, despite those close to him hoping he ends up in Athens. It will be a battle to the end regardless, but right now the Gators appear to be in the best position.
Background: McKinney had one of the best seasons of any prospect in the state, helping his team to the state championship game while racking up interception after interception. McKinney earned several offers on the camp circuit last summer, including Alabama and Clemson.
Recruiting Wrap: Shortly after being offered by Alabama, McKinney jumped on the opportunity and committed to the Tide. He has since received offers and taken several visits to schools like Georgia and Florida.
Prediction: Clemson. McKinney recently visited Alabama and said his commitment was firm, but he’s also close with Clemson commit LeAnthony Williams as well as Poole. Both the Tigers, Florida and Georgia continue to recruit McKinney and he will likely end up joining either Poole, Williams or both at their school of choice.