Rankin goes in-depth on UGA pledge

Orlando (Fla.) East River three-star linebacker Ryne Rankin landed an offer from Georgia earlier this week. It didn't take long for him to decide he wanted to pledge to it.

"I committed to Georgia," Rankin said on Friday afternoon. "I talked to Coach (Mark) Richt. He was excited."

The 6-foot-1, 231-pound defender explained why it was an easy decision for him.

"I felt like it was the best place for me," Rankin said. "I liked the people around there, especially the coaching staff. I like the atmosphere. It is only like 7 hours and 53 minutes away from my house, so it isn't that far away from home. It is in the SEC and plays major teams. Their defense was also really good last year. They played for the SEC Championship, so that is a great fit for me."

Rankin chose the Bulldogs out of his 18 offers. He said Georgia easily separated themselves from the pack when he recently visited.

"It was just the feel of it," Rankin said. "Once I stepped on campus and got into the football facility, I sat down and talked with everybody, from 8 o'clock to 6 o'clock, I just talked to everybody. Talking to all the different coaches, it just felt like the right place for me."

As a player, Rankin racked up 189 tackles, seven sacks, forced eight fumbles, recovered four fumbles, and also had an interception as a junior. He has the ability to play inside or outside linebacker. He talked about where he will start his Georgia career when he enrolls early in January.

"They are probably going to play me at Will (linebacker)," Rankin said. "I think I fit in good. I was watching film on them and they all fly around to the ball. I think I have a good chance of stepping up since I will be in there next January. I think I have a chance to get on the field and do what I do."

Despite numerous other offers and interested schools coming to evaluate him this spring, Rankin says that his recruiting process has concluded.

"I am done," Rankin said. "I am just very excited. It is a big weight off my shoulders."

Rankin will visit Georgia next weekend for their annual spring game.