UGA makes move for four-star DT

When you’re hot, you’re hot. And the Georgia Bulldogs are hot this weekend. With one of their biggest home games this season, UGA used the opportunity to play host to several impressive official visitors, including Plantation, Fla., standout Jeff Owens. And Owens came away very impressed with the Dawgs, moving them toward the top of his list.

“I would probably say it’s fair to put Georgia right at the top with Florida State and Miami,” Owens, who is 6-foot-2 and 263 pounds, said. “I want to take those visits and see what happens, but I would definitely put Georgia right up there now.”

Especially after a great visit this weekend.

“I was hosted by Mudcat (Marquis Elmore), and I would say one of the highlights was getting to eat the night before the game in the skyboxes over the field,” Owens, ranked as the nation’s No. 13 defensive tackle, said. “At the game, even though it rained, the crowd was really into it. I liked all the barking and people really supporting their team. That’s something that I was impressed with.”

Owens said he enjoyed spending some one on one time with Mark Richt. He said most of the conversation was about things other than football.

“That’s what impressed me the most,” Owens said. “I liked talking to him about some of my goals in life and where I see myself at down the road. It was good to talk to a coach about other things that football.”

Owens is now set up to visit Oklahoma on December 17, followed by visits to Miami on January 21 and Florida State on January 28.

“That’s when Florida State wanted me to come, right before signing day,” Owens said. “That’s the date they chose – I guess they want the edge over Miami (by getting the last crack at him). We’ll see if it makes a difference. It’s too early to tell.”