Ward makes his college choice

Mission Viejo's (Calif.) Konrad Reuland wasn't the only big name tight end out West to make his college choice today. Oakland (Calif.) McClymonds NaDerris Ward decided to end the process and committed to Georgia on ESPNU earlier today.

"I actually told them this week when the coaches came in for a home visit," Ward said. "I was with my coach and he pulled me aside and said, 'stop dragging this out, you know what you want to, just get this done.' So I went over and told Coach Richt I was coming and he gave me a big hug and said how happy he was to have me.

"Basically, it had always been Georgia for me. Ever since the summer, they were the school that recruited me the hardest and really showed me how bad they wanted me. A year ago, I never would have thought I would be going to Georgia but it's just a great fit for me and I'm really excited."

Although the Dawgs were always tops on his list, LSU definitely gave Ward a lot to think about.

"Oh yeah, LSU was right there," Ward said. "I loved the players there and that was a great visit. LSU is a class program and I'm very thankful for how they treated me. When I analyzed everything and looked at the two schools next to each other, I just felt Georgia was a little better fit for me.

"Both schools have a real family atmosphere but I felt more comfortable at Georgia. Both schools also have great staffs but Coach Richt and his staff really did a great job showing me how bad they wanted me and how well I would fit in with that offense.

"The fact that Coach Richt came all the way out here to see me showed me a lot. I think that impressed my coach as well. That's why he kind of pulled me aside and encouraged me to get this over with so I could focus on basketball and getting ready for the CaliFlorida Bowl later this month."

Ward is a big time prospect who might have even more upside than the higher rated Reuland. Ward has a college body right now, great hands and is very athletic. He has the frame to get a lot bigger and stronger and is not even close to reaching his full potential.