College Football

Georgia's 5 Biggest Recruits after National Signing Day

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:50 p.m. ET

Fansided, Jerran Anderson/FanSided via Saturday Blitz

The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t have the greatest 2016 season. But their success on the recruiting trail should translate to the football field soon.

The Georgia Bulldogs had a huge National Signing Day. Head coach Kirby Smart finished with the third overall recruiting class after signing 26 players to their letter of intent, according to 247Sports.

Georgia had an interesting 2016 season, starting the year 4-4 before winning four of their last five games. Their offense was a work in progress all season long. Senior quarterback Greyson Lambert began the season as the starter before being pulled for freshman quarterback Jacob Eason. Eason finished the season with 2,430 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions.

The Bulldogs had some holes to fill on offense as well. Their offensive line allowed 24 sacks last season, tying for sixth in the SEC with Alabama. In this year’s recruiting class, they signed six offensive lineman, four offensive tackles and two offensive guards, to get some much-needed depth.

Georgia also went out and signed four wide receivers to this year’s recruiting class. Coach Smart made it a priority to get some weapons to pair with their two-headed rushing attack of running backs Sony Michel and Nick Chubb.

National Signing Day was a turning point for the Georgia Bulldogs. With the second-best class in the SEC, Coach Smart used this year’s class to get a whole lot better on the offensive side of the ball. Here are the five biggest recruits after February 1.

5. Jake Fromm, Quarterback

There could be another quarterback battle brewing in the spring. With four-star quarterback Jake Fromm enrolling early in January, Jacob Eason will have his work cut out for him. Fromm is another pro-style quarterback who ranks 47th in the nation, third by position and fifth in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports.

However, Fromm and Eason are far from enemies, considering they’re on the same team. The two quarterbacks have established a strong bond since Fromm’s arrival in January. If there is a competition for the starting role, it shouldn’t hurt either prospect in the feelings department.

The Houston County High School product threw for 3,910 yards and 41 passing touchdowns in his final season as a high school player. He even threw for a season-high 530 passing yards and five total touchdowns. Not to mention, Fromm has a docuseries set to debut this fall that chronicles his senior year as a high school quarterback.

4. D’Marcus Hayes, Offensive Tackle

Offensive tackle D’Marcus Hayes is one name Georgia Bulldogs’ fans could be hearing early off the offensive line. Hayes is four-star junior college prospect out of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He ranks 15th overall, second by position and sixth in the state, according to 247 Sports.

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound prospect has all the tools to crack the starting lineup right away. Hayes enrolled in January and will be a junior in 2017. He highlights a good group of offensive lineman, something the Georgia coaching staff really put an emphasis on this recruiting cycle.

The Mississippi native chose Georgia over Auburn and Mississippi State. He fits a glaring need at the tackle position for the Bulldogs coaching staff. With his size, length and athleticism, Hayes could be in the starting lineup in no time. Enrolling in January will give him an opportunity to get acclimated to SEC play.

3. Richard LeCounte III, Safety

Richard LeCounte III is a highly-rated safety prospect out of Riceboro, Georgia. He is a five-star signee that ranks 22nd in the nation, second at his position and second overall in the state of Georgia, according to 247Sports. He signed with the Georgia Bulldogs over Ohio State.

At 5-foot-10, 183 pounds, LeCounte III could very well make the transition to cornerback. The Bulldogs only have five cornerbacks listed on the roster for 2017. He enrolled early in January looking to establish himself early on the Bulldogs’ campus. He is a big body and physical prospect looking to make a name for himself in the SEC.

The Georgia native had 100 tackles (77 solo, 23 assisted), 11 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1.5 sacks and an interception return for a touchdown in his senior season as a safety at Liberty County High School. He also returned three touchdowns on special teams, two kickoffs and a punt.

2. Isaiah Wilson, Offensive Tackle

Isaiah Wilson is another offensive lineman who can make waves with his arrival in the fall for the 2017 season. Wilson was a highly-sought after five-star offensive tackle out of Brooklyn, New York. He signed with Georgia after committing in December over Michigan, Alabama and Rutgers.

Wilson ranks 16th overall, fifth by position and first in the state, according to 247Sports. At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, he’s got the size and frame of a college offensive lineman. Now, he’ll just have to meet or exceed expectations. With five offensive tackles already on the roster, Wilson will have his work cut out for him, however.

The Poly Prep product can anchor the Bulldogs offensive line for years to come. He just needs to have a strong summer and fall leading up to the 2017 season. He’s got the strength and push up front to lead the way, he’ll just need to do it consistently when he arrives in Athens.

1. Jeremiah Holloman, Wide Receiver

Jeremiah Holloman is another early enrollee who could make waves for the Georgia Bulldogs offense. Holloman is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound four-star wide receiver out of Covington, Georgia. He ranks 125th overall, 18th by position and is the 12th-best player in the state, according to 247Sports.

The Georgia native represents a growing need at the wide receiver position for a downfield playmaker. Holloman is one of four wide receivers signed to this year’s recruiting class. As part of the strongest recruiting class since 2000, he highlights a need at a key position. Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie led the receiving corps last season with 633 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. But he left for the NFL Draft.

With experience thinning deeper down the roster, Holloman represents a diamond in the rough type scenario for Georgia. If he can work his way up the depth chart this spring, look for him to play a key role in any success the Bulldogs may have. He has the hands, speed and physicality to be a top SEC receiver.