Georgia poised to beat out Oregon for 2 elite football prospects: Analysis
Oregon Ducks football coach Dan Lanning has experienced some unhappy reunions with his former school, the Georgia Bulldogs, since taking over as head coach in Eugene.
Last fall, Georgia handed Oregon a 49-3 drubbing, and it appears that clash may soon reflect lopsided results on the recruiting trail as well.
Oak Ridge (Texas) five-star linebacker Justin Williams is set to announce his college commitment Monday and is down to a final two of the Bulldogs and Ducks.
Rated the nation's No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 linebacker, Williams has been a top priority for Oregon for more than a year, and he seemed to be a near lock early in 2023 after registering 105 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss and 8.5 sacks during his junior campaign.
But since that time, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound 'backer has seen his stock soar, picking up multiple high-profile offers and skyrocketing up the recruiting rankings.
Georgia offered Williams on March 30 and has cranked up the heat ever since, putting themselves in a strong position to secure his commitment with less than a week until decision day.
While there was hope in Eugene that Lanning's expertise as the former Georgia linebacker coach could pay dividends, all signs point to Kirby Smart adding his fourth five-star pledges into the 2024 class - four times as many as the entire Pac-12 Conference combined (1 - Elijah Rushing, Arizona).
Similarly, Mater Dei (California) five-star ball-carrier Nathaniel Frazier, the nation's No. 1 running back, is headed for a summer commitment (date - to be determined).
The 5-foot-11, 208-pound ball-carrier has formally announced a top eight, but Georgia is believed to be leading the pack over Alabama, Oregon, Texas A&M and others.
In recent weeks, Frazier has picked up multiple predictions to choose Georgia by both 247Sports and On3.
Given that Oregon hosted the Mater Dei star on an official visit last month, that trend likely stings.
Frazier is a dynamic ball-carrier whose commitment outside of the Pac-12, regardless of where he chooses, would be yet another blow to the conference's effort to keep local talent home.
The silver lining? Given that Frazier has yet set a formal commitment date, and Oregon still appears to be strongly in the mix for high school teammates Brandon Baker and Aydin Breland, the Ducks shouldn't be completely counted out just yet.
Overall, however, Lanning has plenty to be proud of on the recruiting trail.
The Ducks' 2024 recruiting class is ranked No. 10 nationally.
Georgia's collection of talent is rated No. 1 - even before the possible incoming additions of five-star prospects Williams and Frazier.
