In many ways, the Yellow Jackets from Georgia Tech have been the most pleasant on-field surprise in Georgia college football this year. And, after last week, the Jackets may deserve the very same declaration off the field as well, as in a flurry Tech landed commitments from an astonishing four prep athletes over a two-day span. With the new additions, the Jackets now have an impressive total of 16 pledges for the Class of 2009.
The Jackets began the hot streak last Tuesday, a day that saw the school earn an avalanche-like three commitments alone. First, Valdosta offensive guard Antonio Foster joined the Tech ranks, choosing the Yellow Jackets over offers from South Carolina, South Florida and Tennessee. According to Rivals.com, the 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman is a three-star recruit and the 31st-ranked guard in the country.
Interestingly, the recent resignation of Tennessee head coach Philip Fulmer played a big part in Foster’s decision, as the newest Yellow Jacket was formerly committed to Fulmer and the Volunteers.
“I was going to Tennessee and much of it was because I wanted to play for Coach Fulmer,” Foster explained in recent interview with Rivals.com’s Jamie Newberg. “Now that Fulmer is gone I don’t think I want to wait things out.”
According to Foster, even when he committed to Tennessee, Georgia Tech was a close second and he is now comfortable with his choice.
“They have a great team and Georgia Tech is a great place with a great environment. I think I fit in well with what they do.”
Joining Foster in the Tuesday flurry was Phenix City (Ala.) running back Orwin Smith, who chose the Jackets over offers from Southern Mississippi, Vanderbilt, Alabama, Auburn and Clemson, among others. As a junior, the 6-foot, 190-pound Smith rushed for 1,278 yards to along with 12 touchdowns while he again eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark this year as well, this time with 18 touchdowns.
According to Smith’s interview with Newberg, the three-star recruit’s reason for selecting Georgia Tech was multifaceted.
“I love the environment there and I love the city [of Atlanta],” Smith said. “I have been to games at Georgia Tech as well. It’s not too far from home but there seems to be a nice distance. It’s a great school with great academics. I get along with all the coaches there very well.”
Within hours of landing the speedy, powerful Smith, Tech received good news in the form of a pledge from the speedy and powerful Stephen Hill, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound receiver from Miller Grove. Hill, formerly a UCF commitment, is a member of our 2008 All-County team after finishing the season with over 500 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.
As for why the three-star recruit had a change of heart, here is what Hill had to say in a recent sit-down with Rivals.com’s Mike Farrell: “For one, it was close to home and I was really looking forward to the academics, too,” Hill said. “People say they don’t throw the ball with the triple option but they throw the ball.”
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
On Wednesday, Carver-Atlanta running back Demond Dennis became the fifth player to commit to Georgia Tech in a 24-hour span. The 5-foot-9, 188-pound three-star recruit chose Tech over offers from Illinois, Louisville and Auburn, among others.
In Dennis, the Jackets receive a shifty back that lacks size and top speed, but one that possesses tremendous vision and balance.
Janovitz can be reached at sjanovitz@scoreatl.com.
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