Trey Sermon is Georgia’s top running back for 2017, but some consider him the best back in the state, period.

The 4-star running back from Sprayberry High School is the No. 4 running back nationally in his class, and already holds 23 offers, including one from the Georgia Bulldogs.

“I talked to Coach (Thomas) Brown,” Sermon responded when asked if he’d been contacted recently by UGA. “I’ve talked to him a few times. We’re just still building a relationship and I’m going to visit again.”

Sermon impressed UGA coaches at July’s Dawg Night prospect camp, and his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame figures to translate to the next level very well.

The Bulldogs have become a running back factory over the past few years, and now Brown, a great UGA back in his own time, has the Bulldogs in the running for Sermon. Could Brown help turn Sermon into the next star player for UGA?

“He’s a great coach,” Sermon said. “I feel like he would definitely push me, make me work harder, and he’s really a good guy. Good character.”

Surely one of Georgia’s top high school players would attend a game at the state’s resident SEC East power this year, right?

“I will definitely see a game this fall, but I haven’t really decided which one yet,” Sermon answered.

As one of Georgia’s best running backs, Sermon is no stranger to the name Elijah Holyfied, another highly coveted 4-star running back that UGA has its sights on.

Sermon gave a measured response when asked if his thoughts on UGA would change should Holyfield decide to commit to the in-state Bulldogs on Sept. 4.

“It’ll definitely be something that I would look into, but I would still just take it slow and just keep working on building relationships to make sure I make the right decision.”

Unfortunately, Holyfield isn’t the only potential obstacle for the Bulldogs when it comes to winning Sermon’s services.

Said Sermon: “The schools that are recruiting me the hardest are Tennessee, Auburn, Florida and Ohio State.”

In fact, Ohio State seems to be high on the back’s list.

“My biggest offer would probably have to be Ohio State,” he said.

The thought of Ohio State poaching one of Georgia’s top players would be appalling to almost anyone with SEC pride, but Sermon kept mentioning the reigning national champions.

“The best thing I’ve heard was from Ohio State,” Sermon answered when asked which coach’s comments stuck with him the most. “He said that although I’m a really good back, the thing he evaluates on is what you do once you get to the second level. I think that was a really big thing because anybody can just get three or four yards, but it matters what you do after.”

Sermon even named Ezekiel Elliot as the player whose game he most closely resembles due to his “explosiveness” and ability to “make people miss.”

The good news for Georgia fans is that there is still plenty of time for UGA to continue to build a relationship with the dynamic running back. When the Bulldogs’ coaching staff turns their sites towards a prospect, it can be difficult to resist. Just ask the nation’s No. 1 tight end Isaac Nauta.

As for Sermon, he seems happy to be playing high school ball again, and open to what his recruitment may bring.

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