Nigel Warrior, a 4-star safety from Metro Atlanta, does not appear to be a strong candidate to play football for UGA at this time.
That’s according to a few thoughts from his mother, Tangie Warrior. She told SEC Country’s Chuck Kingsbury where things currently stand with her son and UGA.
The good: It appears his last official visit will come down to a trip to UGA or Auburn
The bad: It seems Kirby Smart has not become a vital figure in Warrior’s recruitment.
Tangie Warrior said the family has either been in contact with Smart or with new UGA defensive coordinator Mel Tucker. Those two have had whirlwind schedules of late but there has been a line of communication with one or the other.
“I think they have quite a few things on their plate being that they just took over the position,” Tangie Warrior said. “His relationship with Kirby had always been pretty much strong since he was at Alabama. Right now, I think it kind of has, in my opinion, died a little bit. Whereas the relationship with Tucker has grown. They’re in there, but it’s not like before the coaching change. Nothing is as strong as it was.”
That continues a hit-and-miss track record for UGA with the Peachtree Ridge standout. Warrior went nearly a year between UGA visits prior to his senior season. He also told SEC Country earlier this month he didn’t have the best relationship with former UGA defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
Smart’s hire was supposed to help. Another positive factor was bringing in Tucker to be the new defensive coordinator at UGA. He coached the defensive backs at Alabama this season.
Chad Clay, a Peachtree Ridge classmate, has already enrolled early at UGA. Breon Dixon, another Peachtree Ridge teammate, is already committed to join the Class of 2017 at UGA.
It appears UGA has not built on that momentum.
Warrior, a U.S. Army All-American, would make a difference in the secondary. The 4-star prospect is among the top five safeties in America this year by anyone’s evaluation.
The son of 13-year NFL veteran Dale Carter is also a Tennessee legacy. Alabama, LSU and Tennessee all appear to be ahead of UGA and Auburn at this time. Warrior still has a strong recruiting relationship with Nick Saban and defensive line coach Bo Davis at Alabama.
SEC Country’s Chuck Kingsbury contributed to this report Unless otherwise indicated, player rankings and ratings are from the 247Sports Composite.
Jeff Sentell covers UGA football and UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.
