BREAKING: 3-star flips commitment from UGA to UNC

UGA is now down to 16 commits in this year’s recruiting class.

Garrett Walston, a 3-star tight end from New Hanover (N.C.), told the AJC’s DawgNation.com that he flipped his commitment to North Carolina.

“It’s closer to my family and home,” Walston said.

When asked if it was a mutual decision from both parties to part ways, Walson said “I guess.”

The Bulldogs now have zero commits at the tight end position, but UGA looks to be the clear leader to land the nation’s No. 1 tight end, 5-star Isaac Nauta. Did that cause Walston to rethink his commitment?

“No sir,” Walston said.

Nauta will announce his commitment on Jan. 9 at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

If UGA were to not land Nauta, the Bulldogs have a commitment from 4-star Charlie Woerner of Rabun County. Woerner could potentially play tight end for UGA. The Bulldogs are also in the race to land 4-star tight end Jacob Mathis of Berkeley Prep (Tampa, Fla.).

UNC head coach Larry Fedora reacted to the news on Twitter:

Heel Yeah

— Larry Fedora (@CoachFedora) October 9, 2015

And to add to the speculation that UGA is in good shape to land Nauta, here’s UGA’s Director of Player Personnel:

We're gonna be just fine ?

— Todd Hartley (@coach_thartley) October 9, 2015