There’s another name who’s not on any of the current prospect watch lists or Big Boards that could very well be a part of UGA’s 2016 signing class. Gary McRae, the program’s only football signee from last year who didn’t qualify, appears on track to join the Bulldogs for next season.
The former 4-star linebacker is trying to blitz through three semesters of junior college after leaving Randolph-Clay High School early last spring. McRae is on track to qualify to become a part of UGA’s 2016 signing class.
According to his new coaches at East Mississippi Community College, McRae is on the same path followed by former North Gwinnett defensive lineman Dante Sawyer. Sawyer enrolled this summer at South Carolina after spending only 14 months and one football season at EMCC. By going on the fast track, Sawyer will have three seasons to play in the SEC rather than two.
“He’s (McRae) still 100 percent with Georgia over here,” East Mississippi defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley said. “… He’s had to take this time here obviously to get his grades in line, but if you talk to him every day all he ever talks about is Georgia.”
EMCC has a program that typically sees 21-22 players enroll hoping to gain eligibility after three semesters.
“We’re averaging graduating 17 to 18 of those guys after their third semester,” Lesley said.
Lesley said McRae is on track to graduate in May of 2016. He said McRae recorded a 3.5 grade-point average during the summer semester. Lesley said he’ll need a “great fall” to stay on target to return to UGA. He defined that it would mean a 3.0 average.
McRae must have a 2.5 average after 63 hours at EMCC in order to enroll at UGA. Lesley said that will give him four years to play three seasons. Lesley said UGA projects McRae as an outside linebacker.
Jeff Sentell covers 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.
