Good morning, DawgNation! Saturday’s game against Auburn may not have the same season-changing implications fans are used to, but there is still something on the line. The all-time series record for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is currently tied at 55-55-8. UGA has a chance to take the series lead for the first time since 1986, when it held a 42-41-7 advantage over Auburn. For those counting, that is nearly 30 years since UGA led in this rivalry.
I’m sure DawgNation is ready to see that change.
Today’s must-reads
Priority target gives good news after official visit
Demetri Moore, a 6-foot-6, 293-pound offensive line target, took his official visit for last weekend’s Kentucky game. Although it wasn’t a premier weekend, the 4-star lineman came away from his visit impressed. He spoke with DawgNation on Wednesday and provided an update that UGA fans will want to see.
During his visit, Moore had what he called his “initiation to the UGA football family.” What did that initiation entail? I can’t give away the story, but it may have included UGA offensive line coach Rob Sale‘s son trying to take a bite out of Moore.
Moore enjoyed his visit and even noted a distinct advantage that UGA has over its competition. Auburn is among Moore’s other top school’s, but his feelings towards it may be cooling. UGA has the chance to beat Auburn on the field Saturday and in the recruitment of Moore.
Rumors don’t mean much to nation’s No. 1 guard
Fans who feel that last week’s coaching speculation might hurt recruiting can exhale. It’s been a week since the rumor-filled Thursday, and multiple stories have come out showing UGA handled the situation well and recruits aren’t too concerned.
Add Jamaree Salyer to that list. Salyer, the nation’s No. 1 offensive guard prospect for 2018, said his feelings toward UGA didn’t change after the speculation. That’s good news from the state of Georgia’s No. 5 prospect in 2018. Salyer hasn’t officially released his top schools, but UGA has to like where it stands.
His high school coach — who happens to be a former NFL All-Pro — told DawgNation something that is sure to get fans excited about Salyer.
But what about a top commit?
4-star UGA commit Charlie Woerner‘s reaction to the turmoil is exactly what fans want to see. Standing by his commitment, Woerner, a versatile player who can work at both tight end and receiver, said he thinks “it is really kind of silly.”
The 6-foot-5, 235-pound nephew of former UGA All-American Scott Woerner seems a near lock to end up in Athens. He has not wavered since committing shortly after Dawg Night, and his recent comments show how much he wants to go to UGA.
Dominant defender names official visit locations
Brian Burns, a 4-star defensive end prospect, doesn’t know when but he does know where he will take his official visits. UGA is on his list, which includes some of the nation’s top programs.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder is a potential candidate to fill Leonard Floyd‘s role and can wreak havoc on opposing offenses. He’s been credited with 15.5 sacks and 55 tackles through 10 games for American Heritage School (Plantation, Fla.) this season.
UGA has been high on Burns’ list, but Florida is making a late push to keep him in-state. Burns does have a unique connection to UGA’s team, however, and that could help end up making a difference.
UGA basketball team reels in a pair of 4-stars
Wednesday marked the first day of the fall signing period for college basketball. Schools all over the country announced their early signees, and UGA was no exception. Coach Mark Fox has turned UGA into a contender in the SEC, and landed a pair of players who should contribute.
The team will lose two of its starting guards, seniors Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines, after this season. UGA is hoping that the two Top 100 guards who signed with the program on Wednesday will be able to step in and restock the backcourt.
William McFadden covers UGA recruiting for DawgNation and is an SEC multimedia reporter for SECCountry. Give him a follow on Twitter for sports news and opinions you probably won’t agree with.