Devin Cochran admits that he gave UGA a second thought after E.J. Price, an offensive tackle from Archer, de-committed from the Bulldogs in June.

But was the 6-foot-7, 305-pound tackle, who is now committed to Vanderbilt, really considering the Bulldogs? He let out a laugh before answering.

“I really talked to my parents about it but I think by then, I was already really into Vanderbilt,” Cochran said.

Cochran, a 3-star offensive lineman from Greater Atlanta Christian, says his interest in UGA dissipated as more offensive lineman committed to the Bulldogs.

“I love UGA,” Cochran told the AJC. “I like UGA a lot. But what happened with Georgia was they filled up with E.J. Price. When he committed, and Ben Cleveland committed and more guys started committing, they just filled up positions.”

Ultimately, Cochran narrowed down his list to three programs: Tennessee, Miami and Vanderbilt. Interestingly enough, Vanderbilt wasn’t even on his radar until he visited Tennessee last season.

“Honestly, I didn’t see it coming,” Cochran said. “I went to Tennessee the day before for a game. And I went to Vanderbilt the next day. At first, I wasn’t really looking into them that much. It was a huge eye-opener academically.”

Cochran says the the lure of playing in the SEC paired with Vanderbilt’s academics allowed him to make the decision.

“I realize it’s the SEC, so, you play in the hardest conference,” he said. “You’re still going against top-tier guys. Either way, if you don’t come out and try to go to the NFL, you still have a great future ahead of you with a Vanderbilt degree.”

Cochran told the AJC that he still hears from both Miami and Tennessee, but don’t expect a mid-season shakeup.

“I’m really solid on my commit,” Cochran said. “Honestly, I can’t see myself de-committing and all of that. I really enjoy Vanderbilt. I’m built on it.”