Mecole Hardman, Jr., the nation’s No. 1 athlete, has said he will likely have six small cakes on his signing table instead of the traditional hat grab. He’s down to a Top 7, but that is expected to decrease by one school come Feb. 3.
Hardman still states that Alabama is his leader, but does UGA have a good shot at changing that situation?
It might. Kirby Smart just might have Hardman’s number after all. The dynamic athlete told DawgNation he’s already picked out a potential number at UGA, but has no jersey number in mind if he decided to go to Alabama. That’s interesting.
The Elbert County senior is set to wear No. 4 if he chooses to stay in-state and play at UGA with his 8:30 a.m. ceremony set for this Wednesday.
“If I was to go to Georgia I would definitely be (wearing) number four,” Hardman said. “No doubt about it. I think I would have that number. You know with Keith Marshall leaving Georgia. That number is open.”
Hardman has the impression that the number would be saved for him if he went to UGA.
“I think if I went to Georgia, then it would be number four,” Hardman said. “I know people will say he might try to compare the next Champ Bailey or something like that. I am not going to say anything like that or put myself on a course like that. I know what Champ did at Georgia. That was unbelievable. I’ve seen the highlights of what he did wearing that jersey number. There’s some stuff that he did that nobody I think will be able to duplicate.”
Hardman told DawgNation last Tuesday that that UGA, Ohio State and Tennessee were all within striking distance of Alabama for his final decision.
The five-star prospect can shine on both sides of the ball and in the return game on Saturdays. He said that UGA has really put its foot on the gas pedal with his recruitment over the last two weeks.
The nation’s No. 13 overall prospect also added that the silent commitment he hoped to make during his senior season could also happen this week.
Want to see what the fuss is about with Hardman? There are two options today.
1) Check out Hardman’s impressive highlight reel below
2) Check out the Livestream of the U.S. Under-19 National team in the International Bowl. Hardman and a team of his peers will take on Canada beginning at 3 p.m (CST) from Texas.
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.
