Closer look at Georgia's 2010 recruiting class

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SIGNEES

Starters lost

1 6

Offense Defense

Top needs

n Wide receiver

n Offensive line

n Defensive line

Georgia did well to land defensive tackle Mike Thornton, who could fill the nose tackle role in Todd Grantham’s new 3-4 scheme. Georgia landed two solid offensive line recruits in Brent Benedict and late addition Kenarious Gates.

Thornton’s late decision helped, but most of the surprises were disappointments. The departure of Rogers marked the fourth departure of a one-time commitment when Rogers chose Tennessee over the Bulldogs.

Odds are, Georgia won’t land another elite recruit this year after signing day. Last year, Orson Charles and Kwame Geathers arrived late, but, this time around, the Bulldogs likely have completed their haul and will play with the cast they already have in place. Some position changes among current players — such as Richard Samuel to linebacker — may help fill in a few holes.

For the first time since Mark Richt’s first year at Georgia (2001), the Bulldogs were ranked outside the top 10 classes in the nation by Rivals. This year’s crop ranks 15th at the end of signing day according to the recruiting service, fifth-best among SEC schools. ESPN rates Georgia higher, ninth overall and fourth in the SEC. Scout has the Bulldogs rated the lowest, coming in 19th nationally and seventh among SEC schools. Also of note, receiver Lonnie Outlaw is expected to play next season at Georgia Military despite signing with Georgia.

Player Hometown (high school) Pos. Ht. Wt.

Jakar Hamilton Edgefield, SC (Ga. Military College) FS 6-2 196

Hamilton is a junior college transfer already enrolled at Georgia and could be an immediate starter in 2010. He has a reputation as a big hitter.

Alec Ogletree Newnan (Newnan) S 6-3 215

Ogletree is Georgia’s top recruit, possessing speed and size. He will begin his college career at safety, where he could compete for a job right away, but he also could bulk up and find a home at linebacker.

Garrison Smith Atlanta (Douglas) DL 6-3 250

Smith has the potential to be a star, but he will need to add some bulk if he wants to stay on the interior line in the 3-4. Regardless, he looks to be a strong pass rusher and tough against the run, making him a candidate for early playing time with the departure of some veteran linemen from the 2009 squad.

T.J. Stripling Decatur (Southwest Dekalb) DE 6-6 215

Stripling could be poised for an immediate transition to outside linebacker in Georgia’s new 3-4 scheme, and his size and strength could put him in position for some big results sooner rather than later.

Player Hometown (high school) Pos. Ht. Wt.

Demetre Baker Orange Park, Fla. (Orange Park) LB 6-0 200

Brent Benedict Jacksonville, Fla. (The Bolles School) OL 6-5 273

Michael Bennett Alpharetta (Alpharetta) WR 6-3 186

Brandon Burrows Marietta (Walton) DE 6-3 240

Marc Deas Kissimmee, Fla. (Osceola) S 6-1 185

Jalen Fields Dalton (Dalton) DE 6-5 250

Kenarious Gates Grantville (Greenville) OL 6-5 300

Kolton Houston Buford (Buford) OL 6-5 270

Ken Malcolme Decatur (Southwest Dekalb) RB 6-0 212

Hutson Mason Marietta (Lassiter) QB 6-3 190

Dexter Morant Manning, S.C. (Manning) DE 6-7 240