Georgia/Georgia Tech football recruiting: Bulldogs still pursue their top two remaining targets, Josh Harvey-Clemons and Avery Young; Yellow Jackets get more solidified

With national signing day less than a week away, Georgia’s coaching staff could be in store for an unusual supply of tense moments.

As many as seven 2012 recruits plan to make a final decision Wednesday, setting up a make-or-break couple of hours for the Bulldogs’ class.

The top two targets, linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons and offensive lineman Avery Young, remain uncommitted.

Coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo visited Harvey-Clemons, a five-star player according to Scout.com, in Valdosta on Wednesday, attending a service at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with the Clemons family.

Young, of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Georgia and nearby Miami still on his list.

But several prospects committed to others schools still are considering Georgia.

A defensive end from Tucker, Josh Dawson committed to Vanderbilt in June, but he still is listening to the Georgia coaches’ sales pitch. He will announce his decision 9 a.m. Wednesday at Tucker High.

Tennessee native Sheldon Dawson is a Memphis pledge, but the cornerback has been said to be favoring the Bulldogs.

“Georgia is still up there in my opinion and the team to beat,” Scout.com recruiting analyst Chad Simmons said.

King High defensive end Kenderius Whitehead shocked many Jan. 18 with his verbal commitment to North Carolina State. However, the 6-foot-4, 212-pound three-star still is considering Clemson and Georgia and could switch his intended destination.

Sandy Creek wide receiver JaQuay Williams took an official visit to Athens last weekend but remains committed to Auburn. Coaches from Georgia and Auburn have visited the Williams’ home this week, and his final decision most likely won’t be known until Wednesday, Simmons said.

Five-star junior college wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson plans to wait until signing day to finalize his recruitment. Patterson, who had 61 catches for 924 yards in 2011 at Hutchinson Community College, is considering Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi and Tennessee.

“A big, strong target who is a mismatch waiting to happen on the outside because of his ability to go over smaller receivers, Patterson has prototype size (6-4, 202 pounds) and leaping ability,” Scout.com national analyst Scott Kennedy said.

Georgia could sign any, all or none of these prospects as the 2012 recruiting cycle winds down -- establishing potential for a wild finish on signing day.

Tech more solidified

Meanwhile in Atlanta, recruiting is more solidified for Georgia Tech.

Punter Ryan Rodwell, of Deland, Fla., quietly committed Jan. 22 to the Yellow Jackets. Rodwell filled a position of need and was the 17th verbal commitment in a class that was already crunched for numbers. The Yellow Jackets have room for only a few more recruits.

Bret Niederreither could fill one of the last remaining spots. The defensive end from Lewisberry Pa., is travelling to Atlanta this weekend for an official visit. Penn State, Temple and Wake Forest are fighting the Yellow Jackets to sign him.

Georgia Tech coaches placed an emphasis on the defensive line in this class and have had success. Pat Gamble (Carrollton, Ga.), Francis Kallon (Lawrenceville, Ga.) and Roderick Chungong (Olney, Md.) create a strong trio already committed along the line.

Another defensive lineman Georgia Tech and Georgia are in play for, Henry County’s Dalvin Tomlinson, is said to be leaning to Alabama.

“All signs point at Alabama now when talking Dalvin Tomlinson,” Simmons said. “I have heard they will have room, so, in my opinion, he signs with Alabama.”

Tomlinson is the top-rated remaining recruit on Georgia Tech’s board.