The Bulldogs acquired a top recruit in the Class of 2025 from their own state.
Georgia does not have to go far to strengthen the Great Wall of Georgia.
Cortez Smith of nearby Parkview (Ga.) has committed to Georgia, he announced on Saturday. Smith choose the Bulldogs over Georgia Tech, Miami, and South Carolina.
The Peach State star told Georgia coaches he planned to be a Bulldog on his final official visit from June 21-23, according to Dawg247.
“I told them on the formal visit. They were like, Finally. “They were like, ‘We wanted you, we needed you, and it turned into something great,'” Smith explained. “I considered the advantages and cons. Georgia is more concerned with your well-being, ensuring that you have the necessary training to advance to your desired destination.”
Cortez Smith, a four-star offensive tackle, emerged as an in-state standout as he began high school. By the end of his recruitment, nearly all of the top programs had pursued him, including the final four of Georgia, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, and Miami.
Finally, Georgia’s push began in earnest at the Georgia-Tennessee game in 2023, when Smith received the Bulldogs’ long-awaited commitment offer. From that point forward, Georgia was the side to beat and would be nearly impossible to defeat.
It was only a matter of time until he traveled for his official visit in June.
“When they specialized the meetings to cover everything, nutrition, education, etc. “It wasn’t just everyone in the room telling me why they wanted me,” he explained. “They took me to go experience a meal plan right now, what I would look like coming in and what they’ll make me.”
Smith, one of Georgia’s top offensive linemen, acknowledged the hometown advantage influenced his final decision.
“It’s just the community. I have people rallying behind me since I am already in Georgia. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a Georgia emblem,” Smith explained.
Smith is ranked as the nation’s No. 10 interior offensive lineman and the No. 27 player in Georgia. According to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings, he is the country’s No. 185 overall prospect.
Smith can play any of Georgia’s three interior offensive line positions at the next level, but he’ll most likely be the center choice in the 2025 class.
Smith becomes the xxth commitment to the 2025 class. Georgia presently has 21 pledges in the Class of 2025, for an overall team score of 287.56. That’s good enough to keep them in third place, trailing just Alabama and Oregon. Smith joins Dontrell Glover and Mason Short in the Bulldogs’ offensive line class.
