from leatherhelmet Written by downlowdawg
January 20, 2011, will be a big day for the Bulldogs and their hopes in putting the finishing touches on the fabled "Dream Team". Two of the big pieces to that puzzle will be making their announcement in Valdosta, Georgia Thursday evening. With a third, coming by way of Pennsylvania.
Tight End Jay Rome and ATH Malcolm Mitchell will be announcing their choices between Alabama and Georgia, while DE Deion Barnes will announce between Georgia and Penn State.
Rome, will be announcing his decision at 5:30 pm on ESPNU. While Mitchell will be announcing his decision at 7 pm at the Hibachi Grill and Buffet in Valdosta and will be available via 92.1 FM, 1150 AM and 96.1 FM. Barnes will be making his choice at 8 am at Northeast HS in Philadelphia.
A consensus 4-star TE by various media outlets, Rome has long been rumored to be one of the "ring leaders" in recruiting the state's top talent to Athens. Mitchell however, has played things relatively close to the vest throughout the process, leaving little for Bulldog fans to go on.
So where do each of these athletes end up? Here's how I see things:
Jay Rome
Tight end
6-5 255
Under Armour All-American
Will decide between: Alabama and Georgia
Rome has been considered at varying times a heavy Georgia lean. He recently took a official visit to Alabama on the 15th, his only other visit was to the Bulldogs on December 10th. While the Dawgs have good depth at the TE position, Rome is a can't miss recruit for the Bulldogs if they are going to bring the top in-state talent to UGA. Adding a commitment from a guy like Rome could be just what the Bulldogs need in filling out the rest of the class for 2011.
Prediction: Georgia
Confidence: 95%
Why?: "There no doubt that Jay Rome is the ringleader of the dream team," Dickson said. "He's always calling us trying to recruit us to Georgia" - Xzavier Dickson. During the Under Armour game, Dickson picked the Crimson Tide over the Bulldogs. Conventional wisdom would say that Dickson's comments on Rome would be far more telling than anything Jay has said himself.
Malcolm Mitchell
Athlete
6-1 190
Under Armour All-American
Will decide between: Alabama and Georgia
Despite his outspoken abilities, Mitchell has been very quiet during his recruitment. Mitchell took both of his official visits at the same time as Rome on 1/11 and 12/10. For Mitchell his choice could come down to how the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs choose to use him in their respective schemes. Georgia plans to use Mitchell as a WR, where he showcased his abilities at the Under Armour All-American Football Game. While the Tide by all accounts, will use Mitchell in their secondary. Mitchell has said in various reports his preference to play offense, which could prove fatal in Alabama's hopes in landing him.
Prediction: Alabama
Confidence: 50%
Why? Mitchell has not been as outspoken about his choices. During his visit to Alabama Mitchell had some of his questions about how the Tide planned to use him answered. Mitchell told the AJC's Chip Towers about his conversation, “They’re saying whatever I want to do,” Mitchell said. “They’re giving me the option as well.” While both Rome and Mitchell are close friends, each will make their individual choices, I give Bama the edge with Malcolm.
Deion Barnes
Defensive end
6-5 220
Will decide between: Georgia and Penn State with Michigan and Pittsburgh finishing his top-4
Barnes has emerged as one of the names on the Bulldog fans radar when he took his final official visit to Athens on 1/14. The standout defensive end will likely play outside linebacker at Georgia under Todd Grantham. Widely considered to be a Penn State lean, Barnes' visit to Georgia this late in the process could be a huge momentum swing for the Dawgs. The Bulldogs needed to address the depth at the OLB position, where Barnes could contribute right away if he chooses Georgia.
Prediction: Penn State
Confidence: 60%
Why?: Barnes is from Philadelphia, and while Georgia has had success north of the Mason Dixon line, these instances have come few and far between. However, Barnes seems neutral on the idea of playing out of state. While Barnes could make an impact at OLB for the Dawgs, the coaching staff had some headway to make up with him. Typically, after an official visit, information on how the visit went floods the internet. With Barnes, things have been quiet.
