Georgia Bulldogs 2015 O-Line Now Bigger With Commitment From Mirko Jurkovic (Video)

The Georgia Bulldogs recruiting trail is on fire as the Dawgs picked up class of 2015 offensive Lineman Mirko Jurkovic on Monday. Jurkovic has good football genes  as his father was a University of Notre Dame All-American.

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Who will the Georgia Bulldogs quarterback be this upcoming season? This inquiry has become all too common among Georgia coaches, players, and fans alike and there still seems to be no clear answer. One thing that is now for certain, though, is that whoever assumes the reins in leading the Dawgs from the quarterback position will have a little more protection from the offensive line.

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The Bulldogs picked up a surprise 2015 OL commit on Monday from Mirko Jurkovic. Jurkovic had originally committed to play for Urban Meyer at Ohio State. That commitment was negated, though, as he encountered some academic issues which resulted in him not being able to enroll and play for the Buckeyes. Following this news, Jurkovic considered playing for his father’s alma mater, Notre Dame, the University of Florida, and the Georgia Bulldogs. His decision to go ahead and commit to the University of Georgia is unique in that he has never even stepped foot on the campus in “The Classic City”.

So what exactly helped Jurkovic make the decision to pick UGA over the other schools who were vying to land the offensive lineman?

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The South Bend, Indiana, native told Michael Carvell of the AJC.com that a telephone conversation he had with UGA head Coach Mark Richt led to him to commit without hesitation. Richt explained to Jurkovic that he would be admitted in Athens if he should choose to come there and Jurkovic replied that “he was coming to Georgia.” Family involvement also played a key role in his decision to come to the “Peach State” as he discussed the decision with his uncle who told him to “finish it as soon as possible”.

Perhaps one of the biggest factors that led to his decision was UGA offensive line coach Rob Sale’s pre-existing relationship with the massive lineman. Sale had first reached out to Jurkovic last December following his de-commitment from Nebraska. Coach Sale’s most recent push to land the massive figure from the “Hoosier State” seems to be what sealed the deal for the Dawgs.

Jurkovic elaborated on Sale’s influence on reeling him into Athens by stating again to Carvell, “Coach Sale seemed like a great guy to be around – a great coach. He said that they needed some linemen. I felt good about Coach Sale when we talked in December. He said he loved my tape and wanted to get me on a visit. I already had a relationship with him, so I’m excited to play for him now.”

Regardless of the circumstances that led to Jurkovic not being able to attend Ohio State, the Buckeyes’ loss is UGA’s gain. There is no question that Coach Sale is salivating and giddy over landing such a powerful presence like the one Jurkovic will exhibit for the Dawgs on the offensive front this upcoming season draws nearer.

Jurkovic is not exactly tiny to say the least, coming in at 6-5, 275. The product of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, has uncanny versatility, plays with high intensity, has exceptional footwork, and has the ability to overpower his opponents. The 3-Star prospect is listed as the 52nd overall OG and the 106th overall prospect in the state of Indiana for the 2016 Class per 247Sports.com Composite Rankings.

Jurkovic has not been bankrupt in the department of offers either, receiving the chance to play at powerhouse NCAA programs such as Ohio State, Nebraska, Florida, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and South Carolina. While Jurkovic is now committed to the Dawgs, he does still plan to take part in an official visit to Athens on July 13-14. Jurkovic will not be able to attend summer classes as a result of this commitment decision coming so late. He has plans in place to join the UGA unit for the start of training camp on Aug. 2.

For an inside look at what the Dawgs are getting with Jurkovic check out his highlight video below from Hudl.com.

Mirko Jurkovic Senior Highlights – HUDL

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