Dawn of the Dawg
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Recent Georgia Football recruiting battles against Auburn

By Alistair Penny

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Javon Wims #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs attempts to catch a pass in front of defensive back Carlton Davis #6 of the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver Javon Wims #6 of the Georgia Bulldogs attempts to catch a pass in front of defensive back Carlton Davis #6 of the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers reacts during the game against the Texas
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 08: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers reacts during the game against the Texas /

Did Auburn even have a shot at Justin Fields?

Perhaps the biggest recruiting battle between these two schools this year was for the nations no.1 player. When Justin Fields de-committed from Penn State in the summer, both schools were considered to be heavily in the mix.

Auburn was considered an early favorite for a few reasons. Firstly, besides Jarrett Stidham, they had no other serious QB on their roster. Then there was the fact that Fields is mentored by none other than Cam Newton. Fields also plays on Newton’s 7-on-7 team. Add in the fact that Gus Malzahn still has a reputation in the media as a QB Guru and they were thought to be a leader.

Georgia was initially believed to be a long shot thanks to the 2 5-stars QB currently on the roster. But in the end, they won over. According to Fields, there really wasn’t another school that was really in the picture.

Fields is probably the biggest recruiting win for Kirby Smart so far. His commitment changed the way UGA was perceived by a lot of people. If Auburn had been able to win this battle, it could have really changed both programs. Fields is another transcendent talent at QB much like Newton. Georgia had to have him and the fact that they do, speaks volumes to how this recruiting rivalry is changing.

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