Georgia football: no. 3 safety gets the Dawgs back on track

After a rough week for Georgia football recruiting, the no. 3 ranked safety Lewis Cline changed the Bulldog’s fortune Wednesday afternoon.

I guess it’s not time to panic about Georgia football recruiting after all. Lewis Cline, the no. 3 safety in America according to 247 Sports, committed to Georgia on Wednesday. He is the ninth four-star prospect to commit to Georgia, and the no. 5 prospect in the Dawgs’ 2019 class.

Cline is a resident of Cedar Hill, Texas and he attends Trinity Christian. He denies offers from Penn State, Florida, Michigan and of course in-state Texas with his decision to attend the University of Georgia.

His choice to come to Athens also deals a big recruiting blow to Texas A&M who currently leads the national recruiting rankings. Alabama also jumped Georgia during a week where the Dawgs lost three commitments. Georgia is ranked no. 3.

Cline told 247 Sports that his decision to attend Georgia was multi-facetted. He wants to play for a championship contender that puts players in the NFL. But he also wanted to go somewhere that made him feel comfortable. Top of the line education was also on his list of requirements.

"“I committed because I felt comfortable there. I always want the best of both worlds which is football and the educational aspect that they provide… I like the environment. True, there are other places that are big-time. But that does not mean anything to me. It is where I would feel comfortable. Down there, I can vibe with these people. I can relax.”"

Cline also heaped praise on to the Georgia coaching staff, especially defensive coördinator Mel Tucker. Nick Williams, Bacarri Rambo and Head Coach Kirby Smart also played a large role in Cline’s decision.

"“I like the coaching staff. When I am with the coaches, it is not just football. We really sit down, laugh, and joke about things. They know when to be laid-back and when to talk about business. Coach Tuck, Coach Kirby, they had a resume that you could not find, from any other coach. Coach Tuck, he coached in the league and he put guys in the league. Coach Kirby, the same thing. So I felt like they could use me in the best way.”"

The SEC was also on the list of things he praised. He welcomes the smashmouth SEC style. And he also loves the fact that in the SEC, every game is a big game, regardless of if Georgia is playing LSU or if they’re playing Vanderbilt. Cline plans on enrolling early and getting to work immediately on earning playing time in 2019. In high school, he is a great all around safety who can cover and blitz.

As we’ve come to know in the Kirby Smart era, one commitment is usually followed by a few more. Tyrique Stevenson, the no. 5 cornerback, may be the next commitment. He’s expected to take the place of no. 18 CB Jalen Perry who decommitted last week. Or No. 1 inside linebacker Nakobe Dean may commit next. He could replace no. 16 OLB J.D. Bertrand, the final decommitment from last week.