Georgia football: Georgia Pickens is a want, not a need

Georgia football is chasing hard after a top 5-star receiver in Georgia Pickens, but count me as one guy who doesn’t see him as a need in the 2019 class.

I know that people love stars when it comes to recruiting. George Pickens is one of the most exciting players in the 2019 recruiting class. He’s a 5-star receiver on every single recruiting website for a good reason. He’s an explosive playmaker who should light up the next level. That being said, while Georgia football continues to battle for his commitment, I for one still don’t see him as a need in the 2019 recruiting class. In fact, I think he’s a luxury that UGA really does not need.

The main reason that I want Georgia to sign Pickens is simply. To keep him away from Auburn. When you watch his tape, it’s pretty clear that he’s going to be good at the next level. He’s an explosive playmaker who has the ability to score pretty much any time he touches the ball.  That being said, I don’t think that is something that Georgia desperately needs in 2019. Don’t believe me. Just check out the playmakers already on UGA’s roster.

Demetris Robertson, Jeremiah Holloman, Kearis Jackson, Tommy Bush, and freshman Dominick Blaylock. All five of those guys are explosive playmakers in one form or another at the receiver position. Throw in James Cook who I really think should get more time in the slot next year and you’ve got weapons everywhere right now at receiver.

I’d feel differently about Pickens if there weren’t serious concerns about his grades. There seem to be reports pretty much everywhere that despite his talent, this is a player that might not make it into Georgia. That’s the thing that really scares me off right now. As much as I want another playmaker, I don’t want one who ends up playing at a JUCO school in 2019. You then have to continue to focus efforts on recruiting him again because other schools will be all over him in 2020/2021.

I guess my point is that if Pickens chooses UGA, I’ll be happy, but I’ll also be worried. The last thing I want is Georgia expending all of that energy and effort on a guy only to see him failing to make the academic requirements. Would I like him to play in Athens, sure? Am I prepared to take the risk… Probably not. Then again, I don’t know anywhere near as much about his situation as Kirby Smart and if he does choose UGA, I’ll trust that he’s going to get his grades. Still, this story probably have a few more twists and turns before it ends and that’s why if he chooses Auburn, I won’t be crying into my beer on signing day.