Georgia football adds crucial CB to its 2023 recruiting class

On Sunday, Georgia football got good news from 4-star cornerback Chris Peal as he picked the Dawgs over Michigan, South Carolina, and a few other schools. The Dawgs already got an elite 2024 member this week, but adding Peal is like adding that piece of the puzzle that elevates this class to another level.

Defensive backs coach Fran Brown and co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp did a great job convincing Peal that Georgia is the place he should attend. Those two are some of the best recruiters in the country, and picking up this elite corner proves that.

Georgia may have missed out on one of the best in-state corners, but Peal is a great addition that truly gives this 2023 secondary group some bragging rights. Georgia has once again got a top-notch secondary recruiting class, and it’s great to see.

Peal is a guy that has the personality, work ethic, and talent to become a contributing member of this elite defense. The way he plays fits in perfectly with the Georgia culture, so getting him in this class is a big win for the Dawgs.

Georgia football adds a 4-star cornerback that plays with a purpose

According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Peal is the No.184 overall player, the No. 19 corner and the No. 7 player out of North Carolina. He is super fast and twitchy. That speed has to be in the 4.4-4.3 40-yard dash range. Peal also runs track and has several 100-meter times as a junior under 11 seconds. His 247Sports profile says he had a season-best 10.78 time as a junior.

That speed is something Georgia could use in the secondary. While there are already quick guys back there, it’s something that only helps the Dawgs. Look at Malaki Starks’ speed and how it’s helped the Dawgs out this season — I know Starks is a safety, and this is a different position, but speed is speed.

Last season, Peal recorded 56 tackles, 17 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He also plays on the offensive side of the ball, recording 111 carries for 682 yards and nine scores on the ground. Peal had 22 catches for 183 yards and two touchdowns as well.

This season, through nine games, he has 67 rushes for 508 yards, averaging 7.6 yards a touch and seven touchdowns. He also has 22 catches for 301 yards and three scores. On the defensive side of the ball, Peal has 27 tackles, 10 pass breakups and one blocked field goal.

At 6-0 and 175-pounds, he could add some weight to his frame, but that is something Georgia can do when he gets to campus. Peal is great in coverage, and his hands are quick, which helps him in those one-on-one situations. He has a tremendous tackling technique and knows how to gain leverage on the edge to force plays inside. Peal’s got impeccable vision on the field, can make plays on the ball, and likes to play aggressively. He could work on his back peddling and flipping those hips, but those things will get fixed with Brown and Muschamp coaching him in Athens.

Once he adds some weight and strength to his frame, Peal will end up being a nasty defensive back. Peal has all the qualities that make up an elite corner, so this pickup is really exciting.

He took visits to North Carolina State, Michigan and South Carolina in September. Peal came on an official visit to Georgia back in June, so for a while, it was up in the air if the Dawgs had a shot. Well, it was clear they made an impact on him, which led to him making this decision.

Peal joins these secondary players 5-star corner AJ Harris, 4-star safety Joenel Aguero, 4-star cornerback Daniel Harris and 4-star corner Justyn Rhett. That group is downright impressive when you look at it on paper and are adding some much-needed depth to the Dawgs’ secondary. 

His decision to commit to the Dawgs gives Georgia 22 members in the 2023 class. The Dawgs are No. 2 overall and in the SEC behind Alabama. At one point, fans didn’t know what this 2023 class would look like, but right now it’s shaping into another top-three class for head coach Kirby Smart and company.