Georgia on Thursday night added to an already deep young linebacker crop as five-star class of 2020 prospect Mekhail Sherman committed to coach Kirby Smart's program.
A 6-3, 235-pounder from St. Johns College High School in Washington, D.C., Sherman is rated 2020's No. 2 outside linebacker and the No. 11 prospect in the nation regardless of position, according to the 247Sports' Composite Rankings. He did, however, miss most of his junior season with a torn ACL and will have to show he hasn't lost any agility because of the injury, 247Sports noted.
He'll eventually join early enrollee linebackers from the 2019 class Nakobe Dean (No. 2 ILB in the class of 2019), Rian Davis (No. 5 OLB) and Trezman Marshall (No. 7 ILB).
“Not because they are the best school, not because they have the most draft picks, I chose Georgia because I felt like it was the right fit for me,” Sherman told 247Sports.”I feel like if I am going to be successful as I want to be and I feel like that school is Georgia. I think this team can win national championships, I think this team can mold me into the player I am today and the player I can be in the future.”
According to Sherman, Smart had a big reaction when he told the coach he was coming to Athens.
“He gave me a big hug, a big smile and a bear hug, one of those where he slung me around from side to side, he embraced me and he was proud of my decision,” he said.
Sherman is Georgia's eighth commitment for 2020 that currently is rated ninth in 247Sports' Composite Team Rankings with two five-star prospects, counting Sherman, and six four-star commits.
Below is 247Sports' Scouting Report on Sherman, which includes a player comparison to C.J. Mosley.
Great frame with college-ready size and strength. Carries 234 pounds like 220. Missed nearly all of junior season with torn ACL. Versatile enough to play inside our outside linebacker. Verified 4.53 in 40. Tremendous acceleration and change of direction. Can cover running backs and tight ends. Physical in running game. Quick to diagnose run plays. Moves well in traffic. Disengages and finds ballcarrier quickly. Strong, physical tackler. Able to turn and run in coverage. Has to show he did not lose agility with injury. Consistency needed with drop depths in zone coverage. Impact player at elite college program. First round NFL draft pick potential
