UGA add another 4-star recruit to class

Cornerback decides to skip senior year to become Bulldog.

ATHENS — Suddenly, there were 30.

That’s how many new players have signed to be Georgia Bulldogs in the Class of 2022. The Bulldogs added one more name Monday when cornerback Marcus Washington, a four-star recruit and commitment for Georgia’s Class of 2023, announced he had reclassified and would come to UGA a year early.

Washington, who played at Grovetown High School near Augusta, becomes the fifth defensive back and fourth cornerback in Georgia’s ’22 class, which was ranked No. 3 in the nation by 247Sports before his addition.

“I just wanted to get there to that amazing program they have and just continue to build on that relationship with the coaching staff,” Washington told Rusty Mansell of 247Sports. “I am just ready to be a part of it because it is an amazing thing going on up there. I can train and develop right now; who would not want to be a part of that?”

This move apparently has been in the works for a while. Washington made his official visit to UGA last weekend. He has been committed to the Bulldogs since May 15, 2021.

Georgia fans should recognize Washington’s name. His father, Marcus Washington, signed with the Bulldogs in 2005 and played linebacker under coach Mark Richt. The elder Washington is the defensive coordinator and strength-and-conditioning coach at Grovetown, where his son starred in football the past three years.

Washington made the announcement by posting a well-produced, 84-second video of him working out and going through his daily motions at Grovetown High and in prospect camps. In the background is Washington’s voice explaining his decision to come to college early. “After consulting with my family, and with deep consideration and thoughtful prayer, I have decided to forgo my senior year of high school football and reclassify to the Class of 2022 and begin my playing career as a Georgia Bulldog. I’m excited for the opportunity to get on campus early and start working with Coach (Kirby) Smart, Coach Fran (Brown), Coach (Glenn) Schumann, Coach (Will) Muschamp and the rest of the coaching staff. Although this is the end of my high school journey, I’m excited about the new chapter in my life I’m starting in Athens. It keeps me on a continued journey to greatness. Go Dawgs!”