COMMITMENT: Georgia lands Carlton Madden Jr.
COMMITMENT: Georgia lands Carlton Madden Jr.
Georgia picks up its 17th commitment in the 2022 class as Cedar Grove (Ga.) linebacker Carlton Madden Jr. gave his pledge on Thursday afternoon.
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound EDGE rusher chose the Bulldogs over Colorado, Georgia Tech, Oregon and Ole Miss, among other schools.
Madden originally committed to Colorado in February, which was when the NCAA didnβt allow on-campus visits due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Once those restrictions were lifted early this summer, the three-star started visiting schools and came to Athens and participated in a camp on June 4. Nearly two weeks later, Madden received an offer from Georgia and recommitted from the Buffaloes on June 21.
He earned several other offers over the summer, including ones from Auburn, FAU, Tennessee and Washington State. However, it was widely believed that he would choose the Bulldogs, which he did in the end. Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning was the lead recruiter and hopes that Madden can come in and play outside linebacker for the Bulldogs.
Madden is ranked as the No. 781 overall prospect in the nation, No. 36 EDGE rusher and the No. 79 prospect in Georgia, per the 247Sports Composite. He is expected to get bumped up to a four-star on both Rivals and 247Sports by the end of his senior season.
Scouting Report:
A talented front-seven player with some position ambiguity. Has been deployed as a middle linebacker at different times throughout his prep career, but most likely to emerge as a full-time, stand-up pass rusher in a 3-4 defense at the next level given burst, length and ability to get home. Passes the eye test with a rather moldable frame thatβs pushing 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. Can win more times than not with a powerful swipe of the hands. Understands how to use and find leverage. Serviceable in coverage as longer stride allows him to get outside the hashes and gain depth. Fairly aggressive when he needs to be and will put his shoulder into a ball carrier before wrapping up. Missed pretty much his entire junior season due to transfer rules. Didnβt let the unexpected setback, however, hamper his development as he made plays right away as a senior after impressive showings on the offseason camp circuit. Will need some time to adjust to the speed of the college game, but has the looks of a future starter and a potential impact player at the Power 5 level. - Andrew Irvins, 247Sports
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