Early Signing Day: Georgia lands 5-star Damon Wilson
Early Signing Day: Georgia lands 5-star Damon Wilson
The tug-of-war between Georgia and Ohio State over 5-star edge Damon Wilson has finally ended.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end announced his commitment to UGA on Wednesday.
Wilson is the nation’s No. 13 overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle. He’s also the nation’s No. 2 edge rusher and the No. 4 player out of the state of Florida, per the 247Sports Composite.
Georgia outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe is credited with helping land Wilson. The two developed a relationship since he was hired by Kirby Smart earlier this year.
The Sunshine State native played at Venice High School. The Indians went 9-4 this past season, and Wilson helped them to a state championship game. He totaled 94 tackles, a team-high 10.0 sacks, nine quarterback hurries and a pass deflection this year.
In 2021, Wilson was named the Herald-Tribune Defensive Player of The Year. He totaled a school-record 15 sacks and a team-high 23 tackles for loss en route to the Florida 8A state title. Wilson also had 25 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a pick-six, which came against Apopka in the state championship game.
Per 247Sports, Wilson took an official visit to Ohio State on Sept. 3 and to Georgia on Oct. 7. He was crystal-balled to commit to the Bulldogs by the 247Sports staff on Dec. 17.
Scouting Report: One of the best pure pass rushers in the class of 2023. Can not only win with his initial burst but is also skilled at chopping, dipping, and ripping his way around the corner. Measurements are a bit dated, but over 6-foot-3 and extremely chiseled in the upper half, which makes sense given weight room numbers (bench presses 450 pounds and back squats 570 pounds). Should eventually be able to carry 250 pounds or more. Extremely coordinated in almost everything he does and is able to keep his balance as he gets up and underneath opposing offensive linemen. Makes his money in obvious passing situations as that’s when he tends to deplete the batteries and bring all the juice. Totaled a school-record 15 sacks as a junior and nine more as a senior for a Venice program that made back-to-back trips to the state finals. Probably doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to anchor with his play strength, but can get washed away by double teams and shouldn’t be viewed as a true edge-setter, at least at this stage in his development. Thrived working out of a three-point stance in a 4-3 front, but get-off and redirect capabilities suggest that he can play the JACK linebacker role in a 3-4 look. Has what it takes to emerge as an impact player for a College Football Playoff contender. Might not be the longest cat, but the testing profile (4.5 in the short shuttle to go along with a broad jump over 10 feet) and high success rate when it comes to getting home are likely to have NFL talent evaluators buzzing one day. - Andrew Ivins, 247Sports
Here are Wilson’s junior season highlights: