First-Year Profile: Dylan Fairchild
First-Year Profile: Dylan Fairchild
(Photo from Fairchild’s Twitter)
Over the next month, DogWatch will be looking at the Bulldogs’ incoming freshman in a new series called First Year Profile.
Today, we will look at former West Forysth Product Dylan Fairchild.
Ranking: No. 97-overall rated prospect, No. 6 offensive guard and the No. 11 player in Georgia, per the 247Sports Composite.
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 300 pounds
Background: Fairchild was a four-star offensive lineman from West Forsyth. He was pursued by a few other SEC schools, including Alabama, Auburn, LSU, South Carolina and Tennessee. However, Fairchild’s recruitment was drama-free and he committed to Georgia on May 30, 2020. He signed his letter of intent nearly six months later and enrolled on June 9, 2021. Fairchild was a wrestler in Georgia’s largest classification this past school year, which is why he didn’t enroll early. He elected to finish out his senior year at West Forsyth and defend his state title this past spring. Now, he is on campus working out with the Bulldogs.
2021 Potential Impact: The Cumming (Ga.) native is a talented prospect, however, Georgia has a lot of depth on the offensive line. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart and former position coach Sam Pittman stocked up in previous classes. When Pittman left for Arkansas, current offensive line coach Matt Luke picked up where his predecessor left off. Georgia’s offensive line has many questions surrounding it, but there are a ton of guys ahead of Fairchild in terms of playing time.
He played offensive guard in high school, which is something that DogWatch can see him doing at Georgia in the near future. Fairchild could also be plugged in at either right or left tackle because of his size and stature. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman has a lot of raw talent, but he will need to learn the pace of the collegiate level before stepping on the field and taking meaningful snaps. Nonetheless, weirder things have happened and Fairchild could be called upon if injuries start to stack up.
Scouting Report: Has a well-proportioned build with the frame to easily hold over 300 pounds. Leans out during the winter during wrestling season. Strong in the weight room in addition to being an excellent wrestler. Transfers that strength and functional athleticism over to the football field. Works at left tackle and defensive tackle for his high school team. Plays with natural flexibility and bend with the ability to sink his hips and play with a low, centered base. Has high-level reactive quickness in pass protection as he's able to mirror and redirect with ease. Also effective to getting to the second level as a run blocker. Showcases some athleticism as a defensive tackle, particularly via a strong first step that helps him make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Likely projects inside at the next level. Will need to continue improving his upper body play strength and finishing ability, particularly as a drive blocker. Projects as a multi-year Power Five starter along the offensive line with the upside to develop into a NFL Draft pick. - Charles Power
Highlights:
Check out the other First-Year Profiles: