Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Oakland Top247 running back Jordan James says he had been leaning Georgia for quite some time before announcing his commitment to the Bulldogs Monday afternoon.
With James’s pledge, Georgia closes on Ohio State for the 247Sports Composite’s No. 1 recruiting class. The 5-foot-10, 205-pound James is the nation’s No. 17 running back and No. 179 prospect overall.
Running backs coach Dell McGee led the charge for the Bulldogs in this recruitment. James other offers included Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and Penn State among others.
“My relationship with Coach McGee and I know he can develop me to be a great player as he’s shown with many other great running backs that came through Georgia,” James said.
“I visited them unofficially and I fell in love when I was down there. They’re always a dominant program, their school and the coaches are very involved with the players that play there, life after football seems great for a bunch of Georgia players and their academics are top-tier.”
James is commit No. 11 for Kirby Smart and his staff in the 2022 cycle and the third in the last week joining fellow blue-chippers in safety Malaki Starks and outside linebacker Jalon Walker.
“This 2022 class is going to be special for sure,” James said. “Already a lot of great guys committed to Georgia in this class and I can’t wait to join them.”
This was an easy decision for James who rushed for 1,752 yards and 26 touchdowns averaging nearly 10 yards per carry.
“Just the fact I know they’re going to develop me into a great player and great man and set me up for more than football,” James said. “It’s a winning program and can win the National Championship at any given time.”
James is a guy that’s slotted higher in the Top247 player rankings at No. 8 at his position and No. 134 overall.
“I’m bring a guy that can do a lot, catch out of the backfield, speed in the open field, break tackles.”
247Sports Clint Brewster breaks down what the Bulldogs are getting as well.
“James is a compact running back that’s built low to the ground with excellent lower body strength and muscularity. Possesses fluid lateral agility and movement in tight spaces with spurty quickness once he hits the second level. James is tough to bring down with productive yards after contact and running balance. James has the patience and discipline to stay within the play and get positive yards. Enough speed to snap off long runs but isn’t a burner. Does all the little things well as far blitz pickup and pass protection. James has elusiveness but won’t try to do too much. Very efficient with layers of movement and running instincts in the open field. James can fit as a zone runner with superb cutback ability or use power as a straight-ahead back in a downhill scheme. James is very adept on third down in the passing game as a route runner. Looks comfortable and under control catching the football.”
