Can you imagine being a 14-year-old in the eighth grade and receiving a scholarship offer from the home-state, national championship-winning Georgia Bulldogs?
Edge rusher Tyler Atkinson does not have to imagine that any longer. Earlier this week it became his reality.
A 6-foot-3, 190-pound rising freshman at Grayson High School, Atkinson was born on New Year’s Day in 2008.
A star at the UA Next Eighth-Grade All-American Game in January, Georgia Tech actually beat the Bulldogs to the punch, offering Atkinson a scholarship last month.
Just how good is Atkinson? Check out this film of him competing against 2024 five-star offensive tackle Daniel Calhoun of Roswell, Georgia. Calhoun stands at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds. Now, it is worth noting the speed advantage that Atkinson holds here, but it’s incredibly impressive nonetheless.
đ¤1v1 against 4âď¸6'7 340lbsđ¤
Thanks @UANextFootball to be able to compete as an 8th grader @CoachBeck56 @CoachGCarswell @Coach_FredM @Mansell247 @jeffsentell @DemetricDWarren @therealkwat @warchant @ChadSimmons_ @BrooksAustinSI @RecruitGeorgia @BobbyBarham_LSU @Julie_Boudwin pic.twitter.com/G67IbyfnFJ— Tyler Atkinson (@Tyler16Atkinson) February 28, 2022
Atkinson visited Athens for the Charleston Southern game last season. Before that he attended camp in Athens over the summer.
A 3.5 GPA and bench pressing 310 pounds, can you really blame Kirby Smart for pulling the trigger and offering a 14 year old as impressive as Atkinson.