College football recruiting watchlist: USA TODAY Sports college wires weigh in on Class of 2023

USA TODAY Sports college wire editors share their thoughts about the most exciting prospect from some of the top Power Five programs in the country.

The Class of 2023 left the football recruiting worldβ€”and college fan basesβ€”entranced for well over a year and a half, with high-profile names like Arch Manning creating significant buzz about their possible college landing spots.

The hype didn’t fall short on the field in 2022, either, as the top-tier cropΒ  delivered consistently, adding to the excitement about one of the better classes in recent high school football history.

And now that the signing-period commotion is in the rearview, we know where the ’23 talents are headed to begin their college football careers, which introduces the other side of the recruiting tunnel.

To better grasp that part of the equation, we’ve turned to the USA TODAY Sports college wire writers who will be following the top recruits at Power Five schools in the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, ACC, and beyond in 2023.

Our question was simple: Who are you most excited to watch from the Class of 2023?

Here’s what they had to say…

UGA football adds commitment in 4-star DE Tyre West

The Georgia Bulldogs have landed a commitment from class of 2022 defensive end Tyre West out of Tifton High School in Georgia.

The Georgia Bulldogs have landed a commitment from class of 2022 defensive end Tyre West. West is an elite four-star recruit who plays high school football for Tift County in Tifton, Georgia. He’s considered one of the top in-state recruits in his class.

West is rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 43 player in the class of 2022. The Tift County junior is the No. 4 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 5 overall player in the state of Georgia.

Tyre West will look to contribute in Dan Lanning, Kirby Smart, and Georgia’s defensive system. West is staying close to his family. He will be an ideal 3-4 defensive end in Kirby Smart’s defense. At six-foot-three, 280 pounds West has the size to battle with some of the SEC’s best in the interior trenches.

West’s recruiting has been closely tied to both the University of Georgia and the Auburn Tigers, but the Dawgs came out on top in this one. He announced his commitment to Georgia on Dec. 2, 2020.

The young man took a visit to Athens in February before the NCAA established a recruiting dead period due to COVID-19. Here’s a picture from his recent visit:

The four-star defensive end has received scholarship offers from Georgia, LSU, Alabama, Texas, Oregon, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and many more. He was excited to earn an offer from the Georgia Bulldogs early last year.

On tape, Tyre West exhibits impressive strength. He’s got a strong bull rush that can overwhelm unfortunate high school offensive linemen. West also has enduring pursuit and never gives up on a play. The 280 pound defender has the speed to chase down plays from the backside and the football IQ to diagnose option plays that are a staple in modern college football.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

UGA football contenders for elite 2022 DE Tyre West

The Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers are among the top college football programs recruiting Tift County defensive end Tyre West.

The Georgia Bulldogs are among the top programs vying to secure the talents of class of 2022 defensive end Tyre West. West plays high school football for Tift County in Tifton, Georgia. He’s considered one of the top in-state recruits in his class.

Update: Tyre West has committed to the University of Georgia!

West is rated as a four-star recruit and the No. 43 player in the class of 2022. The Tift County junior is the No. 4 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 5 overall player in the state of Georgia.

Tyre West would fit in well as a Georgia Bulldog. He’d stay close to his family and would likely be an ideal 3-4 defensive end in Kirby Smart’s defense. At six-foot-three, 280 pounds West has the size to battle with some of the SEC’s best in the interior trenches.

West’s recruiting has been closely tied to both the University of Georgia and the Auburn Tigers. The young man took a visit to Athens in February before the NCAA established a recruiting dead period due to COVID-19. Here’s a picture from his recent visit:

The four-star defensive end has received scholarship offers from Georgia, LSU, Alabama, Texas, Oregon, Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, and more. He was excited to earn an offer from the Georgia Bulldogs last year.

On tape, Tyre West shows off his impressive strength. He’s got a good bull rush. West also has enduring pursuit and never gives up on a play. The 280 pound defender has the speed to chase down plays and the football IQ to diagnose option plays that are so common in modern college football.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

UGA recruiting target 4-star Jeremiah Williams sets commitment date

Four-star 2021 defensive end recruit Jeremiah Williams will pick from the Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers, and more.

The Georgia Bulldogs made Jeremiah “Scooby” Williams’ top four schools. Williams is a member of the class of 2021 and narrowed his list to Georgia, Auburn, Florida and Oklahoma earlier this year.

Williams will have plenty of time to make his decision. He is projected to join the Auburn Tigers, but anything can happen in SEC recruiting battles. Georgia faces the Tigers before his commitment date, so maybe that will influence his decision.

It was surprising to see him trim the Crimson Tide from his top schools. Notably, he plays with another elite defensive lineman (Tim Keenan), who has committed to Alabama.

Williams is a four-star defensive, who plays at Ramsay High School and is from Birmingham, Alabama. Williams announced his upcoming commitment date of Oct. 10 via his Twitter account:

The Georgia Bulldogs have 15 commitments in the class of 2021. Kirby Smart, Dan Lanning and the Bulldog defense have one edge rusher commitment at the moment. Georgia recently lost a commitment from edge player Elijah Jeudy, who had committed to UGA in the spring.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

UGA football in top schools for 4-star DE Jeremiah Williams

The Georgia Bulldogs, Auburn Tigers, and more made Jeremiah Williams’ latest list of top schools.

The Georgia Bulldogs have made Jeremiah Williams’ latest list of top schools. Williams is a member of the class of 2021 and narrowed his list down to his top four.

Williams is a four-star defensive, who plays at Ramsay High School and is from Birmingham, Alabama. Williams announced his final four schools on Twitter:

Williams puts Oklahoma, Auburn, Georgia, and Florida in his final schools. Where will Williams play college football?

Williams will have plenty of time to make his decision. He’s projected to join the Auburn Tigers, but anything can happen in SEC recruiting battles. It is surprising to see him trim the Crimson Tide from his top schools as he’s one of the top recruits in Alabama.

The Georgia Bulldogs currently have 13 commitments in the class of 2021. Kirby Smart, Dan Lanning, and the Bulldog defense have two edge rusher commitments at the moment. You can never have too many pass rushers, especially in the SEC! Go Dawgs!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

4-star WR Malcolm Johnson makes commitment, reclassifies

Four-star WR Malcolm Johnson has announced both his commitment to the Auburn Tigers. Johnson was a Georgia Bulldogs recruiting target.

Four-star wide receiver Malcolm Johnson has announced both his commitment to the Auburn Tigers. Johnson was a Georgia Bulldogs recruiting target. Johnson plays high school football at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes in Virginia.

Johnson, who was a member of the class of 2021, plans to reclassify to the class of 2020. His recruitment was expected to come down between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.

Johnson had Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Florida and Alabama in his top five schools.

UGA’s recruiting class has 12 commitments. Kirby Smart and Georgia just secured another commitment. Johnson will likely play against the Bulldogs over the years.

Johnson caught seven touchdowns passes last season. In the process, he hauled in over 800 receiving yards. Now, he will forgo his senior season to enroll at Auburn. He could see immediate playing time if there’s a season this year.

Johnson announced his commitment to Auburn via Twitter:

[lawrence-related id=30488]

 

4-star WR Malcolm Johnson sets commitment date

The Georgia, Auburn, and Alabama are among the top schools for four-star wide receiver Malcolm Johnson, who is ready to make his commitment.

The Georgia Bulldogs are among the top schools for four-star wide receiver Malcolm Johnson, who is ready to make his commitment. Johnson plays high school football at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes in Virginia.

Johnson, who is a member of the class of 2021, will be committing on Friday, August 14th at 10:00 A.M. His recruitment is expected to come down between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers.

Johnson puts Georgia, LSU, Auburn, Florida, and Alabama in his top five schools.

Johnson would be a great addition to UGA’s recruiting class, which now has twelve commitments. Kirby Smart and Georgia just secured another commitment. Although he’s not expected to attend the University of Georgia, Johnson will likely play against the Bulldogs over the years.

Johnson caught seven touchdowns passes last season. In the process, he hauled in over 800 receiving yards. Johnson may have an even bigger senior season, if he plays.

[lawrence-related id=30488]

 

UGA, Auburn in top schools for 4-star DE

The Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers are both in the top six for 4-star 2021 defensive end Jeremiah Williams.

The Georgia Bulldogs made Jeremiah Williams’ list of top schools. Williams is a member of the class of 2021 and narrowed his list down to his top six.

Williams is a four-star defensive, who plays at Ramsay High School and is from Birmingham, Alabama. Williams announced his final six schools on Twitter:

Williams puts Alabama, Oklahoma, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, and Florida in his final schools. Where will Williams play college football? His caption implies that he’s a dog, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll end up as a Georgia Bulldog.

Williams will have plenty of time to make his decision. He’s projected to join the Auburn Tigers, but anything can happen in SEC recruiting battles.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Twitter reacts to Georgia’s latest commitment: Dylan Fairchild

The Georgia Bulldogs recently landed a commitment from in-state offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild. UGA is building a good class of 2021.

The Georgia Bulldogs recently landed a commitment from in-state offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild.Β  Fairchild is a four-star offensive line recruit, who is considered both an offensive tackle and an offensive guard.

Fairchild plays his high school football at West Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia. He’s a key addition the class of 2021 and is considered one of the best linemen in the state.

Fairchild announced his commitment via Twitter:

Fairchild also considered LSU, South Carolina,Β  Penn State, Tennessee, and Auburn before deciding to roll with the Bulldogs. At 6-5 and 290 pounds, Fairchild has the size to compete in the SEC.

 

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]

Georgia, several SEC schools among top six for 4-star lineman

The Georgia Bulldogs are among the top schools for 4-star in-state lineman Dylan Fairchild. Fairchild plays at West Forsyth High School.

The Georgia Bulldogs are among the top schools for in-state lineman Dylan Fairchild.Β  Fairchild is a four-star offensive line recruit, who is considered both an offensive tackle and an offensive guard.

Fairchild plays his high school football at West Forsyth in Cumming, Georgia. He’s a key recruit in the class of 2021 and is considered one of the best linemen in the state.

Fairchild released his top schools via Twitter:

Fairchild puts LSU, South Carolina, Georgia, Penn State, Tennessee, and Auburn in his top schools. At 6-5 and 290 pounds, Fairchild has the size to compete in the SEC, but wouldn’t be the biggest lineman at UGA.

The Georgia Bulldogs offered Fairchild a scholarship back in March:

 

Fairchild would be a great addition to UGA’s class of 2021. Kirby Smart and the Dawgs are still building up their class of 2021.

Where is Fairchild going to play college football? He’s projected to join the Dawgs! Offensive line coach Matt Luke is an elite recruiter and won’t let many good in-state lineman leave.

It will be tough to top the elite class of 2020. Georgia currently has the 17th ranked class according to 247sports. The Dawgs have seven commitments in the class of 2021.

[lawrence-auto-related count=1]