Tag: newton high school football

UGA football recruiting target Justin Benton is ready to commit

Three-star in-state defensive line recruit Justin Benton is expected to pick between Georgia and West Virginia.

Class of 2023 defensive line recruit Justin Benton has locked in his commitment date for June 18, 2022. Benton is a three-star recruit that plays high school football for Newton High School in Covington, Georgia.

Can Benton be the next great player out of Covington to commit to the Bulldogs? Benton could join four-star class of 2021 cornerback Nyland Green and Green Bay Packers cornerback Eric Stokes as recent Covington products to sign with Georgia.

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive line prospect would likely fit into Kirby Smart’s defensive system as a 3-4 defensive end. Benton previously played high school football for national powerhouse IMG Academy, which is located in Bradenton, Florida.

Justin Benton is ranked as the No. 496 recruit in the class of 2023. The Newton star is considered the No. 59 defensive lineman in the rising senior class and the No. 48 recruit in Georgia.

The three-star defensive line recruit named his top eight schools on May 20. Benton has taken a recent official visit to West Virginia. The Mountaineers are Georgia’s top competition to land Benton.

Justin Benton has a strong connection to the University of Georgia. Benton’s father, Phillip Benton played football at UGA. Phillip Benton was a member of Georgia’s 1994 signing class that featured players like wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive back Kirby Smart.

Justin Benton previously ranked Georgia, Mississippi State, Houston, Tennessee, West Virginia, Duke, Nebraska, and Penn State as his top eight. Where will Benton play college football?

The Newton standout is currently favored to attend UGA per 247Sports. He announced his upcoming commitment date via Twitter:

Justin Benton can win with power or quickness at the point of attack. He can overwhelm offensive guards when he rushes the passer. Benton has a sturdy frame and excellent experience against high level competition from his time at IMG Academy.

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Georgia football player card: DB Nyland Green

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Nyland Green (Newton High School) will have an opportunity to earn playing time right away.

Defensive back Nyland Green (No. 1):

Class: Freshman

Height: 6-1

Weight: 185 lbs

Hometown: Convington, Georgia

High School: Newton High School

Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Nyland Green will have an opportunity to earn playing time right away. Green comes to Athens as a four-star recruit who looks to join fellow Covington, Georgia, alumnus Eric Stokes as standout Georgia Bulldogs.

The former Newton High School star was the No. 5 defensive back prospect in the class of 2021. He was ranked as the No. 69 overall player. Green played both defensive back and wide receiver in high school.

Nyland Green will compete with Kelee Ringo, Ameer Speed, Lovasea Carroll, Brandon Turnage and Jalen Kimber to be a starting outside cornerback. Georgia’s secondary lost four players to the 2021 NFL draft — one former defensive back went undrafted — and one to the NCAA transfer portal.

Overall, Georgia’s secondary is expected to be one of the weaknesses of the 2021-2022 squad. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs return a lot of talent at safety, but Smart has acknowledged the weakness and added a few players via the NCAA transfer portal.

Green’s signing was huge for Georgia. The Dawgs had a solid defensive back class with Nyland Green, David Daniel, Kamari Lassiter and Javon Bullard. Georgia finished with the No. 4 class of 2021 nationally.

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