Later Friday, elite running back recruit Sony Michel is expected to commit to the Georgia Bulldogs over powers like Notre Dame, Miami, Florida and Florida State. Out of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage, Michel has been a legend in South Florida seemingly since his middle school days. Even after tearing his ACL as a sophomore, the 5'11, 200-pound Michel came back with a strong junior year, and holds offers from almost every major college in the country. Georgia has long been the favorite and no drama is expected during the announcement, scheduled for 4:30 on ESPN.
As a teaser, Michel said this to ESPN:
"I had to take unofficials to all of my finalists to see if I could find the place that where I would feel most comfortable," Michel said. "When I first stepped on campus at the school I am committing to, I knew it was the right fit for me. It was like a home away from home and that played a major role in my decision."
So what could Michel do for the Bulldogs?
In our SB Nation recruit scouting report of Sony Michel, we identified several of Michel's strengths:
- Quickly plants his foot and goes
- Strong stiff-arm move
- Thick frame capable of being a feature back
- The ability to make tacklers miss in the open field
- Good vision and a sense of when to abandon the original play and bounce outside.
- Balance and power
Michel's game fits perfectly with Georgia's pro-style offense, which operates primarily out of 12, 11 and 21 personnel (one back and one tight end, two backs and one tight end, or two tight ends and one back). While the Bulldogs do have the formidable combination of Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, it's likely Michel could see immediate playing time, and a much larger role as a sophomore if one of the two were to leave early for the NFL draft.
I am confident that Michel is one of the five or ten best backs in America, and Bulldog fans should be very happy if he selects UGA Friday afternoon.
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