Georgia added to its top-10 class on Tuesday with the addition of ESPN 300 DE Travon Walker. Read below to see why he's an excellent fit for the Bulldogs.
What he brings: Walker possesses a nice blend of size and strength. He can be a stout presence against the run, not only with physical measurables but he also can do a good job coming off and shooting his hands and maintaining good pad level. When he explodes out, he can hold ground one-on-one, press blockers, locate the ball, and shed. When he fully commits, he moves well for his size and can be effective in pursuit. He can be tough against the run, but is also capable of disrupting as a pass-rusher. The four-star recruit flashes an above-average first step and demonstrates ability to be active with his hands
How he fits: A talented prospect with good size and still room to further fill out, Walker can be a nice fit for Georgia because he can be a versatile contributor. With his ability and measurables, we could see Walker developing similarly to current Bulldog DE Jonathan Ledbetter, who heads into his senior season. Walker also possesses the size and strength to slide inside and play the three-technique if needed. Walker displays the tools to contribute to the Bulldogs' defensive- line rotation as a true freshman, but he can still be more consistent in areas to fully maximize his ability and grow into a key contributor to that unit.
Reminds us of: Walker reminds us some of former Alabama DL Da'Shawn Hand at this same stage. Though Walker presents a little more physical upside and room to fill out and not quite the same level of explosiveness, they possess similar size and testing measurables as top defensive line prospects in their respective classes. Like Hand, Walker is a powerful prospect who displays the tools to be tough against the run and productive as pass-rusher, but he also shows that he can still get more from his natural ability.
How the class is shaping up: The Bulldogs signed the top class for the 2018 cycle and are showing that they can be serious contenders to do so again. Five-star DE Nolan Smith is an outstanding athlete with the physical tools to be an impactful defender. In-state ESPN 300 DL prospect Walker is another big addition to their defensive line class. Georgia already has two young and talented QBs on campus but added even more depth to the position with ESPN 300 dual-threat QB John Rhys Plumlee. Other potential offensive weapons in the class already are two top-five wide receivers in top-rated Jadon Haselwood -- a long and smooth receiver -- and Dominick Blaylock -- an explosive player with quick hands. Top-five TE-Y Ryland Goede is big and physical but also an agile player. William Norton is a versatile and intriguing big man slated to play on the defensive line, but he possesses even greater upside and impact ability at offensive tackle. Joining Norton is massive offensive tackle Xavier Truss out of Rhode Island, and ESPN 300 linebacker Trezman Marshall was a nice win in-state.