Josh Harvey-Clemons of Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes is arguably the top player in the Peach State. The 6-foot-5”, 200-pound outside linebacker is a playmaking machine who lined up all over the field in high school. The national recruiting services rate him between four and five stars.
Josh Harvey-Clemons Recruiting Update: Georgia, Florida Battle For Top LB Prospect
Will Georgia’s top prospect leave the state?
Last weekend, Harvey-Clemons visited the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia is one of the two major frontrunners for Harvey-Clemons, along with Florida. Harvey-Clemons detailed his visit to the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
”Coach Richt and Coach Grantham said the same things: They need Josh in the ‘Sam’ linebacker position. With his frame and his speed, he’s the perfect fit for that scheme. They said he could go to the next level at that position. And they said he could come to Georgia and compete for playing time as a freshman.“Clemons is supposed to take his official visit to Florida State this weekend. Most Florida State insiders do not believe the ‘Noles have a real chance to land the Valdosta linebacker. But that he’s taking the official visit says FSU is not completely out of the picture.
Next weekend, Harvey-Clemons will take his final visit of the recruiting cycle to see the Florida Gators down in Gainesville. It's worth noting that even though Harvey-Clemons is from Georgia, the University of Florida is actually closer to his hometown of Valdosta than is Athens. Clemons, who will decide on National Signing Day (February 1st), has said that he believes both Georgia and Florida have very similar programs. UF's angle here seems to be the opportunity for early playing time.
But don’t underestimate Louisville in this race. As SB Nation’s Card Chronicle shares:
Harvey-Clemons tweeted out the following on Wednesday:"Coach Strong came to see me today. Realist coach I've met."Even if the Cards are a long shot to land ESPN's No. 17 overall player in the class of 2012, it's nice to see Strong making such a sizable impression on one of the nation's top talents.
.Realistically, though, this is thought to be an SEC East battle between the Bulldogs and the Gators.
