Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman recruit Daevin Hobbs has officially decommitted from his pledge to the Vols and committed to the Georgia Bulldogs. Hobbs, a highly-rated four-star recruit from Concord, North Carolina, initially announced his commitment to Tennessee in early 2023, but in a dramatic turn of events, he has shifted his allegiance to the defending national champions, Georgia.
The decision to commit to Georgia over other programs like Ohio State and Alabama marks a significant blow to Tennessee’s recruiting class. Hobbs, ranked as one of the top defensive line prospects in the country, had been a key piece of the Vols’ recruiting efforts, with his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability on the defensive front making him a priority for head coach Josh Heupel’s staff.
Georgia, known for its dominant defense and recent success under head coach Kirby Smart, was able to secure Hobbs’ commitment following a strong recruiting push. The Bulldogs’ elite program and track record of developing NFL-caliber defensive players played a crucial role in Hobbs’ decision. He cited Georgia’s development program and its focus on helping players reach their potential at the next level as major factors in his commitment.
Tennessee had hoped to secure Hobbs as a cornerstone of its defensive line for years to come, but the loss of the highly-touted recruit is a setback for the Vols’ class of 2025. Meanwhile, Georgia continues to build an even stronger recruiting class, with Hobbs’ commitment adding to their already impressive haul of defensive players.
This recruiting shakeup adds another layer of excitement to the SEC’s ever-evolving landscape, with Georgia’s dominance in the recruiting world showing no signs of slowing down.
