Josh Heupel has an edge over Ryan Day in Tennessee's push for David Gabriel Georges, and it goes beyond dollar signs
· Yahoo Sports
The Vols appear to hold an important advantage over the Buckeyes as DGG’s decision date approaches.
Recruiting in the college football world has certainly changed in a massive way over the last six years. Program fits, coaching relationships, and playing time have all given way in large part to the almighty dollar since NIL entering the conversation during the 2020 offseason.
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As with all things money related in the sports world, it has gone up. And the topic of money certainly has been at the front and center of the discussion surrounding the recruiting battle between the Tennessee Vols and Ohio State Buckeyes for five-star RB David Gabriel Georges.
The Chattanooga Baylor star has some massive NIL offers on the table, according to On3 Sports’ Chris Low. Tennessee is coming in at $2 million per year for three years and Ohio State a little more than a million per year, per Low. If Tennessee’s offer is accurate, that would blow every other non-quarterback NIL offer out of the water. And doing that for a running back is notable - even if DGG is one of those generational talents.
But Rivals recruiting insider Steve Wiltfong put out a reminder to fans on Sunday that sometimes money isn’t the only driving factor in a recruitment, and that relationships still matter. He then noted that Tennessee’s Josh Heupel has the strongest relationship with the family of all head coaches.
Recruiting insider says Josh Heupel has the strongest head coach relationship with David Gabriel Georges’ family
“With Gabriel Georges, his camp has been consistent in saying their best head coach relationship is with Josh Heupel,” Wiltfong wrote. “The family feels connected with Heupel and that there is a real connection.”
Of course, Ohio State is not without their edge in the relationship department with their running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who has been recruiting him as long as anyone. Working directly with him on a daily basis is likely a tempting thought.
But having the face of the program in Heupel be at the top of the list as far as who Gabriel Georges’ family feels the most comfortable with is a hard advantage to beat.
We’ll find out soon enough if that and the substantial NIL package is enough, as DGG will announce his commitment on July 22.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Josh Heupel has an edge over Ryan Day in Tennessee's push for David Gabriel Georges, and it goes beyond dollar signs
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