Kirby Smart Drops In At TCHS
The unmistakable sound of rotor blades cutting through the air last week signaled more than just a VIP arrival in Lyons; it signaled that the University of Georgia football program has its eyes firmly fixed on 'The Pit.' Continuing his aggressive annual recruiting tour of Southeast Georgia, Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart touched down at Toombs County High School, bringing the fervor of a National Championship program directly to the doorstep of four standout Bulldog prospects. While the two-time National Champion coach made waves across the region with his helicopter itinerary, his stop in Lyons underscored the rising stock of Toombs County’s gridiron talent.
Smart’s primary objective at Toombs County was a faceto- face with a quartet of defenders who have been turning heads on the recruiting trail. Leading the group was massive sophomore defensive tackle Jamarcus Johnson. Standing an imposing 6-foot-5 and weighing in north of 300 pounds, Johnson is already considered one of the premier defensive linemen in the state for the Class of 2028. His combination of size and raw power has made him a priority target for major programs early in his high school career, and Smart’s personal visit reaffirms that the Bulldogs are keen on keeping the elite tackle instate.
Joining Johnson in the meeting were two key members of the Class of 2027, linebacker Kareem Palmer and safety Alex Scott. Palmer, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound linebacker, has garnered attention for his sideline-to-sideline speed and ability to disrupt offenses. Alongside him was Scott, a hard-hitting safety listed at 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds. Scott has built a reputation as a punishing defender in the secondary who isn’t afraid to step up and stop continued from page
the run, qualities that undoubtedly appeal to a defensive- minded coach like Smart.
Kareem Palmer has firmly established himself as one of the premier defenders in the Class of 2027, boasting a recruiting profile that rivals any in the state. Rated as a four-star prospect, Palmer currently sits at No. 369 in the nation according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, which also tabs him as the No. 28 linebacker in the country and the No. 39 player overall in Georgia. His production and physical tools have attracted a swarm of elite programs, resulting in scholarship offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, and Texas. With additional interest from schools like Tennessee and Kentucky, Palmer is quickly becoming a priority target for coaching staffs looking to shore up the middle of their defense with SEC-caliber talent.
In the secondary, Alex Scott is proving to be one of the class's true hidden gems, holding an offer list that arguably outpaces his current ranking. While On3 rates him as a threestar prospect and the No. 81 safety nationally, collegiate scouts clearly see elite potential in the 5-foot-11 defender. Scott has already secured over 15 offers, drawing attention from national title contenders such as Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Texas. Despite being ranked outside the top 700 nationally, the caliber of schools vying for his commitment suggests his stock is likely to rise significantly.
Rounding out the group was sophomore Nick Carroll, a dynamic athlete who has been making plays on both sides of the ball. A Class of 2028 defensive back and wide receiver, Carroll has shown natural instincts as a ballhawk in the secondary. Listed around 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, he is projected to be another highlevel prospect emerging from the program. The attention paid to these underclassmen highlights UGA's strategy of identifying and building relationships with talent long before National Signing Day arrives.
While Toombs County was a focal point, the stop was part of a broader blitz of the Southeast Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry recruiting grounds. He made a grand entrance at Calvary Day School in Savannah, landing directly on the football field to meet with Cavaliers head coach Jason Cameron and several prospects, including massive Class of 2027 lineman Lawson Bentley and junior Brexten Bell. The tour also included stops at Savannah Christian to see junior offensive lineman Jordan Dillon and a trip across the state line to Bluffton High School to visit four-star receiver Amare Patterson.
Smart's presence in Lyons serves as a reminder of the fertile recruiting ground that Southeast Georgia has become for the Bulldogs. With numerous players from the 912 area code already contributing to Georgia's recent successes, the direct line from local high schools to Athens remains strong. For Kareem Palmer, Alex Scott, Nick Carroll, and Jamarcus Johnson, Tuesday wasn’t just a break from class; it was a clear message that their play on Friday nights is resonating at the highest levels of college football.
