In the high-stakes world of college football recruiting, sometimes it takes a collective effort to land a top-tier prospect. For Georgia, that effort has paid off spectacularly. On Saturday, Jontae Gilbert, a 4-star cornerback from Douglass-Atlanta (Ga.), made his commitment official, choosing the Bulldogs over competitors like NC State and Georgia Tech.
Gilbert’s decision came after an extended recruitment process, one that saw significant engagement from Georgia coaches over the past several years. His final visit and conversations with head coach Kirby Smart, particularly a pivotal talk at the end of July, proved crucial in sealing the deal for the Bulldogs.
“Really, it was the talk with Kirby that opened my eyes,” Gilbert told Dawgs247. “He was straightforward with me, said he wanted and needed me there. He talked about the potential departures in the cornerback room next year, emphasizing the importance of bringing in players like me and Shamari Earls.”
The turning point in Gilbert’s recruitment occurred on May 31. Prior to that, Georgia had been persistent in their pursuit, with interactions involving coaches Will Muschamp, Glenn Schumann, and Fran Brown. However, it was the camp workout where Gilbert truly caught Georgia’s attention. Running a 4.51, Gilbert showcased his impressive speed and agility, addressing any doubts about his ability to excel at the cornerback position.
“My performance at the camp was a big statement,” Gilbert said. “There was speculation about my speed and coverage skills, so I wanted to prove myself. Coach Smart appreciated that I compete at a high level and said he wants to surround himself with competitors.”
During the camp, Gilbert’s performance and subsequent discussion with Smart were instrumental in solidifying his commitment. Smart’s honest feedback and the detailed discussion about his strengths and areas for improvement left a lasting impression on Gilbert.
As a 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback, Gilbert will be a versatile asset for Georgia, splitting time between boundary corner and nickel positions. His primary recruiter, Donte Williams—who previously pursued Gilbert during his tenure at USC—played a significant role in the recruitment process.
“Coach Donte’s relationship with me was important,” Gilbert said. “He saw me as a top target even when he was at USC, and that connection really mattered.”
With Gilbert’s commitment, Georgia’s Class of 2025 now boasts 23 recruits, including fellow defensive backs Earls, Todd Robinson, Jaylan Morgan, and Rashad Johnson. This recent addition pushes Georgia’s team score in the 247Sports Team Rankings to 291.77, propelling them to the No. 3 spot, just behind Ohio State and Alabama.
For Georgia, landing Gilbert is not just a win in terms of rankings but also a significant boost to their defensive backfield for years to come.
