Nation's Top Running Back Recruit Chooses UGA

ATHENS, GA — Zamir White, the top-rated running back recruit in the nation, is going to be a Bulldog.

White, a five-star recruit out of North Carolina's Scotland County High School, announced his verbal commitment to the University of Georgia on Tuesday. It's a huge win for Coach Kirby Smart's Bulldogs.

Smart, who rushed for more than 5,000 yards and 85 touchdowns in just three seasons, had also been considering North Carolina, Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State. He follows North Carolina running backs like Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, who went on to success with UGA.

White made his announcement Tuesday at a ceremony at his high school in Laurinberg, N.C. Later in the day, he posted a statement on his Twitter account.

"I appreciate all the time and effort the coaches at these wonderful schools put in to recruiting me and I value the lasting relationships I have formed with so many of them," White said in the statement. "This has been a great experience for me and I recognize how fortunate I am because I get to choose where I want to continue my education as well as pursue my dream of getting to have a career in the NFL."

Entering Smart's second year at the helm, the Bulldogs remain in the hunt for several other nationally ranked recruits. According to ESPN, recruits Justin Fields and Matt Corral at quarterback, in-state offensive linemen Jamaree Salyer and Deontrey Hill, wide receiver Kearis Jackson, defensive end Stephon Wynn and versatile defensive back Tyreke Johnson all have UGA on their short list.

All seven are on the ESPN 300 list of top-ranked recruits in the nation.

Saturday Down South reports that Georgia now has seven total pledges for its 2018 recruiting class. White is the first five-star prospect to sign with the Dawgs, but Smart and company have plenty of time between now and the first official day of signing in December.

Photo via Zamir White Facebook page