ATHENS – Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs pulled off a major recruiting win on Sunday, flipping a commitment from Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze.
Shadarius Toodle, a consensus four-star linebacker out of Mobile, decommitted from Auburn and pledged to Georgia, bringing the Bulldogs’ 2025 commitment total to 18. With the addition, UGA is positioning itself for yet another strong finish in this year’s recruiting cycle.
“Toodle ranks among the top linebackers in the South,” said Matt DeBary of Dawg Post. “He visited Athens during Georgia’s big scavenger hunt weekend in mid-May. Toodle is tall, athletic, and possesses excellent instincts against the run. He hits hard, covers sideline to sideline, and easily sheds blocks. He was one of the most productive linebackers in Alabama last fall and has been a key target for Glenn Schumann and the defensive staff.”
With Toodle’s commitment, the Bulldogs now have 18 total commits—12 fewer than consensus No. 1 USC. However, the Trojans will need to fend off strong challenges from Georgia and Ohio State, both of which have a track record of finishing recruiting cycles with top-ranked classes. USC has struggled to close strong in recent cycles.
Georgia’s class features five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, ranked the No. 9 overall prospect nationally. Kirby Smart and his staff have been active on the recruiting trail this summer, adding ten commitments since Memorial Day.
DeBary believes Toodle will be a valuable addition to the Bulldogs.
“He was incredibly productive,” DeBary noted. “He recorded 157 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. That’s a lot of impact plays.”
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