Todd Grantham is now putting together his third recruiting class as the Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator, so it stands to reason that the transition to the 3-4 alignment should be just about complete. The latest addition: strongside defensive end James DeLoach (6’3", 260), who committed in June as a “package deal” with fellow D-lineman Jonathan Taylor out of Jenkins County High School in Millen, Ga.
DeLoach attracted interest from every school in the SEC East save Kentucky, and also received offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Michigan. For the time being, at least, DeLoach is on the small side for an end in Grantham’s scheme, but his athleticism can’t be denied — he claims a 330-pound bench and a 500-pound squat. While he only played in four games last season due to a broken arm, he made the most of his time by notching eight sacks.
Apparently the decision came down to Georgia and FSU for both players. The deciding factor? “Coach Richt, the coaching staff and the players there are like family to us,” DeLoach said.