As UGASports wraps up its series previewing Georgia's nine early enrollees, it's time to turn our attention to defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt.
Wyatt was originally a member of Georgia's 2017 class, but matriculated to Hutchinson Community College to satisfy his remaining academic requirements.
Now back with the Bulldogs after re-signing with Georgia in December, Wyatt will look to make an impact with his new team this spring.
What's Georgia getting in Wyatt
Wyatt enjoyed a solid year last season for Hutchinson, making 30 tackles, including three sacks for losses of 25 yards.
With Trenton Thompson moving on to the NFL, the Bulldogs are in need of depth at the defensive tackle position, and Wyatt should help to fill some of that void.
Wyatt got off to an early start as he was able to get in a few practices with the Bulldogs while they prepared for their playoff run, and will look to impress position coach Tray Scott further when Georgia begins spring practice next month.
Hutchinson head coach Rion Rhoades on Wyatt: "We played him inside at tackle and a little bit of nose. His quickness is really, really good. He’s been very physical, which has also been very good for his success here. I’m speaking of high level players, and he’s better than average as an interior lineman when it comes to pass rush. There’s no question he’s going to be a great player for Georgia.”
What to expect
Wyatt won't have to come in and start, but should provide ample depth for the Bulldogs at defensive tackle behind projected starter Tyler Clark.
With the way the Bulldogs like to rotate their defensive linemen, it's very safe to assume that the graduate of Towers High School will see considerable action for Georgia this fall.
According to Rion Rhoades, his coach at Hutchinson, Wyatt has all the tangible skills to play defensive tackle and has great quickness.
Projected playing time
Wyatt should see plenty of playing time for the Bulldogs this fall.
He won't start, but will figure into the rotation at defensive tackle, where he'll compare to another former Hutchinson standout who went on to play for UGA - Toby Johnson.
Wyatt is actually a little bit ahead of where Johnson was when he first arrived, and that, along with being an early enrollee, should help him get on the field early come fall.
