Reactions to Rochester

What does the addition of Julian Rochester mean to Georgia? The UGASports.com staff shares their thoughts, and we're not shy about saying this is a big one.

RADI NABULSI - The first time you watch Julian Rochester you're in for an absolute treat. It's kind of surprising, because he walks out onto the field head and shoulders bigger than anyone on defense or offense, for that matter. You expect him to line up in that nose guard position ready to take on a couple of interior offensive linemen, but then, at 6-foot-5, 300-plus pounds, he walks out to that five or seven technique, so wide, and lines up at a 30 or 60 degree angle. You see the offensive tackle get nervous because he's so big, he's out there, and it looks like a stunt. You don't know what's going on. Then, the ball is snapped. Julian is much faster than he looks. You expect to see a lumbering guy, but he flies off the edge like a 212-pound high school defensive end. He flies through the line and wreaks havoc everywhere he goes.

That's because he's a unique athlete. He moves incredibly well for a big man. So much so, in fact, that during the McEachern/Tucker playoff game for one trick play, they lined him up at wide receiver. He was out in the Z-spot, and it was quite hilarious looking across to see a 5-foot-10 cornerback looking at him, then looking to the quarterback, and then back to Julian. The kid was obviously confused. It was so distracting, because all of the linebackers and safeties were pointing to him, knowing that if someone threw him the ball, they'd have to tackle him. Sure enough though, it was a trick, and the ball went to a scat back, who took it in close to 90-something yards. Although he's not really a wide receiver, he's just so versatile, and you have to account for him. Georgia is getting an amazing talent, and a guy who everyone thought for the longest time was a lock to go to Auburn, but it all changed at Junior Day in February. When he walked out, I was the first person to speak to him, and he had a smile from ear to ear, and he told me everything had changed. That has born out.

DAN MCDONALD - Locking down Julian Rochester is HUGE news for Jeremy Pruitt's defense. He gives the Bulldogs another massive interior defensive lineman that can anchor the Bulldogs defense alongside recent commit Tyler Clark and Trent Thompson and Jonathan Ledbetter in the previous class. I watched him play twice last high school season and watched him even closer at the Rising Seniors Bowl back in December and he's just about unblockable at the high school level. For being such a big man at 6-foot-5 and roughly 320 lbs., he's very quick off the ball and has burst that can blow up plays in the backfield. I expect Rochester to be a big time player in Athens.

ANTHONY DASHER - So, how old is this guy? (Just kidding). I remember meeting Mr. Rochester at last year's Five-Star Challenge and thinking he was 32 years old. But all jokes aside, this guy can play and no doubt position coach Tracy Rocker is probably break dancing somewhere in the Butts-Mehre Building right now to celebrate. Actually, Rochester reminds me of a young Tracy Rocker when he signed with Auburn (Yes, I'm old enough to remember that!). In Rochester, you're talking about a future All-SEC performer and someone who will be a lynchpin member of the Bulldogs' defensive line for the next several seasons to come.

TRENT SMALLWOOD - Julian Rochester is an elite defensive lineman with NFL athleticism and power. For a 300-pound lineman, he shows excellent quickness and burst on the snap. He holds a very strong frame and has violent hands to shed blocks. In Jeremy Pruitt's 3-4 scheme, he fits nicely as a 3-technique defensive tackle or 5-technique defensive end and is athletic enough to be a four down lineman with his pass rushing ability. He plays with a very good pad level, and I love his ability to penetrate and make plays in the backfield.

Another reason this is big? Not only is Georgia getting an elite defensive lineman in Rochester, it also gets them back into an in-state high school with a hotbed of talent. The Bulldogs are already high on the list for several 2016-2017 prospects at McEachern High School, and the commitment of Rochester is only going to help build that future pipeline.

JAKE REUSE - After striking out on Chuma Edoga and an on-again, off-again relationship with a couple of other McEachern names, it was unsure how things would shake out with defensive tackle Julian Rochester, but the Bulldogs grabbed hold at junior day and never let up on the reins. Now, the four-star prospect joins the commit list and becomes another key piece to what's already been an impressive defensive line haul over the last two classes. The biggest part of this, in my opinion? Rochester's connections to the rest of 2016. He's one of the most popular kids on the trail and is tight with many of Georgia's top remaining targets, including fellow defensive linemen Derrick Brown and Antwuan Jackson, who the Bulldogs still covet and would love to add.

PAUL MAHARRY - Julian Rochester is another puzzle piece, albeit a big one, in the Class of 2016 for UGA, but his isnt just the standard piece. It's the one that is needed to start making it all come together. Rochester is well-known and liked among many of the state's top prospects, and his decision could help influence some of those prospects to stay at home and play with him. The huge defensive tackle from McEachern will also add a huge body up front for the Bulldogs on the football field. The big thing with Rochester is his potential, and he hasn't reached his peak and likely isn't even come close yet. Rochester has the potential to be one of the best defensive linemen in the class, and certainly has the body that projects to the NFL. Rochester committing could start a ripple effect, and the Bulldogs could have most of their spots locked up before the first game of the 2015 season.