Rivals100 defensive back Jaylen Heyward commits to Georgia
Class of 2024 defensive back Jaylen Heyward has announced his verbal commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs.
A four-star out of Rockledge, Florida, Heyward has been recruited by co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and head coach Kirby Smart since early 2022. Heyward visited Athens in June of 2022 and has since been in daily communication with the Georgia staff.
That relationship and familiarity with the scheme Georgia runs ultimately led to Heyward deciding Georgia was the place for him.
"I just love the way Coach Muschamp coaches," Heyward said. "The defense, you know, the defensive scheme fits in with how the defensive scheme at my school is. I feel like I really don't get to learn too much when I get up there, because I'm already running the same defense basically."
Heyward shared what it was about Georgia's culture and how the program is run that made him feel like Athens was the right fit for him.
"For me, it was the culture, the brotherhood, and what they have to offer for me for my three to four years there. Not my first," Heyward said. "My first and second year that I'm in the program doesn't really matter. You know, I'm still trying to get developed and be in the system. What are they going to do for me, my third and fourth year, when I'm getting ready for declare for the draft?"
Heyward indicated that Georgia likes his versatility, and that he could play any of the five defensive back positions in the UGA system. Although listed as a safety, Heyward played mostly cornerback his junior year. Heyward has shown physicality and closing speed, regardless of where he is aligned on the field.
Heyward adds to Georgia's No. 1 ranked 2024 class. The defensive back is Georgia's eighth commitment overall in the class, and the third defensive player. Heyward is the second four-star defensive back to commit to Georgia in the past week. No. 1 ranked safety Peyton Woodyard committed to Georgia this past Saturday at the All-American game in San Antonio.
