Rivals100 linebacker Smael Mondon commits to Georgia

Once again, Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann got their man, as Paulding County linebacker Smael Mondon announced his intentions to be a Bulldog on Wednesday morning at a ceremony in Dallas, Georgia.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defender, ranked at the nation's No. 89 overall player, becomes Georgia's nineteenth commitment in the Class of 2021.

"From my perspective, I always had a good relationship with Georgia, since they offered me my sophomore year," Mondon said in October. "Since then, I've been in contact with Coach [Glenn] Schumann and Coach [Kirby] Smart. I think I've had a good relationship with them throughout the recruiting process."

The work of Schumann, Georgia's inside linebackers coach, was a compelling factor in the decision.

"He does a lot to make sure his players are ready. Then he's good at developing them. So that's one of the things I really noticed about him that I really like. He's a real, caring dude. He cares for his players, and he's got love for all his players. That's something I like," Mondon said.

As for his role within the Bulldogs' defense, coaches have already painted a vivid picture with multiple opportunities.

"They say I'm a linebacker that can run, and they're saying that's what football is turning into now," Mondon said. "They want linebackers that can do it all, like three-down linebackers that can cover a blitz, play the run—and then really just versatility, being able to do different things."

Mondon joins Jamon Dumas-Johnson and Chaz Chambliss as the third linebacker commit of the 2021 cycle.