One of Wes Johnson’s goals when taking over the Georgia baseball program was to make the Bulldogs the go-to destination for the state’s top high school players.
So far, so good.
Sunday, Georgia added another big piece to the puzzle when Kell star and Top-10 player in the state Bryce Clavon announced on Instagram that he was going to be a Bulldog.
“I feel like it’s a different culture. During my official visit, I got to watch them practice and see how they do things. They’re believing in themselves now, which is a big difference,” Clavon said in a telephone interview with UGASports. “That culture, Coach Johnson bringing that winning atmosphere was a big part.”
Clavon is certainly used to that.
The one-time Oklahoma commit played for the Team USA 18-under team which traveled to Taiwan. He is considered by many to be a Top 20 high school prospect for the 2024 Major League Draft.
“Unbelievable athlete,” said 18U National Team manager and 15-year Major League veteran Michael Cuddyer to milb.com during the tournament. “He’s probably one of the most dynamic players out here, there’s no question about that.”
Perfect Game ranks Clavon as the 17th overall player in the 2024 class.
Clavon is the 15th verbal commitment for the Bulldogs, which also includes four players in Perfect Game’s Top 100 such as outfielder/pitcher Michael Mullinax, Buford pitcher Nate Taylor, and Parkview’s Cade Brown.
Other top commits include North Gwinnett’s Erik Parker, a longtime friend of Clavon. The two played together as eight-year-olds.
“I’m close to Eric Parker, Nate Taylor, and Michael Mullinax, and guys like Cade Brown, and Preston Bonn who committed,” said Clavon, who is also his team's starting quarterback at Kell High School. “I feel like we’re going to change the program in a great way.”
Clavon said the winning atmosphere being installed by Johnson and his staff was huge in his decision.
“Believing in themselves and believing in their teammates is big as well,” Clavon said. “When everybody is on the same page, those are the better teams.”
The current renovations being implemented at Foley Field also played a big role.
“It’s important because developing as a college player, getting ready for the draft is important,” Clavon said. “Having all those things made my decision even easier.”
