Tyler Atkinson is college football’s top-ranked linebacker. With the Oregon Ducks and Georgia Bulldogs looking for commitment from him, his recent visit to Eugene shows that he may be leaning toward committing to the Ducks.
Belief in Atkinson Could Swing Commitment in the Ducks’ Favor
Sports Illustrated’s article by Andrew Nemec quoted Atkinson saying, “Oregon was everything I imagined it would be.” He continued, “It was just like the coaches had described. Coach Lanning and the entire staff showed me exactly how much they wanted me to be a part of their program and team.”
The Ducks have also had back-to-back top-5 recruiting classes, and landing Atkinson could further boost their profile in recruiting players to Eugene.
Andrew Ivins, the Director of Scouting for 247 Sports, also speaks highly of the prospect.
“Highly productive inside linebacker that can emerge as the soul of a defense with his instincts and athleticism. Owns more of a streamlined build at this stage, but is blessed with a longer frame and should have no issues eventually carrying 225 pounds or more.”
Georgia Also Plans To Land Atkinson
Atkinson played his high school football at Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia. Last season, he tallied 166 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 46 quarterback hurries, one interception, and one forced fumble as a junior.
He would seem like a natural fit for the Bulldogs’ defense, given his home-state roots. Nemec’s article noted that the Bulldogs are “a known NFL factory on defense under Kirby Smart,” so Atkinson could work towards professional ball close at home with UGA.
In fact, three players from the Bulldogs’ defense are projected first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft. They include edge rusher Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, the Linebacker, and Malaki Starks, a safety.
Clemson Is Another School On Atkinson’s Radar
Given his status as the nation’s No. 7 overall prospect, it isn’t a surprise that multiple programs are vying for him.
When Tom Allen was hired as defensive coordinator and Ben Boulware was made the Clemson Tigers’ Linebackers coach, Boulware visited Atkinson along with Head Coach Dabo Swinney and safeties coach Mickey Conn, who also played at Grayson High.
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The Clemson Insider reported that Atkinson said that the visit. “really made me feel like the top priority,” Atkinson added. “It was the attention they gave my family, too. I liked how they made sure my parents and my sister were taken care of and comfortable throughout the day.
Alabama, Auburn, and Ohio State are also interested in Atkinson.
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