D'Antne Demery to Georgia: Bulldogs Land 4-Star OT Prospect|UGA Hot Topics|Team BattleGround|College BattleGround

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart made a big splash in his first full year on the recruiting trail for the Bulldogs. According to Kipp Adams of 247Sports, 4-star offensive tackle D’Antne Demery committed to the school Wednesday.

Chad Simmons of Fox Sports South shared video of Demery’s commitment:

LIVE on #Periscope https://t.co/ZpPGanQbU4

— Chad Simmons (@ChadSimmons_) June 15, 2016

Demery is the No. 16 offensive tackle and No. 101 overall prospect in the 2017 recruiting class, per 247Sports’ composite rankings. He also ranks 13th in the state of Georgia. Listed at 6’5 ½” and 319 pounds, the Brunswick, Georgia, native is a major presence on the offensive line:

In February, Bleacher Report’s Barrett Sallee identified signing in-state talent as Georgia’s biggest objective in recruiting this year: “If Georgia can keep the elite athletes in this class in the Peach State, it will give head coach Kirby Smart plenty of options on how to formulate the roster for the next three or four years.”

Mark Richt will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in school history, and at least part of his success is due to how well he recruited in Georgia.

Between 2006 and 2015—since Richt’s firing last November had the 2016 class in flux somewhat—here are the schools that landed the top 10 players out of the state, using 247Sports’ composite rankings:

If Smart wants to build on Richt’s success and take the program a step further, he’ll need to continue canvassing the state and attracting the top prep standouts. Securing Demery’s commitment certainly helps his cause.

The foundation is there for Demery to become a standout offensive tackle in the FBS. He’d probably benefit from bulking up a bit so he can handle the quality of talent he’s bound to face at the next level. At his current weight, he could be bullied around by bigger, stronger defensive ends and linebackers.

Demery’s technique also leaves a little to be desired and can result in him failing to finish blocks, which this short clip from Dawgs247’s Rusty Mansell perfectly captures:

D’Antne Demery at LT @RisingSeniors https://t.co/bv8W1JV1lJ

— Rusty Mansell (@Mansell247) December 28, 2015

The good news is the Bulldogs coaching staff can work with Demery to improve his hand position and his footwork. Also, as he grows into his body, he should be able to simply overpower some defenders irrespective of whether his technique is impeccable.

Georgia is going through a transitional period up front, with several starting jobs up for grabs heading into the 2016 campaign. Depending on how things work out this fall, the program’s newest addition could have the opportunity to fight for a starting job immediately upon his arrival next year.

Unless he backtracks on his commitment, Demery will be joining Ben Cleveland—the No. 10 offensive tackle in 2016—in Athens, Georgia. Together, they should form the bedrock of the Bulldogs offensive line in a few years.

Recruit information and star rating are courtesy of 247Sports.