RB Washaun Ealey making the grades to play for UGA
ALSO: Ex-UGA LB recruit to visit Tennessee
UGA signed one RB last year -- Washaun Ealey, who is "almost there" with meeting college entrance requirements (AJC)
Washaun Ealey, who some say is the state’s most accomplished tailback since Herschel Walker, has to clear one final hurdle before making it to Georgia.
The record-breaking senior from Emanuel County Institute told the AJC that he is close to meeting college entrance requirements.
“I’m almost there. By the time graduation comes around, I should be fine,” Ealey said Tuesday night. “I’m doing good in all my classes. I’ve got the test scores. If I keep my grades where they are now, then my test scores are good enough for me [to be academically qualified]. It’s really looking good now.”
Ealey’s sprint toward graduation is a major storyline over the next two months for UGA. The Bulldogs lost Knowshon Moreno to the NFL, and only signed one running back in this year’s recruiting class, Ealey. Georgia coach Mark Richt, who rarely talks about recruits before they arrive on campus, has often mentioned Ealey this spring as a strong candidate for the tailback rotation next season. Ealey’s name will appear on the depth chart the day he reports.
“Georgia fans don’t need to worry, I’m good … I’m going to make it,” Ealey said. As a backup plan, Ealey said UGA coaches have told him that Hargrave (Va.) Military Prep or Georgia Military Junior College are emergency plans. “But we really don’t discuss those options, because we’re all confident I’ll be at Georgia.”
Last weekend, Ealey attended G-Day, his first visit to Georgia’s campus since January. “It was great. I got to meet a lot of the recruits I didn’t know.”
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Ealey said he is at nearly 100-percent after being hindered with back and ankle injuries during football season. “I’m a lot better. I’m playing baseball.” Ealey plays outfield for Emanuel County Institute and bats leadoff. He has been clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.4 seconds and is a constant threat on the basepaths, stealing as many as four bases in a baseball game.
During his prolific high school career at the Class A football powerhouse, Ealey rushed for nearly 8,000 yards and set state records for career and single-season touchdowns. He is ranked as the country’s No. 11 running back by Rivals.
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106 comments Add your comment
Cro25
April 15th, 2009
9:53 am
He had more than 159 against Clinch in the second half alone bro.jbennett. He had just under 300 in the game. He is a hard worker at practice and he gives it all he’s got in games. As for the 40 times on the scouting sites, most of those were done while he had a bad foot, and are a little off. He will not be the fastest guy on the field but he has great explosion when he gets into the defensive backfield and he can pull away from DB’s. He has been run down from behind a time or two in high school, but not very often.
Quedawg4
April 15th, 2009
9:45 am
Caleb will be fine. I think its quite childish of some of the readers who label kids as “busts” before they even get to the first game of their sophomore season!!! Give Caleb a break, Ealey should be fine, as well as Samuel, Thomas, Jackson, and Daniels. Grow up Dawgfan1911!!!!!Go Dawgs!!!!!
Dawgs21
April 15th, 2009
9:45 am
what makes you think that this public forum is a good place to bash a current DAWG (a redshirt sophore at that). Nice fan you are 1911 im sure GT would take you if you wanted to switch sides.
MiltonDawg
April 15th, 2009
9:42 am
Didn’t sport writers claim King was the next Walker back in High School? I agree with many that he has not lived up to any of those expectations. Maybe this is his year, but i’m not sold on him. I will say that if Ealey is as talented as Moreno, let’s not make the same mistake and redshirt him.
Boss Dawg1
April 15th, 2009
9:36 am
Jasper sanks was by far the greatest bust at running back at Georgia. I remember him being on the AJC super 11 list coming out of high school, but when he got to UGA he was more like 11th string. Washun will be a great lift for UGA, Mr. dinamic himself. LET’S GO DOGS!
Blindog
April 15th, 2009
9:25 am
The biggest bust, as a running back, was Jasper Sanks. Caleb King will be if not a great rb a very good rb. Ealey’s attitude is a concern.
bro.jbennett
April 15th, 2009
9:05 am
I saw this kid play against our local high school team two years ago in the dome. He is amazing. Clinch county is known for stout defense against the run and he had 159 (or something like that) yards against us that day. He is going to be the real deal!
Charlotte Dawg
April 15th, 2009
9:01 am
So the 40 yard dash scores on rivals and scout, etc were incorrect for Ealey? 4.4 sounds more like it! I hope that stat/comment in the article was legitimate.
Aside from grades, is attitude a concern for this guy. I’ve read some negative comments about this kid’s ‘tude and am wondering if that is legit or not as well.
dawgfan1911
April 15th, 2009
8:16 am
Maybe this guy will come in and take this position being that no one else will step up. I am so shocked at the lack of hustle and determination by Caleb King. He may go down as the biggest bust in Georgia tailback history.
RB Washaun Ealey making the grades to play for UGA | AJC College Sports Recruiting
April 15th, 2009
7:08 am
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