Why Dalvin Tomlinson did not make his UGA visit …

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Some of the mystery surrounding why perhaps the state’s top uncommitted prospect didn’t go on his official visit to UGA has been revealed.

Dalvin Tomlinson, the AJC Super 11 defensive end from Henry County High School, didn’t visit UGA on Monday or Tuesday as previously scheduled. The Bulldogs are being considered by Tomlinson, along with rumored frontrunners Georgia Tech and Alabama.

“I talked with Dalvin and he had something that came up with his family,” Henry County coach Mike Rozier told the AJC. “He said he talked with [UGA assistant Bryan McClendon] on Saturday morning and let him know. It was a personal issue having to deal with his family.”

Now onto the rest of the mystery:

• Will Dalvin reschedule his official visit to UGA? “I talked with both Dalvin and Coach McClendon, and they didn’t know yet.”
• Does UGA still want Tomlinson? “I’m sure they do. In talking with Coach McClendon, they really seem like they still want him.”
• Does Tomlinson have UGA among his finalists? “In talking with Dalvin, it’s Georgia Tech, Alabama and Georgia. The sharks are circling him, though. South Carolina was at the school today visiting with Chris Moody. They said if Dalvin still hasn’t made up his mind, they’d like a shot at him.” [Note: DB Chris Moody will visit Vanderbilt and South Carolina the next two weeks]

Then his coach hinted at what really may be going on behind the scenes: The quiet-natured Tomlinson is feeling the pressures of the recruiting process.

The recruiting process has been a little overwhelming for AJC Super 11 DE Dalvin Tomlinson (AJC)

“I think the pressure is getting to this young man,” Rozier said. “Basically, he has told me to try to head everybody off. He wants to keep to himself, figure this all out and make up his mind. He did say this is one of the biggest decisions of his life.  He wants time and space to think about it so can make the right decision. He’s going to announce on Feb. 1.”

The 6-foot-3, 270-pounder is still mourning the loss of his mother, who died unexpectedly last summer after a longtime illness. Tomlinson has a 3.9 GPA and accomplished the rare feat of being offered by Florida, UGA and Harvard on the same day last spring.

Tomlinson and Lowndes LB Josh Harvey-Clemons are the state’s top two uncommitted prospects. Harvey-Clemons’ grandpa predicts a “photo finish” between UGA and Florida on Feb. 1.

OTHER UGA & GEORGIA TECH RECRUITING NOTES

UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner will make an in-home visit with Vanderbilt DE commit Josh Dawson on Thursday. Mark Richt is scheduled for next week (AJC)

• Georgia vs. Vanderbilt: UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner will make an in-home visit on Thursday with Tucker DE Josh Dawson, who is committed to Vanderbilt but visited the Bulldogs last weekend. Mark Richt will try to close the deal with an in-home visit next week. Dawson will take a recruiting trip on Friday to Vanderbilt, where he has been committed since last summer.
• DB Sheldon Dawson of Memphis, Tenn., is still committed to Memphis but told ESPN that “I am open, really, but you could say that Georgia is the team to beat.” Dawson took an official visit to UGA last month.
• Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson made an appearance at GAC on Tuesday to check on OL commit Chase Roberts. He also inquired about a few juniors, including linebacker Kristopher Smith.
• Onetime UGA DB target Josh Holsey of Creekside had an in-home visit on Tuesday with Auburn’s new defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. “I met him last weekend on my official visit last weekend but I really got to spend a lot of time with him on Tuesday,” Holsey said. “I like him. He’s the type of coach you want to play for.” Holsey confirmed he is no longer considering visiting UGA.
• Georgia Tech, UGA, Auburn, South Carolina and Maryland have recently stopped by to check on Mill Creek DL Kelsey Griffin, one of the state’s top 10 overall prospects for 2013.
• Newnan DB Tray Matthews, a 2013 commitment for UGA, said UGA defensive coordinator Todd Grantham was stopping by his school on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Mark Richt and assistants Mike Bobo, Tony Ball and John Lilly visited  the high schools of two other 2013 commits, Camden County QB Brice Ramsey and RB Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla., according to ESPN’s Kipp Adams.
  

  Georgia Tech will find out Jan. 23 about DE Alex McCalister (247Sports.com)

• One of Georgia Tech’s top remaining targets, DE Alex McCalister of Clemmons, N.C., has postponed his college decision to Jan. 23 due to a family illness, according to Rivals. He is deciding between the Yellow Jackets, Florida and North Carolina.
• UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner and Georgia Tech assistant Buzz Preston both checked on 2013 Carver-Atlanta OL Delando Crooks on Tuesday. He has early scholarship offers from both schools.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

• Why Dalvin Tomlinson did not make UGA visit … other UGA and Georgia Tech notes
• Nick Saban hits town to recruit top juniors at Atlanta high schools … and a gym?
• Good news for Georgia Tech with state’s top uncommitted prospect?
  
• Atlanta RB “still committed” to Alabama but considering options
• Ex-Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora lands another Atlanta recruit for UCLA
• Georgia QB flips to ACC school after pep talk from new coach
• Nick Saban to Atlanta RB: You can’t sign with Alabama until …. 2013
• Josh Harvey-Clemons’ grandpa predicts “photo finish” between UGA and SEC rival
• Will Vanderbilt DE recruit flip to UGA after visiting Bulldogs?
• OL commits to Georgia Tech; cancels official visit to Florida Gators
• Nephew of ex-NFL star Dexter Manley commits to new ACC member
• RB Mike Davis goes public with his “secret” commitment; Guess who??
• Todd Gurley: Analysis of UGA’s newest recruit and … remember Tim Worley?

– By Michael Carvell, AJC Recruiting Blog

Got an item? mcarvell@ajc.com

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