UPDATED: Harvey-Clemons never wavered on UGA, just had to convince granddad
ATHENS — Josh Harvey-Clemons said he never wavered on his decision to sign with Georgia. He just had to convince his grandfather that it was the best move.
“I just had to sit down with my family and get everybody on the same page,” said Harvey-Clemons, reached by phone Thursday morning in Valdosta. “He was looking at it as Florida was closer. I’ve got a cousin who still plays at Lowndes and my little brother is going to be in high school next year. Florida is only like an hour and 20 minutes away, so he was thinking about going to games on Friday and being able to drive down to Gainesville easy. That’s why he liked Florida.
“Georgia’s a little farther away but I told him that’s where I wanted to go.”
Harvey-Clemons said he sent over the letter-of-intent via fax Thursday morning at 8:05 a.m. He said Georgia’s coaching staff never panicked and helped him through the dilemma.
“They were fine,” he said of the coaching staff. “They were just telling me to let them know what was going on and I kept calling them. They stayed with me through the whole thing.”
Harvey-Clemons, the top-ranked recruiting prospect in Georgia per several ratings, committed to the Bulldogs on national television on Wednesday. But he never sent in his signed letter-of-intent, supposedly because his grandfather, Woodrow Clemons, refused to sign it.
Mr. Clemons, 51, is the legal guardian for Harvey-Clemons’ and his brothers and sisters. Both of their parents are deceased. Mr. Clemons could not be reached for comment.
Harvey-Clemons said he was relieved to have all the recruiting drama behind him. Now he plans on focusing on getting ready to come to UGA in June.
“I plan on just working hard so I can get bigger and get stronger so I can get on the field when I get up there,” he said.
With Harvey-Clemons sealed and delivered, Georgia now has 19 signees in the Class of 2012. The group was ranked as high as No. 5 by ESPN and moved up to No. 11 from 19 on the Rivals.com list. The Bulldogs remained No. 6 by 247Sports and No. 12 by Scout.
Meanwhile, here’s Harvey-Clemons’ bio:
- Born: February 20, 1994
- High School: Lowndes
- Ht., wt: 6-foot-5, 208 pounds
- Accolades: SuperPrep Elite 50, All-America, and All-Dixie Teams . . . PrepStar Top 150. . . .ESPNU Top 150, 17th ranked prospect nationally . . . Scout.com five-star player, #2 OLB and #36 overall prospect in the country, #2 player in the state . . . Rivals.com five-star player, #31 ranked prospect and #2 Athlete in the country, #1 player in Georgia . . . ESPN four-star player, #1 OLB in the country, #7 Player in the Region, #1 player in the state . . . 247sports.com four-star player, #2 OLB and #32 prospect nationally, #2 Player in Georgia . . . Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11 and Class AAAAA All-State team . . . Member of the Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAAA first-team . . . Participated in the 2011 GHSA All-Star game . . . Participated in the 2012 U.S. Army All-America Bowl Armor All-American game . . . As a senior, recorded 132 total tackles (102 solo) three sacks, five tackles for loss, three interceptions . . . also caught 17 passes for 215 yards and two TDs, rushed for 117 yards and three TDs . . . High School Coach: Randy McPherson.
GEORGIA 2012 SIGNEES
- DT John Atkins (6-4, 300), Thomson
- P Collin Barber (6-2, 191), Cartersville
- QB Faton Bauta (6-3, 225), West Palm Beach, Fla.
- OL Mark Beard (6-4, 290), Coffeyville (Kan.) CC/Adamsville, Ala.
- OLB Josh Dawson (6-4, 225), Tucker
- ATH Sheldon Dawson (5-11, 178), Memphis, Tenn.
- DL James Deloach (6-3, 260), Jenkins Co.
- DE Leonard Floyd (6-4, 215), Dodge Co.
- RB Todd Gurley (6-1, 195), Tarburo, NC
- OLB Joshua Harvey-Clemons (6-5, 208), Valdosta
- FB Quayvon Hicks (6-2, 245), Pierce Co.
- OLB Jordan Jenkins (6-3, 245), Harris Co.
- RB Keith Marshall (5-11, 190), Raleigh, N.C.
- PK Marshall Morgan (6-3, 195), Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
- OL Greg Pyke (6-6, 315), Baltimore, Md.
- TE Ty Smith (6-3, 228), Colquitt Co.
- DL Jonathan Taylor (6-4, 315), Jenkins Co.
- OT John Theus (6-6, 292), Jacksonville, Fla.
- WR Blake Tibbs (6-2, 185), M.L. King
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237 comments Add your comment
tmc
February 2nd, 2012
11:45 am
1 O-Lineman?
This has been CMR problem the last several years. You got to have a bunch of O-lineman to be able to run and pass protect.
This should be a focus, but for some reason it is not!
The reason AL, LSU and FL in the past are so great is because they had great offensive and defensive lineman. That’s how you control the game.
tmc
February 2nd, 2012
11:49 am
sorry, just saw my mistake. 3 OL.
That’s still not enough though.
Mark (another one)
February 2nd, 2012
11:50 am
If my son and I were in disagreement on a major decision regarding his future, I would do everything in my power to cause a sit down. I’d want him to convince me that he was making the decision for the right reasons, and I would challenge him to do so. Josh has a family that loves him, and they want the best for him. No harm, no foul.
Offensive linemen already on the roster includes:
Drake,
Reynolds,
Burnette,
Gates,
Houston,
Lee,
Andrews,
Dantzler,
DeBell,
Hunter Long,
Nathan Theus (John’s brother),
Ward,
Austin Long,
McQuillen, and
Williams.
Plus the three new linemen that makes 18. I don’t know the story on all these guys but two are returning starters and several others have game experience. Its always good to sign another great player but its also time for some of these to step up and fill the role.
UGA fan...not fanatic
February 2nd, 2012
11:54 am
DeBell gained 30 lbs since signing, has not lost any speed. Ward has gotten bigger also. OL will be in good shape this year.
UGA 1999
February 2nd, 2012
11:55 am
Greenflash….And where did Tech rank on the end of season polls?
John
February 2nd, 2012
11:58 am
For those that are continuing to gripe about not enough OL’s, you are likely forgetting that John Atkins has been signed with the ability to play offense or defense. That decision will obviously be made on need when he arrives on campus, and his ratings are about equal for both sides of the ball, perhaps an even better prospect on the offensive side. That would give us 1.Theus, a consensus all american, 2.Beard, one of the top 5 junior college tackles who will be a sophomore (an unusual 3 years to play juco player with tons of upside and is college ready like Theus), 3.Pyke who some recruiting boards have him as a 4 star recruit in Maryland, and 4.Atkins, the UnderArmour All-American. Maybe this is why ESPN has us as a top 5 class even without the addition of Josh Harvey-Clemons! Go Dawgs!!!
John
February 2nd, 2012
12:01 pm
Coach Richt said Ward has gained 40 pounds and is ready to enter the fray at tackle as well!
Go Dawgs!
dean
February 2nd, 2012
12:01 pm
#9. “Tarburo”, NC. It’s pronounced that way, but it’s spelled “Tarboro”.
Hard Timez
February 2nd, 2012
12:02 pm
I tried to sell my grandpa once. Well, actually I tried to pledge him as collateral for a non-puchase security interest loan against household items. Grandpa slipped on the wet driveway while we are getting him to the car to take him up to the First Franklin for inspection and when we got him there he was all scraped and bloody and bruised and the loan officer insisted that I also give my 4-wheeler as collateral.
We ended up defaulting on the loan and we surrendered Grandpa in our bankruptcy but First Franklin never came and got him. I wish they would because he stinks.
30326Dog
February 2nd, 2012
12:03 pm
Schaaaweeeettttt!!!!!!!!!!
slydog
February 2nd, 2012
12:04 pm
If anybody knows, how is JHC related to Charlie Clemons?
CRO-MAGNON MAN
February 2nd, 2012
12:04 pm
DJ:
YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR NAME FROM DJ TO DA….HAPPY TRAILS…
slydog
February 2nd, 2012
12:05 pm
Ok, I may have made a mistake. Josh Clemons, RB at Kentucky, is the son of Charlie Clemons.
John
February 2nd, 2012
12:06 pm
Greenflashlight, news flash: Rivals had us at #11 before dropping to 19 when JHC did not send in fax.
Therefore we will likely be #11 again or possibly even higher when they give their final ranking tomorrow as they did last year on Friday as well.
Go Dawgs!!!
Jeff
February 2nd, 2012
12:09 pm
Back in the day his Grandfather could have flown to Athens from Valdosta via the ATL on Southern Airways- the route of the aristocrat!!!!
CRO-MAGNON MAN
February 2nd, 2012
12:10 pm
Tampa Jack:
YEA, THAT ONE YESTERDAY WAS HUGE…ANNOUNCING WHAT EVERYBODY ALREADY KNEW, THAT THE KID WAS COMING TO GEORGIA BECAUSE HE TOLD THE WORLD THAT ON ESPN….THAT COULD BE A FIRING SQUAD EVENT, THAT IS A REAL BIGGIE…I ASSUME TAMPA JACK IS A GATOR FAN STUNG BY THE KID COMMITTING TO UGA ALTHOUGH IT LOOKED LIKE GRANDAD MIGHT HAVE HAD SOMETHING WORKED OUT WITH THE GATORS ON THE SIDE…SAY IT AIN’T SO, GRANDAD…..
flo-ri-duh
February 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm
JHC will be a starter in two years and all SEC in three – lining up next to Ogilvie he will be a terror. Muschump did well recruiting. Now he has to produce. Either Kirby Smart will be the head coach at Bammer in two years when Saban leaves or he will be the head coach some where else – maybe Texas. I see LSU winning the west in 2012 if Mettinbubba can keep his hands off the girls and on the ball. If not, it will be Arkansas. Bammer will be 2nd or 3rd in the west. It will be UGA 1st in the east (again), the Gamecrocks 2nd, and Vandy 3rd. Duh’Rick Doody will be return to lawyering after the Tick Hounds finish 5th in the east behind Miss State.
slydog
February 2nd, 2012
12:12 pm
The only reason Scout and Rivals doesn’t have Georgia in the top ten: Lack of 4-star recruits. Georgia has just as many 5 star recruits as anybody else. The 3 star recruits are just about the same for everyone else.
T Bag BAMA
February 2nd, 2012
12:13 pm
UGA filled it’s needs and have signed a very talented class. GATA DAWGS!
Like Most Uf Grads
February 2nd, 2012
12:15 pm
Like most Uf Grads they end up working in Atlanta anyway. Florida is filled with idiots – Floridiots.
Brave Hokie
February 2nd, 2012
12:15 pm
Gawga Bulldogs: best team in college football between late Jan and Labor Day!
slydog
February 2nd, 2012
12:15 pm
@Jeff
February 2nd, 2012
12:09 pm
“Back in the day his Grandfather could have flown to Athens from Valdosta via the ATL on Southern Airways- the route of the aristocrat!!!!”
How much do you want to bet McGarity has assuage those travel issues, via a private jet or shuttle?
BG
February 2nd, 2012
12:18 pm
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!
T Bag BAMA
February 2nd, 2012
12:19 pm
VT the team that is clearly the most overated program in college football!!!!!
Brave Hokie
February 2nd, 2012
12:22 pm
@ T Bag {ing Saban probably} BAMA
Whoever said VT was ‘rated’ period???
No talk on SECpsn during the season or signing day.
So how can we be overrated?
djack0062
February 2nd, 2012
12:27 pm
Congrats to the young man on his “choice”. G-Dad was just looking out for his grandson…Its called taking care of your “family”. People still respect their “elders” for you fools who didn’t know that…
slydog
February 2nd, 2012
12:27 pm
VT is not over rated in the least. They are maxing out with almost every athlete they can get their hands on. If Frank Beamer ever gets a halfway decent QB (MV7?), watch out.
Real DAwg D
February 2nd, 2012
12:28 pm
muschamp and florida got punked by Richt and UgA in getting this superstar! The DAWGS D will rule baby!!! Ga wins the SEC!
Mr. HawHaw
February 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
Richt probably texted his grandpa.
Mr. HawHaw
February 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
Richt probably texted his grandpa.
Mr. HawHaw
February 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
Richt probably texted his grandpa.
Roll Bama
February 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
it doesn’t matter who ga signs—Bama has the #1 class again and will reload on O and D with a bunch of superstars. Bama beats ga easy in the SEC title game–take that to the bank!
bham dawg
February 2nd, 2012
12:33 pm
Tampa Jack
February 2nd, 2012
9:33 am
“Richt may have committed an NCAA secondary violation by commenting on a prospective student-athlete before the college both received and approved his letter-of-intent.”
I wonder what will come of this. Pretty blatant violation on national signing day.
_______________________________________________________________________
He never mentioned him by name so there is no violation.
Greenflashlight
February 2nd, 2012
12:34 pm
Ray Drew got all the hype last year. He had 2 sacks and 5 tackles in 2011. I expect Clemons to have almost no impact in 2012.
30326Dog
February 2nd, 2012
12:34 pm
Hard Timez- Good stuff! : ))
Answer man.
February 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm
Josh Harvey-Clemons? Is Harvey his maiden name? I don’t get hypenated names for football players. Is it just a trend or something?
Greenflashlight
February 2nd, 2012
12:35 pm
Ray Drew had 8.5 tackles, no sacks.
WDE
February 2nd, 2012
12:39 pm
@Roll Bama blah blah blah…if we make to the title game AGAIN this year, we will most likely be playing Ark.
WDE
February 2nd, 2012
12:40 pm
@Greenflashlight baring injury I think your right about JHC’s impact this year, Jarvis Jones and C Washington are ahead of him.
Greenflashlight
February 2nd, 2012
12:47 pm
Cornelius Washington shouldn’t be starting? 17 tackles and 5 sacks? Need somebody to make plays on his side, because Jarvis will get doubled a lot.
Now Roll Bama
February 2nd, 2012
12:49 pm
don’t be raining on the dawgs annual top 5 recruiting, Pre-Season #1 team in the nation “dream” team delusion, the season will start soon enough and they will have to return to reality.
WDE
February 2nd, 2012
12:49 pm
@Greenflashlight no I meant C Washington will be the starter….and JHC is only around 210 he will need to add some weight.
WDE
February 2nd, 2012
12:51 pm
@Now Roll Bama just keep on rolling or in your case trolling…
Terry
February 2nd, 2012
12:55 pm
Greenflashlight, I’m very please with Georgia’s signings, we only signed 19 players, and are still ranked #11 on rivals, #13 on scouts, and #5 ESPN, all the other College’s rank higher than Georgia, except for two, Florida St. and USC, signed 3 to 14 more players than Georgia, don’t you think that has something to do with, or why Georgia was not ranked even higher in recruiting?
Scouts.com ——————–Rivals.com————ESPN
1. Texas – 28 —————#1 Alabama – 26 —-1. Alabama – 26
2. Alabama – 26 ———–#2 Texas – 28 ——- 2. Florida State – 19
3. Ohio State – 25 ———#3 Florida – 23 —– 3. Texas – 28
4. Michigan – 25 ———-#4 Ohio State – 25 — 4. Florida – 23
5. Florida – 23 ————-#5 Stanford – 22 —- 5. Georgia – 19
6. Stanford – 22 ———–#6 Michigan – 25
7. LSU – 23 —————-#7 USC – 15
8. Miami (Fl) – 33 ——–#8 Florida State – 18
9. Oklahoma – 25 ———#9 Miami (FL) – 33
10. Florida State – 19 —-#10 Oklahoma – 25
11. UCLA – 28 ———–#11 Georgia -19
12. South Carolina – 25
13. Georgia – 19
Greenflashlight
February 2nd, 2012
12:58 pm
UGA wasted at least 6 scholarships. Why not bring on 6 more guys if you have the money and the spots? That’s what the SEC Champs are doing like Saban.
Greenflashlight
February 2nd, 2012
1:00 pm
Clemons shoulld red shirt this year, and then play for 3 years after that, going Pro after he graduates, and after his Jr season.
Should have red shirted Ray Drew this year, Ray wasted his redshirt for 8.5 tackles, not smart.
Terry
February 2nd, 2012
1:01 pm
Just saying, Georgia’s avg star rating per player, is as good as, or better than, any of the other teams above us in the recruiting rankings.
Alabama | MrSEC
February 2nd, 2012
1:01 pm
[...] to host South Carolina in hoops tonight.18. Josh Harvey-Clemons never wavered on Georgia, but he did have to convince his grandfather it was the right place for him.19. Joker Phillips hopes he found some diamonds in the rough.20. [...]
Red Stick
February 2nd, 2012
1:03 pm
Jeff
February 2nd, 2012
10:21 am
“John Theus is a mauler! He’s ready RIGHT NOW! Is he an early enrollee? Boy I hope so. That guy is ready to play left tackle right now! Mark Beard also should be one of our tackles or guards. He’s the JUCO lineman. The line could look like this:
LT: John Theus
LG: Mark Beard
C: David Andrews (Damn I wish Ben Jones had another year)
RG: Chris Burnette
RT: Watts Dantzler”
I don’t see how Theus will start at the most important position on the line (since Murray is a righty). It is rare for a true freshman offensive lineman. I think he’s going to find out that the game is alot faster at this level especially when he goes up against Georgia’s defense in drills.
La’el Collins was the overall top rated player in Louisiana and the overall #1 or #2 (depending on the recruiting service) offensive lineman in the nation a year ago. As good as he is LSU redshirted him this past season. He won’t even start next season as LSU is only losing one starter, Will Blackwell, a guard, on the line.
Congrats on getting Theus. He’s a big pickup for Georgia. I could be wrong, but if he starts that tells me that the returning offensive linemen are not very good which would be a huge issue for the Dawgs.
Geaux Tigers
SEC Champions
The Travelor
February 2nd, 2012
1:07 pm
Well it all makes sense….Mr. Clemens favored Florida because it’s closer. We all knew there were no other advantages FL could offer.