‘He’s not coming across the country to sit’: How UGA plucked Kendall Milton from California

Kendall Milton committed to Georgia in July. An opportunity to change his path presented itself in the days leading up to when the national letter-of-intent had to be inked.

He sat down and looked at his options — and there were many of them. One thing remained for certain, the California product wasn’t going to stay on the west coast.

Those SEC schools came calling, and the 2020 running back prospect with all of the accolades couldn’t pass that opportunity up. After all, it is the conference where running backs can shine.

Milton scoured through his choices — Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Tennessee and others — and vetted them thoroughly. Milton could’ve probably named his destination and had that school extend a scholarship opportunity.

Something stood out about Georgia. It does to most running backs due to the backfield names that have dominated the college football landscape over the last decade — Nick Chubb, Todd Gurley and Sony Michel. Oh yeah, and that legendary guy from a few decades ago, Herschel Walker.

“What makes me most excited is that it was his choice,” his father Chris Milton said Wednesday. “He vetted them in every way possible and trusts them to help achieve his dreams.”

Another reason isn’t so obvious. Georgia might be clearing things out at running back, granted not by choice. Brian Herrien, a senior, is set to graduate after a 490-yard season. Another question mark is the looming decision of junior D’Andre Swift to declare for the NFL draft. Head coach Kirby Smart referenced “the likelihood of Swift possibly coming out” in vague terms which could indicate an upcoming departure.

Therefore, Milton can scan and see the hole. There’s a chance for him to fill it, and bust through some holes created by his linemen on the Sanford Stadium turf.

“There’s an opportunity there,” Smart said. “You’re always exploring those options. We felt like Kendall comes from a really strong family. (Georgia running backs coach) Dell (McGee) formed a great relationship with their family, and they really liked what Georgia had to offer.”

Let’s survey the mold that Milton fits.

• Frame: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds. For the sake of comparison, Michel stood at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds. Chubb measured at 5-foot-10, 225 pounds.

• Numbers: 50 touchdowns combined in sophomore and junior seasons. He scored four touchdowns in a game last season when McGee was in attendance.

• Accolades: Five-star prospect on rivals.com, ranked as the No. 3 running back prospect. Named to The Opening Finals roster. Set to participate in the All-American Bowl.

• Measurables: 4.76-second 40-yard dash, 4.25-second shuttle run, 35.8-inch vertical and a 11.04-second 100-meter dash.

Those gave coaches enough reason to give a direct answer to Milton. Each of his final options, according to his father, presented the opportunity to play immediately whether a vacancy on the depth chart presented itself or not. To Georgia’s fortune, it needed another star to continue its “RBU” legacy.

Milton could be next in line.

“He’s not coming across country to sit,” Chris Milton said. “I honestly feel that people will be surprised with what’s about to take place at Georgia.”

Milton made his signing official Wednesday morning, which ignited a strong early signing day haul for Georgia. This has been the same story for Smart in each of his three full recruiting cycles through four seasons at the helm. The Bulldogs received their big flip in four-star wide receiver Jermaine Burton, a previous LSU pledge who is also from California.

Georgia (barring late-night adds) finishes the early signing period with the No. 4 class nationally, according to the 247Sports.com team rankings. There are 17 signees and two pledges — Broderick Jones and Sedrick Van Pran — who don’t plan to sign their national letter-of-intent until the regular period which begins on Feb. 5, 2020. Smart said there are needs to address, but didn’t give much clarification to certain positions.

Georgia could add tight end Darnell Washington (five-star, Las Vegas, Nev.) and cornerback Kelee Ringo (five-star, Scottsdale, Ariz.) in the coming weeks. They’ve signed, but plan to announce their decision at respective prospect showcase games.

At running back, however, Georgia has its headliner. Milton could emerge as the next star to wear the Bulldog uniform.

But for now, Milton is sure of his destination after considering months ago and taking time to reconsider.

“I’m super pleased to get him,” Smart said. “He was one of our leaders in the class, and I’m excited about what he’s going to bring to the table.”