Mark Richt advises patience to Jacob Eason, other recruits

ATHENS -- Mark Richt's ouster as Georgia's head coach puts a promising recruiting class in limbo. Despite his departure from the school, Richt told the Bulldogs' biggest target to not make any rash decisions.

Jacob Eason, a five-star quarterback from Washington, was the center of many conversations about Richt's job security. The 6-foot-5 high school senior is one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in the country and stands as the fifth-best overall prospect, according to 247Sports. Eason committed to Georgia in the summer of 2014 and has signed his financial papers to attend Georgia, but the change in leadership leaves his arrival in question.

Richt said he told Eason to remain calm while Georgia athletics director Greg McGarity searches for the new head coach.

"I talked to Jacob (Sunday) night," Richt said. "I said, 'Be patient. See who the next guy is. You might get really excited about that, and the rest of the guys might get really excited about that. I'm not saying don't check out other options, but don't jump the gun. You chose Georgia for a reason, and it was for more than just me or (offensive coordinator Brian) Schottenheimer."

Eason received a surprise visit by Richt on Nov. 15 following the Bulldogs' victory over Auburn. The impromptu drop-in sent social media abuzz and temporarily dispelled rumors that Eason was looking at other options. The decision made by McGarity on Sunday revived the notion that Eason might pick another program.

Richt said the Washington trip was something he saw that was necessary.

"It was definitely my decision to make that trip," Richt said. "The message was basically going there to enjoy each other's company, No. 1, and No. 2, is 'Get ready to play some ball for the Dogs.' It was just a matter of knowing that he's a very important part of the recruiting class."

Richt praised Eason as a lynchpin of the Bulldogs' recruiting class. As a quarterback, Eason has been expected to help Georgia by contacting as many recruits as he can. His willingness to do so has created close relationships between several potential Bulldogs. It has also provided a glimpse at the leadership ability the young quarterback maintains.

The class' stability is up in the air after Richt's departure. Georgia pulled several coaches off the road Sunday and canceled what Richt said would have been 14 consecutive days of recruiting for him. When asked about the situation, McGarity said he was not sure who was still out recruiting, calling it a "moving target" at this point. According to 247Sports, running backs coach Thomas Brown and wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon are the only two who will continue recruiting.

Eason's status as the top player in the class means many players might follow his lead. If Eason opts to open his commitment, there could be a domino effect for Georgia's other 16 verbal commits. If, however, the Lake Stevens product takes the wait-and-see approach, the incoming class might remain relatively intact.

The message Richt offered Eason was one he reiterated to the rest of the players in the Class of 2016. Although Richt won't be coaching the players, he feels like they still have a promising opportunity in Athens.

"I'll encourage all these guys to do the same," Richt said. "They're a great group of guys. There's a chance for them to come in and be one of the best classes in the United States of America."

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 12:39 PM with the headline "Mark Richt advises patience to Jacob Eason, other recruits ."