Kirby Smart looking to close Georgia's recruiting class on strong note

Less than two weeks remain for Georgia to round out its recruiting class, and a few big names are still on the table.

Head coach Kirby Smart has done his part to keep the most important pieces already part of the class of 2016 intact, which were quarterback Jacob Eason, offensive tackle Ben Cleveland and defensive lineman Julian Rochester.

It's unclear just how many recruits Georgia will have in this year's class. As of now, there are 16 total commitments after offensive tackle Solomon Kindley, who was in town on an official visit this weekend, made his pledge to the Bulldogs on Sunday. Kindley is from Jacksonville, Florida.

Smart, who has built the reputation as one of the nation's top recruiters, said he had put a ton of focus on finishing this year's class off on a high note.

In scripted fashion, Smart had the recruits in town this weekend, which included Kindley, walk in front of the Georgia student section at Saturday's basketball game against Arkansas. The students applauded and gave the recruits a standing ovation in a clear attempt to make Georgia's potential prospects feel like rock stars.

Smart has made sure to preach the importance of recruiting as he hopes to build a program similar to the one he left at Alabama.

"Every hour I've got and every waning moment will be on the phone with a prospect, a support staff member, some sort of role playing member to make this place as good as we can," Smart said.

Georgia's class could reach into the 20s, and that would be an ideal number for the Bulldogs. As of now, the class ranks seventh in the nation, according 247Sports.com.

While Smart will hope to land quite a few more recruits, there are four key players to keep an eye on from now and until National Signing Day:

Defensive tackle Derrick Brown, Lanier (Buford): Brown would be a huge addition -- literally and figuratively -- who could step in immediately on Georgia's defensive line rotation. Ranked as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the state, Brown, 6-foot-3¾ and 317 pounds, would join Rochester and Trenton Thompson on a defensive line that would shape up to be one of the most promising in the near future. Building the defensive line this year will be incredibly important for Georgia, given the four contributors lost from last year's team.

Athlete Mecole Hardman, Elbert County (Elberton): Hardman is the No. 1 athlete in the country, making him a must-get for the Bulldogs. He's an in-state product who could make a great receiver or cornerback, depending on how Smart wishes to use him. Hardman did tell 247Sports.com that he sees himself as a cornerback in the long term, although he would like the chance to play both sides of the ball in college. But given Georgia's depth in the secondary, with the need for help at receiver, Hardman could see some early run as a passing option.

Tackle E.J. Price, Archer (Lawrenceville): Price was once a Georgia commitment who backed off his initial pledge last summer. Price could wind up with Georgia when it's all said and done, which would be huge for a Georgia offensive line looking to get bigger and deeper. Price is considered the eighth-best offensive tackle in the country and could wind up teaming up with Cleveland as bookends down the road. At 6-6, 311 pounds, Price would be a big addition for the kind of group offensive line coach Sam Pittman is going to put together.

Defensive end/outside linebacker Brian Burns, American Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, Florida): Georgia is making a run at one of the top pass-rushers in the nation in Burns, a four-star recruit who is from the same high school as Georgia standouts Sony Michel and Isaiah McKenzie. At 6-5 and 213 pounds, Burns has a lean and athletic frame to rush the quarterback off the edge. What's working against Georgia is that Florida State is getting his last official visit on Jan. 29. Burns visited Georgia on Jan. 15.

This story was originally published January 24, 2016 at 4:54 PM with the headline "Kirby Smart looking to close Georgia's recruiting class on strong note ."