Chimedza says Georgia is ahead of the pack in recruiting
IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is one of the most recognized high school football programs, and college coaches flock to recruit the program’s players. Georgia has drawn attention from a four-star defensive lineman from the powerhouse program.
Four-star defensive lineman TK Chimedza is a 2018 prospect who is gaining interest from Power 5 programs. Chimedza spoke to The Telegraph on his recruiting process, indicating his top three teams are Florida State, Georgia and Georgia Tech. The Gwinnett County product has a desire to stay reasonably close to home and has interest in each program for different reasons.
Georgia is the program with the closest proximity to the Chimedza family, which TK’s mother, Gerti, said was of importance. Georgia offered Chimedza on March 22, and the program’s appeal has increased with the new coaching staff, led by Kirby Smart. Chimedza says he’s in frequent contact with the coaches, and the interest is mutual.
“I talk to Georgia once a week at least, mainly to (defensive coordinator Mel) Tucker and (defensive line coach Tracy) Rocker,” Chimedza said. “I like how everyone is professional in everything they do, whether it’s on the field or off. When they recruit me, they’re pushing the aspect of representing my state and staying home. Also, as I’m hoping to be a business major, Georgia does well in that academic regard.”
Chimedza added that Georgia is “probably leading at the moment” and plans to commit next summer. Four-star defensive lineman Robert Beal, a Georgia commitment for 2017, has been actively trying to get Chimedza to join him.
The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Chimedza would be a solid addition for the Bulldogs in two seasons as he ranks as the 12th overall defensive tackle nationally and 28th overall prospect in Florida for the class of 2018, according to the 247Sports.com Composite Rankings.
Chimedza has made a trip home for the weekend for IMG Academy’s off week and will head to Sanford Stadium to attend Georgia’s SEC showdown against Tennessee.
“Primarily, I just want to see the Bulldogs play live,” Chimedza said. “Seeing how the coaches and players are on game day is also of importance. For Coach Smart, I feel like he’s doing a great job with the team this season. He’s a very energetic guy, and it rubs off on the team.”
While Georgia would welcome his addition, two ACC teams are also vying for his services.
Florida State is one of those.
“At first, you’d think a program would be so uptight if they are successful with sending players to the National Football League,” Chimedza said. “But it’s really the opposite, everyone within the Florida State program cares about the player, and they treat everyone like family. When I talk to the coaches, it’s more focused on myself rather than football. (Defensive tackles coach Odell) Haggins and I have a good relationship.”
Georgia Tech is Chimedza’s final contender, and the Yellow Jackets are competing against the rival Bulldogs for his services.
“Georgia Tech really surprised me,” Chimedza said. “The coaches are great people and the atmosphere there is amazing. It’s the prestige of campus and facilities that I didn’t expect. I thought since the school was in the city, that it would be small. But it’s totally the opposite.”
Chimedza will finish out his junior year before giving his pledge, allowing the recruiting process to continue. TK’s mother spoke on the process and has been pleased overall.
“It’s been interesting but mostly fun,” Gerti Chimedza said. “I have my favorite universities, but as long as the education and proximity are suitable, I’ll support wherever he chooses.”
This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 5:40 PM with the headline "Chimedza says Georgia is ahead of the pack in recruiting."