BREAKING: 5-star major Georgia football priority steps off his commitment to reopen his recruitment
Justus Terry made a significant decision this morning, echoing the choice that fellow Middle Georgia All-American defender Isaiah Gibson made less than 16 hours earlier.
The 5-star defensive lineman and former UGA commit announced that he is decommitting from USC, a move that surprised some back in March but seems more understandable now given the distance between Middle Georgia and Los Angeles. Moreover, UGA’s track record of developing players at his position under Kirby Smart likely influenced his decision.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 2 DL, Terry will visit another SEC powerhouse this weekend as an uncommitted recruit.
This news is likely to excite UGA fans more than it will concern USC supporters. Terry has visited UGA more than any other school combined, indicating a strong connection. He had been a UGA priority well before his initial commitment in January 2023. Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott had described his recruitment as a “marathon,” committing to staying with Terry every step of the way until he signs in the class of 2025.
MY RECRUITMENT IS OPEN!! #Decommitted #1shot #Givemeeverythingyougot🤷🏾♂️
— Justus “Jay” Terry (@JustusTerry80) June 19, 2024
Terry’s decision today underscores what many had speculated since his March flip from UGA to USC. Terry had been committed to UGA for about 14 months before an unofficial visit to USC resulted in his commitment there, a decision mirrored by Isaiah Gibson. Now, both have decommitted from USC in consecutive days.
Terry, standing at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds, has reshaped his body since last season, dropping 15-20 pounds. He was recently at FSU for an official visit and had checked out UGA over the May 31-June 2 weekend. He had planned an official visit to USC this weekend but will now visit Alabama instead.
He also took an official visit to Miami earlier this month. With this latest decision, UGA is seen as a leading contender to regain his commitment, with Alabama, FSU, and Miami also in the mix.
The key test for his commitment to USC was whether he would take the second trip to USC this summer. With that trip canceled, it appears likely that he will stay in the South for his college career.
Terry’s recruitment has just become even more intriguing.