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5-Star Zayden Walker Commits to Georgia CFB over FSU, Alabama, More; No. 2 LB in 2025

Julia StumbaughJune 6, 2024

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: A general view of the Georgia Bulldogs logo before the Capital One Orange Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Rich Storry/Getty Images

Five-star linebacker prospect Zayden Walker has committed to Georgia, he told 247Sports' Benjamin Wolk.

Walker is rated the No. 2 linebacker and No. 23 overall prospect by 247Sports, and the No. 2 linebacker and No. 15 overall prospect by ESPN.

He announced his commitment Wednesday on social media:

Zayden Walker @ZaydenWalker3

It's all over. Go dawgs roof roof roof! <a href="https://twitter.com/1CoachCoop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@1CoachCoop</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachSchuUGA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachSchuUGA</a> <a href="https://t.co/r3wqa2T7Cd">https://t.co/r3wqa2T7Cd</a>

Georgia has targeted Walker "for years," Wolk reported. His commitment comes after an official visit to Athens last weekend, per On3's Chad Simmons.

Walker played both linebacker and running back as a junior at Schley County High in Ellaville, Georgia. On defense he recorded 40 tackles, including 16.5 tackles for loss, as well as 7.0 sacks last season, per MaxPreps.

247Sports recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna projects Walker as a "3-4 off-ball linebacker at the next level who can deploy as a situational pass rusher."

Walker's decision was driven in part by his relationship with Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, Wolk reported.

Schumann also appeared to celebrate Walker's commitment on social media:

Glenn Schumann @CoachSchuUGA

Go Dawgs!!!!!!!!! Just Getting Started!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommitToTheG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommitToTheG</a>

Schumann has reportedly received interest from other teams during his time in Athens, including the Philadelphia Eagles, but elected to stay with head coach Kirby Smart and Georgia after his salary was bumped to almost $2 million last year.

That paycheck could be worth it to the Bulldogs if Schumann continues to help draw in top recruits.

Walker is the 10th prospect to commit to the Bulldogs this offseason. He joins another five-star recruit in tight end Elyiss Williams in the class.

247Sports now ranks Georgia's recruitment class as the ninth-best group in the nation, behind Alabama and above Penn State.