Bleacher Report: Projecting where the top-10 recruits from the state of Georgia could end up

by Bryan Kelly

I've taken a liking to the state of Georgia's 2011 recruiting class—one of the strongest and deepest in a long time.

Star running back Isaiah Crowell, whom I've profiled a number of times, is a player who could change the fortunes of whatever school he commits to for the better.

Tight end Jay Rome brings a special blend of size and athleticism to the position.

A trio of Peach State defensive linemen will make their impact felt, likely in the trenches of the SEC.

Georgia is a perennial battleground state, one that will feature heavily in the recruiting wars that flare up at the junction of the SEC and ACC powers.

Here is an update on the top 10 Georgia recruits, including (when possible) their highlight film, their current favorites and a prediction on their final selection.

Enjoy.

James Vaughters, OLB

I profiled James Vaughters in my top 10 linebackers preview, disagreeing with the recruiting sites that listed him as an inside linebacker. I thought he looked more like a DE/OLB pass-rushing type in the mold of Texas' Sergio Kindle.

As if on cue, Vaughters paid a visit to Texas and included them on a list of his nine potential finalists, along with Georgia, Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Southern Cal, and Stanford.

This update from Crimson Confidential quotes Vaughters praising the Tide after a visit in February.

Scout's no. 2 linebacker, Vaughters is also weighing in-state programs Georgia and Georgia Tech, though his recruitment has clearly taken a national turn.

If the Longhorns offer—which may not be guaranteed—I think this one will come down to Alabama and Texas, arguably the two most attractive schools for linebackers at the moment. There's a reason Vaughters traveled across the country even at the risk of coming home empty-handed.

Still, Mack Brown is famously queasy with out-of-state prospects, and the Longhorns did land a big one in last year's top OLB, Jordan Hicks.

For that reason, I predict Vaughters will end up in Crimson on National Signing Day. But his decision looks to be waiting at least until fall, so stay tuned.

See the rest of the top 10 here.