As we talked about on Signing Day, Georgia had a pressing need for help along the defensive line in this recruiting cycle. That unit struggled at times in 2023 after getting elite play from the likes of Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt and Jalen Carter during the Dawgs’ two year National Championship run.

Georgia signed six defensive linemen on National Signing Day, now the ‘Dawgs have added more help up front in the form of South Carolina transfer Xzavier Mcleod. McLeod arrives in Athens fresh off a redshirt season where he made one tackle and had an interception, and will have four seasons of eligibility remaining.

The 6’5, 284 lb. McLeod was targeted by UGA coming out of Camden, South Carolina before deciding to stay instate and become a Gamecock. McLeod was a legitimate blue chipper, the #117 overall prospect in the 247Sports rankings and the #16 defensive lineman in the 2023 cycle.

McLeod projects as a potential weak side end in 3-4 looks and could potentially play just about any spot in 4 man fronts. While he obviously didn’t put a lot on film as a college freshman, coming out of high school he was already a player with above average arm length and a solid first step. I expect to see him battle with freshmen Justin Greene and Joseph Jonah-Ajonye for playing time as a 4 to 5 technique tackle when Georgia needs a big, quick end to set the edge in the running game.

Go ‘Dawgs!!!