The 4-star athlete from Glynn Academy, Deejay Dallas, committed to UGA at Dawg Night back in July. His football life has changed considerably since. He’s moved under center to play quarterback and that team-first act might ultimately re-route his recruiting process.
Dallas committed to UGA as an athlete with a lean toward receiver, but he was already seen as one of the Southeast’s top defensive backs. But then, after getting shut out 22-0 by Coffee County on Sept. 18., Glynn coach Rocky Hidalgo asked Dallas to move under center to lead the team.
He has.
The Red Terrors are on a six-game win streak and Hidalgo is comparing Dallas to former Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall. Dallas told DawgNation he likes having the ball in his hands and would consider playing quarterback at another school in the SEC.
“If the opportunity presents itself I will jump on it, but if it doesn’t then it doesn’t,” Dallas said. “Regardless of however if it happens. If it comes down to some major colleges want me to play quarterback, then I will go. If it is just like some small Division I-AA school, then I won’t go.”
Dallas said his primary goal is to play on television almost every Saturday, and that will affect his college choice. His goal is to play quarterback in the SEC. Dallas is a dual-threat at passer and spins a good ball. He’d be a weapon in a read-option offense.
What would he do if an Auburn or an Ole Miss offered him at quarterback?
“Then I would go play quarterback,” Dallas said.
UGA desperately needs another quarterback to build much-needed depth with the Class of 2017. Dallas is close with UGA quarterback commit Bailey Hockman. The junior 4-star pocket passer from McEachern committed in June.
“I think Bailey is more of a dual-threat quarterback, too,” Dallas said. “He can do it all. I think he’s more of a dual-threat quarterback than anything. If you go back and watch his film, you can see how he gets out of the pocket to extend plays.”
Would Dallas consider also playing quarterback at UGA?
“It is all depending on who they sign,” Dallas said. “I think Georgia is getting the No. 1 quarterback in the nation and I want to play. I still want to have a decent chance to play in college fast and make an impact. I don’t know how I would feel about that if Georgia wanted me as a quarterback.”
He said he would seriously consider an offer to play quarterback at Auburn.
“My favorite player played quarterback for Auburn,” Dallas said. “Cam Newton. I don’t know if you watch my film, but if you watch how Cam does the ‘Superman’ at quarterback? I do it, too. I would really think hard about going to Auburn and be like Cam and be a quarterback.”
If those offers don’t come under center, then pay close attention to UGA’s signing classes at receiver and defensive back in 2016 and 2017. Dallas told DawgNation in September he would work hard, but he’d have to examine the depth charts closely if UGA signed a bunch of receivers and defensive backs.
UGA currently has commitments from five receivers for the Class of 2016. UGA also has another commitment in Amite (La.) receiver Devonta Smith with Dallas for 2017.
How has he looked at quarterback so far? Check out a few of his highlight clips. Hidalgo’s Nick Marshall comparison wasn’t too far off.
Jeff Sentell covers UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges.