Georgia Bulldogs land an in-state recruit in the 2027 class who has shades of a recent second-round pick
The Georgia Bulldogs are usually pretty good at keeping some of the state’s most elite talent. They’ve done that again, landing a commitment from four-star linebacker Joakim Gouda from Powder Springs, Georgia. Gouda is the No. 14 linebacker in the class and the No. 15 player in the state. He’s also a top 150 player […]
The Georgia Bulldogs are usually pretty good at keeping some of the state’s most elite talent. They’ve done that again, landing a commitment from four-star linebacker Joakim Gouda from Powder Springs, Georgia.
Gouda is the No. 14 linebacker in the class and the No. 15 player in the state. He’s also a top 150 player in the country. However, that’s the industry composite rankings. According to Rivals’ rankings, he’s the No. 31 player in the country, the No. 2 linebacker, and the No. 4 player in the state.
What’s most intriguing about Gouda is the scouting report. Rivals says Gouda reminds them of 2026 second-round pick Josiah Trotter, formerly of the Missouri Tigers. Here is the breakdown on him from Rivals:
“Like Josiah Trotter, Joakim Gouda is a thickly built, instinctive, and physical linebacker. Both are high-end run defenders who play with a physical edge. Gouda is more advanced at this stage and appears to be a better athlete as a high school prospect, based on play speed. There are similarities between the body type and overall skill set when projecting to college and beyond.”
This commitment comes just after Gideon Taiwo landed, another elite prospect. And, Georgia doesn’t seem to be done yet.
Georgia predicted to land a few more elite prospects
Rivals’ prediction system has Georgia with projections to fight for another elite four-star linebacker. Sean Fox, the No. 5 player in the state of Indiana, is projected to land with Clemson. However, that projection is at 31%, while Georgia slowly trails at 27%.
Georgia also has a prediction to land the No. 8 cornerback in the country, Chance Gilbert. They are currently second in that race behind Auburn.
Then there is offensive tackle Joshua Sam-Epelle, a 6’9, 310-pounder from Douglasville, Georgia. He’s the No. 45 player in the country and one of the top offensive linemen. He’s currently projected to go to Georgia over Georgia Tech.
Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs are doing okay in the 2027 class. But there is certainly some work to be done.