Approximately a week ago, Chase Linton, a 4-star EDGE prospect from North Atlanta, shared with DawgNation that he was feeling “lost” regarding his college decision. Previously committed to Rutgers since early June, Linton’s commitment began to waver after receiving a recent offer from the University of Georgia (UGA).
Linton revealed that UGA was not the only school on his mind; other “confidential” institutions from the ACC, Big Ten, and SEC had also reached out to him, further complicating his decision-making process.
Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, the senior decided to address his confusion publicly. He announced on social media that he was reopening his recruitment and officially decommitting from Rutgers.
Linton’s decision was influenced by his strong sense of commitment. He explained to DawgNation that the traditional concept of commitment—where it means refraining from talking to or visiting other schools—was weighing heavily on him. He felt it was inappropriate to consider other options while he was still committed to Rutgers, leading to his decision to decommit.
In a bid to clarify his future, Linton plans to attend the UGA-Clemson game later this month. His recruitment process has been eventful. After committing to Rutgers following an official visit in early June—his only official visit—Linton had an additional workout session at UGA in Athens. His impressive electronic 4.6-second 40-yard dash time caught Georgia’s attention.
During a subsequent visit to UGA, Linton underwent various drills, including shuttle and linebacker drills. This led to an offer from Georgia EDGE coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe, which initially excited him. However, as other schools began to express interest, Linton found himself reevaluating his options.
Georgia has become a serious contender for Linton, with the coaching staff expressing interest in him as a “Jack” linebacker and a third-down pass-rusher due to his athleticism, speed, and ability to bend the corner. North Atlanta coach Jamie Aull confirmed that Georgia is aggressively pursuing Linton, indicating they are keen on securing him.
Linton expressed a desire to visit Georgia again to gain more clarity about his decision. He mentioned needing to visit and experience the environment firsthand to help finalize his choice, as he is currently feeling uncertain and is discussing his options with his family.
Linton indicated that he aims to make his decision within the next month. When asked about what stands out to him about Georgia, he cited the program’s proximity to home, its recent back-to-back national championships, and the professionalism of its coaching staff.
Linton’s junior highlight reel showcases his playing style, with a focus on relentless effort throughout the game. His standout moment remains a sophomore highlight where he made a crucial strip sack against Lovejoy in the playoffs, leading to a turnover that helped secure the victory. Last season, he recorded seven sacks and 20 tackles for loss, underscoring his impact on the field.
For those interested, Linton’s junior tape and recent conversations with DawgNation are available online, including on the weekly DawgNation.com “Before the Hedges” podcast, which can be downloaded via Apple podcasts.
