Yardbarker
x
Kirby Smart, Georgia beat out Alabama for four-star EDGE
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart is shown during the Georgia Spring game at Sanford Stadium. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Kirby Smart, Georgia beat out Alabama for four-star EDGE

Khamari Brooks is one of the top EDGE prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. As such, it's no surprise that several blue-chip programs in the SEC were after his commitment.

It's also no surprise that he's landed at Georgia. Speaking of blue-chippers, Kirby Smart has been collecting elite recruits over the years. 

Brooks' recruitment ultimately came down to Georgia and Alabama. From Bogart, Georgia, he lives just 10 miles from UGA's Sanford Stadium.

Perhaps that closeness gave the Bulldogs an edge when it came time to make a decision. Brooks committed to the Bulldogs on Monday afternoon. He did specifically mention that he's "staying home," so proximity certainly played a factor.

The four-star also spoke highly about Georgia outside linebackers coach Chidera Uzo-Diribe.

“With Georgia, it is about how they use guys at my position. How coach Diribe coaches is a lot like my high school, and how he uses the outside linebackers/EDGE is similar to what he do now, but at a higher level against better athletes," Brooks told Chad Simmons of On3.

Speaking of better athletes, the rankings project Brooks to be pretty darn good. According to the 247Sports Composite, he's the No. 14 EDGE in the country and the No. 13 recruit from the state of Georgia. 

He's now UGA's 19th commitment for a class that's ranked No. 4 in the country. Brooks is understandably excited about UGA's future, and he projects to be a big part of it.

“Georgia is a great school,” Brooks said. “They have great coaches and great players at Georgia. The coaches at Georgia always recruited me hard."

That intensity paid off for UGA with a huge win over arguably their biggest rival as of late, in Alabama.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!