Kirby Smart may be getting into the sweepstakes for one of the top defensive linemen in the class of 2017. IMG Academy’s Joshua Kaindoh, rated the #2 strongside defensive end and #26 player in the nation by 247Sports, committed to the University of Maryland in April over Ohio State, Michigan and other big name schools in a pretty major upset win for coach D.J. Durkin. Originally from Essex, Maryland, Kaindoh was the crown jewel of the Terps’ class until this evening, when he announced on Twitter that he’s decommitting and will now choose his collegiate destination at the Under Armour All-American game on January 1st.
Will be announcing my final decision January 1st at the UA game!! pic.twitter.com/Us7ddFevbr
— Joshua Kaindoh (@_jkaindoh) November 29, 2016
Kaindoh’s decommitment follows a November 14th visit to Florida State and a visit this past weekend to Penn State. He’d been rumored to be shopping around a little, and coaches haven’t backed off recruiting the 6’6, 250 pounder. Kaindoh will now be visiting Athens this weekend. Notre Dame may also get a visit.
How realistic is Georgia’s chance of landing Kaindoh? I still think it’s going to be a tough sell. Penn State has historically recruited Maryland well, and James Franklin has built some solid momentum in Happy Valley during 2016. Florida State will also be in it until the end for Kaindoh. But getting a player of this caliber on campus late in the process with the ability to promise early playing time in the SEC should give Georgia a shot.