This Summer was filled with major recruiting battles as coaching staffs looked to put the final pieces together in their recruiting classes. Among the biggest battles of the Summer was the recruitment of elite running back David Gabriel Georges. Tennessee, Ohio State, and Ole Miss all found themselves in the mix for a potential game changing running back, getting a hat on the table for his announcement.
In the end, it was Josh Heupel and the Tennessee Volunteers who won out for the commitment despite Ohio State seemingly being the clear leader early on. While Tennessee had the advantage of Gabriel Georges playing High School football in Tennessee, many pointed to NIL as being the determining factor.
Tennessee reportedly gave the 5-star recruit a 3-year deal with an annual average value of $2 million per season.
David Gabriel Georges' absurd play shows why he deserves every penny
When the reported deal Tennessee gave David Gabriel Georges was made public, many called it an overpay and pointed to the NFL recently shying away from paying running backs. The sentiment has always been that you pay the special running backs, and on Thursday Night, David Gabriel Georges showed that he fits that mold.
In the first game of David Gabriel Georges' Senior season, with everyone watching on ESPN, showed the elite contact balance that has everyone excited to see what he could develop into at the next level.
Once again, David Gabriel Georges is ridiculous. The contact balance is elite. pic.twitter.com/IcHmLVN9ur
— Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) August 21, 2026
Every angle that you watch of the play from gets even more ridiculous, making it harder to believe he somehow didn't go down.
HOW DID DAVID GABRIEL GEORGES STAY ON HIS FEET?!? pic.twitter.com/xaMaalpVCF
— 247Sports (@247Sports) August 21, 2026
According to MaxPreps, David Gabriel Georges took 28 carries for 151 yards and a pair of touchdowns, leading the team to a 28-24 victory over Brentwood Academy.
David Gabriel Georges was one of the most sought after players in this year's recruiting class, and Thursday Night showed why that's the case. According to Rivals' Industry Recruiting Rankings, Gabriel Georges is the 8th ranked player in the Country, the 2nd ranked running back in the class, and the top ranked player out of Tennessee.
If David Gabriel Georges' Senior season continues at this pace, there's going to be a major debate over whether or not he should be the top running back and player in the class. Tennessee is clearly getting a superstar, and now the only task is to ensure Ohio State or another school doesn't pull off a flip.
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