OL Van Pran Solid to Georgia but Prepared for January Visits

Under Armour All-America Game offensive lineman Sedrick Van Pran is solid to Georgia but is taking trips elsewhere before signing in February.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Georgia has perhaps the top offensive line class committed in the class of 2020 but two of the future Bulldogs have yet to sign with the program in Broderick Jones and Sedrick Van Pran. Each says they remain solid with the program but each will also take visits elsewhere. 

In Van Pran's case, perhaps more than Jones', it seems like due diligence following offensive line coach Sam Pittman's departure more than being less than solid to the Sugar Bowl champions.  

"I think it's coach Kirby," he said of Georgia's angle. "Coach Smart does a great job recruiting, he's a really great recruiter, he's a really great guy. He comes off very genuine. Also the environment, the economy (there) is really good so I think it all ties in along with education."

The 6-foot-4, 305-pound interior offensive line projection, who worked at center during Under Armour All-America Game week, also notes Athens' proximity to Atlanta as a major plus in picking the SEC East power.

"You can get away, even after football you have other opportunities to make a living so I think that helps," he said. 

It's no secret Georgia has the potential to close better than other programs entering the end of the recruiting cycle and two of those major dominoes will be realized at the UA All-America Game Thursday night as running back Zach Evans and tight end Darnell Washington make their decisions. All-American Bowl selection and SI All-American defensive back Kelee Ringo makes his public pick on Saturday and Georgia could be in position for each.

"I've talked to all three of them to see where they're heads are at,"  Van Pran said. "But at the end of the day, I'm a recruit, too, so I know how it goes. I respect their space so it's regular talking, it's not just recruiting.I know I hate that stuff so I don't try to get inside scoops or anything. 

"Playing with those guys in a class that would be crazy. I currently don't know, I'm hoping Georgia, but he's going to do what's best for (them)." 

The Louisiana native isn't quite finished with his own recruitment, of course. Throughout the month of January he will try to take some final visits before signing in February.

LSU, of course an in-state program preparing for the national championship game, hasn't been linked to Van Pran as much as one would expect. But a trip to Baton Rouge could go down, perhaps minimizing some of the negativity sent his way as a top prospect set to depart the state for college football.

"It doesn't really bother me," he said. "I get a lot of shade comments in the city but I know it's out of love. A lot of those guys want me to stay home and play but at the end of the day I have to do what's best for me and my family. Not saying LSU isn't the best but I've chosen Georgia. 

"The only official visit I have set up is January 24, Georgia. I have to figure out the other two weekends, where I'm going. I think I'll go to Florida but I have to talk to my dad. I haven't taken an official visit to LSU, Arkansas, places like that."

The 2020 Under Armour All-America Game, featuring seven prospect commitment announcements, will be televised by ESPN2 at 6:00 p.m. Thursday evening.