Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman screaming "Yessirr!" in a Twitter video continues to be troubling for opposing defenses throughout the Southeastern Conference.
Pittman unveiled his latest euphoric social media post Monday after the Bulldogs received a commitment from offensive tackle Tate Ratledge, a 6-foot-6, 311-pounder from Darlington School in Rome. Ratledge is the nation's No. 5 tackle prospect and No. 39 overall recruit on the 247Sports.com composite rankings.
After Ratledge's announcement, Pittman honored Darlington's colors by wearing a purple jacket and by playing Prince's "Purple Rain" as background music.
"Dawg Nation, we all root for the red and for the black," Pittman said in his video, "but today seems like a day when I'm liking purple."
Pittman then added his boisterous "Yessirr!" after landing the 10th offensive lineman during his time with the Bulldogs who was a top-100 national prospect, including the second in this 2020 recruiting cycle. Georgia also has a commitment from Broderick Jones from the Atlanta suburb of Lithonia, who is the nation's No. 2 tackle and No. 20 overall prospect.
Previous elite offensive linemen who have signed with the Bulldogs under Pittman include Ben Cleveland (No. 90) in the 2016 class; Isaiah Wilson (No. 16), Andrew Thomas (No. 45) and Netori Johnson (No. 87) in the 2017 class; Jamaree Salyer (No. 10), Cade Mays (No. 22) and Trey Hill (No. 62) in 2018; and Clay Webb (No. 26) earlier this year.
The influx in talent up front has paid dividends, as the Bulldogs averaged 5.9 yards per carry last season and 5.8 during the 2017 season, when Georgia won its first SEC title since 2005.
Ratledge told reporters Monday that "Coach Pittman and winning" were the two major reasons he selected the Bulldogs over Tennessee, which is where he was born and raised. The Volunteers made a run at Ratledge with offensive line coach Will Friend and tight ends coach Brian Niedermeyer, who was the 247Sports national recruiter of the year for the 2019 cycle.
Georgia now has nine commitments for its 2020 class, which ranks fifth nationally behind Clemson, LSU, Alabama and Miami. The Bulldogs have an average player ranking of 94.40, which is second only to Clemson's 95.72.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.