Insider Scoop: UGA Football Setting the Bar For Top Linebacker Target
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Powder Springs, GA - Spring practices are starting to wrap up in the state of Georgia which means recruiting season is right around the corner.
Major Georgia Bulldog targets will be in town over the next several weeks with many of them coming to take their official visit.
One in-state target making his way to Athens soon is four-star linebacker, Joakim Gouda. As a junior last fall for South Paulding, Gouda made 100 total tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble. Ranked as the No. 14 LB and the No. 152 overall prospect in the 2027 class.
The 6-foot-2 230-pounder from McEachern spoke with Dawg Post about his top schools, what he’s looking for in a school, and his upcoming official visits.
On his top schools...
“I’m down to Georgia, Florida, Texas and Auburn.
On Auburn...
“I really like the relationship with the staff. I knew the, from when they were at South Florida so I’m comfortable with them. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the SEC, too. I really like Coach Durkin. He’s a really good defensive coordinator and linebackers coach and produces a lot. I’ll be there for my official visit June 21st.”
On his relationship with Georgia’s defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann...
“People just know it’s a given that Georgia produces elite linebackers. But what makes him a good recruiter is how he gets to know you and the people in your circle. He doesn’t do it just to sign you. He does it to genuinely learn about your family. He’s very intentional with what he does. He always brings in his top guys every cycle.”
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On Georgia’s scheme...
“He told me that the plan is to come in and give it my all. They always love when an in-state guys wants to stay home and play for Georgia. It just means more. That would be an amazing opportunity. I would take a lot of pride in it.”
On recent visits to Georgia...
“I’ve taken about three visits this spring. The last time was to see one of the scrimmages and I was there all weekend. The people make the place so when I go it’s about meeting all the people in the back end of things. The Georgia practice was really physical. Kirby Smart continues to check on my mom and I.”
On his Georgia official visit...
“I’ll be taking my official visit to Georgia the weekend of May 29th. Then Florida, then Texas and then Auburn.”
On deciding factors...
“First I just want an opportunity to play. Development is key. I know what I’m capable of and a year one starter. I’m not demanding anything but I know I’ll work for it. Even if I do have to sit for a year, I want to be developed in that time and learn from the others. So when it comes my time I’ll be able to do what they do and possible better.
On what coach Schumann likes most about his game...
“He likes how physical I am. He likes my frame and how I play with it. He likes how I can read the game as well. But and then with my size I have the opportunity to play on the edge even though I’m a middle of the field guy. He loves how physical I play, too.”
