[GoRU]

Georgia offers rising junior | College recruiting | ajc.com

Defensive end Brandon Willis of Duncan, S.C., ranks Georgia third behind Florida State and Clemson after the Bulldogs made an early offer at the “Dawg Night” prospect camp last weekend.

“I like a lot of things about Georgia. If I come here, I feel like I’ll have a good chance of playing early because of the depth chart,” said Willis, who is a rising junior at Byrnes High, the defending Class AAAA champions.

Willis may have more serious interest in Georgia than he is showing. Last Friday was his third appearance at Georgia camps. He was all smiles after being offered by Georgia coach Mark Richt.

“I guess the third time was a charm,” Willis said with a laugh. “I wasn’t upset about not being offered the other two times. I just became determined to work harder and come better prepared this time, and it paid off.”

Willis is part of star-studded 2010 class at Byrnes, which is headlined by Marcus Lattimore, one of the nation’s top tailbacks. Georgia also has offered a scholarship to wide receiver Ricco Sanders, who will be a rising senior at the school.

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Willis was difficult to block at camp, exhibiting an explosive first step and veteran-like technique.

Willis said he was surprised and satisfied by finally landing the offer.

“I finally did it, after all that hard work,” he said.