Buford football manager gets special recruiting visit to UGA

Image 1 of 6

Brandon Sudge might just be the most sought after football manager in Bulldog history.

App users: Click here to view embedded items

Many high school students have been having the experience of a lifetime this past week as universities do last-minute courting of key recruits in time for National Signing Day on Wednesday. The Georgia Bulldogs are no exception, but what is exceptional, is the experience they gave a Buford High School senior Friday night.

Georgia Head Coach Kirby Smart has spared no expense to wow potential recruits. Thursday, he took a helicopter tour of several metro Atlanta schools to meet with players in hopes they’ll join the Bulldogs. And Friday night he hosted senior Brandon Sudge for an “official” visit.

 

 

Sudge was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after an injury at birth. Since then, he has endured the daily physical challenges of the disorder. But it was a video he posted a few weeks ago of the first time he walked unassisted down a hallway that caught the attention of UGA commit Javon Wims.

"I've been trying to walk for a long distance independently for a very long time. And a couple of weeks ago, I guess it just clicked. I was walking long distances, finally able to get into a rhythm and coordinate and do what I need to do to walk," said Sudge.

 

 

Sudge has spoken to Wims on a several occasions as part of his writing gig for SicEmDawgs.com. For Wims, it was Sudge’s inspiration that landed the pair at the same table as Coach Kirby Smart.

"He shot me a text saying how inspiring it was to him and how he thought it would be interesting for me to go eat with him and Coach Smart during his official visit this past weekend. And what happened from them on was a blur to me," said Sudge.

 

 

Sudge said he wasn’t expecting the four-star treatment, but rather just a chance to soak up the experience. Instead, the Bulldogs head coach made sure Sudge was the experience.

"Javon Wims, he is a recruit trying to make a college decision, he could have easily gone in there 'This is all about me and this is all about what I need.' However, he took the alternative approach and tried to make me feel special and made the night about me," said Sudge.

 

 

“There’s no doubt that it was a dream come true,” said Sudge.

App users: Click here to watch the video report

Sudge said the University of Georgia is his top pick for schools. He hopes to pursue a career in sports journalism.