McDONOUGH, Ga. -- Georgia fans will be disheartened to hear that three-star defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson won’t be visiting Athens before he makes his decision on where to play college football. No doubt they want to see the two-time state wrestling champion getting the red-carpet treatment, and eventually see his grappling skills put to use between the hedges next fall.
But it is the pursuit of an elusive third state wrestling title that will keep the 6-foot-2, 265-pound prospect from officially visiting Georgia.
“It would mean a lot to get a third title,” Tomlinson told DawgNation on Monday morning.
Such a goal would also be unique.
“No one has ever won the heavyweight state wrestling championship three years in a row,” said Mike Rozier, Tomlinson’s head coach this past season.
If anyone can do it, Tomlinson has to be the favorite. In his last three years he has only lost two matches and is undefeated so far this season. His drive for perfection is mirrored in the way he is looking at his final schools.
“Right now I am just evaluating each college individually to make sure I make the right choice for me,” Tomlinson said. “My top three schools are Alabama, Georgia Tech and Georgia. Those are the main three I might be going to right now.”
Tomlinson spoke a little about each school: (Watch the video here.)
Georgia: “I like the coaching staff, the campus and I like a number of the players. I have met a bunch of the D-linemen there. They have the major I want, accounting. Coach [Mark] Richt has always been truthful with me too, so I think of an honest guy when I think of him. Georgia has told me they like my quickness and aggressiveness and that I would be a good defensive end and possibly a linebacker if I keep getting faster. I used to play linebacker when I was younger. Over the years I have been getting bigger and faster. So, it is in my genetics to get faster.
Georgia Tech: “I like the coaching staff as well. I met some of their players and I like Atlanta. I have liked going to Atlanta since I was a kid. Coach [Paul] Johnson is a pretty good coach. I don’t like the offensive scheme there but I am playing defense. They say I will add a good pass-rush to their defense and I have a good chance of coming in and playing early.”
Alabama: “I like the college town, the school in general, the coaches and some of the teammates too. My favorite coach there is the strength and conditioning coach, Coach [Scott] Cochran. He is always hyper. Coach [Nick] Saban is straightforward and honest and whatever he has to say, he says it.”
The Crimson Tide has 27 commitments and appears to have a full class, since the SEC imposed a signing limit of 25 players as initial counters.
“I believe they are but I am not exactly sure,” Tomlinson said. “If they are I would have to look at Georgia or Georgia Tech.”
And who would have the edge in that in-state battle?
“As of right now they are neck and neck, so I really can’t say,” Tomlinson said. “They both promised me a spot so I am not really worried about it. They told me they would wait for me to make a decision.”
With just nine days to go until signing day, it appears that decision is imminent.
“I think sometime this week I might tell the coaches and then announce it on signing day,” Tomlinson said.
Smiling, he added, “Or I might just wait until signing day.”