Malik

Herring

After starting nine of the 12 games in which he appeared as a junior, Herring (6'3/280) has started five of seven games this season for the ninth-ranked Bulldogs. Thus far he’s accounted for 14 total tackles (1.5 for loss), 1.0 sacks, 19 quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. One of Herring’s best outings came in a loss, as he racked up three tackles and five quarterback hurries in Georgia’s Nov. 7 loss to Florida. Pro Football Network draft analyst Tony Pauline has given Herring a fifth-round grade.

While Herring has seen mostly rotational work in Athens to this point, Treash likes him for an expanded role in 2020. The analyst notes that the 6-foot-3, 280-pounder posted an average depth of tackle of 1.17 yards against the run last season while logging a hearty 41 pressures as a pass-rusher. Treash ranks Herring as the No. 5 EDGE defender for the upcoming CFB season.

Herring (6'3/280) was one of many Bulldogs who could have left school for the NFL this year. Though Herring wouldn’t have been a super high pick, he probably would have heard his name called at some point on draft weekend. Instead, Herring is opting to return in an effort to boost his draft stock as a senior. Herring will need to do more than earn 3.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks like he did in 2019, but he is plenty talented enough to make a leap as a senior.

Herring took to Twitter to unveil his list, with Alabama, Tennessee, USC, Clemson, Georgia, LSU and Middle Tennessee making the cut. One of these things is not like the others, but props to the Blue Raiders for making an impression -- this isn’t just a token gesture to the hometown team, either. The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Herring hails from Forsyth, Georgia. He ranks as Scout.com’s No. 210 overall prospect for the 2017 cycle, with outlet analyst Chad Simmons noting that he “could play anywhere across the defensive front on the next level.” Simmons sees his current best fit at strongside defensive end, but notes that could change depending on how Herring grows and develops.

Per Wommack, Herring “used [his quickness] to blow by more than share of opposing offensive linemen [at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge].” The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder is deciding between Alabama, Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, Clemson, USC, Georgia and LSU. He ranks as Rivals’ No. 86 overall prospect for the 2017 cycle.

ESPN’s Craig Haubert notes that while Herring isn’t necessarily an all-star in any one aspect of the game, the 6-foot-5, 245-pound defensive end “brings a good blend of ability, feel and effort to be productive” and “possesses a nice blend of size and strength with good first-step quickness.” Herring ranks as ESPN 300’s No. 84 recruit for the 2017 cycle. He opted for Georgia over the likes of Alabama, Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, Clemson, USC and LSU.