Kirby Smart Lands Major Recruiting Win as Four-Star DL Anthony “AJ” Lonon Commits to Georgia
The University of Georgia has just made another powerful move on the recruiting front. Head coach Kirby Smart has secured the commitment of one of the top defensive line prospects in the country—Anthony “AJ” Lonon, a four-star talent from Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia.
In a commitment ceremony held in the weight room of his high school, Lonon announced on Saturday that he would be staying close to home by choosing Georgia over several other programs. Georgia Tech was reportedly the primary runner-up, but Lonon also held offers from a variety of schools including NC State, Wake Forest, Virginia Tech, Appalachian State, and even Ivy League programs such as Harvard, Dartmouth, and Cornell.
“This is the kind of moment every young athlete dreams about,” Lonon said at the ceremony, as reported by the Athens Banner-Herald. “You think about where you’ll play, who’s going to show up and support you, and when you finally get to pick up the hat and put it on. I just want to thank God. I truly believe my talent is a gift from Him, and I’ve worked to make the most of it.”
Standing 6 feet 1.5 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds, Lonon is ranked as the 28th-best defensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class according to Rivals. During his junior season, he recorded 51 total tackles—33 of them solo—along with 13 tackles for loss and eight sacks, establishing himself as a dominant force up front for Clarke Central.
Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ pursuit of Lonon. Scott made Lonon a priority during the recruiting cycle, and his efforts paid off. With Lonon’s commitment, Georgia continues to build an already strong defensive line unit for the 2026 class. He joins an impressive group that includes fellow four-star prospects PJ Dean, Valdin Sone, Carter Luckie, and Seven Cloud. Additionally, three-star lineman Preston Carey is also part of the incoming class, making Georgia’s defensive front one of the most highly anticipated units of the future.
Lonon’s journey to this point wasn’t always filled with attention. Just a few months ago, the Clarke Central standout had no scholarship offers at all. According to On3, Lonon took matters into his own hands, compiling his highlight film and sending it out to more than 100 college programs. That bold move got him noticed, and the Georgia coaching staff took immediate interest. From there, the recruitment process took off quickly.
“They see me as someone who can play inside on first and second downs, and then shift to defensive end on third down,” Lonon shared in an interview with DawgsHQ’s Jeremy Johnson. “That versatility is something they liked about me. I’m looking forward to seeing how I’ll be used. In high school, I played all over the defensive line.”
Lonon added that he’s particularly proud of his pass-rushing skills. “I think I have a strong pass rush and can be pretty elusive for someone my size. I’m grateful that the coaches at Georgia have allowed me to show what I can do, and I appreciate how they’ve helped me grow.”
His hybrid ability to play multiple roles on the defensive line fits well with Georgia’s evolving defensive schemes. Under Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs have prided themselves on defensive versatility, and Lonon appears to be another perfect fit for that system. His mix of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a potential early contributor once he arrives on campus.
Lonon’s commitment brings the total number of pledges in Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class to 31. Of those, seven are defensive linemen—a clear sign of Georgia’s focus on bolstering their depth and talent in the trenches.
Recruiting experts and analysts have praised Georgia’s approach with Lonon, noting that his recruitment is a perfect example of how the Bulldogs identify and develop talent, even from relatively under-the-radar beginnings. His story—from having no offers to being courted by powerhouse programs and ultimately committing to the national title contender—also showcases the persistence and work ethic that Georgia coaches value.
What separates Lonon from many other players is not just his athletic profile, but his drive. Coaches and observers alike have commented on his high motor and desire to improve, both on and off the field. His ability to send out his own highlight reel and generate interest shows a level of initiative that is rare, especially among high school athletes.
Georgia fans have every reason to be excited about this addition. Lonon not only brings talent to the table, but he also brings humility, leadership, and gratitude—traits that align with the culture Kirby Smart has built in Athens.
“I want to make the most of this opportunity,” Lonon said. “Being part of a program like Georgia, right in my hometown, is a blessing. I want to compete, I want to learn, and I want to help the Bulldogs win championships.”
As the Georgia Bulldogs continue to reload with elite talent, securing a commitment like Anthony “AJ” Lonon serves as another clear signal that Kirby Smart and his staff are maintaining their place at the top of the college football recruiting landscape. With eyes already on future College Football Playoff runs, the Bulldogs appear well-positioned to dominate in the trenches for years to come.
