Five-Star Running Back David Gabriel-Georges Commits to Tennessee
Tennessee landed one of the biggest verbal commitments of the 2027 recruiting cycle on Wednesday, as five-star running back David Gabriel-Georges announced he will play for the Volunteers. The announcement came during a ceremony at his high school, streamed live on CBS Sports HQ (CBS Sports).
Gabriel-Georges, a 5-foot-11, 220-pound back originally from Quebec, Canada, chose Tennessee over Ohio State and Ole Miss after a recruitment that had been one of the most closely watched battles of the cycle. He is ranked as the No. 2 running back and the No. 9 overall prospect in the 2027 class by Rivals (Yahoo Sports).
The Recruitment
Gabriel-Georges, who now plays at Baylor School in Chattanooga, drew serious interest from more than 30 programs, including Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, Texas and USC (Yahoo Sports/Vols Wire). But the race ultimately narrowed to three schools: Tennessee, Ohio State and Ole Miss, all of whom hosted him on official visits this spring.
Tennessee extended its scholarship offer on July 31, 2024, roughly two years before his decision, and hosted him on campus seven times over the course of his recruitment (Yahoo Sports). He attended two Tennessee home games last season and made his final official visit to Knoxville in early June, following a visit to Ohio State the week before (On3).
By the eve of his announcement, momentum had clearly shifted toward the Vols. On3 insiders Pete Nakos, Steve Wiltfong, Sam Spiegelman and Chad Simmons all predicted a Tennessee commitment with high confidence in the days leading up to the announcement (Rocky Top Insider). Speaking with CBS Sports after making his decision, Gabriel-Georges said the choice did not come lightly and that Tennessee is getting a player who will keep pushing to improve (CBS Sports).
What He Brings
Gabriel-Georges rushed for 1,749 yards and 27 touchdowns last season at Baylor School (CBS Sports). Scouts point to his vision, contact balance and ability to accelerate through traffic as what separates him from other backs in his class. 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins called him a potential centerpiece of a national title-winning offense (CBS Sports).
He arrives as Tennessee’s 18th verbal commitment in the 2027 class and is expected to compete for early playing time, particularly with leading returning rusher DeSean Bishop likely departing for the NFL after this season (CBS Sports).
Beyond the Field
What stands out about Gabriel-Georges extends past his production on tape. He is well-spoken, respectful and humble, carrying himself with a maturity that is uncommon for a player his age. It is clear he has strong family support behind him, along with the character, work ethic, and leadership qualities that programs look for in a locker room.
Congratulations to David Gabriel-Georges and the University of Tennessee on this commitment. The Vols are getting an exceptional football player and, more importantly, an exceptional young man. Stay healthy, keep working, and chase every goal and every record ahead. Vol Nation has a special one.
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