Recruiting in college football is a fierce, high-stakes game, and few rivalries encapsulate that better than the battle between Georgia and Auburn. This season, a major recruiting storyline has emerged involving Donovan Starr, a highly regarded cornerback committed to Auburn. Starr’s commitment, while strong, hasn’t deterred the University of Georgia (UGA) from making an aggressive push to bring the talented defender to Athens for an official visit (OV).
Starr, a four-star recruit from Montgomery, Alabama, has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s 2024 class. Known for his explosive speed, physicality, and ability to lock down opposing receivers, Starr is precisely the type of athlete who can transform a defense. He fits the mold of a modern cornerback—versatile enough to play man coverage, excel in zone schemes, and contribute to special teams. These traits have made him a priority for both Auburn and Georgia, two programs with rich defensive traditions.
Georgia’s interest in Starr is hardly surprising. Head coach Kirby Smart, a defensive mastermind, has built a reputation for developing elite defensive backs, many of whom have gone on to NFL success. With Georgia in the middle of another championship-caliber season, Smart and his staff are looking to bolster their secondary for the future. Starr represents a perfect fit for Georgia’s defensive philosophy, and landing him would be both a recruiting coup and a blow to one of their fiercest rivals.
According to reports, Georgia has been relentless in its pursuit of Starr, ramping up efforts to secure an official visit in the coming weeks. UGA’s recruiting team, led by defensive backs coach Fran Brown, has highlighted Starr’s potential role in Georgia’s defense. They’ve emphasized the program’s track record of sending defensive backs to the NFL and showcased the Bulldogs’ recent dominance in the SEC and on the national stage.
For Starr, the opportunity to visit Athens is tempting. While he has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to Auburn multiple times, the allure of playing for a two-time defending national champion is difficult to ignore. Georgia’s facilities, culture, and consistent contention for titles make it a destination program for elite recruits. Starr’s visit would allow him to see firsthand how he might thrive in Athens, both on and off the field.
On Auburn’s side, Hugh Freeze and his staff are undoubtedly aware of Georgia’s push. Starr is not only a key player in Auburn’s class but also a symbolic recruit for Freeze’s vision of the program. Winning a recruiting battle against Georgia would send a strong message that Auburn is ready to challenge the SEC’s upper echelon. Losing Starr, on the other hand, would be a setback for a program looking to reestablish itself as a powerhouse.
For Starr, the decision ultimately comes down to where he feels he can maximize his potential. Auburn offers a chance to be a cornerstone of a rebuilding program, while Georgia provides an opportunity to join an already established dynasty.
Whether or not Starr takes the official visit remains to be seen, but Georgia’s push is a reminder of how critical recruiting battles are in shaping the future of college football. If Starr does make the trip to Athens, it will only intensify speculation about where he’ll ultimately sign. One thing is clear: both programs are leaving nothing to chance in their efforts to secure this elite talent. As signing day approaches, Donovan Starr’s recruitment is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines in the 2024 cycle.