As the summer recruiting cycle hits its peak, few names have generated as much buzz as Garrett Witherington, the dominant four-star defensive lineman from Sandy Creek High School in Georgia. With over 25 Division I offers on the table and a national ranking that continues to climb, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound force is preparing to make one of the biggest decisions of his life — and the college football world is watching closely.
After months of visits, calls, film sessions, and face-to-face meetings with coaching staffs across the country, Witherington has officially announced that his college commitment is imminent, and he plans to make the announcement public next week.
“I’ve taken my time with this,” Witherington said during a media session at his high school’s football field Friday. “I didn’t want to rush anything. This is more than football — it’s where I’ll grow as a man, as a student, and as an athlete. I’m finally close to knowing where I want to be.”
Witherington has emerged as one of the most coveted defensive line prospects in the class of 2025. Known for his explosive first step, violent hands, and ability to collapse the pocket, he’s drawn comparisons to former Georgia standout Travon Walker — a comparison Witherington takes humbly.
“It’s flattering, but I’ve got a long way to go,” he said. “I just try to dominate every snap and be the guy that sets the tone.”
His breakout junior season — in which he racked up 72 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks — catapulted him into the national spotlight. Scouts from across the Power Five landscape began circling Sandy Creek’s practices, and Witherington responded by elevating his leadership off the field as much as his play on it.
“He’s not just a beast between the whistles,” said Sandy Creek head coach Darius Milton. “He’s the first guy in the film room, the last guy to leave the weight room, and one of the most humble kids I’ve ever coached.”
While dozens of schools initially pursued Witherington, he recently narrowed his list to five: Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, and Florida State — all storied programs with elite defensive pedigrees.
Each school has made a strong push in recent months, rolling out the red carpet on official visits and pitching him on both their defensive scheme and off-the-field development programs.
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Georgia: The in-state powerhouse has long been considered a favorite. Witherington has visited Athens multiple times and has built a strong relationship with defensive line coach Tray Scott and head coach Kirby Smart. “They treat me like family,” he noted. “There’s a legacy there, especially for D-linemen.”
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Alabama: Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, the Tide have retooled their recruiting strategy while holding onto their championship culture. Witherington came away impressed during his spring visit. “The standard is still the standard in Tuscaloosa,” he said.
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Auburn: Don’t count out the Tigers. Witherington’s visit to The Plains in early June reportedly went “better than expected,” and sources say he’s grown close with their new defensive coordinator, who has promised an aggressive front that would showcase his skills.
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Clemson: Known for producing NFL-caliber D-linemen, Clemson’s appeal lies in its player development. Witherington described his trip to Death Valley as “eye-opening” and praised head coach Dabo Swinney’s holistic approach.
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Florida State: The Seminoles are trending up after a strong 2024 season, and their momentum has caught Witherington’s attention. “There’s something special brewing there,” he said.
While football will certainly play a major role in his decision, Witherington and his family have repeatedly stressed the importance of academics and culture. A standout student with a 3.9 GPA and an interest in engineering, he’s made it clear he’s looking for a school that will set him up beyond the NFL.
“Football is the dream, but I’ve got goals after the game,” Witherington said. “I want a degree that means something and a place where I can grow as a person.”
His parents have played a key role throughout the recruiting process, accompanying him on visits and sitting in on academic meetings. According to his mother, Latisha Witherington, “We’ve encouraged Garrett to think long-term. We’re looking for a place that will develop him in every way — not just as an athlete.”
Witherington is set to make his commitment public during a televised ceremony at his high school next Wednesday, where he will be flanked by family, coaches, and teammates. The ceremony is expected to be carried live on regional networks and streamed online.
Recruiting experts believe Georgia and Auburn are neck and neck in the race, though Alabama remains a strong contender. Clemson and Florida State, while viewed as slightly behind, have made strong final pitches in recent weeks.
Regardless of where he chooses, Witherington’s commitment will have ripple effects across the 2025 recruiting landscape, particularly among defensive linemen in the Southeast.
In the current era of NIL opportunities and early playing time, prospects like Garrett Witherington are more empowered than ever. His deliberate, thoughtful approach to recruiting — grounded in family, academics, and personal growth — reflects a broader shift in how top athletes navigate the path to college football.
“It’s about finding the right fit,” Witherington said. “Not just the biggest name or the flashiest locker room. I want somewhere I can build a future.”
Follow-Up: Stay tuned for full coverage of Garrett Witherington’s decision next week, including reaction from coaches, analysts, and what it means for his future program’s 2025 recruiting class.
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