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Nation's No. 1 tight end recruit commits to overlooked SEC program
TL;DR
Grant Haviland, the nation's top tight end recruit, has committed to the Vanderbilt Commodores, surprising many by choosing them over the Georgia Bulldogs. Haviland, a four-star recruit from Milton High School in Georgia, is part of the 2027 recruiting class.
The top tight end recruit in the country, Grant Haviland, has committed to the Vanderbilt Commodores in a bit of a surprise. Haviland is the latest top-ranked player at his position to commit to Vanderbilt over the Georgia Bulldogs. The four-star tight end also considered the Ohio State Buckeyes, Clemson Tigers and Tennessee Volunteers.
Haviland's commitment is a major recruiting win for Vanderbilt. The Commodores have three total commitments in the class of 2027 including one from four-star linebacker Omarii Sanders. Vanderbilt and coach Clark Lea have the No. 56 recruiting class in the nation, per 247Sports.
Haviland is a member of the class of 2027 and stars for Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia, which is in the Atlanta area. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end is the No. 1 tight end in the country in ESPN's recruiting rankings. The four-star is the No. 8 recruit in Georgia and the No. 74 recruit in America.
Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores
247Sports is not as high on the Milton standout as ESPN and ranks Haviland as a three-star prospect. Haviland is a good student with a 3.9 GPA, so that should help him make the transition to Vanderbilt, which is one of the top academic schools in the country.
Milton advanced to the second round of the GHSA 5A state playoffs, but fell to Jackson County. Haviland is hoping to finish his high school career with a state championship in 2026.
On tape, the elite tight end recruit shows an impressive combination of size and speed. Haviland wears No. 88 for Milton and posted 343 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season on 24 receptions. He's a good route runner who isn't afraid to block opposing defenders in the trenches. Haviland has good body control and blocks through the whistle.
"I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Vanderbilt," Haviland said upon announcing his commitment.
Grant Haviland commits to Vanderbilt football
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Nation's top tight end recruit announces commitment
Q&A
Why did Grant Haviland choose Vanderbilt over Georgia Bulldogs?
Grant Haviland's decision to commit to Vanderbilt over Georgia Bulldogs is seen as a surprising move, indicating his preference for the Commodores despite their lower recruiting ranking.
What are Grant Haviland's rankings in the 2027 recruiting class?
Grant Haviland is ranked as the No. 1 tight end in the country, the No. 8 recruit in Georgia, and the No. 74 recruit nationally according to ESPN's recruiting rankings.
How many commitments does Vanderbilt have for the class of 2027?
Vanderbilt currently has three total commitments for the class of 2027, including another four-star recruit, linebacker Omarii Sanders.
