Gibson then followed that idea and came up with his teammate’s biggest asset: his ball skills.
Dinkins is currently focused on the tech industry, but the in-state Georgia Bulldogs are vying to reverse his commitment. When Dinkins chose technology in June, he felt it was essential to be fully committed to the program.
“It was my first (official visit) so I was a little confused,” he said. “I was really lost on the idea, but I just jumped at it.”
His size is smaller than the typical Georgia safety, with a 5-foot-11 frame and 180-185 pounds. However, the Bulldogs remain interested based on Dinkins’ proven ability.
Dinkins, who was in Athens for a game against Mississippi State earlier this season, will take an official visit to Georgia before the season ends. The Bulldogs only have two home games left, against Tennessee and Georgia Tech.
“I’ll have to talk to (Georgia co-defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson) about that,” he said.
Dinkins’ teammate, Gibson, is a five-star prospect committed to Georgia, ranked No. 1 in the nation on EDGE this recruiting cycle. Observers sometimes wondered which of the two had a bigger impact on the game.
Dinkins’ season stats support that question.
So far, he has 41 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 tackles for loss, and 4 PBUs. Scored on two kickoff returns and one punt. 17 receptions for 389 yards (25.9 yards per catch) and 6 touchdowns. He also scored three rushing touchdowns.
His coaches also trust him with play-calling decisions.
“He’s like an assistant coach on the field to me,” Warner Robins defensive coordinator LaBrandon Hudson said earlier this year.
“To have a kid like Rashaun Dinkins, he’s the best kid I’ve ever coached, it’s just amazing,” Hudson said. “He makes it seem like he understands a little bit of what I’m talking about. He’s a flat-out bowler. The kid is very smart. Very knowledgeable. He knows the game well. I love it and have a great understanding of leverage and run fitting.”
Georgia isn’t the only program courting Dinkins. Auburn and Mississippi are among them.
“Georgia is definitely in the toughest situation,” he said.
When Georgia State offered prospective business administration majors in September, it was big. There was a lot of excitement in the room, as Hudson was also in the room when Robinson, Dinkins’ main recruiter, made the offer.
“That was a huge offer for me,” he said. “I was really surprised.”
