Four-Star DL Valdin Sone Set to Announce Commitment With Georgia Among Finalists in Battle for Dominant Trenches Talent
As the July recruiting period heats up, all eyes in the college football recruiting world will turn toward one of the top defensive line prospects in the 2025 class: Valdin Sone. The four-star defensive lineman is set to make his college commitment on July 18, and the race for his signature has come down to a select few elite programs, including the University of Georgia.
Sone, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive force out of Florida, has drawn national attention for his unique combination of power, explosiveness, and technical ability in the trenches. Ranked among the top defensive linemen in the country by multiple recruiting services, Sone has been on the radar of premier college football programs for the past two years. As he approaches his decision, the stakes couldn’t be higher—not just for Sone’s future, but for the schools that have invested heavily in his recruitment.
Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has made Sone a priority target throughout the 2025 cycle. The Bulldogs have long built their identity on elite defensive line play, and their recent dominance in the trenches has translated into national championships and a steady pipeline of first-round NFL talent. With Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Devonte Wyatt among the program’s recent defensive line success stories, Georgia offers one of the clearest paths to the NFL for a player of Sone’s caliber.
Sone has visited Athens multiple times over the past year, and each trip reportedly left a strong impression. From the state-of-the-art facilities and NFL-style development structure to the culture of physicality and discipline, Sone has repeatedly praised Georgia’s program in interviews.
“Georgia’s different,” Sone said during a spring recruiting interview. “They develop you there. It’s not just hype—they turn guys into real pros. Coach [Tray] Scott is one of the best in the country at what he does.”
Scott, Georgia’s defensive line coach, has played a crucial role in this recruitment. Known for his ability to mold raw talent into dominant forces on Saturdays and Sundays, Scott has been deeply involved with Sone and his family, building a relationship rooted in trust, transparency, and football acumen. According to sources close to the recruitment, Scott’s consistent communication and Georgia’s proven track record are two of the biggest reasons the Bulldogs are considered a favorite.
But Georgia isn’t alone in this race. Sone’s top schools also reportedly include Florida State, Miami, and LSU—three programs with strong defensive traditions and deep ties to Florida recruiting. Each school offers its own unique appeal.
Florida State has been aggressive in its pitch, with head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller highlighting how Sone could be a centerpiece of their defensive rebuild. The Seminoles, who continue to rise in recruiting rankings, see Sone as a foundational player who can bring a disruptive presence to their front four. With FSU pushing to return to national prominence, they’ve made this battle personal—and Sone has spoken favorably about the family feel in Tallahassee.
Miami, led by head coach Mario Cristobal, is trying to keep top talent at home. The Hurricanes have invested heavily in NIL and facilities, and defensive line coach Joe Salave’a has made Sone one of his top priorities. Miami’s sales pitch is clear: stay close to home, build a legacy, and be the face of the new era in South Florida football.
LSU, meanwhile, brings championship pedigree and a ferocious SEC environment to the table. Defensive line coach Bo Davis is known for his intensity and ability to prepare linemen for the next level. Baton Rouge may be farther from Sone’s home base, but LSU’s defensive tradition and game-day atmosphere have left a strong impression after an official visit.
With all of these schools making strong pushes, the decision will ultimately come down to fit—on and off the field.
According to multiple recruiting insiders, Georgia holds a slight edge heading into July 18. The Bulldogs have maintained momentum over the past month and are believed to have made a particularly strong impact during Sone’s last unofficial visit. While nothing is guaranteed in recruiting until the ink is dry, Georgia’s consistency, developmental appeal, and championship infrastructure are working in its favor.
Another factor that could weigh into Sone’s decision is Georgia’s recent recruiting surge on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs already hold commitments from several high-profile defenders in the 2025 class, including five-star linebacker Jakari Bolden and four-star edge rusher Amir Jenkins. Adding Sone to that mix could cement Georgia’s defensive class as the best in the country.
And from Georgia’s standpoint, Sone fits perfectly into their system. He’s versatile enough to play multiple spots along the line—he can two-gap in a traditional 3-4, rush the passer from the interior in sub-packages, or even kick outside in heavy fronts. His ability to collapse pockets and set edges makes him a perfect fit for Kirby Smart’s multiple defense. In short, he’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a depth chart—he upgrades a defensive identity.
Beyond the on-field fit, there’s also a personal connection. Sone has formed bonds with current Georgia players, including several from Florida who have found success in Athens. Those relationships matter. They offer insight into the daily grind of playing for Smart, the expectations that come with it, and the rewards of sticking it out in one of the most demanding programs in college football.
Of course, Georgia fans have learned to stay cautiously optimistic. The Bulldogs have been in the final group for plenty of elite recruits only to see late flips or NIL surprises alter decisions at the last minute. That’s part of the modern recruiting landscape. Still, the confidence level inside the Georgia program appears to be high—and if Smart and Scott can seal the deal, it would mark yet another massive win in the trenches.
For Sone, this decision will be career-defining. While he still has his senior high school season to play, the commitment will bring clarity and allow him to focus on development, academics, and team leadership. The attention, the phone calls, and the speculation will fade. What remains is the next chapter—a chance to prepare for Saturdays in the SEC, ACC, or wherever he lands.
His high school coach has no doubt he’ll make the right call. “Valdin’s a thinker. He’s not going to choose a school based on who yells the loudest,” he said. “He’s looking for the right people, the right development, and the right fit. He wants to be great.”
Sone’s decision also highlights the continued importance of defensive line recruiting in today’s game. As offenses spread the field and tempo becomes a weapon, defensive linemen who can both stop the run and disrupt the pass are more valuable than ever. Programs that win national titles typically do so with dominant fronts—and Sone represents exactly that kind of building block.
Whether he ultimately chooses Georgia, Florida State, Miami, or LSU, Valdin Sone’s recruitment serves as a reminder that battles in the trenches start long before the ball is snapped. They start with relationships, evaluations, visits, and commitments. And on July 18, one school will win a battle that could help shape its future for years to come.
Should it be Georgia, the Bulldogs will be getting yet another elite defensive lineman with the skillset and mindset to contribute early and potentially become the next great name in a long legacy of greatness. Should he choose elsewhere, Georgia will move on—as Kirby Smart always does—but this recruitment, and what it represents, won’t be forgotten.
All that’s left now is the announcement. And for fans, coaches, and teammates alike, July 18 can’t come soon enough.
