Georgia Football Commit Earns Glowing Endorsement from NFL Veteran
ATHENS — Georgia football’s latest defensive back commitment just received the ultimate stamp of approval from someone who knows elite secondary play better than most. Craig Dandridge, the Bulldogs’ four-star cornerback pledge, has drawn rave reviews from former NFL defensive back Dre’ Bly, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion who has trained the rising star.
The endorsement carries significant weight in recruiting circles, as Bly — affectionately known as “DD” in football circles — has become one of the most respected developer of defensive back talent since retiring after an 11-year NFL career. His work with Dandridge at his DB Academy in Charlotte has given him an up-close look at why Kirby Smart and the Georgia staff prioritized the 6’1″, 180-pound cover corner out of Virginia.
“Craig has that rare combination you can’t teach — length, fluid hips, and a competitor’s mentality,” Bly told DawgNation. “He’s got all the tools to be special in that Georgia system. The way he attacks the ball in the air reminds me of some of the great ones I played with and against.”
The comparison holds particular significance given Bly’s pedigree. During his career with the Rams, Lions, Broncos, and 49ers, the University of North Carolina legend intercepted 43 passes and won a Super Bowl with the 1999 St. Louis Rams. His ability to identify NFL-caliber talent has become so renowned that multiple college programs consult him during their recruiting evaluations.
Dandridge, who committed to Georgia in June over offers from Michigan, Penn State, and Tennessee, has seen his stock rise dramatically after a dominant offseason. His performance at Bly’s academy showcased the technical refinement that has coaches buzzing — precise footwork, explosive closing speed, and advanced route recognition for a high school prospect.
“Working with Coach Bly took my game to another level,” Dandridge said. “He’s taught me how to study receivers, how to use my length, and most importantly, how to prepare like a pro every single day. That’s exactly the mentality I want to bring to Georgia.”
The Bulldogs’ coaching staff sees Dandridge as a potential heir apparent to the long, physical cornerback prototype that has thrived under defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. With current star Daylen Everette eligible for the NFL Draft after this season, Georgia could have an immediate need for a boundary corner in 2025.
Bly believes his protégé will be ready. “What separates Craig is his willingness to master the nuances,” he explained. “He’ll stay after sessions to work on his backpedal for an extra hour. He studies NFL corners the way most kids watch TikTok. That dedication plus Kirby’s development? That’s a scary combination.”
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment in Dandridge’s recruitment, as rival programs continue making late pushes. But with early signing day approaching, the Virginia product appears locked in with the Bulldogs — especially after receiving this vote of confidence from a man who’s trained current NFL defensive backs.
As Georgia looks to maintain its stranglehold on defensive back recruiting, the Bly-Dandridge connection could prove invaluable. In the competitive world of SEC football, having a trainee of one of the game’s most respected teachers might give the Bulldogs yet another developmental advantage. With Dandridge set to enroll early, Georgia fans could soon see firsthand why his trainer believes they’re getting one of the most pro-ready DB prospects in the 2025 class.
