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ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Coach Kirby Smart says Georgia's march to the College Football Playoff provided recruiting momentum that helped his staff sign 19 players, including highly rated quarterback Justin Fields and running back Zamir White, on the first day of the early signing period.
Fields, White, offensive linemen Jamaree Salyer and Cade Mays and outside linebacker Adam Anderson earned five-star ratings from 247 Sports.
Georgia's final signee, defensive back Nabad Joseph on Wednesday night, pushed the recruiting class to the 247 Sports Composite No. 1 ranking, passing Ohio State. Joseph, from Miami, signed with Georgia after giving a verbal commitment to Alabama.
Georgia will play Oklahoma in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl for a spot in the national championship game. Smart said Wednesday the season created a "tidal wave effect" in recruiting.
"I think people saw the success we had and they saw the games we played and they wanted to be part of that program," Smart said.
Salyer, from Atlanta's Pace Academy, and another Georgia signee, Trey Hill from Warner Robins, Georgia, are rated by Rivals.com as the nation's top two offensive guards. Overall, Georgia signed five offensive linemen.
White, from Laurinburg, North Carolina, will enroll early. He is recovering from a knee injury and won't participate in spring practice.
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