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Georgia flips WR Tyler Simmons from Alabama

Tyler Simmons originally committed to Alabama on Jan. 2 but signed with Georgia, which needed receivers in the 2016 class. Tom Hauck for Student Sports

ATHENS, Ga. -- Shortly after Georgia Bulldogs fans everywhere erupted with joy at the signing day commitment of four-star athlete Mecole Hardman, they were treated to another potentially dangerous offensive threat in Kirby Smart's first recruiting class.

Three-star wide receiver and former Alabama commit Tyler Simmons stirred up some early national signing day drama by flipping from the Crimson Tide to Georgia on Wednesday. Simmons (Powder Springs, Georgia/McEachern) is considered one of the fastest players in Georgia and is teammates with Bulldogs defensive tackle early enrollee Julian Rochester.

Simmons originally committed to Alabama on Jan. 2, but took an official visit to Georgia on Jan. 15 and Miami on Jan. 29. According to a report by 247Sports, the Bulldogs might have pulled ahead of Alabama after Smart, his whole offensive staff and offensive line coach Sam Pittman's English bulldog showed up for an in-home visit with Simmons.

The dog was obviously a very nice and clever touch.

Georgia needs receivers in this 2016 class, and the Dawgs now have three signed in Simmons, four-star Riley Ridley (early enrollee) and No. 3 junior college WR Javon Wims.