Georgia Lands Nation’s Top 2027 Running Back as Kemon Spell Commits to Bulldogs
There’s a long-standing tradition of elite running backs making their way through Athens, and Kemon Spell looks ready to carry that torch. The five-star back out of McKeesport, Pennsylvania - ranked as the No. 1 running back and No. 7 overall player in the 2027 class, per the 247Sports Composite - announced his commitment to Georgia on Monday, capping off a recruitment that’s been heating up since the fall.
Spell originally committed to Penn State, a natural fit as the top player in Pennsylvania. But that changed after the Nittany Lions parted ways with head coach James Franklin in October. With uncertainty swirling in Happy Valley, Spell reopened his recruitment - and the heavyweights came calling.
Notre Dame, Miami, and Georgia quickly jumped into the mix. But it was the Bulldogs who ultimately sealed the deal, thanks to a combination of on-field dominance, coaching relationships, and a campus visit that clicked in all the right ways.
Athens Visit Seals the Deal
Spell was in town for Georgia’s final home game of the season - a 35-3 win over Charlotte - and returned this past weekend for a recruiting event. That second visit proved pivotal. Being around the program, feeling the energy, and spending time with the staff gave Spell the confirmation he needed.
“It’s a great school, great program,” Spell said. “They’re great at football.
As soon as I got the offer, they showed me love right off the rip. That’s something I always look for when I go places.”
For a player of Spell’s caliber, it’s not just about facilities or tradition - it’s about connection. And Georgia’s coaching staff, led by head coach Kirby Smart and running backs coach Josh Crawford, made sure Spell felt like a priority from day one.
Relationships Matter
Spell pointed to his interactions with the coaching staff as a major factor in his decision. He first met Kirby Smart during a visit last year, and the relationship only grew from there.
“It’s just the love and relationship between all the coaches,” Spell said. “I got down there the first time and got to meet Kirby Smart.
It was nothing but great. It’s been great every other day since then, and we’ve talked every other day for real.”
That consistency - the daily check-ins, the genuine conversations - helped Georgia stand out in a crowded field. And when Crawford made a home visit, it further solidified the connection.
“It was just, as soon as I got there, the love and relationship I had with the coaches, it was just a spark,” Spell added. “It’s a place that’s a home feel. That’s what it felt like when I got there.”
A Game-Changer in the Backfield
Spell isn’t just a highly rated recruit - he’s a game-changer. This past season, he racked up over 1,500 all-purpose yards and found the end zone 23 times for McKeesport. He’s explosive in space, tough between the tackles, and brings a complete skill set that fits perfectly into Georgia’s offensive identity.
For a program that has produced the likes of Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Todd Gurley, and D’Andre Swift, adding another elite back is par for the course. But Spell’s commitment isn’t just another name on a list - it’s a statement.
Georgia continues to dominate on the recruiting trail, and with Spell now in the fold, the Bulldogs just added another cornerstone to their future backfield.
In Athens, the standard is high. And with Kemon Spell, the tradition looks ready to continue - fast, physical, and built for Saturdays in the SEC.