UGA's Reggie Wilkerson out with torn ACL

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Georgia head coach Mark Richt, left, greets Reggie Wilkerson and family Wednesday after a national signing day in this file photo.

One of Georgia's most promising defensive newcomers is expected to miss the upcoming season.

Cornerback Reggie Wilkerson, who enrolled in January and was productive during the 15 spring football practices, tore his anterior cruciate ligament this week in voluntary workouts, according to several of his teammates. Georgia's athletic department had not confirmed the injury as of Thursday evening.

"Pray for Reggie Wilkerson as he goes into ACL surgery tomorrow," redshirt junior receiver Michael Bennett posted on Twitter. Bennett tore his ACL last October.

Sophomore tailback Todd Gurley also tweeted about it, saying, "Everyone keep Reggie Wilkerson in your prayers."

Wilkerson made three tackles in the G-Day spring game on April 6, including a 10-yard, down-by-contact sack of Aaron Murray late in the first quarter. He had three tackles and an interception in Georgia's second scrimmage.

The 5-foot-11, 171-pounder from Ocala, Fla., was listed last week as a second-team corner behind junior All-SEC candidate Damian Swann. The other corner spot is headed by sophomore Sheldon Dawson and redshirt sophomore Devin Bowman.

Parrish makes nine

Georgia received its ninth commitment for 2014 and its fourth in a week when Malkom Parrish committed Thursday morning to the Bulldogs over Georgia Tech.

The 5-foot-9, 189-pounder from Brooks County High in Quitman, Ga., is rated by Rivals.com as the nation's No. 7 cornerback and the No. 73 overall prospect. His commitment, which followed Tuesday night's announcement by Cedartown High tailback Nick Chubb, vaulted Georgia to 19th in Rivals.com's team rankings and 16th on 247Sports.com's list.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.