Kirby Smart's Georgia Bulldogs receive commitment of JUCO four-star DL to the Class of 2026

Four-star defensive lineman Seven Cloud committed to the Georgia Bulldogs' 2026 class on Saturday. The standout at Butler Community College in Kansas is ranked as the No. 6 prospect in junior college, the No. 3 JUCO defensive lineman and the top recruit in Kansas, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

Cloud initially committed to Georgia as a 2023 class recruit out of McEachern High School, but his plans were derailed when he was ruled ineligible for his senior season due to high school transfer rules. He was unable to graduate from McEachern and later earned his GED while pursuing a different path by spending time playing AAU basketball before transitioning to the JUCO ranks.

A call from a coach at Butler Community College two years ago led to his arrival in Kansas, which also brought him again to the Georgia Bulldogs’ attention.

“I’m extremely happy right now and blessed to be back in the situation where I was before,” Cloud told DawgsHQ following his commitment to Georgia. “I had to face a lot of adversity and a lot of backlash, but I just kept my head down and kept working."

Cloud’s loyalty to the Bulldogs never wavered, even during his time away from football. He visited Athens on Oct. 5 for Georgia’s 31-13 win over Auburn and returned to campus last Friday to observe bowl preparation. It was during this visit that he solidified his commitment.

Cloud becomes the fourth member of the Georgia Bulldogs’ 2026 recruiting class, joining wide receiver Vance Spafford, tight end Lincoln Keyes and cornerback Jonatavius Wyman.

DL coach Tray Scott provided the pitch for Seven Cloud's commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs first offered Seven Cloud four years ago, and he initially committed a year after receiving the offer, but transfer rules complicated his journey. Despite never signing with Georgia’s Class of 2023, he maintained a close relationship with Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott. This year, Scott reaffirmed Georgia’s interest with a reoffer.

“They were all over the place,” Cloud told Dawg Nation. “I didn’t know how to feel for real. I really though he was calling me to tell me to keep going and he’d keep watching me and let me know how I did in the first game and whatnot. When he told me he was going to offer me, I didn’t know what to think.”

Cloud has been vocal about his admiration for Scott, saying this fall (via Dawgs247):

"His coach ethic. I like how he coaches. He's more hands-on with his players. He lets his players do their thing. It felt great. I was glad to be back really."

Seven Cloud also received offers from schools like Auburn, LSU, Arkansas and Miami out of JUCO.