Rutgers' 4-star EDGE commit Chase Linton reportedly contemplates Bulldogs transition: "The Georgia offer gives me a lot to think about"

Four-star edge rusher Chase Linton, from North Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Georgia, has already committed to Rutgers in June, choosing the program over Bowling Green, Georgia State and Memphis, among others. He was in Georgia to attend camp at the Bulldogs program on May 31 before returning for another workout just last week.

During the workout, Georgia’s outside linebacker coach, Chidera Uzo-Diribe, took the lead, with head coach Kirby Smart joining in shortly after. The session concluded with Linton receiving an offer from Georgia, altering the scenario of his recruitment.

“I really didn’t expect it, I was just going up there for a little bit of extra work,” Linton told On3. “They said they were going to offer me. It took me by surprise. I was going Rutgers at the time, so I showered, met some more of the coaches and went and hopped on a flight and went right to Rutgers.”

“The Georgia offer gives me a lot to think about. Georgia is Georgia," he added.

For Linton, proximity to home is a big factor, as North Atlanta is only 75 miles from Athens.

“Distance from home is one of the major things I am thinking about. If I want to say hey to mom, hang out with friends or something like that, Georgia is just an hour and a half away. That is a big thing for me,” he added.

Linton also reflected on the sudden and casual offer from coach Diribe, who was cleaning up and came to him saying he had an offer and then he kept talking.

“I liked working with coach Diribe and how firm he was with me. He critiqued me and showed me a lot," he said.

Linton recorded 31 tackles and two sacks in six games, while also recording nine total tackles for a loss, a fumble and a fumble recovery during his junior season.

Chase Linton reaffirms his commitment to Rutgers

Despite receiving a coveted offer from his home state's powerhouse, Georgia, Linton remains firm in his decision to join the Scarlet Knights.

“They’re Georgia,” Linton told On3. “I’m from Georgia and it’s a big thing to get an offer from Georgia when you’re from there. I grew up rooting for them. I’m still committed to Rutgers.”

Linton's journey to Rutgers began with an offer from defensive ends coach Julian Campenni at Bowling Green. This relationship carried over when Campenni joined Rutgers and Linton during an official visit. His connection with the Scarlet Knights' staff, especially head coach Greg Schiano, strengthened his resolve.

“I committed to Rutgers not because they recruited me early but because they have really good people over there. I’ve made genuine connections really quickly. I felt like was a good fit,” he said via On3.

At 6-foot-6, 215 pounds, Chase Linton is ranked as the No. 280 overall prospect in the 2025 class, the No. 26 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 34 recruit in Georgia, according to On3. 247 Sports lists him as the No. 191 overall prospect in the class, the No. 24 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 29 recruit in Georgia.