Dec 15, 2015 02:18 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Every newly hired head coach in college football inevitably has to hold his breath while his predecessor's recruits mull whether or not they want to keep their commitment.

Not only was this the case for Kirby Smart at Georgia, but the coach's highest-rated recruit from Mark Richt's class, quarterback Jacob Eason, was said to be considering SEC East rival Florida. However, Eason formally reaffirmed his commitment to Georgia on Tuesday, ESPN reported.

Since news of Richt's departure from Georgia broke, Eason made official visits to Florida and his home-state Washington. Shortly after those visits, he returned to Georgia to meet with Smart for the first time. He was also said to be considering Miami, Richt's new program, but never made an official visit.

"The visit was reassuring and then coming back home to talk with my parents and my family it was good to have them on board with my decision and them fully backing me up," Eason told DawgNation.com. "Georgia is the best place for me and I couldn't be more excited.

"The recruits that I know who are going there is a big thing. Then just meeting with coach Smart and (new UGA offensive coordinator) Jim Chaney just reassured everything. Those are great guys and great coaches and really fit for the jobs. I am just really excited."

ESPN ranked Eason 16th overall on its 2016 ESPN 300 and second overall among pro-style QBs. 247 Sports, on the other hand, considered Eason the top pro-style QB in his class and rated him with an exceptional 0.9973 composite score.

Eason will enroll at Georgia next month, making him eligible to play during his true freshman season next fall.

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