Ta’Shawn Poole sets a July 17 commitment date, with Georgia, Florida State and Tennessee vying for the in-state safety

Ta’Shawn Poole, a highly regarded 2027 safety recruit from Howard High School in Macon, Georgia, has set a commitment date that will close the spotlight on one of the summer’s most watched in-state recruiting battles. Poole’s announcement keeps three traditional power programs squarely in contention: the Georgia Bulldogs, the Florida State Seminoles and the Tennessee Volunteers.

According to multiple recruiting outlets, Poole will make his decision on Friday, July 17 at 6 p.m. ET. The finalists list matters because it includes two teams that prioritize defensive back development as a program identity (Georgia and Florida State), and a third that has leaned into recruiting the position with a clear pathway for immediate contribution at the back end of the defense.

Poole’s recruitment has drawn attention not only because he is a four-star prospect, but because he is also viewed as one of the top players in the Peach State class. UGA Wire described him as a top-10 Georgia prospect in the cycle, listing him as No. 68 in the national class rankings, No. 5 at safety, and No. 5 among players in Georgia. Other recruiting coverage (citing Rivals information) has him in a similar tier, though one report lists a slightly different measuring point, describing him at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds instead of 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds.

Florida State enters the decision as the option with the most visible recruiting pressure, at least as it has been framed by recruiting observers. One report noted the Seminoles’ recruiting class standing and suggested Florida State has been “desperate” for a defensive back win among the three contenders. That urgency is paired with the reality that staff confidence and recruiting momentum can swing quickly during this stage of the cycle.

Georgia’s case, as reported, is straightforward: the Bulldogs have been active in-state and are trying to avoid missing out on another elite Georgia prospect after already securing some commitments from the state’s top tier. With Georgia, the pitch is often rooted in development and familiarity, but the urgency here is sharpened by the fact that Poole is a rare combination of local value and overall national ranking in the class of 2027.

Tennessee’s inclusion keeps the battle from feeling settled. Recruiting observers have suggested that once Poole arrived on campus, the Vols became part of a closer three-way race rather than a distant option. Tennessee’s recruiting identity, particularly for defensive back recruiting, has also made the announcement date feel significant for both recruiting rankings and long-term defensive depth.

The practical next step is simple: watch what Poole does in the days leading up to July 17, including any final public comments and whether Georgia, Florida State or Tennessee is able to close with the clearest plan for his role. After the commitment, the focus will shift to how the three programs adjust their remaining 2027 defensive back recruiting plans, and whether Poole’s pledge influences follow-on targets in the same class.

For now, Poole’s decision date provides the one firm timeline in an otherwise fast-moving recruiting season, and it sets up a clear measuring stick for how each program’s recruiting pitch lands with a top in-state safety. The commitment ceremony on July 17 at 6 p.m. ET should also clarify whether the race leans toward the program with the most traction on recruiting boards, the one with the strongest in-state pull, or the one that best sold early-development opportunities.