The early signing period started today, and as expected Georgia got a letter of intent from their only verbal commitment to date, Cady Lalanne. Lalanne is a 6’8″ forward from Orlando rated among the Rivals 150.

Unfortunately the Dawgs lost a recruiting battle for another post player – 6’9″ Shawn Kemp (yes, son of that Shawn Kemp). Kemp signed with Auburn this morning in a decision that went down to the last minute. He failed to qualify after signing with Alabama last year, and Georgia and Auburn got back into the mix and offered him as a prep player. (I’m sure Alabama fans will welcome him warmly when Auburn visits.)

The signing period goes through November 18th, but there don’t appear to be any imminent additions to Lalanne’s letter of intent. After the early signing period ends, attention will turn to recruiting for the spring signing period. Georgia still has big needs at the shooting guard and small forward positions. Everyone seems to be on the same page as far as what Georgia needs to do in order to recruit the home state with success, but results aren’t happening overnight.

It’s the early signing period for the women as well. Andy Landers expects to get letters of intent from three verbal commitments: 5’6″ PG Ronika Ransford of Washington, D.C. – rated the #21 overall prospect by ESPN, 5’9″ SG Khaalidah Miller of Mableton, Ga. – rated the #36 overall prospect by ESPN, and 6’5″ C Ariel Johnson of Oak Hill Academy – rated the nation’s #18 center by ESPN.