Georgia
Why 4-Star Offensive Tackle Recruit Josh Petty Chose Georgia Tech Over Oregon Ducks
Out of the 2025 recruiting class, four-star offensive lineman Josh Petty was committed to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, but he delayed signing once the Early National Signing Period began on Wednesday. Suddenly, Oregon along with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Florida State Seminoles seemed to be contenders to flip Petty away from Georgia Tech.
However, Petty eventually signed with the Yellow Jackets on Thursday, ending any chances of a flip. The elite offensive lineman recruit spoke to
“The bigger piece for me was the consistency. A lot of teams are very weird about recruiting and they’ll go off and on and they’ll have moments where they’re on you hard and then they’re off. But I just knew Tech wanted me hard and they’ve been recruiting me consistently, showing me the same things and their actions have spoke with their words this year and it’s kind of great to see that program come together and get a good season like this year,” Petty revealed to GBP Sports on Wednesday.
The Oregon Ducks landed recruits like five-star cornerback Na’eem Offord, five-star safety Trey McNutt, five-star wide receiver Dallas Wilson, and five-star quarterback Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele. Ducks coach Dan Lanning’s pursuit of Petty might have been a little greedy, even for Lanning. getting greedy during the early national signing period.
Petty, a 6-4, 255-pound recruit, made an official visit to Eugene on June 14. With offensive linemen Ajani Cornelius and Josh Conerly Jr. possibly moving on after this season, some future spots in the trenches are opening up.
According to On3’s recruiting rankings, Petty is the nation’s No. 42 overall prospect, the No. 3 interior offensive lineman, and the No. 7 recruit from the state of Georgia.
High-level offensive tackle prospect with outstanding functional athleticism fostered by impressive two-way snaps… Lean with ample frame space for adding mass… Quicker off the ball on offense than defense, but flashes surprising linear closing speed in pursuit… Motivated drive blocker who also climbs to second level with relative ease… Naturally high center of gravity but cognizant of leverage firing off and engaging defenders.
– Gabe Brooks of 247 Sports on Petty
Currently, Lanning has signed four-star Douglas Utu, four-star Ziyare Addison, four-star Zac Stascausky, four-star Alai Kalaniuvalu, and three-star Demtri Manning out of the Class of 2025 to help void the gap in Oregon’s offensive line next season.
Another Oregon target that is considering a flip is 2025 four-star tight end Andrew Olesh out of Southern Leigh in Central Valley, Pennsylvania. Olesh has been committed to the Michigan Wolverines since July 8 but is open to switching to either the Ducks or the Penn State Nittany Lions.
With the last day of the Early National Signing Period coming on Friday a commitment from Olesh could push the Ducks into the No. 1 spot in the 2025 recruiting class. According to On3, Oregon’s recruiting class in 2025 is currently ranked No. 2.
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Got the flu? When should you call 911?
Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.
ATLANTA – Georgia remains in the “extremely high” flu activity category, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even as some indicators show signs of leveling off nationwide.
Emergency crews in the Atlanta area say they’re feeling the impact firsthand, with a sharp spike in flu-related 911 calls.
Flu cases in Georgia
What we know:
EMTs and paramedics at American Medical Response in DeKalb County report handling more flu-related calls than usual this season.
“This is one of the most difficult flu seasons that I’ve seen in a long time,” said Israel Contreras, AMR EMS transformation and innovation manager in the South Region.
Contreras said crews in DeKalb are busier than last flu season.
“We had an increase of about 60% of flu-like symptoms, cause, that’s including, you know, whatever range of flu-like symptoms, fevers, headaches,” he said.
The surge in calls in DeKalb reflects broader trends reported by the CDC. In its latest report, the agency estimates at least 15 million people have gotten sick this season, resulting in 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths.
While some indicators have decreased or remained stable this week, the CDC cautioned that it is too early to say whether the flu surge has peaked, noting that the holidays may have affected the numbers.
Super flu symptoms
What they’re saying:
In DeKalb County, Contreras said the increase in calls is straining resources.
“We have to be ready for any kind of emergency that’s happening and so when we have an increase of this nature, we get delayed because we tax the hospital. So now we’re delayed at the hospitals,” he said.
Contreras added that many flu-related calls are for non-emergencies that could be treated at home.
He urged residents to call 911 only for life-threatening situations, such as trouble breathing or chest pain, or if symptoms return with a high fever after initially improving.
“I’m not trying to discourage people from calling 911 when they feel like they have an actual life-threatening emergency. I just want people to evaluate whether they actually are having a life-threatening emergency,” he said.
The CDC also attributed the difficult season to a new variant, sometimes called the “super flu.” Doctors are urging everyone to get a flu shot to protect against severe complications and to stay home if they are sick.
Fighting influenza at home
What you can do:
Based on guidance from AMR and public health officials, DeKalb County encourages residents to:
- Get vaccinated. Annual flu vaccines remain the most effective way to prevent severe illness. Residents at higher risk should also ask their healthcare provider about the pneumococcal vaccine.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue or your elbow to reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
- Stay home when sick. Avoid exposing others by remaining home until symptoms improve.
When to call 911 for the flu
AMR advises residents to call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if they experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or persistent pressure
- Sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness
- Severe or prolonged vomiting
- Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a high fever or worsening cough
The Source: The article cites data from the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, alongside an interview between Israel Contreras of AMR and FOX 5’s Tyler Fingert.
Midterm elections could bring a generational shift to Georgia’s delegation in Washington.
U.S House candidate Jim Kingston at an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)
The graying halls of Congress don’t usually evoke images of youthful ambition, but a record number of lawmakers are calling it quits in 2026.
And in Georgia, their replacements may look very different.
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Georgia State Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, is seen in the House of Representatives in Atlanta on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, served in the U.S. House for 11 terms, leaving to mount a failed U.S. Senate run in 2014. His son Jim is now seeking Jack’s old seat. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
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Pintail Inc. CEO/Owner Kevin Jackson Jr. shows U.S House candidate Jim Kingston around an automotive construction site in Savannah, Ga., on Jan. 7, 2026. (Sarah Peacock for AJC)
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From student government to the U.S. House?
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Georgia Rep. Houston Gaines, R-Athens, spoke at a rally titled “Make Athens Safer” at City Hall, Tuesday evening, March 5, 2024. (Nell Carroll for the AJC)
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A new normal?
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State Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, who plans to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, speaks to the news media at the Capitol in Atlanta on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Adam Van Brimmer is a journalist who covers politics and Coastal Georgia news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
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