Georgia Football Commit Chace Calicut Arrested, Charged in Violent Driving Incident
On July 6, 2025, 17-year-old Chace Zion Wade Calicut, a highly recruited four-star safety from Houston North Shore High School and a recent commit to the University of Georgia, was arrested in Harris County, Texas and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon—both second-degree felonies.
Background & Recruitment Profile
Calicut, ranked among the top 200 national prospects for the Class of 2026 and the No. 15 safety in that class, committed to Georgia on June 27, 2025, choosing the Bulldogs over major programs like Texas and Michigan. Standing 6‑foot‑3 and weighing around 190 pounds, he was praised for his athleticism, size, and potential at the collegiate level
The July 6 Incident: What Prosecutors Allege
According to court documents reviewed by Fox 26 Houston, the altercation began on Kuykendahl Road when Calicut’s vehicle approached another driven by a 17-year-old male with a 17-year‑old female passengerThe teen driver reported that Calicut intentionally sped ahead of them, slammed on his brakes, forcing them to brake hard to avoid a collision
When the driver attempted to escape by passing Calicut’s car, Calicut allegedly caught up and began driving erratically—both in front of and alongside the victim’s vehicle . During this escalation, the passenger in Calicut’s car, Isaiah Brice Phillip, reportedly pointed a handgun at the driver. The victim and a following friend allegedly heard gunshots, and the friend later stated he saw Phillip firing from the window as they drove away
Calicut is not accused of firing the weapon, but the charges allege he actively tried to force another vehicle off the road and threatened the driver through aggressive maneuvers
Legal Developments & Bond
Authorities arrested Calicut on July 23, 2025, charging him with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Initially held on bond of $75,000, the amount was later increased to $150,000 amid intensifying scrutiny . He was released on bail shortly afterward, with a next court appearance scheduled for August 6, 2025
Passenger’s Death Casts Shadow Over Case
In a tragic turn, Isaiah Brice Phillip, the passenger accused of firing the weapon during the July 6 incident, was fatally shot at a pool party in a separate event approximately two weeks later, on July 20, 2025. While Harris County officials have not established any official connection between the two shootings, the timing and circumstances have complicated public perception and added drama to the legal narrative
Defense, Statements & Community Reaction
Frequent local figure Quanell X, speaking for Calicut’s family, held a press conference in Houston claiming that Calicut was coerced into driving the vehicle and was not a willing participant. Quanell X emphasized that Calicut did not fire the weapon and alleged that investigators had failed to properly interview him—claims contradicted by court documents
The defense asserts that Calicut wanted no part in the incident, stating: “He made it crystal clear… I got a lot to lose… under threat was he in that vehicle” . While Georgia football has not issued a formal statement on the matter, they reiterated compliance with NCAA rules preventing comment on recruits before signing
Implications for University of Georgia & College Football
Calicut’s arrest adds to a growing set of off-field legal issues for members of Georgia’s incoming Class of 2026. Earlier in July, Seven Cloud, a top junior college commit, was also charged with domestic battery. Head coach Kirby Smart previously addressed concerns about off-field behavior after previous seasons marred by similar situations, noting such incidents are unacceptable and disappointingly recurring
This pattern has raised broader concerns about Georgia’s recruiting oversight and cultural expectations; the Bulldogs have consistently signed one of the nation’s premier recruiting classes, yet off‑field incidents threaten the program’s disciplined image.
What Lies Ahead
- Court Proceedings: Calicut’s next scheduled court appearance is August 6, and the case will proceed through the Texas legal system. Both sides will present evidence, including details about the alleged braking, vehicle pursuit, gun handling, and threats.
- Media & Public Scrutiny: Given Calicut’s high profile and recruiting status, the case is already national news. Media outlets will continue to follow developments, especially given the fatal shooting of his co-defendant, Phillip.
- Georgia Football Position: While NCAA rules limit pre-NLI comment, anticipation is high about the university’s future stance. If charges escalate or lead to conviction, it may affect Calicut’s scholarship and relationship with the program.
- Athlete Conduct Policy Focus: Incidents like this are likely to spur renewed focus on ethical and behavioral guidelines in recruiting pipelines—within Georgia and across college football.
Summary
- Chace Zion Wade Calicut, a four-star safety committed to Georgia, was arrested on July 23, 2025 following a July 6 driving incident in Houston, charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
- Court documents allege Calicut drove aggressively near classmates, slamming brakes and attempting to force their vehicle off the road, while his passenger reportedly pointed a gun and fired shots.
- Phillip, the passenger, was shot and killed in another incident on July 20, complicating the sequence of events.
- Calicut denies wrongdoing through spokespersons, claiming coercion and victimhood. Bond escalated from $75,000 to $150,000. Next court date is August 6.
- The case raises fresh scrutiny over Georgia’s recruiting class and broader issues around athlete behavior and university
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