This blog has moved! Yes, already!
As of Thursday, Feb. 12, this little blog has relocated to a new home on AJC.com. It’s the same newspaper, the same Web site and the same writer (feel free to groan) — there’s just a new URL.
New features: Bigger type, more graphics, comments that load 10 times faster and a larger and more recent photo that makes me look pretty doggone old. I think you’ll like it (the blog, not the photo). But I am, as we know too well, often wrong.
Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2009 > February > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USUGA’s Garner knows talent also needs coaching
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Athens — On the biggest day of his vocational year, Rodney Garner was asked a simple question: Which matters more — coaching or recruiting?
And Georgia’s recruiting coordinator said, “Coaching.” And then, surely remembering what it is he’s paid well to do, Garner hedged.
“I’m not going to say that,” he said. “Recruiting is the lifeblood of your program. No matter how good a coach you are, without talent you’re not going to have a very good team. You must be able to attract players to your campus and then coach players once they’re there. If you can’t coach them and put them in position to make plays and win games, you’re going to get fired.”
Garner is considered one of the nation’s best at the glamour part of his job, and National Signing Day 2009 yielded yet another Top 10 class for a program that has won at least 10 games six of the past seven seasons. But there are those, this correspondent among them, who believe the Bulldogs were undercoached last season. Then again, how can we tell if a prized recruit — Reshad Jones, say, the five-star safety who couldn’t tackle Georgia Tech’s Roddy Jones on Nov. 29 — is as good as advertised?
It’s the eternal riddle. No coach will ever say recruiting isn’t essential, but no coach has proclaimed on Signing Day: “If we don’t win the national championship with the guys we just got, it’s my own darn fault.”
Said Mark Richt, asked the same which-matters-more question that gave Garner pause: “They’re really one and the same. We do both. In the pros, they have coaches and scouts, but in college we’re responsible for both coaching and putting our stamp on the [incoming] talent. … I don’t know how you could separate the two.”
This class looks swell on paper, but pretty much every Georgia class looks swell on paper. And the sobering reality is that the presumably gifted Bulldogs have won the SEC East just once over the past five years.
Garner also coaches Georgia’s defensive line, which had a tepid season. Were there moments — the wipeout first half against Alabama or the unaccountable collapse against Tech — when the famous recruiting coordinator said to himself: “I need to find better defenders”?
Said Garner: “There were times this year when we fell short, and there were times when I couldn’t wait to get back in the office and think about recruiting better or coming up with a better defensive scheme. … Our product is out there on Saturday. When we don’t win, it diminishes everything.”
For the record, Garner doesn’t consider himself a recruiter who coaches. “I’m a coach who recruits,” he said, and his D-line figures to be bolstered by recruits Abry Jones from Northside-Warner Robins and Montez Robinson from Avon, Ind. But you should know that no rating Rivals.com affixes to this signing class will erase another set of numbers imprinted on Garner’s brainpan.
“My only numbers are wins and losses,” he said. “My number is on that scoreboard — 45-42.”
That was the score of the Tech game, and it will rankle for a full year. If nothing else, though, Signing Day 2009 enabled the famous recruiter to apologize publicly to Mrs. Rodney Garner. It was a year ago that her husband sat before the assembled media and said, of rating prospects: “It’s kind of like when you look at your wife, and you think, ‘If I’d have held out, maybe I could have gotten that one there.’ “
“For 365 days I’ve been in the doghouse,” Garner said. “I might still be in the doghouse.”
Let that be a lesson to us all: Even a famous recruiter sometimes needs help with his sales pitch.
Permalink | Comments (101) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA/SEC
Comments
By Ed
February 4, 2009 6:20 PM | Link to this
Re: Garner’s wife comment. Ouch. Move over, Rover.
By Avuncular Testicle
February 4, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
Rodney Garner lost me when he threw that chair during the second half of that horrible game on that horrible night.
I cant believe they wasted a whole tub of gatorade on him when they won (by cheating) at the end, you know, when the buzzer sounded.
By Ted Striker
February 4, 2009 6:27 PM | Link to this
Coaching versus Recruiting, Nature versus Nurture, Veronica versus Betty…
The truth is always in the middle. (Especially with V & B)
Great coverage by ALL the correspondents of the AJC today. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
By D-man
February 4, 2009 6:28 PM | Link to this
Nice class…definitely will be top ten. Good job getting the Memphis WR…can’t wait to see Cox throwing to them (Brown & Green) on Saturdays…
By bama12titles
February 4, 2009 6:32 PM | Link to this
I think its 50/50. You’ve got to have the talent to be able to win but obviously you have to have good coaching to coach them up a bit.
My friend from Utah tells me its 5% talent and 95 % coaching though.
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 6:37 PM | Link to this
I would never say that recruiting doesn’t matter. But I would say coaching matters more. Put it this way: I’d rather have Jim Grobe coaching 3-star players than Ron Zook coaching 5-star guys.
By Dawg Tired
February 4, 2009 6:38 PM | Link to this
Mark - It seems rather obvious that in the big time conferences, you must have big time talent. However, that is merely the beginning. To compete for championships, you must coach the talent, have good schemes offensively, defensively, and special teams wise. In the modern college game, speed is vitally important as well.
Of course, almost every big time program is big time because it has big time talent. Coaching makes the ultimate difference. Other factors can be big difference makers. Last year’s Georgia squad lacked, IMHO, big time leadership. That at least partially explains how UGA won the SEC with David Greene at QB. He was a big time leader. He had other leaders on that team as well, to wit: David Pollack.
Then there are the intangibles like a batted pass being dropped - think Texas and Texas Tech. The line between winning and losing at this level is truly razor thin. Texas was clearly the best team in the Big 12, but did not even get a chance to play for the conference championship. Then there is the fickleness of the voters. Two years ago UGA was ranked third and the teams that had to lose did lose and Georgia went on to win every game from that point forward and yet was intentionally dropped in the polls because they were not conference champions and folks like Doug Flutie said on National TV that it would be crime if Georgia played in the national championship game. That UGA team may well have been the best team in the country but finished second in the final polls.
This past year, USC may well have been the best team in the country (or maybe Texas was). Neither was in the championship game. I’m convinced both Texas and USC were better than Oklahoma.
By bama12titles
February 4, 2009 6:40 PM | Link to this
My friend from Utah also told me that rivals and scout ratings don’t mean didley. He says sometimes its just the heart and desire of the kids in the game and whether or not they choose to show up and play. I for one think he may be right.
By Bulldawg
February 4, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this
AT-
huh?
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I would be a lousy reporter if I didn’t note that the person who posed the question that elucidated Rodney Garner’s infamous answer about Mrs. Garner last year was esteemed colleague Chip Towers, who’s sitting to my left in Stegeman Coliseum as we speak.
By JimDog85
February 4, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this
Good Job Coach Garner. You deserve a raise. Keep up the good work for UGA!
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I’d be a lousy blogger if I didn’t link to Rodney Garner’s infamous answer via YouTube. If you haven’t seen it, you’ll enjoy Mark Richt’s reaction.
By jacketbacker
February 4, 2009 6:48 PM | Link to this
45-42!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THWG
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
February 4, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this
That is a “great”line. My wife just walked by and I asked her to read it and her jaw hit the floor. So yeah I imagine he has been in the “Dawg” house for a year. He had better had gone and picked up some Diamonds after that one. Great job Chip!
Spot on in the Grobe/Zook comparison.
Also was CWM not a little gruff during the press conference or was I reading perhaps to much into it. When asked about the 40 times of perspective athletes? CWM reading the blogs a little to much?
By Ted Striker
February 4, 2009 6:55 PM | Link to this
You’d be a lousy tourist if you didn’t come by my house and take me out for a drink before leaving town but I’m not holding my breath.
By Lee Latham
February 4, 2009 6:59 PM | Link to this
AJC…you’re laughable. You see the National Ranking with Alabama at either #1 or #2 yet there is literally no mention of how well we/they did!
Am i angry? No, because over the last 14 years I’ve learned how pathetic the AJC is in COMPLETELY covering the SEC and ACC. One again, you confirm one of the reasons i canceled my subscription two years ago.
By Lee Latham
February 4, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
AJC…you’re laughable. You see the National Ranking with Alabama at either #1 or #2 yet there is literally no mention of how well we/they did!
Am i angry? No, because over the last 14 years I’ve learned how pathetic the AJC is at COMPLETELY covering the SEC and ACC. One again, you confirm one of the reasons i canceled my subscription two years ago.
By falcon21
February 4, 2009 7:16 PM | Link to this
Who the heck wants to read about Alabama? The AJC should and will always cover instate schools first. This is Georgia, not Bama!!!
By tony
February 4, 2009 7:17 PM | Link to this
clueless mark richt is full of smoke. he will say anything to excuse his weak coaching ability. utah and ole miss plays at a higher level with 2 and 3 star athletes than our 4 star athletes.
we would have won a championship by now if houston nutt was the coach of our team. i feel bad for our kids because they are very proud to be a bull dog, but they are being coached by one of the worse game manager(richt) in the sec.
hire dan reeves NOW!
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this
I didn’t hear Willie Martinez today. I was busy listening to Rodney Garner.
Oh, and not to be a contrarian, but I saw ESPN has LSU’s recruits ranked No. 1. And Scout.com has Ohio State.
By Not Customer Service. Just Ted.
February 4, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
Dear Lee,
AJC’s customer service department has closed for the evening, however it sounds as though you want a response NOW. As a service to you, Lee, I’m replying to your posts of 6:59 pm and 7:00 pm.
You asked. “Am I angry?”
No, Lee, you don’t seem angry. You seem happy. Ecstatic. Giddy. Joyful. Satisfied. But mostly, you seem charming. Yes, you Lee, are certainly most charming.
Charming. Oh so charming. It’s alarming how charming you must feel. And so pretty that you must hardly believe that you’re real. See that pretty Lee in that mirror there? (Who can that attractive Lee be?) Such a pretty face. (Such a pretty mess) Such a pretty smile, (Such a pretty Lee!) You must feel stunning (Entrancing) Like running!! (And dancing!!) For Joy!!! For you’re loved!! For you’re lovable Lee Latham!!!
In closing, congrats on the #2 or #1 Tide Class.
Love,
Ted Striker
p.s. Bear Bryant would have signed 5 more players and they would have been better than anyone on your roster.
By quaildawg
February 4, 2009 7:30 PM | Link to this
Mark, It is a bit of a disservice to R. Jones when a year prior @ “Hysterical” Grant Field the “5 Star” intercepted TWO passes. One play does not make for a career. I lay odds that R. Jones already has the date circled.
By quaildawg
February 4, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
For those that missed it I was thankful for Coach Richt’s answer to Tim Tuckers question. (It would have been interested to see the AJC”s spin , even with a Top 10 class, had Marlon Brown not inked w/ UGA)
Q: The Brown signing ended an 0-for-4 skid [after S Jawana Starling, LB Jarvis Jones, OL Bobby Massie and WR Stephen Hill signed elsewhere earlier Wednesday]… .
A: It’s not an 0-for-4 skid. I don’t even know who’s keeping score. I think it’s ridiculous to do that. Keeping score like that, I guess, is fun for you guys and makes news, but I think it’s kind of nutty. … If you go down that list and watch film of each guy [Georgia signed], like I did with my son David last night because he wanted to see them, it’ll get you excited, get you fired up
By zinoDawg
February 4, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
Good article Mark. Thanks. Bookends - AJ wide left and Marlon wide right. Two 6’5” freaks of nature wearing Red and Black! How many days till kickoff? Go Dawgs!
By The Sage
February 4, 2009 7:51 PM | Link to this
I could not have written it better: “Then again, how can we tell if a prized recruit — Reshad Jones, say, the five-star safety who couldn’t tackle Georgia Tech’s Roddy Jones on Nov. 29 — is as good as advertised?” And I thought that same thing more than once this past year. Wrap ‘em up young man!
By jacketpacker
February 4, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this
7-1!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By jacketpacker
February 4, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
7-1!!!!!!!!!!
By Ho Hum Dawg
February 4, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
Im not impressed. Until UGA wins championships it will be another year of inept coaching and a waste of talent. Our 5 and 4 star players cant put away the South Carolinas and Vandys 1 and 2 star players. This is embarrassing while the Tech game at our house was another big big blunder.Yeah Garner is the greatist alright! He is just as pathetic too.
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 8:24 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Zino.
And I wasn’t trying to say Reshad Jones is a bad player — obviously he isn’t — but on that play he didn’t seem like the next Sean Jones. Or Ben Smith. Or Terry Hoage.
By CrimsonRedScarlett
February 4, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
Do these ratings take academic eligibility into account?
By Tech, SHUT THE FiretrUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2009 8:29 PM | Link to this
Hey Jacketbacker:
7-1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (years)-the equivalent of 6 rings (LOL)
2555-80!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (days and counting)
9-49!!!!!!!!!!!!! (2009 recruiting class ranking)
Way to beat Wille Martinez and out recruit Duke, NC State, Northwestern, Kent State, Army, Navy, Temple, North Dakota State, and Carson Newman.
Congratulations!
By 31906jacket
February 4, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this
For a team that doesn’t matter much to the Pups, the BAGMAN can’t seem to get it out of his head…. 45-42. See you in November!
By TECH, SHUT THE FiretrUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Tech,
Here’s another number you hate to see:
4000-1750 (“straight to gay students at Georgia Tech” (30%)-Atlanta Pride Magazine April 2008 issue
Nice recruiting class you stretched out a*****! Way to bend over and take it like a (Tech) man.
By debosedaman
February 4, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this
jelani jenkins to uf. are you kidding me? oh and DEBOSE!!!!
By Acworth Dawg
February 4, 2009 8:51 PM | Link to this
CrimsonRedScarlett,
“Do these ratings take academic eligibility into account?”
You and South Carolina better hope not!
By UrbanRules
February 4, 2009 8:54 PM | Link to this
I mean does this really mean much? Tebow is back, Spikes is back etc.- only question is do the gators win 3rd national championship in 4 years. What is UGA’s goal- Outback? maybe 2010 will be better for UGA.
By PHIL
February 4, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
Mark, you think coaching is why we have only won 1 SEC eastern division title in 5 years? Have you noticed who plays in the SEC east? Noticed how many National championships the SEC east has in the last 5 years? Did OLE MISS beat UF this year. This is a very competitive league. There are lots of schools around the country that would give their eye teeth to have one SEC east championship.
As far as coaching Reshad Jones goes, do you think that ANY coach since he was 8 years old has taught him, coached him that belly bumping is the best way to tackle? Do you think any of them taught him or ever uttered the words, “Don’t play your assignment, just use your own judgement out there and free lance it “? Don’t blame a coach for that kids actions in that game. HE is the one that made those decisions in the moment and his actions should not be blamed on a coach.
This coaching staff has done what a very, very few in history have done over the past 7 years and so spoiled people with wins, they are beginning to act and sound like brats.
By HEY TECH, SHUT THE FiretrUCK UP!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2009 9:07 PM | Link to this
Thought beating us by 3 points once every 8 years would change the way you losers recruit? LOL.
By SOUTHGADAWG88
February 4, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this
Nice read.
By ECBacker
February 4, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this
hey urban,
it’s a RECRUITING class…so most of these kids wont see the field until 2010 or 2011, so thats what this means…jeeze you would think you would understand how college football works…
By Dave In Tampa
February 4, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
Can anyone clue me in on the couple of recruits I have not heard anything from. Murray’s TE in Plant City and there was one other guy we were gunning for? Any late news? Thanks
By UrbanRules
February 4, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this
EC, Yes maybe UGA recruits won’t see the field until 2010 but Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Debose will be on the field in the Swamp next year. That is the difference with some of the top notch recruits UF gets. The three and four stars recruits come down to coaching. Meyer and his staff is just much better- they don’t have USC talent but 2 BCS championships is mighty impressive.
By bartow dawg
February 4, 2009 9:22 PM | Link to this
UrbanRules, your man is on his way to ND.So you better hope it happens this year. I don’t think another NC is in the GAYTORS future for a while with or without Urban.
By Debose
February 4, 2009 9:47 PM | Link to this
Bartow even next year- the whole defense comes back along with Tebow. They are huge favorites to repeat. Oh and and you can only hope Meyer goes to ND. Wishful thinking. Until that happens enjoy the outback or capital bowl or whatever bowl UGA usually goes to.
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 9:52 PM | Link to this
Thanks, SouthGaDawg88. I’ve always wanted someone to make that comment on here, but I believe you’re the first.
And probably the last, alas.
By rabiddawg
February 4, 2009 9:57 PM | Link to this
Dave in Tampa Orson Charles was scheduled to visit SouCal this weekend before he decides. Kwame Geathers is also waiting to decide.
By WestPalmDawg
February 4, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
Joe Cox>Bobby Cox> Nikki Cox> Brandon Cox> Christopher Cox
By guy
February 4, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
If UGA has to lose to UF and UA, they need to be at least competitive.Let’s get real,Dawg fans! We have a long way to go and we have to become a very physical football team.If not,???
By guy
February 4, 2009 10:03 PM | Link to this
If UGA has to lose to UF and UA, they need to be at least competitive.Let’s get real,Dawg fans! We have a long way to go and we have to become a very physical football team.If not,???
By turkey
February 4, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Well, Greg Reid is lost and who can blame him. Would you rather play for Mickey Andrews or Willie “hard lick” Martinez?
By bartow dawg
February 4, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Darn Debose what was I thinking? We all know the gators cannot lose with all that talent. They have the best TE or H-Back at QB I have ever seen but he will missing a great WR that has made him look better than he is. Run Run Tebow.
By 45-42
February 4, 2009 10:57 PM | Link to this
who cares that u have beter recruits you cant coach worth dick hold a 16 point lead them come talk to me
By Pago Flyer
February 4, 2009 11:02 PM | Link to this
So another Top Ten recruiting class! So what?
By 45-42
February 4, 2009 11:07 PM | Link to this
And to: TECH, SHUT THE FiretrUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!, First keep the your homo phopia out of your arguments. Just because half of your brain does not function like a normal persons would and you want to marry your cousin does not give you tha right to say stupid crap so way to make an a* of your self like a(uga)man does. Oh by the way last time I checked you havent beaten us in anything this year but go ahead keep bringing up your random prejudges.
By shane#1
February 4, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this
A good class of recruits overall, but there were only eighteen. There is something to be said for having enough warm bodies. This is two years in a row that UGA is understaffed, and Richt can end this problem. He promised a scholarship to Reid and a number, Knowshon’s to be exact. How about this Coach? If a kid doesn’t commit and can’t make up his mind, then no scholly is guanteed? No number, no slot, nothimg is for sure kid. and then recruit the hell out of the next guy. As far as coaching and recruiting, great coaches recruit well, period. Jim Grobe is a fantastic coach, but how many NCs has he won in his long career?
By Lee
February 4, 2009 11:40 PM | Link to this
The question is, would you rather have a team full of 5 star recruits who will only be around for 2-3 years, or would you rather field a team of mostly Jr’s and Sr’s who have been around for 4-5 years in the system?
Give me the good, solid athlete who will stick around for the full term.
It’s no surprise that we see a team loaded with Sr’s and we automatically expect them to have a good year.
It’s getting worse and worse with these blue chip high schoolers. Waiting till the last minute to have a press conference where you can announce where you’re going to commit. You know, if I were a coach, I would say “Screw you. Go take your ego trip and silly games somewhere else. We don’t need that crap.”
What do coaches call it? Oh yeah, team chemistry.
By Sane and level headed?
February 4, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Houston Nutt?? Are you serious?
By Sane and level headed?
February 4, 2009 11:43 PM | Link to this
Houston Nutt?? Are you serious?
By Mark Bradley
February 4, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this
On another matter, I watched the Georgia basketball team play LSU. I’m not sure there’s another win on the schedule for those Bulldogs.
By DBCOOPER
February 5, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
I don’t think it’s an accident that the recruiting rankings almost always mirror the rankings around the end of the year. Save a Utah or Boise State every now and then. However, I truly believe some conferences are harder to run the table than others. It’s a fact it’s harder to be the visiting team at places like LSU or Penn State than Wyoming or Washington State. Coaching is also a factor but more often than not good players tend to go to schools they feel will have good coaching staff’s as well as national exposure that go hand in hand. Take Ole Miss’s class for instance. Top 20? Players now know Houston Nutt will coach them up and get them on T.V.
As for academic issues. If you make the mistake of trying to mix academics with big-time college football you’re missing the boat. Come around to reality. If that were true Loyd Carr would still be at Michigan etc. etc. etc. It is what it is. Ed Ogeron making $650,00 a year to recruit at UT. Either you play or you don’t but don’t try to compare the two.
By Ted Striker
February 5, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this
Hey, can we get Dan Reeves to coach Dawgs basketball?
By Big MIKE
February 5, 2009 1:44 AM | Link to this
Coach Gardner, You just said out loud, what every guy thinks in private, when the wife puts on ten pounds. But once you said I do, it’s cheaper to keep her!
By uga-brave
February 5, 2009 1:53 AM | Link to this
bradley, i already said the same thing to DOB.
AFTER wathcing the willie uhum, uhumm, uhummm, is there any doubt why he does not inspire.
that was sickening.
i already had a hunch,
mark, you have to write a column based on that you tube thing.
that was the GEORGIA DEFENSIVE coordinator, umm, ummhumm, umm.
great stuff little wille.
MARK, UMM, UHUMM, lets try a twist or maybe a toggle on the interrior line.
i already knew he was overmatched. but those links really scare me.
By Travis Tritt
February 5, 2009 2:38 AM | Link to this
Lee Latham does not subscribe, but he still loves to read it online. Sucker.
Hey Mark, how did the dogs do? Did they break 50? I’m gonna guess Thompkins scored 18 and played 25 minutes.
By KJ
February 5, 2009 4:20 AM | Link to this
who cares that u have beter recruits you cant coach worth dick hold a 16 point lead them come talk to me
And to: TECH, SHUT THE FiretrUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!, First keep the your homo phopia out of your arguments. Just because half of your brain does not function like a normal persons would and you want to marry your cousin does not give you tha right to say stupid crap so way to make an a of your self like a(uga)man does. Oh by the way last time I checked you havent beaten us in anything this year but go ahead keep bringing up your random prejudges.*
Ladies and gentlemen, your Georgia Tech English major.
By GT IM78
February 5, 2009 6:12 AM | Link to this
1 in 8. Now we are back !
By TechBuzz
February 5, 2009 6:27 AM | Link to this
Have you seen Rodney Garner’s wife? His comment is spot on.
By jerry
February 5, 2009 7:21 AM | Link to this
I would like to see UGA’s recruiting class broken down and ranked by offense and defense. Without Brandon Smith, who is as much an offensive player as a defensive player, I doubt that the defensive class would be in the top 50. I guess that leaves them w/o talent or coaching on the defensive side of the ball. An extremely disappointing defensive class.
By dawgfan1911
February 5, 2009 7:26 AM | Link to this
I know everyone is focused on this class we just recruited, but I am a firm beleiver in the fact that the last two recruiting classes that Georgia produced should be better this year. Thats where coaching comes in. Have these kids been coached to train properly and use the right techniques. Remember last year we had two 4 star defensive lineman and one 5 star defensive lineman that we recruited and I havent heard much of anything from these guys especially how bad we were in that area last year. Does anyone remember C. J. Byrd the highly recruited athlete out of South Carolina. he wasnt a bad player but he wasnt a great player either. This defense is going to be the biggest question next year. The secondary has to play better and the defensive front must be solid and consistant. That first game against O State is perfect because it will give us dawg fans a true indication of what this defense will look like for the rest of the year. Only time will tell.
By BlawgDawg
February 5, 2009 7:33 AM | Link to this
What is the deal on Kwame Geathers? Did he sign yesterday or is he waiting?
By No Axe to Grind
February 5, 2009 7:40 AM | Link to this
Based on past results when going up against BCS caliber teams, the vaudville team of Martinez and Bobo can negate a lot of talent.
By Dave In Tampa
February 5, 2009 7:40 AM | Link to this
rabiddawg: THANKS!
By augustadog
February 5, 2009 8:02 AM | Link to this
Marlon Brown and AJ Green. What a set of bookends!! Joe Cox, you are one lucky QB!
By Jake
February 5, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
I think coaching and recruiting goes hand in hand, but I think coaching is more important. I’m GA fan to the bone, but look what Bobby Johnson has done with Vanderbilt. He gets some of the most average and less than average player (on paper) than any other D-1 school and look what he does with it. Imagine what he could do with GA’s talent, or FL’s talent!
By reggie ball
February 5, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this
congrats to UGA. I’m sure its a great group of athletes you’ve got. Now make sure and keep them out of the back of a police car…
Firetruck, enjoy Feb - Aug. It’s when you posers are at your best.
Looking forward to your beating in Atlanta this year?
45-42
By TW
February 5, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this
Great words, Mr. Bradley.
The D would do well to , at the very least, breath some life into the LB postion. It is the lackluster, even poor, coahing at this postion that hangs on our D. Seems like every time the D goes in the toilet, the LBs are in the wrong place, their react to the play is glacier, and then the persuit is a disgusting jog.
No bite at LB makes for a crappy D, and at best that is what we have. So, if we’re nopt going to stop the bleed with Martinez, at the very least we should bring in a turnicate to show our LBs how to play the game at the college level. Perhaps the problem with Rashad is his need to play his postion AND LB every freaking game.
Keep up the good work, Mr. Bradley.
By Mark Bradley
February 5, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this
Thanks, TW.
Here’s another recruiting ranking: Sporting News Today has Georgia rated No. 8, with LSU and Alabama and Ohio State 1, 2 and 3.
By Dawg Fud
February 5, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this
No Axe to Grind
love the post…too funny. nice Vaudeville reference.
By Wally
February 5, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this
Well, stop reading the online AJC Lee!
By The Alpha Male
February 5, 2009 9:55 AM | Link to this
Mark, please make up your mind. You’ve spent the last 2 years as a Bulldog apologist, now you’ve flip-flopped to labeling them as “undercoached” and pointing out they’ve only won one SEC title in the past five years. I know writing is a struggle, but please decide which side of the fence you’re on and stay there.
By Zoomie
February 5, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
I find it interesting that 45-42 is the number that popped into Mr. Garner’s head when explaining his view of important numbers. Put into his context, the number that immediately pops into my mind is 18-2 — two wins in 20 years against an in-conference opponent. That is a much more telling stat than this year’s UGA/GT score. Evidence continues to mount that this coaching staff simply accepts their abject ownership by the Florida Gators. If you’re not gonna stand up to the Gators, don’t waste your time with all that coaching stuff, just line up your guys and have them toss pennies, dimes and quarters into the wishing well; that path to the SEC East will be just as effective. Mark, that is seriously cold of you to re-print that “wife” statement. What did that poor guy ever do to you?
By Gatortime
February 5, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
The question might be out of the 18 how many do you guys keep from being arrested this year- If I’m not mistaken were you doggies not pre-season NC and post season champions for most arrest? It is so funny reading how you beat down your little in state team being little brother- I guess that would make UGA our little sister then uh- Jort nation rules, Mullets forever- what will be the excuse if your little brothers in state find a way to beat the mighty dawg nation with the 3 star recruits that ya’ll didn’t want? See you boys for your yearly beat down soon enough- Please tell me your hope is not in COX? I know you all love COX! Tech Shut the fire truck up I thought you would love the last sentence with all your in your windows of gayness- Enjoy. Win something and then talk-
By shards1967
February 5, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
As a UGA grad, I know the tale will be told in totality come December. We will then know the results of the last two or three all world recruiting classes. If we are say 10-2 or 11-1 they will be considered successful. On the other hand, if UGA is say 6-6, then it confirms my fears: UGA needs to bring in a tough minded staff to coach and not preach. Let’s see what Dec 09 brings. Another ugly loss to Tech and we will be looking for major, major changes in Athens town.
By jake
February 5, 2009 10:40 AM | Link to this
Gatortime, you may be too young to remember, but the prior 20 years before the last 20 the dawgs owned FL. I believe Spurrier even won a Heisman, but just couldnt beat GA as a QB. Actually during that time FL was the worst in the East for 20 yrs. So these things seem to go in cycles, so enjoy it while you can!!
By Desert Dawg
February 5, 2009 10:43 AM | Link to this
I read yesterday that GA’s recruiting class is the 8th consecutive top 10. That leads USC which has 7 consecutive. Coincidently, CMR has been at GA for 8 years. Congratulations to CMR and staff for “fininshing the drill” year after year.
Only time will tell but, don’t be surprised if the 2009 DAWGS rise to the top. Joe Cox has stood on the sidelines for 3 years and is ready. He isn’t the best QB in the league but I like his chances. Remember, this is a QB that has NEVER lost a start! I expect him to provide some leadership that was missing the last few years. And, don’t ever discount the intangible value of “on the field leadership”— look at Tebow and FLA.
By jake
February 5, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this
Desert Dawg, and we all remember after the great ALL-American Peyton left Tenn w/out any championship. The backup Tee Martin won the NC.
By jake
February 5, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
Desert Dawg, and we all remember after the great ALL-American Peyton left Tenn w/out any championship. The backup Tee Martin won the NC.
By coondawg69
February 5, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, you wrote: Put it this way: I’d rather have Jim Grobe coaching 3-star players than Ron Zook coaching 5-star guys
That is both very funny and sad at the same time. Funny, because it’s true. Sad because The Zooker has a winning record against Georgia.
By Mark Bradley
February 5, 2009 10:58 AM | Link to this
You know, Alpha Male, events — especially in sports — tend to change one’s perception. The 2007 Patriots looked unbeatable until they got beat. Is one supposed to ignore results simply for the sake of cosmetic “consistency”?
Cosmetic consistency — I like that one, if I do say so myself.
By DawgGirl32
February 5, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this
I hope Mr. Garner’s went to Jared.
And for the last time, it’s Garner NOT Gardner!
By Analchord
February 5, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
Yes, there are two letters of alliteration in cosmetic consistency, so it is an unusually entertaining construct. Bravo sir.
If you change just two letters in that phrase, though, you get convalescent contrivance.
Jklol
By UgaTed
February 5, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this
Bradley, is this a sports blog or Inside Edition? Rehashing the Garner statement from last year does nothing but render your blog/column as a gossip column. I’m glad Garner hasn’t forgotten 45-42. It’s ok for the Nerds to use it for motivation all year long leading up to last year’s game. We’ll use it as well.
By Man are we lucky ...
February 5, 2009 12:18 PM | Link to this
… that shards1967 is not making the coaching decisions in “Athens Town” ..
“Another ugly loss to Tech and we will be looking for major, major changes in Athens town.”
If that is the only thing you use to make your decision on then you have no idea how much bigger the downside is than the upside … It’s a good thing that we recuit good coaches … not “armchair” rednecks. Get a grip and quit making Georgia fans look so dumb.
Be careful what you ask for … you just may get it!
By Hershel RunningBear
February 5, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
By saying only 1 conference championship in the last five years, you sneakily exclude 2002. What is the Tech record of championships in the lowly ACC in a comparable period?
By AltamahaDawg
February 5, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
Where exactly would the cut off for an “ugly loss” to tech be? Appearantly 3 points was, but would 2 points be ugly? How about a 1 point loss, would we need to fire the entire coaching staff then? Or is it really that if we ever lose to GT for the rest of time?
By Brandon
February 5, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Mark I could have sworn UGA won the SEC in 2005. We also tied for first place in 07. Get your facts straight Mark. It has not been five years since we won the SEC!
By Brandon
February 5, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this
Mark I could have sworn UGA won the SEC in 2005. We also tied for first place in 07. Get your facts straight Mark. It has not been five years since we won the SEC!
By Jaded Jacket
February 5, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this
Now that the UGA fans are basking in the glory of another highly rated recruiting class this is a good time to remind them that Tech’s lower rated recruting class will not only outperform UGA’s recruits, but will also beat UGA again and again and again. I don’t wanna hear what happend the last few years because that’s in the past. The tide has turned, so prepare yourselves for future beatdowns.
By Mark Bradley
February 5, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this
Gee, I could have sworn I wrote that Georgia has won the SEC East only once over the past five years. What part of that was wrong?
Tennessee won in 2004 and 2007. Florida won in 2006 and 2008. Georgia won in 2005.
That’s five years with one appearance in the SEC title game.
By AltamahaDawg
February 5, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this
“its a good time to remind” seems to suggest that you would have some factual event to remind us about, not pure speculation. Remind of about this past game would seem to be more to the point, except that you are ruling out the past as any indicator it seems. Your reminder that your are opinionated about your college is noted.
Trolling a UGA recruiting blog…..really?
By hop
February 5, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this
lets see mark, how many other schools have not won a SEC championship in five years .
georgia has won one SEC crown in five years. tennessee,kentucky, south carolina ,vandy have not won one in five years alabama,auburn,arkansas, mississippi state and ole miss in the west have not won one in five years in the west.
i would say that was not bad since we went for a 20 year stretch before MARK Richt showed up and won his first SEC banner.
i don’t think the coaching is all that bad at all,especially since we finish #2 in the nation in 2007. i wonder when the last time that happen with a georgia team that high a ranking
i would say probably in the early 80’s, so my question is: what is your point? that we have lousy coaching at georgia or we are not recruiting very well.
you have made so many off-the wall predictions in the past; one has to wonder how you keep your own job.