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DEL.ICIO.USRicht takes stock entering fifth season
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Furman Bisher
Athens â€â€? This is four years later. Forty-two victories, four bowl games and one SEC championship later. He’d found the right place.
“A place to raise our family, have a chance to win at the highest level and become part of a community where we can live for a long time. We found all these things in Athens and the University of Georgia,” Mark Richt said.
Actually, give Watkinsville its share of the credit. That’s where the Richt family lives, about a 15-minute drive to the coach’s office. It was the day after Christmas, 2000, when Vince Dooley introduced Richt as the new coach of the Bulldogs. The house hunt was on.
“It came down to two, one in Athens and the one in Watkinsville,” Richt said. “The one in Athens had four upstairs bedrooms with one bath. With four children, that wouldn’t work, so we settled in Watkinsville.”
Watkinsville � where a number of Athenians sleep.
“It has been a blessing in a lot of ways,” he said. “It’s more than football. The kids have done well. It’s church, it’s school, all the things you want for your family. Then, of course, [and he smiled] to have won as many games as we have.”
This was not Richt’s first shot at head coaching. Five years ago, there had been the University of Pittsburgh. Big-time in the East. Lots of media exposure.
“My wife and I talked it over. Was this where we wanted to spend the rest of our lives? And the answer was ‘no.’ “
There had been other suitors, though he hadn’t been actively chasing a head coaching job. “I could still be coaching quarterbacks today and be happy,” he said, which was his duty at Florida State before Bobby Bowden made him his offensive coordinator.
Speaking of quarterbacks, Richt didn’t walk into a program dragging bottom at Georgia. While he was being hired in Athens, the Bulldogs were in Hawaii winning the Oahu Bowl. Jim Donnan was leaving a winner, but that wasn’t enough. Richt knew he had a lot of people to please and a lot of cracks in the armor to seal. Coaching the football team at Georgia is more than a job, it’s a calling.
Richt himself said, “This is where God wanted me to go. To do the best and give it my best. This is the only job I ever worked aggressively to get. I called a lot of people. It has been tougher than I thought, but more rewarding than I expected.”
The highlight came early. “It was that scene in the locker room after we’d beaten Tennessee up there for the first time since 1980, when Verron Haynes scored with five seconds left,” Richt said. “That put the stamp of approval on what we were doing.”
It was Richt’s fourth game, a euphoric moment for the Bulldog Nation. The next season, Georgia won the SEC championship, that setting up his biggest disappointment. “The day I found out that some of our players had sold their championship rings,” he said. “It was a symbol of our success, and they had sold them, like selling their birthright.”
Coaching quarterbacks, as had once been his stock in trade, became like walking a tightrope and doing a juggling act at the same time. David Greene was the dominating all-star, but D.J. Shockley could have been starting somewhere else. Greene was a passer, Shockley a double threat, quick feet to go with a strong arm. Richt put his balancing act to work, gave Shockley enough playing time to keep him content, but Shockley’s father, a high school coach in Clayton County, wanted D.J. to transfer. D.J. stuck it out, but a lot of patience was required.
“We had a great relationship,” Shockley said of Greene. “We had respect for each other. He’s a great guy.”
Now it’s his turn, finally. But Bulldog fans’ last memory of him leaves them jittery. After Greene came down with a thumb injury in the Georgia Tech game, Shockley came on, and it wasn’t good. Five completions in 16 passes, 122 yards, and though one of the passes was for a touchdown, he was booed. Bad form. Richt had to call Greene back for an encore. It might have been a treacherous moment if Reggie Ball hadn’t lost track of the downs when Georgia Tech was threatening.
“Our people were too upset,” Richt said. “One game, in rain and sleet, is no way to judge him. Now D.J. gets his chance, and I hope everybody is pulling for him.”
If there is one thing that worries Bulldogs fans, it’s that Shockley’s style is similar to Quincy Carter’s, whose inclination was to take a glimpse downfield, then make a run for it. Coming up a coach’s son, Shockley is more soundly based, and besides, his Bulldogs coach has confidence in his style.
Permalink | Comments (22) | Categories: Furman Bisher, UGA / SEC
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By C-Mac
August 30, 2005 11:29 PM | Link to this
Shockley can do it!!! I’m pulling for him. Go Dawgs!
By Florida Dawg
August 30, 2005 11:34 PM | Link to this
I’m sure that I am speaking for a minority of the Dawg Nation, but I’ve had concerns over Shock’s performance throughout the years. However, with all due respect to Shock, substituting throughout the game affects an athletes rhythm … Rhythm is an intangible part of the game and any player (even Greene, and specifically Greene) has to be affected by that strategy. I personally can attest to the number of times that I’ve committed “Spurrierâ€? moments (throwing visors, hats and even - God forbid alcoholic drinks) when we’ve been moving the ball and Shock came into the game, only to have the momentum change abruptly. Quite frankly, there were moments when Greene was having his difficulties moving the ball and Shock came in and gave relief, only to have Greene come back in and take the momentum away. So, to make a long story short (I may have already missed this opportunity), Shockley has not had his 15 minutes of fame to show his “stuffâ€? so I for one am waiting to see what he (and Team) can do. So I say … give Shock his 15 minutes of fame and see what happens. If he’s as talented as I’ve read, then we’ll be just fine! Especially if Richt is the Quarterback genius that we’ve thought (which I hope he is); then we will prevail.
Better to have a preseason ranking of 13th and surprise the masses than to be ranked 3rd and have a target on our jersey’s.
By Matthew
August 30, 2005 11:40 PM | Link to this
Coach, there are more of us out here who KNOW DJ is going to be a good one… and I’m talking Tee Martin good, if y’all catch my drift… than the idiot rednecks who won’t support him for whatever reason, their personal prejudices included.
DJ takes this team back to Atlanta in December!
By Kenny
August 31, 2005 07:59 AM | Link to this
I watched DJ play at North Clayton and he is a great kid with a great attitude and a arm that is stronger than he gets credit for. The Bulldog nation should be grateful he stuck it out at UGA sitting on the bench when he could have been starting at most other schools. I think it’s going to be a great year for the Dawgs!
By Andy
August 31, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this
DJ Shockley quarterbacking the Dawgs? All I can is it is about time! Greene was great don’t get me wrong but could Shockley have achieved the same success as Greene? I think so! For as good as Greene was at UGA he couldn’t deliver! I mean one BCS bowl in his four years, with the talent UGA has had we should have had at least played for a national championship! I think Coach Richt is a great coach but how will the defense do under Coach Martinez that is the big question! Shockley leading the Dawgs, Blue leading the defense, I think the Dawgs will prevail against the evil that is in the Sec East (Tennesee, Florida) and will at least play for an Sec Title and who know old lady luck may just smile down on us one more time! GO DAWGS!
By C-Mac
August 31, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this
When you look at the facts, Shockley is a mature, fifth-year senior with lots of game experience. And it’s not just snaps, he’s thrown touchdowns and ran for touchdowns. It’s all about rhythm, and when he gets into one, look out!!!!! As fans, we’ve got to make sure that DJ knows how much we believe in him. That will only strenthen his resolve and, in turn, our team. In many ways, it’s up to the twelfth man this year. No more f’n booing! It doesn’t make anyone feel better, and it makes a bad situation worse. Go Dawgs!
By Chuck_Uuga
August 31, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this
With all due respect to the naysayers, media and otherwise “bigmouths,” DJ Shockley will turn out to be a fine quarterback. It amazes me how many people have the b_s to question a man who has coached TWO Heisman Trophy winners. I personally cannot wait to see Shockley perform well, get UGA to Atlanta (again) and reach the NFL. He is going to prove a lot of “know-it-alls” wrong. Big time. And yes, I am very proud of him for staying at UGA. All you Dawg fans need to wake up and realize this is the best time EVER to be a Georgia Bulldog.
By Jim Rhodes
August 31, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this
Greene could not deliver Hogwash! The winning’s QB in NCAA history in the toughest Conference (SEC) in the land. David did his part!! I’m a Dawg fan and I’m going to be there pulling for DJ on Sat. Am I nervous yes but DJ has matured I think he is ready and I’m also impressed @ his off field contributions.
By johngio
August 31, 2005 10:15 AM | Link to this
So,,we’ve been told for years that DJ playing would pay off. Then when he gets his chance,..we shouldn’t judge him cause it was raining. BTW, it stopped raining at the half.
The spin is in full swing. And these writers must be passing around the same piece and changing the byline.
By Bulldog Bry
August 31, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this
john g idiot - nice to see you rear your ugly head. OK, we get it. You don’t like Shockley. Why do we continue to debate whether or not DJ is any good? I’m going to have to go with Richt’s vision. He has more SEC wins that anyone on this page. You guys who guarantee his failure are not true fans. Just support your team. That’s what true fans do. GO DAWGS
By BK
August 31, 2005 11:43 AM | Link to this
Stop implying that there are Georgia fans who do not support DJ Shockley. He is now the starting quarterback and I have not heard a negative word (other than unfounded media accusations) from any Georgia fan regarding Shockley. The last few years Shockley has been substituted in for Greene causing a problem with offensive rhythm. Many Georgia fans had a problem with that including myself. Now that he is the unquestioned starter, every Georgia fan in the country is behind Shockley 100 percent. Go Dawgs!
By John Manautou
August 31, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this
Where have you been BK? The ajc has had nothing but DJ haters!
By LADAWG
August 31, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this
DJ will most certainly have a great handle on both the game and the team. If all the doubters will remember last years TN game, Greene struggled mightily and the only time we moved the ball successfully was when Shock came in. At the SEC media conference this year, the TN saftey said he was glad we took Shock out because they were more afraid of him that Greene. 4 years ago, all the Bulldog faithful was pulling for Shock over Greene after what we saw at Clemson. If he wouldn’t have gotten hurt at SC, we might be starting Greene this season as DJ would be in the NFL. Be thankful we get to see his talent this year!!!!
By kendall smith
September 1, 2005 05:18 AM | Link to this
Bet johngio has never been to a game. It DIDNT stop raining at the half. I was there, I know. It was miserable. The QB job is just like any other job. If someone gets pulled off an assembly line, put back on, pulled off, put back on, he is not going to be as effective as the guy who is there everyday, doing his thing. I would love to see DJ fire a ball up johngio’s …….Go DJ, Go Dawgs…oh, and by the way, 16 points against MTSU and UAB doesnt make Greene a great QB. Just saying.
By JC
September 1, 2005 09:01 AM | Link to this
Hey Manautou, Nothing but DJ haters? Do the math. It’s johngio vs, the world. GO SHOCK!
By Tim
September 1, 2005 10:55 AM | Link to this
Question for Dawgs fans: I’m trying to get tickets for the SC game; is the view from Row 14 a good one? Is it possible to be too close to the field, where you are too low and can’t see well? Thanks.
Tim
By General Neyland
September 1, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this
Dear Dawg fans. Your QB situation is fine as long as DJ or anyone else does not try to win games by themselves. David Greene showed some brilliance at times but for the most part he was a vanilla field general (winning lots and lots of games) and not a playmaker. Besides, if you had a real playmaker at QB, then you would have the same personnel problems that the Falcons currently have…and you don’t really want that do you?
Go Broncos!
By Chandler
September 1, 2005 02:31 PM | Link to this
John Giogrande (Rolo) uses every opportunity to prove to the world his stupidity. His ongoing attacks aimed at UGA players, while masquerading as a Georgia fan, have gotten to be act that is long stale and disgusting.
By STUDAWG
September 1, 2005 03:56 PM | Link to this
Hey Gen. NEYLAND, what are you doing on a Bulldog site anyway? take your sorry A$$ back to Knoxville and wait for us to come up there and beat you there for the THIRD STRAIGHT TIME!!!! WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! GET SOME!!!
By Philip
September 2, 2005 01:45 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter what DJ does because it will come down to the offensive line and our three running backs for this offense to have success. Maybe we should run the option a few times too. Then of course there is the thin depth on defense…we better pray for no injuries. However, when DJ plays all he needs to remember is throw the ball to Pope.
Go Dawgs!!!
By Jeff
September 3, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this
“By Andy - August 31, 2005 08:52 AM”
“Greene was great don’t get me wrong but could Shockley have achieved the same success as Greene? I think so! For as good as Greene was at UGA he couldn’t deliver! I mean one BCS bowl in his four years, with the talent UGA has had we should have had at least played for a national championship!”
It’s so easy to say that Shockley could have had the same success as David, but the way I see it is this…
David Greene has an uncanny ability to read a defense and change the play. In the game time Shockley had, he never showed this ability consistently. Sure you can say that with the offense and defense that we had in David’s years, Shockley could have been as successful…but part of being successful is reading a defense and that is something Shockley hasn’t shown me thus far.
I support DJ, I hope he does us well…but to say what you said just goes to show that ignorance has to be ignored…
By wes
September 3, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
Where is BEAT BARNHART this year? C’mon guys!!!