AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > February > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow Herschel changed the football world
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
That Sunday morning Mike Cavan was at the Atlanta Athletic Club with his children, of whom he’d seen little recently, for an Easter egg hunt. It was only after he returned to his father-in-law’s house that he learned the folks from Wrightsville had been calling. (This was 1980, way before cellphones.) So Cavan drove home to Athens and dropped off his family and picked up two riders for one final trip to Herschel’s place.
These were the last words Cavan’s wife said before her husband departed yet again: “I hope you sign him, and I hope he never plays.” Cavan’s explanation: “The wives had had enough of Herschel.”
Vince Dooley, Cavan’s boss, had himself undergone a bit of marital strife. Barbara Dooley had planned for her family to spend Easter with her brother, who was studying to be an oncologist, in Boston. In midweek her husband said, “I can’t go.” Barbara Dooley wondered why. “Herschel hasn’t signed.”
Quoth Barbara Dooley: “To hell with Herschel!”
Dooley was the coach of a Georgia program coming off a 6-5 season, not to mention a string of offseasons that had seen heralded backs — William Andrews of Thomasville, James Brooks of Warner Robins, George Rogers of Duluth — sign with out-of-state schools. Cavan was the assistant charged with recruiting Herschel Walker, rated the No. 1 prospect in the state and the nation, and toward that end Cavan essentially moved to a cabin in Wrightsville for the winter and a goodly chunk of the spring. Nearly two months after signing day, Herschel still hadn’t committed.
Cavan had seen every Johnson County game the previous fall and had seen the young man himself on a daily basis ever since. (Back then, coaches were allowed to “bump” into recruits without restriction so long as the bumps were unscheduled.) “There’d be four to 10 other coaches down there every day,” Cavan says, “and not the same ones. They rotated.” A lot of days Cavan would simply sit in the bleachers while Herschel went through basketball practice — “just so he’d know I was there.”
The protracted pursuit had its comedic moments. One report had Southern Cal coach John Robinson — Clemson and USC were considered Georgia’s chief competition — checking into the Macon Hilton so as to sign Herschel the next day. The hotel confirmed it had a guest registered under that name. Says Dooley: “He was John Robinson, a salesman from Valdosta.”
Finally it came down to this: Easter Sunday, Dooley and Cavan and recruiting director Steve Greer hunkered down in Herschel’s driveway. They couldn’t see the apple of their eye sign the precious letter of intent because they’d used their allotted in-home visits. They could only shake his hand after the fact. “We sat in the car,” Dooley says. “We stood around.” And little did anyone know that the lengthy courtship of one teenager would give rise to the frenzy that rings this process today.
Herschel is regarded as the Elvis of football recruiting. (Which would, by extension, make Cavan the affable record producer Sam Phillips and Dooley the gruff manager Col. Tom Parker.) The chase for Herschel was the flashpoint for the evolution of a low-key ritual into a high-volume mania. Georgia signed Walker and won the national championship eight months later, and that unprecedented cause-and-effect left everyone awaiting the Next Herschel. Twenty-seven years later, he still hasn’t arisen. We search anyway.
“It created a fervor,” Dooley says. And then: “Back then, you’d get on the phone and call around the state. It was all underground. Now it’s above the ground.”
Says Cavan, who’s now a developmental consultant for Georgia’s athletics department: “It’s crazy how much everybody knows now. It used to take a week or 10 days for word to get around. Now with the Internet, it’s unreal.”
Even after Herschel, it didn’t happen overnight. First came specialized publications, then a groundbreaking recruiting talk show on Nashville’s WLAC, and then, ultimately and inevitably, the Internet. Supply keeps rising to meet demand, and today there are fans of all schools who seem to care more about winning — or, to be precise, about being perceived as having won — on a Wednesday in February than on any autumn Saturday.
Maybe this strange business would have gotten huge anyway, but every person I’ve ever asked, and I’ve asked several, has invoked one word to pinpoint that moment when recruiting struck the communal chord that resounds today — Herschel. He signed. He played. He changed the football world.
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By Herschel Fan
February 2, 2007 04:37 PM | Link to this
Herschel Walker was the boyhood idol of this 32-year-old, white male who was also from the sticks of Georgia. Frankly, Herschel is still a hero to now.
Even today, Herschel epitiomizes for me what a football player, and more importantly, a MAN should be.
He is humble, honest, sincere, intelligent, generous, thoughtful, polite, dedicated, friendly, hardworking, positive and a Southern gentleman’s gentleman. In sum, Herschel personifies all that is good about the South.
God Bless You, Herschel Walker.
By GoldenRichards
February 2, 2007 04:47 PM | Link to this
Thank you Mr. Bradley: What a great article. Herchell Walker was truly a class act and one of the most refreshing athletes to play in the 20th century. What I also remember about Hershell coming out to play college football is that the crop of backs that came out during the Hershell era were probably the best crop of backs that I have ever seen play at the college level: James Brooks, Joe Cribbs William Andrews, George Rogers, Bo Jackson and of course Hershell. Its a real shame that all of these guys may not make the Hall of Fame. Im sure that Hershell is a lock to make the hall since Hershell has the most all-purposes yards in NFL history and if you combine his yards from the USFL, Hershall has the most rushing yards of all times.
By CRB
February 2, 2007 04:51 PM | Link to this
You neglected to mention how much UGA paid Herschel to commit in that bidding war.
By Janis Ian
February 2, 2007 04:56 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who remembers Hershell telling a lie to UGA fans and then having to go away for that ill-fated football league? Am I the only one who remembers Hershell’s non-suicide because he was too stupd (or lucky, as it would be) to close the garage door? How about Delights (or however you spell it) with all that other football league money?
Please! Hershell was cursed in football land forever when he lied to UGA fans. (Or would some say he was just too stupid to know what he was saying.)
Thanks, Hershell, for the national title. Now, go away and do your latest nutcake antic…Winter Olympics, ballet, the FBI.
UGH.
By Come On!
February 2, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this
You also neglected to mention that he lied about signing with a professional sports agent, thus forfeiting his senior year.
By GATOR MEL FROM PLANTATION
February 2, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this
georgia fans are so OLD SCHOOL AND LIVING IN THE PAST….FACE IT …THIS IS THE ERA OF THE ‘TITLETOWN’ GATORS!!
By gamecockgary
February 2, 2007 05:00 PM | Link to this
LIVING IN PAST AGAIN….LOOK FORWARD to the YEAR OF THE GAMECOCK!!!
By J-Dawg
February 2, 2007 05:01 PM | Link to this
way to try and ruin a good article CRB, theres always one in a crowd!!!!
By wild thing
February 2, 2007 05:03 PM | Link to this
herschel was and always will be the man…lowly gators and gameycocks are just jealous…remember one year against vandy herschel got a penalty called on him and the only time i have seen him overaggressive…he just totally walked over their players for a couple of tds!!!!!GO DAWGS!!
By bulldawgincarolina
February 2, 2007 05:06 PM | Link to this
i think CRB is steve spurrier or suburban cryer!!!
By gatorman
February 2, 2007 05:08 PM | Link to this
one word…TITLETOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Getitright
February 2, 2007 05:09 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget that UGA couldn’t defend their title the next fall when they lost to Clemson, the eventual National Champions
By DawgFan
February 2, 2007 05:11 PM | Link to this
Great article. I agree w/ HershelFan. He was and still is the epitome of a football player in my mind. His post football actions do nothing but improve his image in my mind as the greatest college football player ever!
Yes, we dawg fans are still living in the past. Congrats to the UF fans out there for your championship this year. We’ll see if you make it out of the SEC East the next 3 years w/ Mr Stafford in charge! GO DAWGS!!
By bobby
February 2, 2007 05:16 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how people critize someone because they lied like they have never lied before. This man made decisions based on what he felt at the time was in his best interest, not thinking about anybody who is so obsessed with goes on at UGA that “everything is personal” He could have gone to another school altogether and that would have erased any of those seasons. Be happy you had him when you did and move on. How many colleges lie to recruits? Where is the fiery anger there? Be thankful you had Herschel instead of whomever was his backup.
By Mark
February 2, 2007 05:16 PM | Link to this
There was so much slime in that recruiting it was laughable. Of course, UGA is used to that. What’s the tally for UGA-North, I mean Hargrave, this year?
By Dawgstache
February 2, 2007 05:19 PM | Link to this
Why can’t not so bright college football fans stay on point. Bradley’s column was about the permanent alteration of the recruiting process, Gaytors, Gaymecocks and Whining Tigers. What Herschel (correct spelling, by the way) did once he was at UGA or once he was a professional is not germaine (look that one, college grads) to the column. If you are going to read the newspaper (even on the Internet), you should probably try to comprehend the words that have been written. Letters make words. Words make sentences. Sentences make paragraphs. Paragraphs make a story. See if any of you morons can piece that together once in a while.
By Luther
February 2, 2007 05:24 PM | Link to this
Gamecocks- its better to have had a past to live in, than to have a never was.
By Mike
February 2, 2007 05:27 PM | Link to this
“Don’t forget that UGA couldn’t defend their title the next fall when they lost to Clemson, the eventual National Champions”
And what exactly does that have to do with anything? All you morons from other schools, did you miss the entire point of the article? It didn’t say that Herschel was the greatest football player of all time, it said that he changed recruiting. A little reading comprehension would be nice.
By Wozzo the Wonder Dog
February 2, 2007 05:28 PM | Link to this
Clempson “won” the next year. Cheatin’ Clempson Tigers. “Probation: A Clemson Tradition” bumper stickers. I remember those. Clempson. No longer on the national radar. Yesterday’s news. Can’t even win the wimpy ACC. Clempson. Lost to South Carolina. Clempson. Didn’t get Herschel. I seem to recall there were steroids or other drug problems with the Clempson program about the time they “won”. I also remember those “Ski Clemson” t-shirts with a guy in ski gear standing in a pasture with cattle around.
By Gadawgfan
February 2, 2007 05:38 PM | Link to this
” OH YOU HERSCHEL WALKER, MY GOD HE’S JUST A FRESHMAN”!!!
By wayne
February 2, 2007 05:39 PM | Link to this
Georgia was not coming off a 5-6 season in 1979-it was 6-5. The only 5-6 season Ga ever had under Dooley was 1977 when he got down to his 5th team quarterback due to injuries.
By Gatorsnotuff
February 2, 2007 05:49 PM | Link to this
Gator Mel remember GA VS. FLA 1980 OR HOW ABOUT ALL THE GA VS. FLA GAMES DURNING THE 80’S, THATS RIGHT YOU’RE LIVING IN THE PRESENT, YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT TRADITION!!!
By gatordan
February 2, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this
remember that year clemson held a party for herschel…somewhere he had never been before…THEIR ENDZONE..AND BY THE BY EMMITT SMITH WAS MUCH BETTER AS SHOWN WHEN HE GOT IN THE PROS…oh u herschel walker…you are number 2!!
By Gatorfluke
February 2, 2007 05:55 PM | Link to this
Gatorman got one word for you, “short lived”!!!!!!!! ENJOY WHILE YOU CAN.
By joepaterno
February 2, 2007 05:57 PM | Link to this
i remember herschel’s last game…a loss to my nittany lions!!!!
By Gwinnettian4life
February 2, 2007 06:05 PM | Link to this
Steroids?!? At Clemson? You are obviously confusing them with the early 80’s Nebraska teams with Dave Rimington, Dean Steinkuhler, et al. Confessed steroid users all.
By bulldawgincarolina
February 2, 2007 06:06 PM | Link to this
tee[league]bow vs. stafford…har har har…gators will go down!!!bulldogs resume domination of series!!!
By Gadawgfan
February 2, 2007 06:07 PM | Link to this
That’s right joepaterno, hat’s off to them nittany lions, that was a great game, and Joe Paterno is still a class act!!!!
By Jay
February 2, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this
Who cares, he sucked in the nfl and will always be remembered for helping the cowboys win super bowls by LEAVING the team.
By Herschelfan
February 2, 2007 06:21 PM | Link to this
HERSCHEL WALKER WILL ALWAYS BE THE MEASURING STICK FOR ALL RUNNING BACKS, EMMITT SMITH WILL ONLY BE AN OLD MEMORY TO UF FANS, SORRY!!!!
By clemsonwho
February 2, 2007 06:27 PM | Link to this
That’s right not steroids at clemson, it was Danny Ford.
By allen
February 2, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this
Say what you want, you are talking about a football player who was a kid. yeah, I wish he had not gone the the new league but heck that kind of money is hard to turn down. Those who say anything are just shallow
By Big Dawg
February 2, 2007 06:55 PM | Link to this
Getitright I remember they Hosed big time at Death Valley that year.
By ebcarp
February 2, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this
“Herschel”…..and a hush fell across the room….
By Teebowcan'tpassitfar
February 2, 2007 07:15 PM | Link to this
TEE BOW, LET’S SEE, OH YA “RUN fOREST”
By FLA BOY
February 2, 2007 07:17 PM | Link to this
Herschel was one of the rawest, agile, and most bruising running backs since Jim Brown. I give him his respect, and everybody else should too, but lets face it people, GATORS WILL ALWAYS RULE THE DAWGS HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bob
February 2, 2007 07:38 PM | Link to this
It was great to learn where Mike Cavan is now. In 1948-‘49 Mike was our class mascot in Griffin Ga. His dad Jim was our coach at Griffin High.I followed his career in coaching but lost him when he left the coaching ranks. Thanks for the update.
By Peter
February 2, 2007 07:38 PM | Link to this
I remember Herschel. I remember the 1982 Sugar Bowl. An ardent Penn State fan recently located to Atlanta, all I heard about that game from the locals was “We got Herschel”. PSU took the lead out of the gate and never turned back, upsetting the Dawgs by a score of 27-23. Led by Joe Paterno and his 17 year, 162 win tenure, the Lions finally got the recognition they deserved by stopping Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker and company. Nuff said.
By Dawgshavemoreclass
February 2, 2007 07:43 PM | Link to this
fla boy never say always, it’s like never say never. If you do, it will come back and bite you in the a$$!!!! You can go away now.
By PeterPeterPeter
February 2, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this
Peter,what has PSU DONE SINCE THEN!! NUFF SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Herschelfan2
February 2, 2007 07:56 PM | Link to this
HERSCHEL WALKER,HERSCHEL WALKER, MY GOD HE JUST RAN OVER SOMEBODY!!!!!!!!!!
By Gatorhater
February 2, 2007 08:01 PM | Link to this
Gators, can you say CHARLIE PELL,sure you can, you remember!!!!!!!!!!
By randy
February 2, 2007 08:03 PM | Link to this
HERSCHEL WAS BEST BACK TO PLAY COLLEGE FOOTBALL!
By george
February 2, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this
My only regret concerning Herschel was his decision to leave UGA after three years and threaten legal action if he was not allowed to play pro ball. Back then you were not eligible to play until your college class graduated. I think that rule should still exist today. The ability to leave early has destroyed what was a good thing. A kid has a couple of good years now and he’s gone.
By FLA BOY
February 2, 2007 08:15 PM | Link to this
Dawgshavemoreclass,in all my days on this earth i’ve never heard of a dawg biting a gator in the a$$, on the other hand i have seen a few dogs get eaten up by some Gators. The Dawgs are always welcome to The Swamp. Yum Yum. haha
By getreal
February 2, 2007 08:18 PM | Link to this
okay, Clemson….if you recall..the “Clemson referees” called a fumble on the greatest running back of college history when he was 2 yards out of bounds which changed the game.
Florida…the hardest hitter you guys had in the 80’s was Charley Pell’s shrink… GO DAWGS !!
By Clint
February 2, 2007 08:21 PM | Link to this
George, I agree with you too, great comment.
By george
February 2, 2007 08:26 PM | Link to this
GATORS WILL ALWAYS RULE THE DAWGS HAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s see…in spite of their success in winning 15 of the last 16 games, UGA still leads the series 46-36-2. Sounds like Florida had a few “dry spells” somewhere along the way. The worm will turn and they will again.
By Dawgshavemoreclass
February 2, 2007 08:39 PM | Link to this
fla boy you don’t remember the 80’s oh yea,the gators got bit,skinned and tanned. The Dawgs RULED AND WILL AGAIN! YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By GWJ
February 2, 2007 08:42 PM | Link to this
Simply put….the best college back ever.
By sansho1
February 2, 2007 08:43 PM | Link to this
I hated it when Herschel left for the pros, but he had a right to go earn a living, just like anyone else. That was twice he changed the football world. Nobody gets upset when some computer whiz quits school because they’ve found a way to make a lot of money, so why begrudge someone who’s one injury away from being unable to do so?
Anyway, he came back to school during the USFL off-season — I know, because we used to ride the same campus bus. Multi-millionaire, and still rode the bus. Gotta love Herschel!
By Clint
February 2, 2007 08:48 PM | Link to this
George, well said!!!!!!!!! GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Huskdawg
February 2, 2007 09:24 PM | Link to this
Well, the mullets are out of the woodwork now, just like we knew they’d be. C’mon Gators, every decent GA blogger on here has given you your props for the NC, so why can’t you just SHUT THE F@#K UP!!! This is a GA blog. If you want to bark at the moon we all understand, but do it at the gainsville gazette for God’s sake!! We agree you own us right now, for the past 10 or so years(I don’t get into stats), just like we own Tech;but beware, things have a way of turning around. You guys have a great team, and some great athletes in state. But DAM, why do you come on here and just show us how UNCLASSEY you really are? On this blog, we welcome great debates. We welcome people who have something interesting to say. If you are going to go into a tirade about how you THINK you’ve killed us in the past, then you’re just showing your ignorance. You haven’t killed anybody,except OU, and that was priceless. I loved the comments after the game, saying you’ve played better teams in our conference! Some of you guys, like GTDC actually get it! Most of us on here like to play nice, until it’s time, not to play nice. So say what you have to say, but if you’re not nice, we’re going to rip you a new one!!!
By Goallinestalker
February 2, 2007 09:27 PM | Link to this
And who was the Macon beer distributor who served as the bagman when Her$chel signed?
The story at the time was that Her$chel was given a football stuffed with cash.
Whether that’s true or not, it was interesting to see a kid who lived in a pretty low end home start driving a sports car (black, if I recall) while his parents built a nice new house.
Yep, Herschel redefined the recruiting process…
By John
February 2, 2007 09:31 PM | Link to this
I remember the night Herschel Walker made his debut against Tennessee. Few games were televised in those days and almost none on Saturday night. My wife and I were in our car after leaving a movie. Munson was describing how Herschel just ran over the Tennessee defenders. I am an Auburn graduate and had the pleasure of seeing all three Auburn-Georgia games during Herschel’s three years at Georgia. I remember a caller from southwest Georgia—I think it was Bainbridge—on Dooley’s Thursday night radio show who named his newborn DAUGHTER Herschel with a different pronounciation. (I think it would be interesting to track her down 25 or so years later.) There have been a lot of great college football players since then, beginning with Bo Jackson. However, there has never been anyone close to Herschel Walker.
By Me
February 2, 2007 09:42 PM | Link to this
What you forget about that PSU game is that Vince’s imaginative offensive plan was “hey diddle, diddle, Herschel up the middle”. Its easier to defend against a team running the same play every play.
By lARRY mUNSON
February 2, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this
AT 80 YEARS OF AGE AND LOOKING BACK AT SOME OF MY CALLS—I NOW REALIZE I WAS A BUTT PLUG OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!!
How can a professional announcer sound that idiotic—well, I am what I am—A Moron!!
By boonedawg
February 2, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Larry Munson is the man. lARRY mUNSON needs Pamprin.
By Greg
February 2, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe there are Clemson fans on here talking trash. When’s the last time you beat UGA. The only time you ever contended for anything was when you had the most corrupt coach in the history of college football, Daaannnnneee Ford, coaching you.
By 2N4YEARS
February 2, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
I still get tickled at all of the jealous Gator fans & Tech fans. Do you not have anything better to do than spend your time on a UGA site?? Pitiful?? Now THAT’s pitiful! Even with the great run FLORIDA has had since the early 90’s, UGA still OWNS YOU!! UGA’s dominance over FLA & TECH is what, 15-20 games? It would seem as if FLA fans would be celebrating there NC, but the ones that know the History of UGA know that it won’t last, thus they feel as if they have to show classlessness to ‘prove a point’ of some kind. What a joke they are.
By Southern Dawg
February 2, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Don’t disrespect a genius at his craft. Too many gators loose on these blogs. If you like UFL so much, get your a$$ up and move closer to Gaysville, FL. This is Bulldog country. Whoa, baby!!!!!
By Buford T. Justice
February 2, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawgstache-the Germans have got nothing to do with this!
By 2N4YEARS
February 2, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
I still get tickled at all of the jealous Gator fans & Tech fans. Do you not have anything better to do than spend your time on a UGA site?? Pitiful?? Now THAT’s pitiful! Even with the great run FLORIDA has had since the early 90’s, UGA still OWNS YOU!! UGA’s dominance over FLA & TECH is what, 15-20 games? It would seem as if FLA fans would be celebrating there NC, but the ones that know the History of UGA know that it won’t last, thus they feel as if they have to show classlessness to ‘prove a point’ of some kind. What a joke they are.
By toggle
February 2, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Those Saturdays in Sanford Stadium were blissful. We were young, there were pretty girls everywhere, football was a game and Herschel was running over people.
Wish you kids could have been there. Yeah, he set another new paradigm when he took off for the USFL, but I still have three words for Herschel … damn good Dawg!
By Southern Dawg
February 2, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Give me some back up you bunch of sissy dawgs. It’s time for these Gaytors to participate in the FL Times Union blogs and get off the AJC blogs. The AJC is a state paper and UGA is the flagship school,see what I’m getting at here.
By kerry
February 2, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
(from a loooong-time Jackets fan!) What fun memories this article evoked! I remember the hooplah surrounding Herschel’s recruitment and the sheer beauty of his playing time. I do wish that SOME folks could allow that to eclipse any understandable and insignificant errors in judgement made by a nice young fellow faced by a suddenly complex, sohisticated environment..I was only disappointed when he played a huge part in Tech’s undoing for a few years! I was proud of him as a fellow STATE of Georgia resident! In that case, something was bigger than in-state college rivalry, at least to me!
By Sav'h Dawg
February 2, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
Emmitt Smith vs Herschel in college, no comparison. Herschel should have won Heisman twice. I was at the Penn State UGA Sugar Bowl that year, that was a great PSU team, no shame in losing to them. By the way Fla. fans, you have owned the series lately, but I do believe that was your first SEC title in several years. I personally do not see a dynasty in your future, conference is too tough.
By Gator Guy
February 2, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Southern Dawg——At the risk of sounding a little belligerent, please grow up. Sure, there are some ill-behaved Gator “guests” on the AJC blogs, and more than a handful who seem to enjoy taunting Dawg fans with more than a little juvenile smack talk. But, why, I ask you, do you have to bite on every silly provocation? When you have a hissy fit for all to read, you only encourage the taunting jerks (whether they be Dawgs, Gators, ‘Cocks, Vols, Tigers or some other species) to continue taunting you. At what point in grade school did you fail to learn this?
As for me, I graduated from UF more than once, and now I live in Atlanta, make my living here, and have numerous friends and professional associates who attended UGA, UF, UT, Auburn, ‘Bama, LSU, USC, and even some well-thought of schools that don’t even field Division I sports teams. None of us feel the need to insult other alumni, their alma maters, their home states or their school’s teams.
Moreover, Atlanta is home to the largest group of Florida alumni outside the state of Florida (Dallas and Washington are the next largest Gator alumni clusters). And Gators aren’t alone——this is equally true for Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and others. More of their alumni live here than anywhere outside the schools’ respective home states. Bottom line: Atlanta is our home, we pay taxes here, own homes here, and the AJC is our hometown newspaper to which many of us actually subscribe. You should be proud that so many of your fellow Southerners see Atlanta as the best place to live and earn a living.
As for Herschel, I don’t claim to know anything about any scandals, but I did see him play twice in person. Herschel was one heck of a football player by any measuring stick, and, by most accounts, a pretty darn decent guy. As a Gator alumnus and fan, it doesn’t bother me one bit to recognize greatness in someone else’s alma mater, sports teams, athletes and coaches, and Herschel was certainly that: a Great Football Player. He was one of a kind.
By Huskdawg
February 2, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Southern, I don’t think that’s gonna happen. They’re crowin’ right now and you might as well get used to this until October. They’re lookin at us like we look at Tech. They expect a win. I’m not makin’ any excuses for some of the losses the past few years. Tech has played us tough, real tough, the past 2 years, and things may be different in the next 4. Who knows. We’ve got a great class of recruits(no matter what the stat guys say)and I think we are going to surprise a lot of folks!
By boonedawg
February 2, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Kerry, this dawg says you are a class act.
By boonedawg
February 2, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Yo, Southern Dawg don’t raise your blood pressure over the slimy ones. You are falling into their trap. The best thing to do is ignore them.
By Gator Guy
February 2, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Huskdawg——When your teams win national championships in Division I basketball and football within 12 months, a little “crowin’” might arguably be expected. Personally, I think it’s unnecessary; the Gator kids’ championships on the court and field speak for themselves. No taunting required.
Enjoy the Herschel nostalgia; he was one of the best ever.
By sam
February 2, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
YOUR THE MAN
By Tommy
February 3, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
I reckon I’ve seen as much football in my 50 years as anybody my age, I saw Larry Kennibrew play high school ball and they compared Herschel as a senior in high school to Larry. I saw George Rogers play high school and college. There was no comparison to Larry or George to Herschel Walker. I wish he would have never jumped with Trump but the money was to much. He had to be one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Those three years were really special. The flip in Starkville, the run in Knoxville and all the runs in Athens. We all remember # 34. There won’t be another!
By steven james bryant
February 3, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
HELL NO!lARRY mUNSON NEEDS AN OLD FASHION, SOUTH EASTERN CONFERNCE,EMBRASSING,TAKE BEHIND THE WOOD SHED WHIPPING!!!SIC ME ON HIM,AND I’LL MAKE HIM CRY!THIS A*******HOLE HAS NO RESPECT FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL.IF HE DID HE WOULD HAVE THE GREATEST LOVE AND RESPECT,FOR THE GREATEST PLAY CALLER EVER!!!!!SIC EM DOGS!
By King Nick Saban
February 3, 2007 01:03 AM | Link to this
you can all forget it. I’m gonna be your daddy starting next year. i will take my pick of the best players coming out of high school and you can fight over my rejects.
By surfrider
February 3, 2007 01:33 AM | Link to this
You forgot to mention one point. A new young 37 year old coach got Hercshel to thinking twice before signing. His name was Bill Curry. Before Pepper left or got fired Tech was not in the running but with the choice down to the three you mentioned Ga., Clemson, and USC…Walker to a liking to Bill Curry. Another six months he would have gone to Tech possibly. The locals pressured Hercshel who I think really wanted to go to USC or Clemson but chose the Dawgs in the end for alls sake of peace. As for the backs coming out William Andrews was recruited in 1975. And a few of the others mentioned by some were 1976 and 1977 not exactly 1980. Bo Jackson though was the next year if not mistaken or soon thereafter.
By steven james bryant
February 3, 2007 03:09 AM | Link to this
hey king “DICK”.YOU’LL MOST LIKELY BE OUR MOMMA.And by the way,lose 2 or 3 iron bowl games in a row,and you’ll be lucky to coach that crotch smelling hound,in knoxville,not to lick his balls.hell,he don’t have to when your around anyway!
By Clay
February 3, 2007 03:39 AM | Link to this
Oh great…. here we go again with Herschel Walker… Next week are the stories about Vince Dooley.
By steven james bryant
February 3, 2007 04:15 AM | Link to this
i don’t know GAY CLAY,but,if want me to,i’m sure i can come with a few stories about!!!!!!WOOF WOOF!!
By Ed Miles
February 3, 2007 07:15 AM | Link to this
Emmitt Smith’s FL teams never beat the Dogs. But, hey, he can dance.
By Gary
February 3, 2007 07:18 AM | Link to this
How many teams have been good enough to play for a nat. championship 3 yrs in a row like UGA (vs Notre Dame, Clemson, Penn St.)? I challenge the Gator fans to NOT look back at YOUR championships with pride.(hypocritics). Watch the videos of HW. He was amazing!
By dd
February 3, 2007 07:42 AM | Link to this
I see all of the self righteous people were let out again.
I would love to witness your comportment if you were in the same situation as Herschel back in 79-80.
But I guess you didn’t grow up at the end of a dirt road in backwoods Georgia.
I doubt most of you even know where Wrightsville is.
Please if you’re going to come on here, don’t embarrass the quality folks from whatever university you claim to represent.
By john
February 3, 2007 08:14 AM | Link to this
Mark, that article was so much BS over the crap that acutally took place! There was tons of money transferred from UGA to the Walker family that EVERYONE in the Middle Georgia knew about. It was no secret.
How about explaining the Trans Am Herschel was driving around within weeks after his signing with UGA? How about explaining the fact his family did not have a pot to pee in, yet started showing up at the electrical and plumbing supply house in Macon flashing around cash buying gold-plated fixtures for the new house that had just broken ground on the Walker property.
You dang well know far MORE about what actually happened in 1980, but don’t want to lose your access to UGA, so you, like so many of your other brethren in the media, turn a blind eye to the annual buying of football players by UGA!
By spotman
February 3, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Gary hate to tell you but Georgia never played Clemson for the national title
By letitgo
February 3, 2007 09:03 AM | Link to this
Herschel was on of the best ever. Now to his recruitment…The Georgia-Clemson bidding war ushered in a new era of corruption in college football recruiting. It is rumored, that the day Herschel signed, a Clemson alum showed up to take the keys back for the sports car in the drive. UGA stepped it up a notch with the payment of recruits. Their investment paid off. Now Dawg fans everywhere get to retort, “Yeah, BUT look what we did back in 1980”. All glory is fleeting.
By wasthere
February 3, 2007 09:12 AM | Link to this
The only reason as i remember Penn State beat us was the fact that Belue was gone. Georgia had a wide open reciever in the end zone and the pass was 15 yards over his head. Football is and always will be the greatest team sport. I doubt seriously if Herschell could have taken on all 11 alone.
By Bill
February 3, 2007 09:15 AM | Link to this
The story is interesting, but not all that unusual. I think it is another case of UGA fans seeing the world only through their eyes. That kind of stuff happened all the time. Hershel is truly an exceptional athlete/person, but the story is not exceptional.
By iwasthere
February 3, 2007 09:23 AM | Link to this
As for the recruitment of Herschell, this was my first that i followed all the way thru, now i am caught up in recruiting so much i keep my computer at work on the web and all us dawg fans relate the news to each other. Go dawgs. “there goes Herschell” will be eternally with me.
By GatorRick
February 3, 2007 09:42 AM | Link to this
Herschell was a great college RB, but he certainly was not the greatest ever folks. To name just a few better: O.J., Gale Sayers, Jim Brown…all before most of your times…were elite compared to Herschell…and also were fantastic NFL All-Pro players…unlike Herschell. Come on…greatest college running back ever…he was great…and is an even better person…but, best ever, no way! What he did do was change the face of college football recruiting forever.
By Tommy Lee Maddox
February 3, 2007 09:45 AM | Link to this
My brother and I drove up to Knoxville for that first game with Tennessee that year. We got there for the 1:00 pm game only to find out that it got pushed over to the evening by the TV network. So, we went to see Caddy Shack and then waited for the game that evening.
During half-time, I begged my brother to go ahead a leave early in as much that Georgia was getting stomped. He said “No - we drove up here for a game and we’re gonna stay till the end.”
As all of us [and Bill Bates] remember, that new kid got stuck into the game in the third quarter. The world was changed forever. What a night.
What a career! Congratulations to Herschel for all of his accomplishments.
By GatorRick
February 3, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this
The around the clock news stories about the recruitment of Joe Namath to Alabama vs. Penn State came long before the Herschell Walker story. I never followed recruiting before the Namath story. I followed it closely after it. Herschell’s story woke up Georgia fans to recruiting, but not the world. P.S. Human beings do not get any better than Herschell Walker. What a great athlete for both adults and kids to look up to. Super person.
By thomas
February 3, 2007 09:47 AM | Link to this
As a cowboy he sit on the bench behind a much better running back TONY DORSETT
By 4.16
February 3, 2007 09:57 AM | Link to this
Ugay fans commenting on Clempson’s probation is priceless !!
By Mullet Man
February 3, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
GO GATORS!! I wear a mullet, and all of our women are fat porkers with 4 pounds of meat hanging from their under arms. Another dorito please!!
Get a life gator fans. Dawgs still own the overall record and that is ALL DAY LONG AND IN YOUR FACE.
By Cuz
February 3, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Herschel is and was a class act. He did change the process of recruiting.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
George, stop thinking of these athletes as your possessions when you state that you wish there was still a 4 year requirement. Do you favor a similar restriction on computer programmers getting hired by Microsoft after their junior year? The reality is that their should be no restrictions on allowing someone to earn a living legally, and these athletes don’t owe the fans or alums anything.
By GoDogs4ever!
February 3, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
Herschel was always about his team and demonstrating class, win or lose. When he broke for the USFL, he also led to changes that affected the NFL draft, the way he had affected college recruiting. It opened up the doors from the “last plantation”, allowing young men to make choices about their future. Until the NCAA (Millions in revenue) ends the hypocrisy, and either allows “stipend payments”, or makes college football truly only a “student athlete’s” sport, then marginal student athletes and great student athletes alike will be victims of both recruiting and the lure of the NFL early exit policies. These are 18 year-old kids with dreams, and all of them do not understand the importance and opportunity of a “free” college education. Perhaps Herschel was the first smart enough to see through it all and open the door for others? To the Mite-y Gaytors: Why, since the beginning of the “‘Ole ball-coach” era to now, are you so smitten with a record against Georgia that has gotten you a little over half-way back to being even in the series? Check the record until 1992.
By george
February 3, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Gator Rick Best do you research before you sound off. OJ Simpson and Gayle Sayers are both number five in all time rushing at their schools. Jim Brown is not in the top 10 at Syracuse. Herschel gained 5259 yds at UGA, Simpson 3540 yds at USC, at Sayers 2675 yds at Kansas. Herschel’s 1611 yds as a freshman was an NCAA record, one of ten he held when he left UGA. Herschel was a three-time all american, which neither Simpson, Sayers, or Brown can claim.
How can anyone be the best of all time IF THEY WERE NEVER EVEN THE BEST AT THEIR SCHOOL? Herschel’s record speaks for itself. Eat your heart out.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Thomas, I don’t think he was on the bench for long considering he was traded to the Viqueens for half of a team.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
GoDogs, don’t tell George that, he thinks the athletes owe him a game every Saturday.
By george
February 3, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
BadgerDawg…I don’t own anyone…I simply stated an opinion that college football was a better sport when you could depend on having an athlete for four full years. And there is quite a difference in computer programmers over football players. Football players are given scholarships and the university invest in them, tying up scholarships, etc. When they leave early in disrupts the entire process.
By george
February 3, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Hey, BadgerDawg…BITE ME !!!
By Peggy
February 3, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
As earlier stated, look at the fine man he has turned out to be…Yes, back in the “day”, I’m sure all sorts of things went on under the table…I long for those days….
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
George, your comments just confirmed what I wrote. You are concerned about your enjoyment of a college football game rather than concern for the players who actually should have some control over their ability to earn a living. You would like a system that limits the ability of these players to earn a living.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
George, this is not just your opinion that it was a better sport, it was your opinion that it should still be that way. Here are your won words if you can’t remember your own views. Please note that everything is about you and not the athlete in these comments:
By george
February 2, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this
My only regret concerning Herschel was his decision to leave UGA after three years and threaten legal action if he was not allowed to play pro ball. Back then you were not eligible to play until your college class graduated. I think that rule should still exist today. The ability to leave early has destroyed what was a good thing. A kid has a couple of good years now and he’s gone.
By george
February 3, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
BadgerDawg…the players have an opportunity to earn a living “after college”, which is when most people do it. A free four year college education is worth more than a lot of people make in four years. So they are being paid indirectly. I can’t blame anyone for taking the money…but that doesn’t alter my opinion that the game at more stability in the old days. I’m entitled to think what I like, you can do the same.
By Hill Dawg
February 3, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
It is amazing how many asinine stories have been told about Hershel Walker and his family. His mom and dad both worked. One as a supervisor, one as a foreman. They financed the black Trans Am at a Wrightsville bank and the bank allowed a former FBI agent that was working for the NCAA to review the loan document although the bank,legally, did not have to let the NCAA see anything. The house that was built in front of their old house was a gift from Herschel after he left UGA. DO you know what $5,000,000 was worth then compared to today’s market? What advise would you give your son if he could skip his senior year and make that kind of money.He had good parents, he was a good kid and he is a good man!
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
No George, you favor banning players from making that choice. All you have to do is read your own words. I’m not aware of anyone who signs a four year contract and promises not leave college before then. Why should atheltes? For those that can make the money, that is WAY more valuable than the diploma, especially in the short term and especially when you realize that many athletes are not students who would have been accepted into college in the first place without that skill.
By Donshay
February 3, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe how much love Herschel gets around here. He lied to the fans, he lied to his coach, he was the Maurice Clarett of his day. He decided the rules don’t apply to him.
He screwed UGA and nobody holds him accountable.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
If you really felt that way, you’d be in favor of graduation and not just using up eligibility, which is really what you are concerened about because you are worried about how their lives affect your Saturday afternoons.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Don, what rules? Illegal rules that dictated someone must remain in college for four years and forfeit a lot of money? I want every hypocrite on here that favors that to tell me the same rules should apply to a mangement major who gets offered a six figure salary after their junior year. Tell me that student should be forced to remain in school and at least you’d be consistent. You would also expose your views for being as ridiculous as they are.
By massdawg
February 3, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
I was a senior in high school the in ‘79 (the year before Herschel). Will Forts of Fayette County was the # recruit in the state. Bear Bryant made an appearance. Johnny Majors landed a helicopter on our baseball field and Ray Goff (working for South Carolina) lived at the school. It was nuts and poor Will couldn’t get a moment’s peace. Glad to see the rules were changed so a*’t coaches can’t creep around high school halls anymore. I spent the next few years at UGA and was able to enjoy Mr. Walker’s career. Unfortunately ankle injuries prevented Will from making much of an impact. Herschel made a mistake with the agent but hard for a poor boy to turn down the $$$$. He’s also the reason why underclassmen can now declare for the draft and that a process is in place for that. He changed several systems.
God Bless you Herschel for your time at UGA. Go Dawgs.
By Tara
February 3, 2007 01:01 PM | Link to this
Herschel’s decision to leave UGA would have been made by others before him had they been allowed to do so. He did it for his family and their future and I applaud him for it. He did go back to school as he had promised and he is a Superior role model (unlike O.J. and Ray Lewis to name a few). He has and will continue to give back to the community financially and as a Mentor. He is a Class Act and I am honored that I was able to watch him play and PROUD that he was a Dawg and remains one deep in his heart today.
By King Nick Saban
February 3, 2007 01:04 PM | Link to this
all of you bow to me now
By Donshay
February 3, 2007 01:06 PM | Link to this
BadgerDawg, I’m not talking about what should be, in a perfect world, I’m talking about the rules that were in place in 1983.
BadgerDawg, were you even alive when Herschel was playing for UGA?
By george
February 3, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this
Donshay…if I were you I would put BadgerDawg “on ignore” like I’m going to do. It’s obvious from some of his comments that he has a rather diffcult time comprehending people’s comments. He chooses to put his own spin on everything, and seems to think his opinion is the only one that counts for anything. I thought a blog was a place for everyone to air their views. People can then agree or disagree. That doesn’t mean one is right and the other wrong. If we ignore such dumb a*******e$ maybe they will go away.
By 00 Dawg
February 3, 2007 01:36 PM | Link to this
Hey, Dawgstache — in order for your post to make sense, you should have hyphenated “not-so-bright.”
No need to thank me.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 01:41 PM | Link to this
Yes I was alive, noth that it would be relevant, and whose rules are you referring to him breakling? They were not laws, Herschel did nothing illegal. He traded his senior year for a big paycheck, and anyone more concerned for him rather than their game on Saturday would be happy for him. Please explain whose rules you are referring to and ask why they existed except for your enjoyment of a football game on Saturday at the expense of someone having the opportunity to earn a living.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 01:56 PM | Link to this
George, you can air your views, but you cannot distort what you have written yourself. You criticize him for breaking rules and then openly wish they came back, only to follow on other posts stating that it was just better football. My examples of other students are for you to see how ridiculous your opinion is. Unless, of course, your sole concern is the quality of the game on Saturday. I don’t think anyone would dispute that it is a better game if everyone stays four years. Leaving early has destroyed college basketball in some ways, but who cares? These athletes made their decisions. They don’t and should not care what some fan thinks about their decision. Again George, here are your own words with the key point in bold:
By george
February 2, 2007 08:14 PM | Link to this
My only regret concerning Herschel was his decision to leave UGA after three years and threaten legal action if he was not allowed to play pro ball. Back then you were not eligible to play until your college class graduated. I think that rule should still exist today. The ability to leave early has destroyed what was a good thing. A kid has a couple of good years now and he’s gone.
OK, George, you tell me now where your concern is: for the athlete and his well-being or for yourself and your enjoyment of a game on Satirdays? This isn’t hard, just admit it and I’ll drop it.
By Michael Gilder
February 3, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
I am a Bama fan but certainly enjoyed and appreciated all that Herschel brought to the game. I really enjoyed Bill Bates getting run over in that game, (nothing against Bill Bates) as he played for the hated viles. I have enjoyed all the great backs our wonderful league has produced over the years whether they played for Bama or Auburn or Georgia or whomever.
By dan
February 3, 2007 03:39 PM | Link to this
Chunkybutt is a legend Munson is a perverted waste of life
By Cuz
February 3, 2007 03:52 PM | Link to this
Is this the blog or a weird Twilight Zone episode.
By Bobby Brown
February 3, 2007 04:13 PM | Link to this
By Rex
Hershel Walker was the greatest freshman football player to ever wear a uniform. His next two seasons he was just a durable back that carried the ball 35 to 40 times in a game with about a four yard per carry average. His Junior year he carried the ball more than any back has ever carried the ball in a season and never had a run over 9 yards. Give him his due for that great freshman season, but also give him his due as just a good back when SEC defensive coordinators realized he was for real and found ways to hold down his long runs. He lacked class as a person and football player, as evidenced by his lie and run after that junior year. I was glad to see him leave the Bulldogs and would not have walked across the road from my home to watch him play professionally. Let this guy remain in the past where he belongs.
By bigB
February 3, 2007 04:39 PM | Link to this
Bo Jackson signed in the Spring of 1982.I agree that it is strange how some people get it so wrong when they talk about what years players played.Herschel Walker 1980,William Andrews 1975,Bo Jackson 1982.
By dawgxian
February 3, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this
“Don’t forget that UGA couldn’t defend their title the next fall when they lost to Clemson, the eventual National Champion” And don’t forget that the hillbillies couldn’t defend that title the next fall when they lost to Georgia.
By Gen Neyland
February 3, 2007 05:10 PM | Link to this
Badger and George
Herschel excelled at the college level, and yes, I recall him using Bill Bates as a springboard to paydirt…I thought him to be rather average at the next level. Not all his fault due to the Dallas—Minnesota faux pas in the world of trades. For some college athletes, leaving early is a huge mistake. For others, they’re ready. I don’t think it mattered much in the case of Herschel, except he did profit well and it’s water over the dam…Go Vols…and go get’em, Peyton…
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 06:10 PM | Link to this
General, you’re thinking of the player as I would expect a class guy like yourself would. It was his choice to make and it worked out for him. I also agree Herschel was a great college back, but I would give him an above average grade for the pros as well. I’m young enough that Herschel is the first dominant back I remember in college, but I would place him at the top, Bo 2nd, and probably Dayne 3rd.
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 06:13 PM | Link to this
I also want to say I met him in person once and he’s as nice a guy as you’ll ever find. I actually took a picture of him with my family that found it’s way into a family photo collage, and my kids call him “Uncle Herschel.”
By SC DAWG
February 3, 2007 06:15 PM | Link to this
A lot of people who have commented have focused on Herschel and his character, while the point of this article was that he changed recruiting. It’s a great article, and it contains a good deal of information that I’m sure 90% of DAWG fans didn’t know. Take it for what it is and enjoy learning some anecdotal history of not only Georgia football, but also college football in general.
As always Mark, best sports story that one can find associated with the AJC.
By Kentuckyfan
February 3, 2007 06:59 PM | Link to this
True college football fans could never find a reason to complain about Hershel Walker. As a Kentuckian I remember watching him run over our boys in Lexington and to this day I still believe he is a class act. One of the best if not best ever to play the game. Hershel you deserve all the good that comes to you. Thank you for the memories.
By George P. Burdell
February 3, 2007 07:14 PM | Link to this
Herschel (still) can’t read.
By milt
February 3, 2007 07:16 PM | Link to this
and ironically most of you mouth breathers are passionate about college football but devoid of a degree, its so ridiculous, being that fascinated with young boys.
By Haven't gat a job
February 3, 2007 07:22 PM | Link to this
Hershel Walker’s legacy always has, and always will be that an overrated college football player (i.e. Ron Mexico) will ALWAYS bring your NFL team down. The “Hershel Trade” that gave Dallas the Super Bowl for 3 years once they got rid of that dead weight is that losers legacy.. I KNOW that there are at least a couple of teams stupid enough to take a chance on this never will be, to let Atlanta get the REAL TALENT it needs to win a SB.
By Dawgtime
February 3, 2007 07:40 PM | Link to this
I am constantly amazed at the fans of football teams. A story that was written about a class act such as Mr. Walker caused all this trash talking. Why are Gators, Bugs, and Gamesuckcock fans reading an article about Herschel? Folks get a life. In terms of the negative comments, I guess all the recruits suddenly having interest in UF and USC is on the up and up. Yeah right. Mr. Suppier and Myer will hit the road before the sanctions. Gator fans, just one thing. Run Lindsay run. Marcus Thomas was a sure role model smoking dope. You should be proud.
By Gary
February 3, 2007 07:49 PM | Link to this
I stand corrected, vs Pitt. Ga’s loss to Marino and Pitt plus Clemsons win in their bowl gave it to the Tigers.
By Gary
February 3, 2007 07:52 PM | Link to this
I stand corrected. GA vs Pitt. Ga’s Sugar Bowl loss to Marino along with Clemson’s bowl win gave it to Clemson
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 08:22 PM | Link to this
Gamecock Gary, you own this blog from January until early September, then you mysteriously disppear once the Cocks play a team with a winning record. What happens? Will the same thing happen again this year?
By Nodawg
February 3, 2007 08:47 PM | Link to this
Bo Jackson was twice the athlete that Herschel was. Proof? I’d love to have seen HW try to hit a major league curveball.
JB
By BadgerDawg
February 3, 2007 09:04 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Bo make the US Bobsled team, that takes a hell of a lot more athleticism than playing the nonsport baseball. Playing baseball means he’s good at dipping and standing around in the sun playing with the grass for 3 hours. There’s my “proof.”
By War Eagle
February 3, 2007 09:26 PM | Link to this
The Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson Era was perhaps the best SEC years of football. I think Herschel was the best football player ever to wear a SEC uniform, he was a great back and person. Bo Jackson is the best athlete ever to perform in the SEC, both truly unreal.Bo had talent which gave him the opportunity to play MLB and NFL. If not had a serious injury he would be in the same league as Jim Thorpe, Michael Jordan and Jim Mathis.Herschel is a great individual who loves his family , school and country.
By GB
February 3, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
give herschel walker the ball! i chanted that at Sugar Bowl in NO when he played.
By Murph
February 3, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
A few points to the misguided here:
Herschel Walker was the greatest player in the history of the SEC, and the greatest running back in NCAA history. NO PLAYER has had the three-year stats that he had. He was not an “average, durable back” his last two seasons; he averaged 5.9 yards per carry despite playing with a one-dimensional offensive scheme which gave him the ball 30 times or more per game. His teams went 33-3 during the three years he was at Georgia and won three SEC titles and a national title. Had he returned for his senior year, he would have set college rushing stats that would have never been broken (he only had 500 yards or so to break the career rushing record after his junior year, and the 1983 team went 10-1-1 without him). All of this crap about his being an “overrated” or “average” back is being spouted off my people who did not have the privilege of seeing him play.
Herschel DID change recruiting, which is the gist of the article. This has nothing to do with Dawg fans living in the past. The article is about the past, you morons.
Vince Dooley never paid off anybody for recruiting anyone. He was the Chairman of the NCAA ethics committe for years with good reason. Herschel was not “bought.” Ask him today; he’ll tell you who offered him money and who didn’t. And he turned down all of the offers because he knew that it was wrong.
Bo Jackson and Herschel Walker were both great athletes and are good friends today. And they are both fine people. Anyone who says otherwise doesn’t know either of them. They are honest, hard-working men who gave their best to the game they loved. It would be nice to see a few like them around nowadays.
NO ONE MESSES WITH MUNSON. I’m sorry, but he’s off limits. You can’t diss him. That’s not allowed. Keep it up and five thousand Dawg fans will find you and burn down your trailer. You don’t say disparaging remarks about a legend, even if you’re jealous of him because your announcers are all so boring.
By george
February 3, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Bobby Brown is full of crap about Herschel not having runs over 9 yards after his freshman year. Fact is he had 35 runs over 10 yards as a freshman, 72 as a sophomore, 55 as a junior, including a 47 yarder and 59 yarder his last two regular season games. It’s not hard to verify..just go to the UGA website. Some of you morons need to check facts before you put out bullsh!t you’ve heard others repeat.
By John
February 3, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Sorry if already posted but everyone knows Herschel was bought. He came from a dirt poor family and home. He showed up in Athens his first day in a brand new Trans Am. His mom moved into a modest but nice brick ranch home. Let’s give the guy his deserved compliments but don’t avoid the facts on his recruitment.
By Gen Neyland
February 3, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Badger
The three RB’s you referenced were all SIX star type college backs. I think Bo outshined the other two in the pros, with Dayne being more a power back vs finesse type runner…They can’t all be of the Gale Sayers mold… When Herschel was dealt to the Vikes, he had to suffer through the plauge brought forth from the trade. As you know, the Vi-Queens shot theirselves in the foot with that deal. Took them years to get back on track…Poor OL didn’t help Herschel plus the overall D wasn’t much better under the canvas of the Metrodome during Herschel’s time there…
By brenda
February 3, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t UGA first mascot a goat?
By Larry Orange
February 4, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
It hasnt been commented on yet, but he did go back to school to get his degree in Criminal Justice and although he is 43 years old now, he is probably in better shape than half of the NFL players playing now. I heard he can still run the 40 at 4.3 . Maybe the Falcons could look at him to be the goal line back they needed last year.
By BadgerDawg
February 4, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
Gen, I wish you were a Dawg fan, you make too much sense. I agree with just about everything you said, but I would add(and I don’t think you meant to imply otherwise) that it’s not Herschel’s fault that the Queens traded half their team for him. It is a testament to his ability that they would throw away their team like that just to get him. The other thing I may disagree with was Bo was a better pro. Unfortunately, I think his career was too short to say that. He definitely could have been been based on his years he did play. He was awesome. You do have to lay off the Sayers talk, you may as well be talking about Jim Thorpe to me. :)
By Cuz
February 4, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
yeah what of it?
They used the goat to but heads before Erk came around.
They changed to Bulldawgs when they realized there was money in dem dere red clay hills and the took it from Yale. Meaner than a Junkyard goat just does not put fear into opponetts. Although if you are ever chased by one mad goat, you will wish it is an English Bulldawg chasing you instead.
By Cuz
February 4, 2007 01:09 AM | Link to this
I do believe Herschel had a few good years with the Philadelphia Eagles also.