UGA

By Chest Rockwell

February 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Blair Walsh will have the biggest impact. Can’t wait to see King and Green do their thing.

By Special K

February 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Sounds about right- I hope Blair Walsh is what they say he is-very important position!!

By SportsFan

February 5, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

The one who academically qualifies??? Roll Tide!!!

By SwimDawg68

February 5, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

The report I have on Ben Jones from some of the coaches is he needs to lose some weight and get in shape in the weight room. If he fails to do so, he will not be a starter. Let’s hope he arrives with the right attitude and goes to work.

By reality check

February 5, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Chip, This information about Ben Jones is surprising. I didn’t think practice had started yet. Tell us more about the scoop on this. I thought the plan was to move Davis from guard.

I saw AJ Green play only once. I hope he turns out to be a world beater, but he wasn’t that day.

I believe both the freshmen backs have a chance to play based on the numbers at that position. Most years a team is going to need 4 backs, although Chapas can play there too.

By animaldr

February 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Not to side step recruiting- but, Did the Superbowl Champion NY Giants win their division? Did Kirk, Lee and the boys try to pull any last minute substitutions? Why not? Are the Giants still called Champions even if they did not win their division? Can anyone help me with this? I’m confused.

Great class! TK and Walsh are the big impact players this year-

GO DAWGS!

By Cracker

February 5, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

AJ Greene is nothing but amazing. He will be fun to watch…

By Smitty

February 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

He is a stud. Runs a 4.6 forty yard dash. Has been in NIKE Top 12 Kicking camp for 2 years. 2 time winner if Miami top recruit. He should do fine!!!!

By Dawg4life

February 5, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Biggest impact to me is Blair Walsh because I think he’s the only one who is guaranteed a starting spot. The others are fair game to redshirt, or will play, but only sparingly.

I don’t think it’s a given that Jones will start at center. I’ve heard that Chris Davis may get bumped to center and our starting OLs could be Sturdivant, Boling, C. Davis, Justin “Bean” Anderson and Vince Vance. But if B. Jones proves he can start right away, why not play him? I just don’t know how probable it is.

As for King and A.J. Green, you mention that King is skinny, but both of them could use some time in the weight room. King is the faster of the two, but they both need to get more upper body strength to help fight off the jams that college players will put on them.

I think our starting receiver corps next year is MoMass and either Goodman or Tony Wilson, if he ever proves he can catch the ball consistently, with Israel Troupe and Walter Hill getting top backup minutes. Green may play, but it will depend on how he shows up in summer drills.

By Wozzo the Wonder Dog

February 5, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Last year: Moreno (as predicted).

This year: A.J. Green.

By Smitty

February 5, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Blair Walsh- made 21 of 24 fg’s inside 50 yard line. Made 3 fg’s over 50 yds his senior year. He also made a 58 yard kick as a junior. We’ve got ourselves a kicker folks!!!!!!!!!!

By B-Dub

February 5, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Samuel and Jackson will redshirt, Carlton Thomas will start. This kid is being compared to Noel Devine. GO DAWGS!!!

By AJ

February 5, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

King is already on campus and has spring and fall practice to get a little bigger. I think he and D jackson get some playing time cause they will have spring and fall to learn the system.

By Blackdawg

February 5, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

My understanding is we don’t have any True Spooners Like Stafford and Cox, but the recruits coming in do like to get jiggy on the opponents logo.

By shane #1

February 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

samuels,jones,king,hebron,and jackson are early entrys and have been on campus a month.this should give them a boost.the are already in the weightroom,studying the playbook,and can take part in spring practice.jones is reputed to be a hard worker and should be in playing shape by spring.king is skinny,so is green,though not as skinny as durham was,and durham got playing time as a freshman.samuels’family wants him to red-shirt,and he probably should,because he is so young.jackson should be third on the depth chart,if he learns to block.if not chapas will be third string at tb.tyson wants to red-shirt,he has seen owens and company up close and personal and knows he will have to be a lot stronger to compete at dt.i think the biggest impact will come from king and jones,longo may be a sleeper,he is supposed to be a pass rushing freak!

By doggonegadawg

February 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

A.J. Green is T.O. & Randy Moss on steriods. He has great hands and height and can go up high for the catch and has moves and speed when he comes down. He will stretch any defense. He will just be part of an offensive attack that will take what you give them. Pick you poison. Sic ‘em Dawgs

By go dawgs

February 5, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

I agree with what reality check said. We will probably need atleast 2 more running backs ready to play. Think about what happen this past season, knowshon may not shine as much if T. Brown and Lumpkin don’t go down. He is the only one with a college game experience. who knows what caleb king is capable of but its always nice to have some good backups ready to play. We are pretty solid at all the other positions with some depth and playing time. If Blair Walsh can come in and live up to his name, then the Dawgs should have a great season.

By Patience

February 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

None of them are anything until they actually do something at the college level. Looking good, or even great in high school means little until you prove it at the next level. Everyone at Georgia was good in high school.

By RedAndBlack

February 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

I agree. I think Blair Walsh will have the most significant impact immediately among these signees since the other positions are already filled with more experienced players. Walsh can step right in and replace Coutu. I’ve read about this guy and he’s got strong legs with accuracy to boot…especially for those close games.

By Chip Towers

February 5, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Reality Check: That is indeed the word on Jones. No, they haven’t had any practices yet but, again, this is just preseason scuttle-butt. Jones began to turn heads when he whipped everybody at the Scout camp at Georgia Tech last May. among them A.J. Harmon, who was probably his biggest salesman. Obviously we don’t know these things for certain. I’d ask Stacey Searels about it but he doesn’t talk

By lester

February 5, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Don’t be so sure about Jackson or Samuel being red shirted. Both may be, here’s why. Richard Samuel was not recruited as a running back, he was recruited as a linebacker. So he is not in competition with any of the running backs from 08 class or the upcoming 09 class. This could be a great possibility. I spoke to Samuel last Friday night, he has already enrolled, but he did not know if he woould be starting in the Fall. He is a great kid and whenever he gets to UGA, look out. Go Dawgs!

By 7bullets_tville

February 5, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Dawg4life,

Our second best receiver after MoMas is Chris Durham in my oppinion. That kid plays with heart and rarely drops a ball. Let’s hope the cohesiveness we saw at the end of the season in 07’s team helps develop these young guys whether they play in ‘08 or not. TEAMS win football games not individuals.

Just ask the NY Giants. Nice post animalder

By TherealJB

February 5, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

A few things: Richard Samuel is going to redshirt. There is no ifs on that. His mom made it clear at 16 he is too young and she wanted him to redshirt and he will be redshirting.

Also per chris davis among others Ben Jones would have to totally screw it up not to start this year. He is that good at center.

Regarding my top 5: 1. Blair Walsh. Easy pick. You lose coutu you replace him with a walsh. 2. AJ Green. Will be starting by the end of the year. 3. Toby Jackson. When he steps on campus the best de talent wise uga has. 4. Ben Jones. I think he wins the job, if not then Djax. 5. I believe the 5th one is a hard one. AJ harmon, deangelo tyson, and samuel are all redshirting. I would have to say nick williams. He will be our #4 qb and he will be playing on special teams at the very least. If Ben Jones does indeed start, then it’s Djax here.

By CT

February 5, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

I hope Blair Walsh has a very small role and is only asked to kick PATs. Hopefully, he will not be required to be a huge impact player.

TK’s size would be a bigger issue if he wasn’t as fast and smooth as he is. I think he can contribute at the size at which he will enter fall camp.

By zinoDawg

February 5, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

How about Toby Jackson getting a shot at defensive end? Sounds like he’s a beast. Anyway, these are good problems to have. Go Dawgs!

By SlawDawg

February 5, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Is Samuels playing rb or lb? I heard he was a stud at both, but with Richt’s love affair with rb’s under 5’11, it seems there’s no room for him after djax, washaun, etc.

Biggest Impact Newcomer next year will be Aron White- he’s a tweener like Dallas Clark but faster. You heard it from SlawDawg first.

My Top five: 1. AJ Green: best wr GA has ever signed. he will be the talk of the league 2. Ben Jones: sig playing time as a fill-in at center and guard 3. DJax: gamebreaker 4. Carlton Thomas: gamebreaker #2 5. Jeremy Longo: Pollack’s back!

Watch out too for Cornelius Washington. he committed early, so not alot of buzz, but might be the best pound for pound athlete in the state of georgia.

By j beezy

February 5, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this

1.B.Walsh- starting PK 2.AJ Green- instant starting WR 3.B.Jones- starting center 4.C.Thomas- starting kick returner 5.T.Jackson- impact DE lots of PT

By MFM

February 5, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Coach Searles is one of the main reasons we won the Sugar Bowl instead of the Motor City Bowl. He can say as little as he choses as long as he keeps the o-line playing as well as it did in ‘07.

By MFM

February 5, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Coach Searles is one of the main reasons we won the Sugar Bowl instead of the Motor City Bowl. He can say as little as he choses as long as he keeps the o-line playing as well as it did in ‘07.

By NorCal Dawg

February 5, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Placekicker is the biggest need for us. Hope Walsh is the real deal, but what about that Butler kid? Is he officially just a punter then or what?

By shane #1

February 5, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

chip,i noticed on rivals that tanner strickland had been moved to center on the depth chart.do you know anything about this?also i have seen toby jackson listed as end and tackle,which is his natural posistion?ball is reported to have made real progress during his red shirt year,he has gained about 30 lbs and has gotten much stronger.he played wr in high school so he should have good speed at de.the pressure those fast,lanky des put on tebow and brennan was amazing.i think the giant’s win showed the effect of fast,tall des on the spread o,just like the uf,uk and uh games did for us last year.geno atkins started to get a push up the middle last year,and owens was great at stuffing the run,this good d line play really frees up the lbs and safetys,bad news for any offense!

By j-bird

February 5, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Ben Jones is a nasty MFer. Saw the little combine they had at Tech….the guy was an ANIMAL going against the best D1/DL prospects in the country. Screamin’ and yellin’!! Very intimidating to say the least.

By Forsyth Dawg

February 5, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

You can see a 10 min. highlight on AJ Green on youtube! He is gifted I’ll give him that. CHIP I also here that Moreno is struggeling to make the grade… any info?

By Big Bob

February 5, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

To the Tide Dude. Don’t you know that most Alabama and Auburn students are students that could not get into UGA. That goes for football too.

By CapeCodDawg

February 5, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Umm people are forgetting a kid named Caleb King and don’t forget the possible inmpact in the return game with Carlton Thomas

Things look good in DawgTown!

By Mike

February 5, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

When Mark Richt left FSU for Georgia, he left while FSU was on top. I remember he was asked what the difference was between Georgia and a national contender like FSU. Richt replied that the starting 11 for UGA could line up with most anybody, but the difference was UGA lacked depth and would lose the game in the 4th quarter. Throw in a couple of key injuries late in the year and we were sunk. This went on year after year until Richt arrived. Now UGA has a great starting 11 and depth to match! The next couple of years will be exciting for UGA and in the SEC.

By birdman

February 5, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

i’m hoping samuel plays some as a true freshman, if he does play he’ll be a RB. he is about the same size as kregg lumpkin and the offense needs a pretty big tailback. but if king is as good as everyone is hyping him up to be there’s no reason for knowshon and caleb to come out of the game. let’s just pray none of these recruits are busts.

By gadogs1

February 5, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

By shane #1

February 5, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

david ching’s blog on the columbus ledger enquirer web site has some intresting quotes for mark richt regarding recruiting.i won’t post them here because chip or carter will probably use them in future blogs.i was impressed with the way richt has organized recruiting at uga.it is not a matter of chasing after every four or five star recruit in the country,but rather a step by step process to target future needs and then seek the right players to fill these needs.richt says they try to look two years ahead so as to avoid the situation uga was in with the o line last year.richt also said uga tries to recruit ga first,he doesn’t want to sign a guy from out of state if he can find a guy with equal ability close to home.i like the way uga begins the year with a definate goal set for each posistion and an organized plan to reach that goal.as i suspected he targets players with an eye to there personalities and how well he thinks they will fit within his system as well as their athletic ability.

By bud0069

February 5, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

207 days ‘till kickoff go dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Workinlkeadawg

February 5, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

The Patriots might have lost the 2007 season SB but they are the best NFL team yr. to yr. UGA looks and plays like the Pats. I smell a natioal champ in Athens.

By Chip Towers

February 5, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

ForsythDawg: That Moreno/grades rumor is very old and was not true when checked on it at the end of last semester heading into this one. That said, Knowshon, like all football players, has until the end of the summer to make sure his academic house is in order as far as maintaining eligibility. Besides, players’ grades, quite appropriately, are private and federally protected. So let’s just let him be a student and see if he shows up in August… .

Shane #1: That stuff that our good friend David Ching has on his blog was from Richt’s teleconference this past Friday and Carter has already written a story on it. I think Chinger had another obligation and wasn’t able to write about it until now. It is good stuff, though… .

gadogs1: Actually Richard Samuel was recruited as both a linebacker and a running back and nobody’s sure — even him and the coaches — where he’ll end up playing. He’s going to give running back a shot first this spring. Not sure whose call that was but Samuel has been quoted as saying he has more of a defensive mentality. If I had to guess right now, though, I’d say he’s a strong redshirt candidate… .

As for running backs, don’t forget about Shaun Chapas. Along with Moreno and King and a couple of pretty good walkons I don’t think they’d need but one freshman to be ready to play.

By gadogs1

February 6, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

I know he can play both ways but as of the moment he is a RB which was my point that i didn’t make clear. His red-shirt year will determine where he plays on the college level IMO. Where he ends up depends on how he progresses His 1st year at UGA. Of injuries can play a part in i also. Only time will tell

By JB

February 6, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this

Chip - Who is projected to be taking the CHeese’s spot, on the OL???

Nothing like a top recruiting class. Lets now hope that they all live up to the projections.

HBTD!!!

By Matt Stafford

February 6, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

What’s that noise I hear???

Can it be the sound of NASCAR????

That can only mean that Dega is just around the corner!!!!

And you all know what that means!!!!

By bigdaddygibby

February 6, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

You oughta see this boy we got down here in LaGrange. Seven foot tall and weighs 400 lbs. He’s as big as a house. That is what we call him, “House”. He ain’t too swift of foot but it’d take a week and half to run around him.

By shane #1

February 6, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

chip,was carter’s article about the teleconference on the blogs?i didn’t see it ans the ajc doesn’t see fit to serve south ga anymore.how many of these guys will red-shirt?

By Big Boy

February 6, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

YOU ARE MISSING CARLTON THOMAS. THIS KID WILL GIVE US A THIRD DOWN OPTION WE HAVE NOT HAD. ESPN SAID HE WAS A HUMAN HIGHLIGHT REEL THAT CAN GO THE DISTANCE EVERYTIME HE TOUCHES THE BALL.

By Dawghater

February 6, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

UGA blows!!!!!

By profit

February 6, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Allen dumps mutts for the ACC, based on what he read on the ajc blogs yesterday - he really did not like you mutts and your comments… ha ha ha ha ha DIE MUTTS, DIE

By profit

February 6, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Georgia Tech….still the latest school in the state to win a Football National Championship…Poor Bulldogs, Poor Bulldogs, No SEC Championship (cause you didn’t win your division), No National Championship (cause you didn’t win your conference, and you lost to South Carolina, an annual affair)Poor Bulldogs…and you want win either in ‘08 cause you can’t out recruit or outplay the rest of your conference!

By Chip Towers

February 6, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

Shane #1 here’s the link to the story Carter did off that teleconference. It’s a little more in-depth than just “here’s what Richt said.”

http://ajc.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=Georgia%27s+2009+class+could+be+filled+by+spring&expire=&urlID=26339902&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ajc.com%2Fsearch%2Fcontent%2Fsports%2Fuga%2Fstories%2F2008%2F02%2F04%2Fsignearly_0205.html&partnerID=557

By profit

February 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

UGAY recruits and coaches are so stupid that in times of crisis, it is all they can do to keep them selves from reverting to licking their own asses, animal like. Hey stupid UGAY spy, decrypt this “FF UU”.

By Get Real

February 6, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Profit, you’re seriously pathetic. Obviously you’re a Tech fan, but I doubt you have the brains to mop the floors there…

By Get Real

February 6, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Profit, you’re seriously pathetic. Obviously you’re a Tech fan, but I doubt you have the brains to mop the floors there…Anyway, my take is Samuel redshirts, DJax is 3rd string behind Know and CKing, and Carlton Thomas sees action on special teams (Asher is too valuble to be returning punts) and possibly at RB if necessary.

By profit

February 6, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

heh heh heh, actually I am one of the current recruits at UGAY, just telling the truth, not that it matters… heh heh heh

By NorthGaDawg

February 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

I like all of the posts, they are pretty dead on so far. I watched King over a year ago and he seems to have speed for what he lacks in cutting ability like Moreno, should be a nasty tandem. Our OL should have the depth now with the addition of Harmon and Jones. Defense will be one of the stoutest to memory. I watched Samuels play a few times up this way, he is a model athlete on both sides of the ball, I preferred him at linebacker, he is the first to hit and sticks ‘em, something we need to clean up the secondary missed tackles. Just got my check ready to send in, Go Dawgs.

By dcdawg

February 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Chip (or anyone else with info)- what’s the story with BJ Brand? I haven’t heard anything since he decided to “look around.” Thanks.

By Yankee

February 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

You have to be a redneck to care about crutin. P.S. nice trailer

By Reverend Richt

February 6, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Hope these latest recruits can hold up the fine tradition up in Athens of getting arrested and suspended. I’m assuming they went through a complete “thug” background check. After all, we want them to be able to show their a## each week. Only the finest thugs come to Athens on scholarship. Remember fellas, the university provides the crayons and coloring books. Don’t waste your money on those. You will need it for under age drinking and drugs when you get here.

By 206 days

February 6, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Chip, #1. If Dawgs decide to blackout UF in Jax, is there any chance they could take the field wearing black helmets with trademark G outlined in red along with black jerseys, silver britches combo? #2.Will Dawgs open up the offense in 08/09 or stick with 2 and 3 wr sets? #3.Will Coach Bobo create packages for QB LGray as change of pace/option attack ala Shockley and DGreene tandem?

By minookadawg

February 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

CHIP just heard CMR interviewed on TV. He sounded quite concerned when discussing kicking game. Apparently Blair Walsh will be the only kicker in camp and ABSOLUTELY MUST make significant impact or we’re in trouble at that position (3 seniors gone, Soph K don’t wanna play no more). CMR also sounded very optimistic that TJackson would get PT, if he progresses along as expected between now and August.

By minookadawg

February 6, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Early season Freshman showdown could be SCar DB Charles Whitlock versus UGA’s AJ Green. It would be interesting matchup. Green has height advantage (CW stands 5’11. AJ is 6’4). SCAR expects Whitlock to compete for pt and play at high level as true FR.

By Dawgs will Lose

February 6, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

I bet AJ Greene Wont be a big impact player just like UGAs recievers of past and present. Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown,and Momass. Oh! should I go on??? Just Average players!!!

By CapeCodDawg

February 6, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

I just don’t understand it. Why would someone who isn’t a UGA fan even bother coming to this blog?…OH it’s because they want to be around greatness!

Check out Caleb King & Carlton Thomas on YouTube. You’ll definitely get excited.

As much as i love the excitement of offense, a dominant defense is what usually wins and we are DEVASTATING. Rashad Jones is the MAN and will be a All American this year.

By oldgold

February 8, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

ESPN listed the top 20 recruitin’ classes with 6 in the HawgConference (SEC) and 5 from the ACC. Looks like the hawgs have company.

By oldgold

February 8, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Will there be a blackout in Jax? What will we do if Wright dosen’t work out at kicker ? Good grief. I had not realized what crises have to managed by you dawg fans. Its a good thing you don’t have jobs or the team would go to hell. By the way,when with the Clarke county prison get those needed upgrades for your boys ?

By burkecountydawg

February 8, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

A.J. Harmon he chose no: 93 which is defensive number