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DEL.ICIO.USAssessing the UGA signing class
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Athens — OK, time to get ready for 2009.
The 2008 class? It’s over. Done. Kaput. It has been that way for a month. Letter of intent day was but a mere formality for the Bulldogs.
“You look at December and we were sitting there with about 20 commitments so there were really not a lot of questions marks about what was going to happen,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt.
And there was not too much wavering in where Georgia finished. The Bulldogs once again brought in a top 10 class. That class may have been higher but for one blip. Tight end Dwayne Allen pulled a last-minute about face. It was the only drama in a day and really a season that has become predictably boring but for the coaches and fans immensely satisfying.
Jewel of the class: Georgia’s lowest maintenance recruit A.J. Green may turn out to pay the highest dividends. The wide receiver from Summerville is regarded as the best receiver Georgia. At 6-4, 190-pounds Green has the size and the speed to make an immediate impact.
You would like to be able to give (Matthew) Stafford as many weapons as he can get,” said recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner.
As a senior, Green had 72 receptions for 1,437 yards (20.0 avg.) and 15 touchdowns. He was courted by several programs but has been committed to Georgia since his junior season.
Immediate impact: There could be a handful of players who immediately play for Georgia. This first, and most important of those, is center Ben Jones. The Alabama product enrolled at the midyear and is being groomed to take over for Fernando Velasco.
Offensive line coach Stacy Searels told the crowd gathered at Butts-Mehre as of today Chris Davis would be the starting center in the spring. But Davis has had a hip injury to deal with this offseason.
“I think he is going get after it,” Richt said of Jones. “I think he is going to compete. I don’t think some guys are going to like it much, but some players (as in Jones) don’t worry about that.”
Running back could be another position to be quickly bolstered by the incoming class. Richard Samuel and Dontavius Jackson are already enrolled. Both will have a chance to compete with Caleb King for playing time behind Knowshon Moreno.
“I am not so concerned with saying he is one and he is two,” said running back coach Tony Ball about the pecking order. “Let’s just continue to get better and improve and work. Now going into the season I will say now this guy stood out a little bit more than the others. And early in preseason I will take that same look and then soon after that make a decision as to who is No. 1, who is No. 2 and who is No. 3.”
Wait a year: Cornelius Washington was the first player to commit to Georgia. Because of that the defensive end from Burke County flew under the radar when it came to recruiting. But he might be one to watch after a redshirt season.
“He is a great looking specimen,” Garner said. “He was here on his official visit and he looked like one of these Greek Gods. There is a tremendous upside.”Washington has the frame to add weight but already has solid speed at the defensive end position. At Burke County last season he had 55 tackles including 44 solo, six sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, forced three fumbles and registered seven QB pressures.
Quotes of the day: “That is probably like when you sit back and you look at your wife over time you say if I would have held out I could have gotten another one right there.” — Recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner’s answer to a reporter after a question about taking a commitment too early.
“Don’t write that.” — Garner, laughing, once he realized what he had said. But the press conference was being streamed live via the Internet.
“Honey if I put one on and they get just one picture, them suckers are going to using it for the next 10 years.” — Mark Richt on his reaction with his wife Katharyn asked him to wear a Clemson hat at his son Jon’s signing Wednesday with the tigers.
“Some guys made it difficult on themselves, their families and the coaches.” — Georgia coach Mark Richt on last-minute changes.
Permalink | Comments (38) | Post your comment | Categories: UGA
Comments
By Stockbridge Dawg
February 6, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Solid class Coach Richt and co.! Who was that Allen guy anyway? We’re stacked for dominating success and Fall can’t get here soon enough!
By Tville Dawg
February 6, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
I can understand Jon Richt going to another school (nepotism, favoritism, etc). It would have been nice not to have to wear orange.
Kudo’s to CMR for not wearing the Clumson hat.
By Lance
February 6, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
As I have said over and over - name one starting TE in the Pros? UGA has at minimum 5. allen may have talent but it shows he has nothing upstairs.
By hal
February 6, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
great job coaches!! i can’t wait to see stafford throwing to green!! richt and staff did another great job. it is great have a man of such great coaching abilities and character coaching at ga. go dogs and go eagles!!
By hal
February 6, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
great job coaches!! i can’t wait to see stafford throwing to green!! richt and staff did another great job. it is great have a man of such great coaching abilities and character coaching at ga. go dogs and go eagles!!
By Stockbridge Dawg
February 6, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
It’s good to be a Georgia Bulldog baby!!! If only it was possible to have football year round’.
By Chipperdawg
February 6, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Congrats to CMR and Co. on another steller class of what seem to be fine young men. Welcome gentlemen! Now, hunkerdown and start gettin’ after it!!
By jth
February 6, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Should Be mentioning something about Tavarres King. He hasn’t been talked about much today…all you hear about is this A.J.Green kid. Green may be be a great player but the one to watch is King. This kid is the real deal….a game breaker!!!! Explosive isn’t even a strong enough word. I saw him catch a pass in a playoff game this year against Cherokee Co. that people are still talking about. Trust me!! King is the best receiver in 2008 class for Georgia!!
By NorCal Dawg
February 6, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Don’t be too hard on Allen. Sure he could have handled it better, but it is a big decision and he’s just a teenager.
Looking back to when I was his age I can remember a lot of situations I could have handled better.
Wish him the best and look forward to a great 2008 with another top 10 recruiting class!
Go Dawgs!
By northgeorgiabravesfan
February 6, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
great job cmr.here’s to you as always. great class great year go dogs.can’t wait for football season to start.
By chris
February 6, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
JUST keep them out of JAIL, and actually punish players for breaking rules, and maybe 1 out of 4 players are worth keeping. Wait they actually have to go to and pass a class. No problem they can take the “If you are smarter than a 5th grader class” and get all the help they need.
By TJ
February 6, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
You may want to read this article before you get too excited.
http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7762724/Revisiting-the-5-star-recruits-from-2004
By Lance
February 6, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
Coach richt has to be wearing a BIG smile.Another awsome group of solid athletes.Judging from the last two to three recruiting classes;I think we are as solid at almost every position as we have ever been.Stafford has to be happy as well.Not only does he have several returning receivers but now he has AJ Green,Taverres King and please don’t forget Israel Troupe (redshirted last year from Tift Co)Believe me these names will be common to all Dawg fans very soon.GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS !!!!
By Mike T.
February 6, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
I can understand Jon Richt going to another school (nepotism, favoritism, etc). It would have been nice not to have to wear orange.
Did dear old dad offer him a schlorship?
By Mike T.
February 6, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
I can understand Jon Richt going to another school (nepotism, favoritism, etc). It would have been nice not to have to wear orange.
Did dear old dad offer him a schlorship?
By NorthGaDawg
February 6, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Mike, Jon R. was quoted as saying he wanted to be known for his abilities and not that of his fathers. Richt has said time after time that Jon was in charge of his own life, he just wanted to give him the tools to prepare for it.
By VirginiaDawgMan
February 6, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
I’m proud to be a Dawg!
By PHIL
February 7, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
After watching the films, I agree with jth that King may be the best WR of the group.
By insider
February 7, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this
Carter, do you not proofread these things before you post them?
By gdawginkalamazoo
February 7, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Glad to see Coach Richt plans on staying aroound at least 10 years. Hope Rodney has a nice dog house. Regarding TE Allen, guy can’t be too smart. Jon Richt the QB at Clemson throwing to the guy who dissed his dad big time? Oh yeah, I see bright future for Allen.
By BIG DAWG
February 7, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Besides AJ Green, BLAIR WALSH will have the biggest impact. We NEED a reliable kicker (remember when Couttu was hurt? Remember how Bailey did?) and this kid kicked two 59 yarders last year and averages 69 yards on kickoffs
By bill_in_atl
February 7, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Some are saying that Omar would have switched to UGA if Allen had made his mind up even minutes sooner. I don’t care so much that he isn’t coming to UGA or that he spurned us after committing, but he sure screwed UGA out of a good player. If it wasn’t Omar then it would have been Neiko at worst.
By bill_in_atl
February 7, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Some are saying that Omar would have switched to UGA if Allen had made his mind up even minutes sooner. I don’t care so much that he isn’t coming to UGA or that he spurned us after committing, but he sure screwed UGA out of a good player. If it wasn’t Omar then it would have been Neiko at worst.
By Hatch Attack
February 7, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
TJ…Good article. Ranking recruits and recruiting classes is ridiculous. Some kids will be able to make the transfer to college ball without a problem, others will struggle. We just have to wait and see. Lets all give this Allen kid a break, because he is just that, a kid.
By still44
February 7, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
I see us doing very well with the depth this class is going to create at several positions. Our future looks bright.
By Spike
February 7, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Great job Coach Richt and Coach Richt! We are proud of you and the great recruits! GATA!!
By Spike
February 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Great job Coach Richt and Coach Richt! We are proud of you and the great recruits! GATA!!
By Spike
February 7, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Coach Garner and Richt. No coffee.
By borodawg
February 7, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Great job, coach! Looks like a great class. Just wondering now, who’s gonna replace Coutu? Any good kickers and punters coming along?
By tjs
February 7, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
The DFawgs last three classes have ranked very highly asccording to the recruiting guru’s , but where’s my SEC championship, not to mention my BCS Bowl title…As a few people above have said, what looks good on paper, sometimes does not materialize. Transfers, defections, kids who were overated and don’t live up to their billing, etc.,When I see CMR running around the field with big trophies for the above mentioned championships, then I will acknowledge his recruiting and coaching prowess. Otherwise it would be prudent not to boast….
tjs
By Thunder Dawg
February 7, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Garner and Bobo and Searles and Fabris and all the others are really doing a great job recruiting but Richt has done a great job recruiting the recruiters-every time he fills a position, he makes it an outstanding improvement!
Richt is “The Man” : Go Dawgs”
By crazydawg
February 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Can someone please explain to me why the Dawgs only have 15 or so scholarships to offer for 2009?
By BCS Slave
February 7, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Coach Richt has it right. Recruiting rankings are not important. Get the most physically gifted guys you can, but get the most grounded guys you can too. Physical gifts are not the single most important thing for program health. As for all things in life, you need balance.
This is why I feel bad for most of the kids recruited to schools like Florida. Coaches like Meyer remind me of Bill Belicheck (sp?). They seem to care more about themselves and having a winning program than they do about the physical and emotional health of the players. There is no balance.
Every program will have problems and exceptions. Some kids will be recruited who end up getting in trouble. The key thing to look at is what the coach and the program do about it. Do they ignore the problem, say nothing, and let the kid play? Or do they take action that might injure the program but in the process, help the kid? Coach Richt has it right.
By oldgold
February 7, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
What class ? They don’t have any. Does this mean they will actually attend a class ? Are these classes provided in the county jail where most of them are headed or only at the barnyard next to the hedge farm ? Next year’s athletic dept budget really needs to address the poor conditions at the jail before they start spending on this “indoor practice stadium”.
By DeputyDawg
February 7, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
borodawg, please check out Walsh. he will replace Coutou. Not sure about a punter.
By oldgold
February 7, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Hey, folks…just kidding about the UGA recruiting class. I admit that I am a GT fan and was wrong to have posted such nonsense. I am in fact very envious of the UGA football record - especially versus GT over the past several years. Please understand that we GT fans are very frustrated over the many, many lost ball games of late along with the departure of our beloved coach. I am trying to deal with the Bulldog superiority as best I can but find myself wetting the bed 4 to 5 nights a week (especially in November). Well, having stated all of this I am ready for bed now. I am wearing a Pull-up because it fits my tiny, frail frame. Go Jackets!!!!
By Tdog
February 8, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Yall have got to see the video of Jones at the combine,Dominating.This guy has a chance to be special.
By cornbread
February 8, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
Hey, tjs, Don’t be too harsh on Richt. Remember how the dawgs were struggling to get 5 or 6 wins in a season before he came? He has brought the team from the ashes to be true contenders every year now. I think we are getting spoiled by his success. Case in point: 1989 The Atlanta Braves go from worst to first and make the playoffs. Remember how excited we were that the team was actually winning some games? Now how do we feel about them? Missed the playoffs for the first time in over a decade and we cry about only one world series win. The dawgs are a true powerhouse of a team year after year now under Richt. How many other schools would love to be in the position of UGA? The championships will come.