AJC > Sports > Football Recruiting > Blog > Archives > 2008 > June > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWatts would likely say no to Georgia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Despite committing to Mississippi State in February, Georgia and several other programs continue to show interest in Salem offensive tackle Sam Watts.
“The Georgia offensive line coach [Stacy Searels] came to our spring practice, as well as coaches from Clemson, Duke, UAB and a couple of other schools,” Watts said. “I was getting a lot of attention from Georgia Tech before I committed, but then they all of a sudden stopped recruiting me.”
The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Watts says his heart is pulling him toward the Bulldogs, just not the ones based in Athens.
“I know Georgia is a great program and they were number two on my list,” said Watts, who does not have a scholarship offer from Georgia. “And I get letters from Georgia and Duke everyday.
“But my heart is at Mississippi State. I feel like that’s where God is leaning me toward. I have a lot of connections there. Both of my parents went to Mississippi State. And my brother goes there now and will graduate in December.
“I was born in Starkeville and moved to Conyers when I was three. But I still consider [Starkeville] home.”
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By tom
June 1, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
You daily take a back-handed slap at the Dawgs in any way possible. What the hell does the young man going to Mississippi State have to do with “dissing” UGA. Any way you can put down the Dawgs - even when it has NOTHING to do with them - you will stretch it out to where it will fit. I have said it before… you are a jerk. Headline for tomorrow’s story, “Young man chooses Notre Dame and jilts UGA (even though Georgia never actually contacted him and vice-versa).”
By ditto to what Tom said
June 1, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
You actually get paid for this!
By ditto to what Tom said
June 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
You actually get paid for this!
By wow
June 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
tom, get a grip man. you’re talking nonsense.
By wow
June 1, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
tom, get a grip man. you’re talking nonsense.
By biggie smalls
June 1, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
You do kinda have to wonder about the relevance of this story to anybody or anything. I tend to lean to the DO YOU GET PAID FOR THIS category. Earn your paycheck for a change write something original.
By JayKay
June 2, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
I sure am glad God is worried about this kid’s college decision and not the war in Iraq or genocide in Darfur.
By JayKay
June 2, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
I sure am glad God is worried about this kid’s college decision and not the war in Iraq or genocide in Darfur.
By mpd
June 2, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this
ease up everybody……it’s a slow news day…..good decision, young man…..
By Toby Cash
June 2, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
Fans, we live in America where we make choices that we live with. If Mississippi State is his choice, then so be it. Nuff said???
By steve
June 2, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
So now we know who will replace Terrence when he either retires or is fired.
By Paddy
June 2, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this
Good luck young man. You should not be alarmed that other schools stopped recruiting you after you said OK to MSU. They also have a job to do and can’t waste valuable recruiting hours on a cold trail. It’s good to see you in the SEC.
By Yuranidiot
June 2, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Watts has no offer from UGA, so I guess the feeling is mutual…except it isn’t “likely” that UGA would say no to him, it’s definite. I’m glad the kid is going where he wants to go, but your article headline makes no sense. Why would he say anything different when he does not have an offer and is committed to another school? FYI: I would likely say no to Jessica Alba b/c I’m already committed to my wife
By Barry
June 2, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
I see two sides to the relevance issue.
This is a relevant article because the kid says UGA is still recruiting him. Since this is a recruiting blog that covers SEC and ACC recruiting (focusing mostly on UGA and Tech) I can see the relevance. However…
Is this really blog worthy? If UGA hasn’t offered and this guy has said flat out he is not going to UGA, then why are we hearing about it? UGA recruits a lot of kids without offering. Obviously this is just filler/fluff.
By TherealJB
June 2, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
A note to those who read this article, Sam Watts doesn’t have a scholarship offer from the Georgia Bulldogs. He never had one and he never will have one. CSS visits a lot of guys who are in his area of responsibility to see if they want to offer. This is called May evaluation period so they are evaluating guys still. So this really is no article and a waste of space. Jeff Hood needs to do a better job on his research. Come back next time on a kid UGA actually offered.
By Gym Dawg
June 2, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
About this headline:
I would likely never read the AJC again if there was another newspaper in Atlanta
Jeff, I have seen better “reporting” in my son’s high school newspaper. Enjoy what ever the AJC is paying you because you are stealing their money.
By Frisco Dawg
June 2, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Who says that Georgia is recruiting him? The coaching staff? If he did not get an offer from us then we are not recruiting him. We have dozens of kids who have received offers from us so why does this kid warrant an article that says we are still interested?
I’m going to stop reading this drivel since the accuracy of information is dismal…
By sorry pups
June 2, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Why don’t you pathetic UGA fans get over yourselves? This entire newspaper does nothing but serve your fanbase’s interests and you get all insecure and defensive because they are covering a LOCAL RECRUIT that happened to decide against Georgia.
You guys are pathetic.
By TherealJB
June 2, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Actually sorry pups you are pathetic.. it’s sad gt fans have to come on and act like asses.
By Proud dawg
June 2, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I actually got a cxall today from the AJC wanting me to subscribe… you have to be kidding? The reporting in this rag is horrendous… I’ll see something on CNN and two days later it finally make the AJC (usually plagerized) Here again we have a non story that is a couple of paragraphs long telling us nothing about nothing!
I have another “relevant” story… a defensive tackle from Lovett has said no to UGA (although they didn’t offer him a scholarship) and has decided to go to Duke, not to play football though, but to study molecular biology. He feels that is where God wants him. The Duke coaching staff is ecstatic about his choice! Quoting one coach “We are glad he chose us! Although he won’t play football, he will definitely bring value to our academic departments! This will surely help vault the ACC above the SEC!”
Remember you heard it here first! AJC, where is my paycheck?
By 78 DAWG
June 2, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Just because we send him letters and watch his spring practices doesn’t mean we want him. He couldn’t get on the field for the DAWGS! God told him to go where he could get on the field. The DAWGS don’t want the ones that can’t cut the competition. STOP THE JEALOUSY. This paper must be run by Gayturds
By 78 DAWG
June 2, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Just because we send him letters and watch his spring practices doesn’t mean we want him. He couldn’t get on the field for the DAWGS! God told him to go where he could get on the field. The DAWGS don’t want the ones that can’t cut the competition. STOP THE JEALOUSY. This paper must be run by Gayturds
By 82DAWG
June 2, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Sam Watts is a one star recruit. He was smart to grab the SEC offer from MSU. He is not up to UGA standards, so why jeopardize an offer from MSU waiting for one that was not coming from UGA? Saying he jilted UGA is utterly ridiculous. Its like saying your girlfriend jilted Tony Romo for you.
By LESD
June 2, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Why are people so worked up? Coach Searles went to look at the recruit. Georgia has not offered him a scholarship and might never offer him one. But if the Dawgs weren’t at least CONSIDERING offering him one, why would Stacy Searles go out to evaluate him? You do not evaluate players that you already know you won’t offer.
The reporting here is that there is no need to offer this recruit. He has verbally committed to Miss State and remains happy with his decision. End of story.
The only hard feelings here are from some of my fellow Dawg fans who consistently complain about the AJC and yet continue to read it.
By 82DAWG
June 2, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
LESD - I also constantly complain about the price of gas and yet I continue to fill up my car.
By UGA'91
June 2, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
Well said LESD. No need to bash the kid folks, he did’nt write the article, so no need to say he could’nt cut it at UGA, much success to you young man. As far as the article…it’s a recruiting blog on a slow day, you read it b/c the headline grabbed your attention…right? That’s what the media is supposed to do is generate discussion. BTW, I understand the reporter doesn’t create the headline, so u can’t blame Hood for that. Go Dawgs, N/C this year!
By Mike
June 2, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Actually, what I find fascinating about this story is that UGa is still recruiting a young man who has already declared his commitment.
Seems to me there is something wrong with our world when we teach young men that once you give your word, it is OK to change your mind if a better offer comes along. I am NOT being critical of the young man, but of the recruiting process that teaches them it ain’t over ‘til they sign, no matter what promises they have made in any other way.
By Dumb Dumb
June 2, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
The only thing dumber than playing in Starkville is playing in Athens. This dude ain’t dumb!
By Chris Hamilton
June 2, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Plant High (Tampa, Fl) QB, Aaron Murray committed to the Dawgs. Check out other Tampa recruits
http://bigcountypreps.com/CountyTop10Ballers.html
By BullDawg Rick
June 2, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Watts is going to be an MSU Dawg…
Was not offered by UGA…
Jeff Hood is just trying to make up a story with a non-story…
Good luck to you Sam!!!
By Brandon
June 2, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
This article is stupid.
By Tom
June 2, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
With global warming, high gas prices and deforestation, UGA should really stop wasting resources sending daily letters to a player they apparently have no interest in whatsoever.
*
By Buzz Man
June 2, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Come to Georgia Tech Dude. We are the best team in the best conference in the land.
By jjacket
June 2, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I am glad GT isn’t wasting time on him. I know if a kid told me he considers Starkville home and that God was telling him to go tom Mississippi State - I’d stay away.
I’m sure GT heard a comment from him similiar to this and just removed him from the list.
By Proud dawg
June 2, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
LESD you are completely right… you do not evaluate someone unless you hope to give them an offer… it just happens sometimes that after that evaluation the individual does not completely meet your expectations (have you never had a job interview?) Oh and the only reason I still read the AJC (yet will never subscribe) is that its the ONLY DAMN PAPER in Atlanta! If we had a competing paper we would have more competitive reporting instead of the crap we have now!
By Buzzie Wuzzie wus a bear.
June 2, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
I just luv dem jackets.
By ugaheros
June 2, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Geez!!!! 200 kids wil sign D1 this year from our state. Are we supposed to belive that each one turned down UGA. No story here.
By Dawg 1
June 2, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Good luck kid…
Go to school where you will be happy. You have a superb coach and your playing in the SEC.
By Big Bee
June 2, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Dawgs, I saw your Hamilton for president sign on CSS. Who would you choose for a running mate? Perhaps Charles Grant—- A good presidential name—-hehehe.
By BullDawg Rick
June 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
Hey Big Bee…
The Diamond Dawgs just scored another run on your Jackets!!!! (& it’s after midnight!)
By Don Joel
June 3, 2008 3:55 AM | Link to this
The article in question and the reaction to it is much ado about not very much.
By warhorse
June 3, 2008 5:22 AM | Link to this
The poodle parade is decidely nasty about a simple little story of a guy returning to his roots in Mississippi. I think the irascible pups need some of the drugs Odell Thurman is taking to make it through the day.
By Top Dawg
June 3, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
18 - 6
:)
By Donnie Elkin
June 3, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Come and be a Miss. State Bulldog. Sly. Croom is just beginning to turn the program around with class and dignity. By the way, it is Starkville, not Starkeville.
By MSU DAWG
June 3, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Go ahead GT fans and talk your trash about anyone in the SEC. Just remember that MSU is coming to Atlanta this year and I guarantee they will have your respect when they exit the field. The only color that matters is MAROON!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO STATE!!!!
By tjs
June 3, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
I am mystified as to why anyine whop has no interest in UGA is treated like the enemy, or degradded in other ways.Lets face it everyone is not going to stay at home, for various reasons. UGA certainly needs some quality linemen, but sending daily letters and your “O” line coach to scout, shows more than a passing interest.The best “O” tackle in Florida says he has interest in UGA, so the world’s not going to end.
By sorry pups
June 3, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
GT student, but an Auburn fan. Either way, how am I acting? I mean maybe its kind of a non-news story but some of you guys are disturbingly insecure and defensive about the whole thing. If you actually think that the AJC has a slight against UGA, then you should just put back on your tin foil hats and go live under your rock.
By Just a Kid
June 4, 2008 1:40 AM | Link to this
I am a 4* recruit with offers from both GT and UGA plus at least 15 other SEC/ACC schools. We are just kids trying to make the best and the biggest decision of our lives. You people have made your decisions without the nation second guessing your every thought. Most of us are just getting use to answering questions from reporters. We are 16 and 17 years of age. You make us not want to even go to your school. Why would I want to go somewhere that people degrade you if you do not think like them. You give your schools and your great coaches a bad name.
By Bubba
June 4, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this
ROLL TIDE ROLL!
By Carter the Short-Timer
June 4, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
“Making it oh, so sweet for most of the 3,518 fans inside the park and the hundreds of others outside, it came against archrival Georgia Tech, 18-6 Monday night. For those counting, and surely all those in red and black who can are, Georgia has a 6-2 record against Tech in the NCAA tournament this decade.”
Jeez, I crack myself up.
Toodles, poodles!!
*
By Rahul
June 4, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Where is the best place to find baseball recruiting news?
By Big Bee
June 4, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Munzenmier, Baldwin, Boling, Thurman, Grant and now Jeremy Lomax. As I said before, don’t throw rocks if you live in a glass house. Looks like Coach MR brought more than coaching ability with him from FSU. So UGA, what are we doing here? Obviously trying for a top ten criminal team.
By Big Bee
June 4, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
JEREMY LOMAX, if you don’t know who this UGA football player, check the posters in your local post office.
By Big Bee
June 5, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Hey MSU Dawg, saw you guys on TV last year and was not impressed. Don’t start something you cannot finish. Anyone from a place where the state tree is a power pole needs to pipe down.