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DEL.ICIO.USWill UGA offer one of state’s top WRs?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia has three of the nation’s top wide receivers in Henry County’s Jamal Patterson, Ridgeland’s Michael Bowman, and Miller Grove’s Stephen Hill.
None of the three have been offered by UGA, but that could change at any moment.
When UGA coach Mark Richt announced that freshman Walter Hill was dismissed from the team, he told a group of reporters that wide receiver was the No. 1 priority for the few remaining scholarships in Georgia’s 2009 recruiting class.
Richt, who usually speaks about recruiting in general terms, was very specific about UGA’s needs: He said the Bulldogs, which have no wide receivers among their 15 commitments, are hoping to sign at least two, maybe three.
“I think you can look at our situation now and realize that there will definitely be some opportunities [for some wide receivers to play next year],” Richt said.
Until now, UGA has appeared to look everywhere else but its home state for wide receivers. LSU narrowed edged the Bulldogs for Rantavious Wooten of Belle Glade, Fla. Marlon Brown of Memphis made an official visit to Athens two weeks ago, but he has four more recruiting trips to make. The Bulldogs are also in the sweepstakes for Andre Debose of Sanford, Fla.
Will UGA offer one or more of the homegrown wide receivers? And if the Bulldogs do, is it too late? After all, each of three, which at one time or another expressed serious interest in UGA, moved on and committed to other schools.
Patterson, who was offered by just about every big-time school in the country (nearly 50 offers) except for Georgia, said he intends to sign with Stanford. But he did make an unofficial visit to UGA for the Alabama game. Henry County coach Mike Rozier said Thursday night that there has been no offer from UGA.
Bowman begged to commit to Georgia over the summer, but eventually lost patience and was won over by Alabama. Bowman said Thursday night he has not heard from UGA.
Hill was an early commitment to Central Florida, but was contacted “out of the blue” by Georgia last month. He has made two unofficial visits to Athens, but the Bulldogs appear to be stalling on an offer until some of the out-of-state prospects announce college choices. Hill confirmed on Thursday night that he talked with UGA recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner over the phone, but said he was not offered.
“I don’t know if they really want me or if they are looking for somebody else. I guess we’ll see what happens,” said Hill, who was offered by Georgia Tech, Boston College and Mississippi last week.
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By 78 DAWG
October 10, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I knew those guys weren’t kicked off the team for bad behavior! The laissez faire attitude about arrest, etc, CMR brought with him from FSU has leveled the playing field for us with teams like FL, LSU & TN and allowed us to move to the top of the SEC. If this staff thinks there are better prospects out there, get rid of the dead weight and let’s go get’em. I’m not sure why receiver is a need, they’re all 5 star recruits and play 5 downs apiece in an entire game. How about Offensive tackle or gaurd!
By ??????
October 10, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
YA SERIOUS?????
By KJ
October 11, 2008 1:31 AM | Link to this
Green, Troupe and King are all freshmen, I don’t see why WR is such a pressing need. I’m more concerned about FB and TE, since Southerland and Chandler will be gone.
By dawgfan1911
October 12, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Receivers are a NEED, Are you kidding ME?? We need a dominate pass rusher and some big offensive lineman who are nasty with their games.We need a tight end that can catch and block, did anyone here or see anything from this Aron White kid from Mizzou who started at TE? His name was never called for a block or a catch. Georgia better hope they get that Orsen kid out of Tampa who is one of the top TE in the country. Aslo, call me crazy, but I actually hope Mathew Stafford goes pro this year. His inablility to throw good balls cost this georgia team every game. Finally, can someone please tell me why Georgia never runs bootlegs or crossing routs for their receivers? You never see any slants in the reed zone its either a bomb down field or a balll thrown into double coverage in the middle of the field. This offense needs a coordinator who knows how to use all of its weapons. And let Demeako Goodman play more.
By Bill in Sandy Springs
October 12, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
The dawgs are fine at FB-Shuan Chapas and Fred Munzenmaier. Both with were well sought after recruits. Chapas is developing into a good back already.Plus, recruiting fullbacks is not exactly a challenge.
As far as offensive lineman- If you go to the rivals or scout site check out the film on either Chris Burnette(this kid is an animal!!- has amazing potential) or Austin Long(great potential as well). ESPNU had good things to say about both. Georgia does not lose anybody this year and only lose Vince Vance after next year. Plus, Trinton Sturdivant was medically redshirted this year and will be back at LT next year.
Tight Ends- Georgia has already got a commitment from Arthur Fontaine out of Boston. He is mainly a blocking tight end but had 10 catches last year. He was ranked 5th in the country by scout.
Georgia is recruiting both Orson Charles(Tampa Plant Senior HS) and Dion Sims a receiver/tight end from Orchard Lake, Michigan. Orson Charles is a team mate of QB recruit Aaron Murray.
Returning next year- Bruce Figgins, Aron White, Bryan Ros. (that is 3 TEs without recruits)(4 if you count part timer Kiante Tripp)
Receiver- Receiver is a need because- You lose Massaquoi this year and A.J.Green is eligible to leave after next year.
You also lose Demiko Goodman this year and Michael Moore next year.
The rest of the UGA receivers are possesion receivers and ontop of that they are undeveloped. You need a go to receiver for the future.
Georgia expected more out of Walter Hill and it opens up yet another spot(specifically out WR).
Recruiting a receiver like Marlon Brown or Andre Debose becomes a more realistic possibillity. This summer, CMR and his staff said that they would not chase a WR recruit to get him but apparently plans have changed.
Anybody who hopes that Matt Stafford leaves for the pros is either a fan of another team or just a complete moron. He is 23-5 as a starter and he has got a skill set that most QBs would kill for. Georgia fans should be so lucky.
All this struggling with an offensive line would be worse with a less talented, slower releasing, or weaker armed QB.