College recruiting

By Bobbydawg

January 4, 2009 11:12 PM | Link to this

SWEET!!!!

By jim

January 4, 2009 11:13 PM | Link to this

welcome to a fine insitution, as well as the others that were in consideration.The SEC is a fine conference with quality coaches. May God be with this young man in his travels in life. Be one with the world young man and may you punish them dad gum gators. Go SEC….

By Gutrake

January 4, 2009 11:17 PM | Link to this

Look guys, I’m happy about the kid’s decision…but this adulation of high schoolers is kinda’ sick…

By Dawg Fan

January 4, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the Bulldawg Nation

By dawgfan1911

January 4, 2009 11:22 PM | Link to this

Great job for Georgia to get this kid! He should be on the field next year. Logan Grey should not be returning kicks with a guy like this on the roster. I can see this guy on the field starting at CB next year in dime situations of course. He is that special, great job UGA. Now we need to get Marlon Brown and The huge offensive lineman from the JC.

By CBGator

January 4, 2009 11:28 PM | Link to this

I thought Reid was the #1 prospect in the state?

Anyway, good grab for UGA. They’ll need all the help they can get on defense.

By Villa Rica DAWG

January 4, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

Smart kid.

By bank walker

January 4, 2009 11:30 PM | Link to this

Great pick up for the Dawgs!

By matt

January 4, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe these kids are wearing microphones during a high school game. Go Dawgs

By southdawg

January 4, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this

Great pickup for Dawgs. Time to starting building some team chemistry for ‘09.

By mat b

January 4, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this

would think reid is # 1 but thank you braden smith we needed this for our defense and hopefully special teams

By college park Joel

January 4, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this

I thought I was the only one that felt that way about Logan Grey returning kickoffs!!! Lets get some Playmakers on the field at ALL TIMES!!!

By southdawg

January 4, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this

Great pickup for Dawgs. Time to starting building some team chemistry for ‘09.

By kbatuc

January 4, 2009 11:41 PM | Link to this

Gutrake,

I agree about the over adulation of kids, but this is the “industry” of college football now. Ask Phil Fulmer or Tommy Tubbervile about it!

By Roger

January 4, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

I am a Bulldog fan, but I am sick of the condescending “young man” used in every comment on a high school recruit by too many Georgia fans that post.

I am very happy to have the kid and wish him AND the Georgia all the best. But let’s also hope Brandon matures to be a “young man” and not get caught up in the street culture that has been too evident at Georgia.

Best of luck!

By Clamor

January 4, 2009 11:46 PM | Link to this

Dawgs continue to get the best players but we lay eggs when we play. What happens between the time they enroll and the time we play good teams each fall. Can’t wait for Sept. 2009.

By Big MIKE

January 4, 2009 11:54 PM | Link to this

Great choose, go to school first, get that degree play hard, win some championships, make plenty of money on sundays and retire at 35. Ain’t life good in dawg nation, BUT BEFORE YOU DO ALL THAT REMEMBER A.ALLEN AND P.MILLER, they are still pretty good son, so work out everyday like you want it, because there trying now to show somebody that they are worthy of that NFL money, so don’t think it’s gonna be that easy,and you will NOT GET by on name,and ranking alone. Every player on that team was the “MAN” in H.S., just ask the backup Q.B.,who never lost a game as a starter,or the backup tailback,who had to battle a freshman this year,after being ranked the #1 player in GA in 07.Work hard, play every play, and never let up, and if you do this, we’ll know your name twenty years from now. CLICK CLACK!!!!

By a lil bird

January 5, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this

This one was a given. Jarvis Jones is going west. Reid decommitted from UF Thursday on the phone with Washuan standing beside him. Reid has been spending alot of time with other UGA defensive commits like Moody for about a month now. He may have to go to Hargrave first so it wouldn’t hurt our scholarship situation. The chemistry of this small class is outstanding and they are definitely recruiting other talented players themselves! And most are from GA so they know the back story and WANT to represent the school! One more guy we might get but its on the low. J.M. You guys can do the research to find out what those initials represent!

By big pup

January 5, 2009 12:02 AM | Link to this

I herd his commite and he so articlick he is goin to be anoter UGA roads scholar.

By Johnny DangerDawg

January 5, 2009 12:08 AM | Link to this

If this guy’s legit, he will not be redshirted. He can return punts right away because that doesn’t require memorizing a huge playbook. By the 2010 season, all our corners will have graduated (Allen, Miller, Evans, Brown), so we have to give Branden Smith some experience at corner in 2009.

By bwell

January 5, 2009 12:09 AM | Link to this

Yes, that great! Is this a sign that Coach Gardner is staying?

By wil walton

January 5, 2009 12:11 AM | Link to this

Lil Bird: there’s about a 25-30 student athletes out there with the initials J.M. (and about 5-10 that UGA has reportedly been involved with). You have to be a little more specific.

By Nomar

January 5, 2009 12:14 AM | Link to this

I’m sure he’ll be dancing and trash-talking in no time—just like the rest of Mark Richt’s other fine future leaders of America.

By a lil bird

January 5, 2009 12:23 AM | Link to this

I can’t really go into details on this because my source has been asked to hold off on announcing the name. I’ll just say he plays in the middle of the d-line and isn’t from the state. Remember, this is a very sensitive case and some people are going to be VERY surprised!

By ME!

January 5, 2009 12:38 AM | Link to this

Jacobbi McDaniel?

By DeployedDawg

January 5, 2009 12:48 AM | Link to this

1911, the big offensive lineman, Bobbie Massie, is a prep schooler, not a JC. The good thing about that is that he will have all of his eligibility and I agree, it would be great if we can pull him. Unfortunately, I think that Alabama is the team to beat.

By a lil bird

January 5, 2009 12:56 AM | Link to this

no reason for response!

By rvadawg

January 5, 2009 1:03 AM | Link to this

if we somehow got jacobbi mcdaniel that would be sick. having a 5 star DT to anchor the defense would be huge

By a lil bird

January 5, 2009 1:08 AM | Link to this

Would rather have Jarvis stay in state personally, but I’ll take what we can get! Abry Jones will fit very nicely in the middle. I’m more concerned about keeping a man like Coach Garner around here right now. He’s a hold over from the 90’s and is definitely a guy Kiffin doesn’t need to get his hands on.

By ME!

January 5, 2009 1:11 AM | Link to this

when would this crazy commit happen to say this if it was true? a week? signing day?

By KJ

January 5, 2009 1:12 AM | Link to this

I’m sure he’ll be dancing and trash-talking in no time—just like the rest of Mark Richt’s other fine future leaders of America.

Yeah, because trash-talking is the exclusive domain of UGA players, right?

Go play in traffic.

By rvadawg

January 5, 2009 1:24 AM | Link to this

im excited about branden though. another champ bailey would be nice. if bobo actually makes plays for him that should be exciting to watch. maybe put logan gray at QB, branden lined up in the backfield. that would be a sick option combination (that is if knowshon and stafford leave).

By BLACK PROFESSOR

January 5, 2009 1:32 AM | Link to this

Every African-American student entering the ivory institutions better understand that they are a long, long way from Booker T. Washington High School. Although there are some athletes that are academically inclined, others are not. Brandon, pray that you are blessed and enter the NFL. Ask the LORD to make your experience a pleasant one. You are an athlete, so you probably will be treated well. However, prepare for a rainy day because football heroes come and go. Let’s face it you may not be good enough to make it to the next level, if not, please get your head in those books and obtain a degree from UGA. Don’t be like some African-American students that come to the big ivory halls full of promiSe and leave with nothing. If you run into a tough spot in school, get help. But, beyond all - study - study - study. It’s nice during commencements to look out on the crowd and see the young sisters and brothers graduating. It is even nicer to see my fellow African-American professors which are few and far between. Make your family, school, and community proud. Encourage your peers at Booker T Washington High School to not just come to school, but to learn something as well, so they too may enter the ivory halls and leave with a degree in their hands. GOOD LUCK BABY BOY FROM A PROFESSOR FROM THE HOOD. GO DAWGS!!!!!!

By a lil bird

January 5, 2009 1:41 AM | Link to this

The player said he hopefully would have a visit set up and take it within the next three weeks. He has made the comment that UGA is 50-50 with his other school/schools(ha/ha). I think we have a legitimate chance with the kid. If other commits could get involved it would be great. Nothing like a little peer perspective! Anyways, we’re dealing with youth and young manhood here so theres always going to be some things changing before mid-February. Like Reid recommitting to UF. I just hope we get guys who bleed red and black.

P.S. May God bless KJ and his family. I hope his negativity isn’t contagious.

By Muahahaha!!

January 5, 2009 4:42 AM | Link to this

Congratulations Branden!! Welcome aboard!!

By T

January 5, 2009 6:17 AM | Link to this

“good academics” ????? LOL….

well alrighty then….

By Bert

January 5, 2009 6:58 AM | Link to this

Welcome, young man, to the perennial 2nd best team in the SEC East.

By NikkiFree

January 5, 2009 7:00 AM | Link to this

Nice!!!! Another product of the Royal Blue & White chooses UGA. Go Dawgs!!!! (BTW & UGA)

By Clay

January 5, 2009 7:35 AM | Link to this

The DawgNation welcomes Branden! And yes UGA academics are not only better than Alabama, Florida and Florida State but those schools all have had players arrested for felonies. UGA has not.

By hiveredtech

January 5, 2009 7:37 AM | Link to this

UGA had more arrests than wins in 2008. 11 UGA football arrests by police in 2008.

Mark Richt really takes care of them!

By GT93

January 5, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

Cheers to Branden Smith on his choice and Congrats to UGA on a great recruit. More importantly, DITTO EVERYTHING said by “Black Professor” above (except the last statement, of course) ;)

By Hello????

January 5, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this

Bert, the perennial 2nd best teeam in the SEC East has been either Champion or Co Champion of the SEC East for 4 of the last 8 years, what are you smoking?

By Elliot Garcia

January 5, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this

Congrats! He said he enjoyed playing in Orlando and that is why he chose the Dawgs!

By jo

January 5, 2009 7:53 AM | Link to this

My opinion is Mark Richt got away from the formula of taking some hard working kids like Pollack, started reading his press clippings and recruiting a bunch of “talent”, overlooking discipline, hence the morning arrest chart, trying to “motivate” through end-zone antics and blackouts and other nonsense, and you see the results. These Booker T’s are all rah rah now, but the minute something goes wrong they quit, sometimes, like against Alabama, they dont even wait until the fourth quarter. We’ve turned into another Miami, a big bunch of trash talking prima donnas who don’t give a rat’s a* about tradition or what it means to play for the G. Im getting sick of Richt and his bunch of overhyped recruits who commit insane penalties and keep us with the also rans every year. Someone needs to explain to me the difference between Saint Mark and Donnan. Donnan gets fired over what? A couple of losses and Ga. Tech. So what does Richt and his heralded recruits do? Waxed by Alabama and Fla and loss to Ga. Tech. Explain why I should get excited about what we are getting from Booker T.

By Eljewell

January 5, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

The 3rd Bulldog to play for Coach Richt. Wonderful Branden. The Washington Football Alumnus are very proud of you. Take the tenacity of Coach L.C. Baker with you and make us proud. It is a happy day to be a Washington Bulldog.

By scott

January 5, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this

This kid made a great decision in going to GA and the dawgs pick up another good home grown defensive player , it’s a win win situation for both.

By Track&PuntReturner

January 5, 2009 8:07 AM | Link to this

Glad to see Smith on board..need at least 2 speedy sub 4.4 wide outs as well, with high skill sets, UF landed our prospects on that. Hard for UGA to land A.J. Green’s. Until the dawgs can get at least two more high octane wide outs to go with AJ, a speedy back like demps or reiny to spread the field, washuan ealey runs a 4.78, very slow…it will be hard to make SEC db’s, lb’s & d-lineman not man-up, crowd the box and play tight on Georgia. Speed equalizes speed. I love UGA..but the USC’s, UF and other perennial schools have it, we need more than 2 or 3 players, you need at least 3 to 4 on offense and 3 to 4 on defense. Defense we are getting there with this pick-up, offense AJ needs help bad.

The dawgs made in-roads into the state of Florida for WRs and speed talent, it seems that out of all the recruiting efforts, we only snag one or top calabiler player each year from other states. UF picked up our much needed receivers, we were suppossedly in the mix for. Until we can atleast go 50/50 with Florida in Jacksonville, the high skill set players in Florida are staying home. Hard to beat your big brother who is faster and stronger than you are. Georgia will have to pull off some upsets against top 10 AP teams in the future, we don’t have the Alabama or UF talent pool coming in in quantity all over the field. As far as out of state commits.. Aaron Muray..this one doesn’t count, I saw him with a UGA shirt on as a kid in a few pics and at a few UGA games. He has family in Atlanta. Not sure if we are casting our net’s in the right places. UGA may need to hire not only to replace Rodney if he leaves, but maybe 2 top recruiters. If he stays maybe another recruiting coordinator. A program like UGA should be touching more 5 & 4 star athletes early during their sophmore and junior years, getting more early commitments, especially in state. Instead of focusing in on 3 or 4 top nationwide receivers, make that list 5 to 7 top nationwide receivers and other positions, each of your position coaches should know the top 7 to 10 players they are to recruit. Divide and conquer. I know Mark Richt is a great man of faith, but he needs to be selling these kids on what they want in a program and school. It is great to be laid back and tell recruits, do what is best for you. I am now over a few hindered sales rep’s, I can here me interviewing my potential talent saying, do whats best for you..”put on your sales hat, don’t be cheesy, I thought painting the picture for Branded Smith being a Champ Bailey was good”. Treat all the prospects that are 4 & 5 stars like this and you will see the numbers double. As a coach you are at war for your job, especially with a luming 2 time national championship UF, Alabama running for a national championship, tennessee’s stock on the rise etc I have heard Nick Saban does an awesome job here. Hence his recruiting has been stellar.

It all starts with the athletes..UGA has a second tier roster without Moreno and Stafford. Food of thought, if Moreno had a back-up back like demps or reiny or both. Suddenly UGA could really stretch the perimeters with speed. We are too one dimensional. Once teams shut down slower athletes, it is the AJ Greens that open up the game. He will be shut down next year, no Mo Mass to take the pressure off.

Love the Dawgs, love the coaches, love our new addition in Branden Smith, need 4 to 5 athletes a year like UF to have speed, skill sets to compete a multiple positions with other elite perennial schools.

By MoDawg

January 5, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

Bama Stan

28-17 at the end!!!!!

Sorry. I couldn’t help it.

I was cheering for them, too!

(I can’t believe I am writing this….)

Go Gators!!

By D.Ellis

January 5, 2009 8:10 AM | Link to this

Very Nice Pick up. Welcome to the Bulldawg family! GOOO DAWGS!

By Jaded Jacket

January 5, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this

Apparently it doesn’t take much to lure players to UGA:

“He can get his No. 1 jersey at Georgia, and he has the chance to play early if he works hard.” Looks like his mama wanted him in a No. 1 jersey more than anything else. Gimme a break! This pretty much sums up everything we’ve been saying about the UGA program.

By Chairman

January 5, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Have fun underachieving for the next four years, it’s a Bulldawg tradition!!!

By Tim

January 5, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Wow, so UGA got ANOTHER top recuit? What are they doing with all these top recruits? Seems like every year they CLAIM to get the top recruited QB, RB, WR, LB,etc….You would think with all this talent they would win something of value. I am not a UGA fan, but when was the last time they won their conference? For a team of so-called top recruits, they sure don’t play like it. Either scouts are wrong, the AJC is wrong, or the coaches don’t know what they are doing.

By Track&PuntReturner

January 5, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

Article on Ealey at All Star Game: Another bust potentially?? He wasn’t playing slow high school kids in Orlando. Slow speed and no elusiveness with his size equals 2 to 3 yard average back in the SEC.

Down: Washaun Ealey, RB, ECI/Twin City, Ga., Georgia Ealey’s season didn’t conclude until mid-December and he certainly carried the load for his district champion ECI squad (2,825 yards, 41 Touchdowns). But banged up or not - he didn’t run like a top-5 running back this week. While looking thicker in person his initial burst through the hole and overall explosiveness was lacking. At times he struggled sliding through the small cutback creases and making himself thin when needed. His change-of-direction quickness and overall suddenness we saw on film was lacking in Orlando but still feel this downhill, power runner will develop into a productive back at Georgia.

By robert

January 5, 2009 8:22 AM | Link to this

What good does it do to get all this talent. Mark Richt cant win! He cant coach! Loserville. He’s had top 5 recruiting class for nearly 10 years running and has never competed for a national championship at georgia. I guess winning is not important its getting to the pros…What a loser in Richt

By brian22

January 5, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

So now that he’s picked Georgia, does that automatically put him on parol?

By robert

January 5, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

What good does it do to get all this talent. Mark Richt cant win! He cant coach! Loserville. He’s had top 5 recruiting class for nearly 10 years running and has never competed for a national championship at georgia. I guess winning is not important its getting to the pros…What a loser in Richt

By MoDawg

January 5, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this

robert

You and your post are lacking in reason and sanity. Richt has one of the highest winning percentages of any active coach.

I’d ask you to share what you’re smoking, but it has obviously stunted your brain growth.

Jaded Jacket

Your name says it all. LSU must have smacked that “bad taste” back into your mouth. Welcome back to reality!

By Joey Porter

January 5, 2009 8:35 AM | Link to this

I was really disgusted with espn and the whole process of forcing kids to choose universities.

This decision should be private and carefully thought through.

ESPN needs to stop pimping kids and their uneducated parents.

WTF is so wonderful about being on T.V?

Devin Hester is an effing idiot. Whatever language he speaks it definitely isn’t English.

He is definitely a fine product of the us public scholl system? Not.

The greatest country in the world cannot even produce citizens capable of speaking English.

Just smashing :)

By al

January 5, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

THis kid is stupid to go to Georgia, What are they Clark County Champions? Ha Ha Ha HA HA !

By chuck allison

January 5, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

This is a prime example of why a young high school athlete should really study and apply himself to his studies. Brandon would have been able to go to GA Tech if he had applied himself and taken the right courses. .

By Atlanta Jacket

January 5, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Mutt Fans Can you smell what we’re brewing down on the flats? Coach Johnston is building a powerhouse and you’re in our way. Prepare for a beatdown each and every year.

Smith, come on over to Tech were you can learn a real man’s offense and get yourself ready for the next level. Don’t waste your time at the cesspool getting your butt beaten.

Josh the Robot Nesbott is young but he’ll teach you everything you need to know. It starts with 45 points a game.

Either you’re with us or you’re against us. Make your choice.

THWG!

By BAMA STAN

January 5, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

31-0 at the half?!!

Hey Mo Dawg - not only 28-17 at the end - but 21-0 at the end of Q1!!!!

After the Florida lost - we just had a big let down and did not prepare or respect UTAH. Give Utah all the credit - we were outcoached, out hussled, and out prepared. But again, we are battling at the top of the heap - not in the middle or lower end.

Hate it that we let the SEC down - but our last two losses are stepping stones to be better days!!!!!!

RECRUITING

B. Smith a very good pickup for UGA. UGA’s class looks good - very balanced and fitting needs.

Bama is also looking good - stockpiling OLine and Defense - we are on a roll baby!!

SEC WESTappears to be a two horse race - BAMA and LSU. Ole Miss is as good as they are going to be - they are maxing out - but very dangerous team. ARK will be good - MS ST. and Auburn in trouble.

SEC EAST one horse race with Florida the best program in terms of coaching staff, talent and recruiting year in and year out. I said this before - Urban is the real deal. Looks like SC/TN/UGA fighting for 2/3/4 position for years to come.

Good luck to the Gators!!

**ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!

By MoDawg

January 5, 2009 8:49 AM | Link to this

Track&PuntReturner

I have read that he looked good during the practices and that his 4.78 timed 40 was inaccurate. He does come from a smaller school and did not play against top D-1 talent, but you don’t rush for 55 TDs in a single year of high school (his senior year) if you’re a slouch.

From what I’ve read, he needs to learn how to block (protect), but he has plenty of upside and is faster than the 4.78 showing on at least one recruiting website. Some of the clips I saw of him in the last 2 years playing at the Dome showed him to have some good breakaway speed.

I am happy to see that Branden picked UGA. He made me nervous holding that Gator football. He looks like he really could be the “next Champ Bailey”. Similarly built and with speed to burn. He will add a lot of excitement and another dimension to our offense, if he does play both sides of the ball.

Glad to have you as a Dawg, Branden!

Go Dawgs!!

By LMAO

January 5, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

By Atlanta Jacket

January 5, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this

Mutt Fans Can you smell what we’re brewing down on the flats? Coach Johnston is building a powerhouse and you’re in our way. Prepare for a beatdown each and every year.

Smith, come on over to Tech were you can learn a real man’s offense and get yourself ready for the next level. Don’t waste your time at the cesspool getting your butt beaten.

Josh the Robot Nesbott is young but he’ll teach you everything you need to know. It starts with 45 points a game.

Either you’re with us or you’re against us. Make your choice

I’m sure LSU is duly impressed with what you’re brewing down on the flats.

By Dawg Fud

January 5, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this

Atlanta Jacket - the only thing I can smell is the dome, which you royally stunk up on New Year’s Eve.

By ttownone

January 5, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

Nice pick up by UGA. Kid will be a great talent.

I’m not a UGA fan, but I’m not a homer, like some of these people on here either.

Congrats. He follows his Champ Bailey idol route. We all knew he would.

FSU missed a good one. I am very sure FSU will get 3 more like him, though.

By h ryder

January 5, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this

This is really sick. Close to none of these so called student-athletes could be accepted at any normal liberal arts college or UGA if they applied as just a student. They are special admits and are quickly gone if unable to take part in football. Why not be honest and advocate reinstituting lions and gladiators as at the pinnacle of the Roman Empire?

By TT

January 5, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

People need to stop being so negative. Branden is a good kid. Give the kid a chance to get there and prove himself. Just because others in the past have made mistakes don’t point the finger all the time. People should smile on young athletes doing something positive.. I say go do your thing Branden.. Prove negative people wrong……

By sherry

January 5, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Who would want to say they play for the bee’s. Please!! Brandon will be glad he came to Georgia. At least he can play to a full stadium.

By wreckmaniac

January 5, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

Thats great dawgs. Just recuit yourselves out the mess you’re in. Its never worked before. Insanity is repeating what hasn’t worked in the past. UGA constantly proves that you cannot 5 star recuit a championship.

By funny dogs

January 5, 2009 9:20 AM | Link to this

Ho hum…another recruiting year, and every dog recruit is a 5 star all-american…but, when you see them play they don’t look like 5 star anything. Dogs beat the mediocre teams they are supposed to beat every year, and lose to the only quality opponents they face. So where are all of these “5 stars”? Dog posters here are talking about how great this Smith kid is…I am guessing almost no one on this blog has ever been to one of his high school games and seen him play one down; yet, you are ready to proclaim him all-world. As for the other kid, Ealey, I have seen him play. He is slow, and likely won’t play much at GA..it is easy to score TD’s against Class A LB, safeties, etc., who usually weigh about 150 to 180, and run 40 in about 5 seconds. Enjoy your latest group of “5 stars” doggies. You will probably dominate Vandy, KY, SC, and the rest of the patsies on your schedule. The good teams will still be scoring 40 plus on you, but you will make it to another bowl with a half empty stadium and beat up on another powerhouse like Hawaii or Mich. State. Great program!

By tholcomb2988

January 5, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

I thought Reid was the #1 prospect in the state?

Greg Reid is the AJC’s all-class player of the year based on his play this past season. Branden Smith is rated a little higher by most observers as a college prospect. Both were AJC Super 11 players who got A+ grades as prospects on the Georgia 150. Fwiw, Reid and Smith were the two most impressive players I saw in person this season. Mr. Carvell follows the recruiting part of it, while I cover high school football, and he might another take on comparing the two.

I’ll add my two cents about the Champ Bailey thing. UGA has had perhaps two players like Champ Bailey in history. There’s Bailey, and there’s Charley Trippi - guys who were All American calibre at different positions. The chances of Branden Smith or Greg Reid being as good as Champ Bailey is pretty small, IYAM.

By BigTimeGaTechFan

January 5, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this

Brandon: Switch and play for Tech, You have time to change you mind. Nice pick up for UGA. Best of luck, study hard and play hard. go Jackets!

By DawgsRule

January 5, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this

With all these defensive studs, UGA will be unbeatable in a year or two. Next UGA needs a real D-coordinator to coach them.

By wreckmaniac

January 5, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

Well, I guess this just about guarantees that UGA will again be Preseason # 1 and win another nat championship. Man, what a factory. Those other schools just don’t stand a chance against this recruting juggernaut.

By Stop the negativity

January 5, 2009 9:31 AM | Link to this

I am just amazed that all these people know the future of this recruit. He is what 17-18 years old kid. He has his entire life ahead of him. UGA is a great school with great academics and athletics. Sure some players have gotten into trouble but does that automatically condemn Mr. Smith? I just find it sad that people who do not know this young man personally feel that it is ok to say that he will end up on parole and other negative things. If you’re not a fan of UGA, that’s perfectly fine. But keep these recruits names out of all the negativity. Thank you!

By UGA'91

January 5, 2009 9:33 AM | Link to this

Ditto Black Proffessor; Jo-kick rocks. What are the chances of landing the Reid kid from Valdosta? He really impressed me and to have two lock down corners…awesome!

By Super Fan

January 5, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

Branden you made the right decision. It is always fun to read these blogs. Always entertaining. I think the one thing we always miss as college fans is the fact that we never know how these recruits will pan out. Kids totally change when they leave their parents houses for the first time. The thing with recruiting, it is totally a crap shoot, some blue chip guys become busts and some walk ons become super stars. These so called experts attempt to project these kids but only time will tell. Don’t worry about becoming the next Champ Bailey, become the best Branden Smith you can be!!!!!!

By williebkind

January 5, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

Another great talent gone to waste while the “IDIOT Martinez is the DC for UGA. FIRE MARTINEZ!!

By RICHT NO MORE

January 5, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

11 ARRESTS IN 11 MONTHS AT UGA——-THE KID IS DOMMED——DOOMED——-NOT JUST A FEW KIDS——11 IN 11——I WOULD NOT SEND MY ENEMY TO UGA——WHY CAN’T YOU SEE THE LIGHT ???

By AVikingFan

January 5, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this

BTW, Greg Reid was chosen Most Valuable Player for his team in the Under Armor Allstar game last night. He was also chosen MVP of Georgia’s Allstar game held in Columbus. In that game the South beat the North 17-0 and Greg Reid scored on a 77 yd play and on an 80+ yard play. Last night he had two interceptions and several pass breakups. He also returned punts and kickoffs. He looked better than Branden Smith on defense the entire game.

By bulldawg4life

January 5, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

wow, you can’t stop the hate and jealousy for one second. how can you wish for a 18 yr. old high school kid to fail in college and athletics to go back to the hood….the uga football program is doing what it suppose to do, giving kids an real opportunity 2make their dreams a reality. chance at education & play in the nfl, but you call them thugs anyway. WHY, because you lost money betting on a game or you just so miserable that its easy 2 tear-down something postive like your f@#k-up life. cmr & the georgia bulldogs will be alright, just another 10 win season and the best yet 2 come. good start w/ the brandon smith & the aaron murray kid for 2009. building the defensive up is all we lacking, haters!!!!

so you go ahead and run your mouth, computer thug……bulldawg4life

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

Tim- “You would think with all this talent they would win something of value. I am not a UGA fan, but when was the last time they won their conference?”

We have won or spilt the SEC east in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007 and won the SEC championship in 2002 and 2005. Just because we have a bad year does not make us “the perennial 2nd best team in the SEC East”. It would be nice if people would do a little research and know at least a LITLLE bit of what they are talking about before coming on the UGA blog to make comments!

By Atlanta Jackets

January 5, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

Once Garnder leaves for Tennessee, Smith will reopen his commitment and look at Tech. That’s what my souces are telling me. Sorry doggies.

By monty

January 5, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

I’ll take CMR over Nick Saban cursing God on the sidelines anyday, it’s not God’s fault Nick didin’t get his boys fired up against Utah!

By RICHT NO MORE

January 5, 2009 9:53 AM | Link to this

HEY BULL@#$$4LIFE——-POOR GUY —-I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOU. NOW—-BREAK TIME IS OVER——GET BACK TO CHANGING TIRES AT WALSMART—-THAT UGA DIPLOMA REALLY HELPED. HOW ABOUT THE DREAMS UGA MADE COME TRUE FOR THOSE 11 WHO WERE ARRESTED IN 11 MONTHS—-YEAH GRAT PROGRAM MORON——SEND YOUR IDIOT KIDS THERE——MULLETS BREEDING MULLETS

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

funny dogs- “Dogs beat the mediocre teams they are supposed to beat every year, and lose to the only quality opponents they face. “

Last year we beat the “quality” teams of Florida, Auburn (last year), and Alabama and lost to the mediocre teams like Tennessee and South Carolina. But I guess since we lost to the quality teams and beat the mediocre teams THIS year it is ok to say that is what we do EVERY year? I will repeat myself… know at least a LITTLE of about what you are talking about before posting.

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this

monty i don’t think saying GD is cursing God. If it was reversed and he said D G then it would be. That is just simple grammar. Not that it makes using the term on Nat’l television any better!

By Dave

January 5, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this

Branden,

Welcome to the family. We look after our family, so after college, if you need it, you can fall back on all the connections that our family has in Atlanta and all of Georgia. Alabama backers may offer the same, but their state definitely doesn’t offer the opportunities found in Atlanta. At Florida or Florida State, you may not have found the post-career loyalty that you’ll have here. At Georgia, you’re our home state hero and we’re going to be there for you. Just ask D.J. Shockley.

By Red's Mother

January 5, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

Congratulations! It’s good to see you will continue to be a Bulldog. I’m sure you will do well, and always remember to make your haters your motivators!

By ByTorSnowDAWG

January 5, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or was the drama surrounding his choice a little much? I love the dogs and love to draw talent but I hope we did not end up with someone who loves the limelight a little too much. Come on, the hats and the t-shirt? Let’s see some wins and then talk it up with the pro-recruiters after you have proven yourself in the college ranks!

By Preston

January 5, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

UGA had beter do whatever it takes to keep Gardner because the way BS said “right now, I’m going with UGA” sounds to me like he might be monitoring the Garner situation. I know one guy doesn’t make a team and it wouldn’t be the end of the world w/o him but our recruiting has gotten much better since Donnan hired him and Richt wisely kept him. Look at all the guys he took out of GA when he was at UT. The man can flat out recruit!

By MountainDawg

January 5, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

Welcome to the Dawg Nation kid! Now, hopefully CWM can coach this kid up so he meets/surpasses his potential!

By richt no more, a sucka

January 5, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

yeah its bulldawg4life

dont worry about me, i’m unpacking my bags from a trip to orlando. yeah and i took pictures of the budwieser clydesdale horses just in case you think i’m full of s@#t like yourself. not addressing your stupidy anymore after this, if we’re changing tires at walmart then we are making more money than you fixing sandwiches at subway…. and you dont have good social skills, so i know you’re not a CEO of nothing, either. other words, just keep stocking-up the coldcut bins

By Denver dog

January 5, 2009 10:25 AM | Link to this

Hey Atlanta Jackets, are your sources the same ones that (ha ha) taught you to spell. Figure it out you dope.

By Bling and Blang

January 5, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this

I have my suspicions about this kid who already is pulling the hat trick and then having his brotha reveal his choice by pulling out the football jersey trick. Could be just another prima donna who wont pan out. These kids better learn that they ain’t crap till they are in college and earning to be on the practice field. All you fellow dawg fans are so happy about this kid and all along he wants to selfishly have a spotlight on him to make an announcement while stringing UGA and other colleges along. Untill he plays footballl on the college level, wraps up and tackles he aint nothing yet.

By MountainDawg

January 5, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

Bling and Blang @ 10:31 AM - Valid points indeed. These HS “bluechippers” are so over-hyped & marketed these days that it goes feeds their big heads/ego. Thanks to the level of hype that college recruiting has risen to, many of these “5 star” recruits have very unreal expectations of college stardom & NFL (pipe)dreams. Smith (like other “top” recruits) had best get it done on the practice field (1st) before he proves it on gameday!

By Burning Red

January 5, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this

This really is great we really need a great player like smith he really will make a differnce! if you guys have watched him play you all know how big this is for us, i feel real good about smith and it potential go dawgs thanks for making the right pick smith we’ll support you to the end

By Dont jerk my Chain

January 5, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

Bling…… I agree about some of these kids stringing along coaches which really displays a me attitude. Hopefully this kid will pan out however ,in a lot of instances , they don’t. I don’t have a problem with a kid taking his time in making a choice , because that’s a given, and he should weigh all options. When the kid makes a decision then a simple phone call to the head coach will suffice. This shows what true character a kid has and earns him respect.

By dawgs24/7

January 5, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this

I love the “under-acheiving” comments….over 10 wins a year under Richt with two titles and thats not good enough. What an idiotic statement.

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Before all of you go crucifying Smith for making a show out of who he picked you must realize that this wa broadcast by ESPN and I am sure the producers encouraged the players to make their announcements as entertaining and suspenseful as possible. Why do you think the announcers kept holding up the hats for applause and trying to make it more entertaining. That is the business. That is why they asked these guys to announce during this game, to get people to watch. It wasn’t as if they asked Under Armour to let them announce their decision during the game.

By RICHT NO MORE----BULL@#$ 4 LIFE

January 5, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

HEY BULL—- I am on the 32nd floor of a major company serving as a Sr. V.P. overlooking that great North Atlanta Trade School that provided me with a real education and spanked you mullets 45-42 and has 4 real National Championships.

I spend a couple of hours a day educating you ignorant clowns as my personal amusement.

I going to lunch in a few minutes and if I decide to have a burger make sure you gets the fries right hero!!!!!!!!!!!

By Jeff

January 5, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

Welcome to the dawg nation, and only you control your future and no matter what any of this morons say!! with good ole hard work the sky your limit

By Dont jerk my Chain

January 5, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this

Voice of reason…. true about the pressures of ESPN but then again a kid can choose not to be in the spotlight. I’m sure the kid already knew where he was going before the game ended. The kid had already earned himself a spot to be able to participate in the game. I don’t think ESPN told the kid you must announce your decision after the game to participate in the Under Armour event.

By KneeJerk

January 5, 2009 11:40 AM | Link to this

The funny thing about taking pictures of the Budweiser Clydesdales was that he was serious. You can’t make that up. How would you address someone’s “stupidy”? You definitely are bulldawg4life. in honor of some of the footballers, maybe you could change it to bulldawg420tolife

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

No I’m sure they didn’t say he couldn’t play unless he announced during the game but because he did does not make him any more or less of a prima donna. He gave the fans a show of it and that is what playing football at the next level is about… the fans. (or the customers if you want to look at the NCAA and the NFL as the business that it is.)

By Dont jerk my Chain

January 5, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this

Voice of reason ….. true again it doesn’t make him any more or any less of a primma donna. Lets just hope he can live up to the hype and expectations on the college level. I think others and myself included are just a little guarded until we see players actually perform on the football field. Particularly after all the hype and expectations during the past year.

By KneeJerk

January 5, 2009 12:15 PM | Link to this

What happens when Garner leaves and takes your class (what little you have) with him? What then doggies? Take more horsey pics?

The Robot Nesbot owns you and this town. He’s the next great Georgia TECH quarterback. What’s that Josh? You just ran for another touchdown against the mutts? Good job! LOL! ROTFLMAO!!

By #NEWS

January 5, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

EVERYONE———- GREAT NEWS——IT IS OFFICIAL

AP just announced— -BULLDOGS PRE-SEASON #1—-2009

We are gonna be NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

GO DAWGS

2009 NATL. CHAMPS FOR SURE

uh——-i just woked up and thank i got the wrong year——but i’ll put 32 pounds of air in all ya tars

By crs

January 5, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

I really can not get excited because someone has 4 stars by their name. Lets see when he gets on the field if he is a football player. If I remember Reshard Jones had 4 stars too and he has yet to show me he is a football player. Tim Jennings on the other hand had 2 stars but was a football player who brought it every game. UGA has recruited more 4 and 5 stars the last few years then they ever have and many of these perform at a low level. Hell Brandon Miller was a 5 star and played like a walk on. Get over these rankings, lets see how these kids perform before we get excited.

By melz

January 5, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Look dawg fans. One recruit won’t get us out of the mess Richt has got us in. We barely beat bad teams and get crushed by good teams. The bowl game was an awful performance. When was the last time we beat Kentucky 69-3 or another bad team? Not under Richt. Why? We are soft!! Bible belt Richt would rather have our kids jumping off diving boards to build unity instead of lifting weights. I am sick of losing to good teams. Wake up dawg fans. The program is slowly slipping to the middle of the SEC.

By MoDawg

January 5, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this

All these bitter Techies, now…how embarrassing.

Less than 2 weeks ago everything was wine and roses and you were going to hang ‘50’ on LSU…and now all you can say is “45-52”…oh wait, you’ve been repeating that mantra for over a month, now. LSU embarrassed you in your best bowl in recent memory and in your own backyard. Sure, 45-42 (3 points) was embarrassing to us in our backyard (even more so now after you wet the bed against LSU), but check the score…35 point loss to a team you were going to hang ‘50’ on? Now THAT’S embarrassing. Then you come on this blog and trash talk a 17-18 year old young man who just made one of the most important decisions of his life, so far. More embarrassment for you and a small percentage of your fanbase.

I would like to think most GT alum have better sense than some of the trash I am seeing on here.

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

In order for Josh Nesbitt to be the NEXT great QB at Georgia Tech you have to have had a great QB before, which Tech has never had. Since 1932 only 10 Tech QBs have played in the NFL (including Reggie Ball) and I challenge you to name one who started or did anything significant.

By bulldawg4life

January 5, 2009 12:48 PM | Link to this

did you have a great time at the varsity sharing hotdogs w/ ur boyfriend, because i know u didnt have fun at the chic-fil-a bowl…i know it hurts to score not 1 touchdown against somebody we scored 7 on.

yeah, thats real impressive plus grounds for your-so called dynasty….definitely not worry about you or tech ever!!!!!

By reality check

January 5, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

melz Quite frankly you are incorrect! Richt is a great coach and Tech would love to have you as their fan! Maybe Auburn or Tennessee will welcome you as well. Jump on their bandwagons. As far as me? Go Dawgs! Many players got experience with all of our injuries and will only help our depth next year!

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this

I mean something besides getting arrested for DUI, hit and run, marijuana possession, and violation of the open container law. And all you Tech fans talk about UGA players being thugs. Joe Hamilton was not only a GA Tech player but at the time he was arrested he was the Assistant Director of Player Personnel at GT. Funny how you seem to forget that when yall are going on and on about UGA players being arrested in the off-season.

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

Sure Ramble On… I’m sure that he REALLY wanted to go to Tech but had to settle for UGA… haha. He wasn’t even interested in yall but just think…. maybe if yall had a player of that claiber then Georgia wouldn’t have scored 42 on ya and LSU wouldn’t have put up 38. Tech is a joke. Pull for a real team.

By Out of State Talent

January 5, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

Georgia will never complete for a national championship until they recruit Texas high school talent.

By Voice of Reason

January 5, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

*Out of State Talent * UGA has Matt Stafford from Texas and have yet to win a Nat’l championship with this Texas talent they recruited

By Atlanta Jackets

January 5, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

So Gardner stays. So what. The definition of an idiot is to do the samething over and over and expect different results. UGAy keeps recruiting the same dumb athletes and keeps the same staff in place and the result will stay the same 45 - 42. Josh Robot Nesbitt will be back, Stafford won’t. I hear grades are an issue.

By 1st time dog

January 5, 2009 1:15 PM | Link to this

Everyone, This is my first post ever. I am a dog fan and there is a lot of junk on here but truefully Mark Richt needs to clean up his act at UGA—-and yes it is a MAJOR coaching problem with all discipline problems and very stupid penalties. H e has this year to clean it up or I promise you the elite will run him out of Athens. I have friends in high places at UGA and I can confirm that he has been informed that this year will be different.

By ttough44

January 5, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

You will never regreat joining the Bulldawg Nation! Welcome Home! GO DAWGS!

By KneeJerk

January 5, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

The 12:15 post was from the “fake” KneeJerk. Come up with your own name, dude.

By Mike T.

January 5, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this

Good luck to the Gators!!

**ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck to the Gators?

Boomer Sooner!

By KJ

January 5, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

The definition of an idiot is to do the samething over and over and expect different results

You mean, kind of like when you click the post button more than once?

By NICK

January 5, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

It will not matter if this kid wins four Heisman Trophies at UGA…He’ll never beat the Mighty Gators!