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DEL.ICIO.USUGA Recruiting Class: Hits, misses and overview
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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The bottom line
Georgia had one its best-ever classes. But it didn’t appear that way because the majority of recruits committed by the end of the summer. Aaron Murray of Tampa and Oconee County’s Zach Mettenberger are two of the nation’s top quarterbacks, and Booker T. Washington defensive back Branden Smith was the state’s consensus No. 1 prospect, barely ahead of Northside-Warner Robins defensive tackle Abry Jones.
Among friends
The good news: Georgia’s class should be a consensus top-10 class by most recruiting services. The bad news: Alabama and LSU are fighting it out for No. 1. What’s the old saying? Don’t look back. While Alabama and LSU had the SEC’s best classes, Georgia finished third in the conference, just ahead of Florida, according to the recruiting services. Scout had Georgia ranked at No. 8 in the nation, while Rivals placed the Bulldogs at ninth overall.
The hits
Brown stole the spotlight, but the biggest story was that Georgia was one of the nation’s few schools that didn’t lose any prospects this year after they publicly committed to the Bulldogs. Not a single player turned on Georgia, with national champion Florida working hard on wide receiver Rantavious Wooten of Belle Glades, Fla., Chestatee linebacker Chase Vasser, and cornerback Jordan Love of Richmond, Va.
The misses
Georgia started the day on an 0-for-4 skid as finalists on signing day for safety Jawanza Starling of Tallahassee, Fla. (Southern Cal), Carver- Columbus linebacker Jarvis Jones (Southern Cal), offensive lineman Bobby Massie of Hargrave, Va. (Ole Miss) and Miller Grove wide receiver Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech).
The Bulldogs felt great about their chances with Starling and Reid, but finished as the runners-up.
Filling holes
Perhaps Marlon Brown saved the day. In the final weeks, Georgia recruited hard at the wide receiver position, hoping that Brown would sign while talking with Miller Grove’s Stephen Hill. The void at the position, vacated by Mohamed Massaquoi, was filled when Brown’s announcement was made mid-afternoon.
In-state success
With the exception of Jones and Norcross cornerback Prince Kent (Miami), Georgia pretty much got every player it really wanted in the state early in the process. But the Bulldogs missed badly with last-minute offers to Walton fullback David Paulsen (Oklahoma St.) and Hill, along with getting serious late with Lowndes cornerback Greg Reid (Florida State).
Did you know?
Georgia is not finished with its class, hoping to add two more players — defensive tackle Kwame Geathers of Carver’s Bay, S.C., and tight end Orson Charles of Tampa, who will both sign within the next two weeks. … Around 150 Georgia fans showed up at the Butts-Mehre to watch the first 17 commitments get posted on the wall. But Georgia’s athletic building was empty when Brown announced, even though Richt warned that there might be some big news later on.
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By Vince
February 4, 2009 8:04 PM | Link to this
Great job to the coaches!
By sapper
February 4, 2009 8:22 PM | Link to this
Florida had a great class..filled the needs at certain positions…quality not quantity.16-17 slots this year..2010…18-24 slots.Offense..2 tackle positions…Defense…none Hopefully..year of the GATOR AGAIN!!
By sapper
February 4, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
Florida had a great class..filled the needs at certain positions…quality not quantity.16-17 slots this year..2010…18-24 slots.Offense..2 tackle positions…Defense…none Hopefully..year of the GATOR AGAIN!!
By quaildawg
February 4, 2009 8:26 PM | Link to this
UGA probably will never have a mythical #1 Recruiting Class because they sew-up targeted top tier talent very early and those type recruits don’t help sell recruiting rag services. It’s always interesting how the holdouts or those that milk the process move up the closer it gets to Signing Date. Bottomline: UGA Got two of the top ten OL in the country. UGA got the top two recruits in TN (take that Lane Kiffin) UGA got a steal in VA’s Jordan Love (UGA was on him early and held off UF among others) Vasser and the D-lineman from North Cobb were vastly underrated. How many other D-1 schools inked TWO top 10 QB’s??? The D-end from IN would have gotten more publicity had he been playing in AL (where he had moved from). Basically UGA showed their national brand awareness, appeal and versatility to go out of state and inked solid talent when within GA this was a down year for overall HS talent. Kudos to the UGA staff for a job well done!!!!!!
By Ansilex
February 4, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this
Good Class.
Bad move for Starling. They signed 5 Safeties in this class! He will be transferring in less than 2 years and will regret this decession a million times.
By chris
February 4, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this
another great class for uga.
By NRBQ
February 4, 2009 9:04 PM | Link to this
Sapper:
Do you see any mention of Florida in the headline or body of this article?
Can you read between the lines?
If so, read this: STFU.
By mike
February 4, 2009 9:12 PM | Link to this
miss badly with a Fullback??
By n,y dawg
February 4, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
Thank god for you MR. BROWN,you and Charles will make a great recruiting class even better! Sign soon Orson!
By RealityYech
February 4, 2009 9:13 PM | Link to this
Just how many of these intellectual juggernauts will make it in? 30%??? Thats very christian of you Richt, you phag.
By Wes
February 4, 2009 9:16 PM | Link to this
I know this college football thing is win win win,and I’m as big a Dawg as they come but, really, its what the coaches are able to do with these kids after they sign that matters. Personally, I hope every kid that signed, or walks on, or whatever, is as successful as he/she strives for. But lets remember, these are kids, kids who are trying to make it in life, not just football. And isnt that what REALLY matters!!?? Go Dawgs in ‘09 and good luck to ALL the signees!
By FL. DAWG
February 4, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
i guess snapper wasn’t too happy with gator blogs, sorry snapper but the last 3 years will be the best in the gaytors history, cryer will leave after getting his a* handed to him next year, for ND, but Zook shouldn’t have a job. STFU
By John
February 4, 2009 9:20 PM | Link to this
The Georgia QB’s must be having quite a celebration this evening. Cheers to the future! It looks like a quality class that met the needs of the program. Congrats to the Coaches! Thank you for insuring the great Georgia tradition……..a classy and winning program. My guess is that 09 will be the year we get a foothold in the country whereby our “take for granted 10 wins” will escalate to a level envied by many. I am very proud of our “10’s” but like the players and coaches we want more because we ARE that good. 08 was an incredible year with all of the injuries. Lookout feelines and reptiles of all sorts. We’re back!!
By John
February 4, 2009 9:21 PM | Link to this
The Georgia QB’s must be having quite a celebration this evening. Cheers to the future! It looks like a quality class that met the needs of the program. Congrats to the Coaches! Thank you for insuring the great Georgia tradition……..a classy and winning program. My guess is that 09 will be the year we get a foothold in the country whereby our “take for granted 10 wins” will escalate to a level envied by many. I am very proud of our “10’s” but like the players and coaches we want more because we ARE that good. 08 was an incredible year with all of the injuries. Lookout cats, volunteers, rebels and reptiles of all sorts. We’re back!!
By John
February 4, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this
The Georgia QB’s must be having quite a celebration this evening. Cheers to the future! It looks like a quality class that met the needs of the program. Congrats to the Coaches! Thank you for insuring the great Georgia tradition……..a classy and winning program. My guess is that 09 will be the year we get a foothold in the country whereby our “take for granted 10 wins” will escalate to a level envied by many. I am very proud of our “10’s” but like the players and coaches we want more because we ARE that good. 08 was an incredible year with all of the injuries. Lookout cats, volunteers, rebels and reptiles of all sorts. We’re back!!
By view from a far
February 4, 2009 9:32 PM | Link to this
Congratulations on a great class! Isn’t it great to be a Georgia Bulldog! Solid class that met many needs. Coaches do a great job of evaluating and recruiting. If we do pick up Charles and Geathers this will be an outstanding class. I just hope they all can get in school. Very good article as well. Go Dawgs!
By Buzzman84
February 4, 2009 9:41 PM | Link to this
Maybe the 8 or 9 recruits that don’t qualify will stay commited after a year of military school.
By RealityYech
February 4, 2009 10:08 PM | Link to this
Another great class filled with HIGH CHARACTER, WELL ROUNDED, STUDENT ATHLETES for the Dawgs. I don’t see any rapists or drug Lords like they recruit and actually play at Yech. Looks like another brilliant job of recruiting.
LOL!!! Yech douchebags thought they had something with Mr. Hill, only to find out that we slaughtered their mediocre pick up with the SECONDED RATED WIDE RECEIVER IN THE NATION with Brown.
Just another miserable day to be a Yech fan!!! LOL!!!
By Guyana Dawg
February 4, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this
Wes, I appreciate your comments.
By True Dawg
February 4, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
RealityYech,
Make up your mind “bucket head”. Are you a Dawg or a Nerd. You send so many mixed signals in your remarks. And when it comes to CMR you need to show some respect. Coach Rodney stayed at UGA because of CMR and he is a better man than you will ever be.
By hop
February 4, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
the quality and the depth of this class is exciting to see.
the amazing feature was that the dawgs not only one ,but two great qb’s which is a testament to coach richt, coach rodney garner and the rest of the staff.
this new class will enhance the dawgs for many years to come and a few will have an immediate impact next year.
By Buzzman84
February 4, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
High CHARACTER, STUDENT Athlete’s and UGA should never be used in the same breath.45 to 42!!!!!!! Two players arrested in 20 years, compared to 10 a year.Douchebag!!!!!!!
By hop
February 4, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
the quality and the depth of this class is exciting to see.
the amazing feature was that the dawgs not only one ,but two great qb’s which is a testament to coach richt, coach rodney garner and the rest of the staff.
this new class will enhance the dawgs for many years to come and a few will have an immediate impact next year.
By dawgman
February 4, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this
Buzz, You must first look at the type of crime committed; DUI, fighting, etc. Things that happen in all college campuses. If you went to college, you would see that drinking and fighting are a common occurrance and happens when you mix tetosterone and a little stupidity. But I may be mistaken, you could have been that student that never went out to a bar and stayed in his room with his books up his nose and is completely oblivious of the college life outside the classroom and dorm. So if you have ever taking a drink or gotten in a fight, Do not judge others who have committed the same crime. The only difference they got caught and you didn’t. Their name is actually known around campus where you must live your life as total unknown.
By CitizenK9
February 4, 2009 11:33 PM | Link to this
Tech fans pretend their players are all gentleman- scholars. Take those players out of the crime-filled ATL and put them in Athens where cops are everywhere looking for the most minor violations and see what happens. It took a drug task force from California to bust a GT starter that was working a drug distribution ring right in the middle of campus. What a bastion of integrity GT is, where they ignore players peddling drugs and lie about everything from coaches’ credentials to attendance figures, to player eligibility to who knows what else. Well at least GT can be proud of giving the NBA the the classy Stephon Marbury who along with A.I. ushered in the league’s hip-hop thug era. So “vacate” the “holier than thou BS” once and for all. Everybody knows better.
By uganationaltitle
February 5, 2009 12:37 AM | Link to this
I will tell you what realityyeack,
If CMR is such a Phag then thats what the heck i wanna be because a good Christian God Bearing man is what he is and your whole soul woudnt ad up to his left foot. GO back to your blog and stay out of ours because you Tech fans are just sadned by our relentless sucess in recruiting and yall aint even got one recruit thats half the man one of ours is. You are a Fool i said it a Fool if you think being a CHRISTIAN man is a PHagot. P** OFF our sight.
By uganationaltitle
February 5, 2009 12:40 AM | Link to this
I will tell you what realityyeack,
If CMR is such a Phag then thats what the heck i wanna be because a good Christian God Bearing man is what he is and your whole soul woudnt ad up to his left foot. GO back to your blog and stay out of ours because you Tech fans are just sadned by our relentless sucess in recruiting and yall aint even got one recruit thats half the man one of ours is. You are a Fool i said it a Fool if you think being a CHRISTIAN man is a PHagot. P** OFF our sight.
By ............................................BuLLdawg
February 5, 2009 3:51 AM | Link to this
With AJ Jones at Wide Receiver, I hardly think UGA’s “HOLES NEEDING FILLING” were at Wide Receiver, with all respect sir.
Georgia was Number 72 in sacks last season, despite having played 13 games without sacks, and 11 of those games were against passing quarterbacks. Pardon me, would that be a hole, just maybe sir ?
At Defensive End to sack opposing quarterbacks, we add 1 player, a somewhat undersized defensive end coming it at only 235 lbs. - more like a linebacker. He is considered a very good defensive end, but bookend defensive ends ? Well, we fell far short at the obvious HOLES MISSING WHICH WERE FILLED. 4.59 in the 40-yard dash Rivals reports this morning, the 1 DE Jon Fabris and Rodney Garner got for us JUST NOT ENOUGH. Were I to say filling holes, that this one is a huge hole and two, we needed more at this all important glaring hole.
Filling holes as well would have to move on to Tight End where not 1 TE on the team this season had more than 5 catches. We can all sit here and make excuses for every filling hole need that came up short again this season as we have done in the past at filling holes, but we do not fill holes as well as other Elite Football Programs. Sorry. 1 TE at 235 lbs. - again undersized coming in at that position, again more like a linebacker or small fullback and he has 4.93 speed in the 40-yard dash according to Scout.com this morning.
How would you rate my analysis of what are the holes that needed filling, one the issue of wide receiver you discuss, tight end I discuss and defensive end I discuss ?
By ............................................BuLLdawg
February 5, 2009 3:52 AM | Link to this
With AJ Green at Wide Receiver, I hardly think UGA’s “HOLES NEEDING FILLING” were at Wide Receiver, with all respect sir.
Georgia was Number 72 in sacks last season, despite having played 13 games without sacks, and 11 of those games were against passing quarterbacks. Pardon me, would that be a hole, just maybe sir ?
At Defensive End to sack opposing quarterbacks, we add 1 player, a somewhat undersized defensive end coming it at only 235 lbs. - more like a linebacker. He is considered a very good defensive end, but bookend defensive ends ? Well, we fell far short at the obvious HOLES MISSING WHICH WERE FILLED. 4.59 in the 40-yard dash Rivals reports this morning, the 1 DE Jon Fabris and Rodney Garner got for us JUST NOT ENOUGH. Were I to say filling holes, that this one is a huge hole and two, we needed more at this all important glaring hole.
Filling holes as well would have to move on to Tight End where not 1 TE on the team this season had more than 5 catches. We can all sit here and make excuses for every filling hole need that came up short again this season as we have done in the past at filling holes, but we do not fill holes as well as other Elite Football Programs. Sorry. 1 TE at 235 lbs. - again undersized coming in at that position, again more like a linebacker or small fullback and he has 4.93 speed in the 40-yard dash according to Scout.com this morning.
How would you rate my analysis of what are the holes that needed filling, one the issue of wide receiver you discuss, tight end I discuss and defensive end I discuss ?
By Joe
February 5, 2009 7:04 AM | Link to this
Now is a time to appreciate all the hard work that the UGA coaches and supporting staff did to recruit this top 10 2009 class. Did we fill every need, maybe not, but we sometimes forget the quality walk-ons who are not given enough credit for their contributions in practice and even in the 12 games. UGA has always had 30 + walk-ons that add to the depth of this team and I am sure the coaches evaluate their talent at each position when they plan their scholarship offers each year. Congratulations to all those UGA personnel on a job well done and also to the members of this football class of 2009, welcome to the UGA family, you made a great choice that will reward you for many years to come.
By bill
February 5, 2009 7:18 AM | Link to this
I would rate the analysis of the above (drunk) poster as ignorant and chicken little.
We have 6 WR on scholly now. We need more than that and we need some type of serious threats opposite AJ otherwise he is double teamed on every play and we have no way to make them pay for it. Rated: Ignorant
Calling Montez Robinson and Arthur Lynch “undersized coming in” is again ignorant. Neither is expected to play at that position as a true freshman and neither is undersized. Bednarik finalist and first team all-American DE Aaron Maybin is 1 inch shorter and weighs the same as Montez. At 6-5, 240 Lynch is only 5 lbs less than the AA TE from Mizzou and is much bigger than other TEs that are very successful. Rated: Ignorant
As to the depth on the DE you are forgetting that several players were nicked up and others redshirted. As stated above there should never be any expectation that a freshman will come in and be a difference maker at DE. It could happen but it would be a huge surprise no matter who it was. For all we know Montez could be the one. (As it’s already been established he is NOT undersized.) If nothing else we have most of the bodies back and we’re adding several when you include Kiante Tripp who is moving back to where he should be. I would agree that it is by far the area of biggest concern, but you make it sound like there is no hope and if only we had signed 1 more high school kid all would be right with the world. Rated: Ignorant and Sky is Falling
By Hey Bulldawg
February 5, 2009 7:50 AM | Link to this
I would rate you a 10 as in a complete and utter Douche for blogging at 3:40am you phaggot
By takedowndawg
February 5, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this
A very good recruiting class with solid players being brought in to shore up our Dawgs. I was excited to see Montez Robinson brought in to add some outside speed to a much needed pass rush. Also, Marlon Brown was a pleasant last min. surprise. He should deflect some of the attention away from A.J. if he is allowed to play early. He looks like the real thing. Coaches, the talent is here. Hopefully, our poor performance in 2008 in special teams is being addressed in the off season, as well as other areas. Time to shape up assistant coaches(no names given; you know who you are). We’re willing to give you this year to show big improvement. Alumni patience has its limits.
By Sautee Dawg
February 5, 2009 8:38 AM | Link to this
Citizen K9
agree with you on the arrests report, Athens has 1 cop for every 5 people, while Atlanta has 1 cop for every 250,000 people.
By Nancy Seagraves
February 5, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
I am very proud and happy with Coach Mark Richt’s great recruiting class. Now I hope that these players play for 4 years instead of 2 or 3 years. I still think that Hershal Walker secretly regrets leaving UGA. The 4 or 5 years to get to play football between the hedges and to get a world class education that no one can take from you is worth a lot. And recruits, you can always take pride in the fact that you got to come to Athens, GA for the best years of your young life. GO DAWGS!
By Mike T
February 5, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this
Great JOB coaches on the recruiting class. The new members of the bulldog nation need to understand that they are expected to play well and accept the challenge of being great students and roll models to the kids that idolize them. Coach I like the system each team member knows his conduct affects everyone and if they step out side the line, the team and you will deal with them. Everything they do affects UGA. I like the job you are doing and wish you continued success.
By Tech is pathetic
February 5, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this
Hey Buzzman84.. you loser, meet me in the back parking lot of Tin Lizzy’s today at 4pm sharp. You are a complete nerd.
By SAVtechIE
February 5, 2009 10:49 AM | Link to this
Can’t help but be amused at how well Bobby Knight would fit in with all UGA primates except Mark Richt. Richt is not in the same class as the primates.
By shad65
February 5, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this
TO SAPPER:
How about following your florida newspapers B#@%^H. This is for DAWG and JACKET fans, not Gayturd fans, so FO
By st simons
February 5, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this
45-42!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahha
By 7 out of 8
February 5, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
7 out of the last 8!!!!! bahahahahahahahahahahah The streak starts again this year.
By st simons
February 5, 2009 12:40 PM | Link to this
year after year uga braggs about their recruits what about 45-42 hahahahhahahahahhaaha
By Munson
February 5, 2009 1:21 PM | Link to this
You beat us and we still ended up ranked higher than you!
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
By Mike
February 5, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this
Great recruting class, now lets find a new defenseive coordinator!
By Tin Lizzy's??
February 5, 2009 2:26 PM | Link to this
Is that where you work????? BWWAAAAHHHHHAAAAAAHHHHHAA
I needed a good laugh today. You are pathetic.
45-42
By Pure Bama DAWG!
February 5, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
Yes, it was a good class. However, the thanks go to Rodney Garner, Mike Bobo and Stacey Searels. It appears that once again, Willie Martinez CANNOT recruit any high end talent for his defense! Not keeping Reid in-state, Jarvis Jones or Myles for that matter, does not help a defense that is lacking in talent and intensity compared to the likes of Florida and Alabama! If you get rid of Martinez, like they should have done at the end of this year, and promote Garner or hire any of the other HIGHLY Talented Ex-Bulldog defensive coaches out there that can bring back anything that resembles passion and toughness to that side of the ball—-the recruiting classes will become Great.
UGA will continue to fall short playing for SEC Titles and we can’t even think about National Titles. You also have to consider the late offers that Georgia did NOT get because these guys felt like Georgia didn’t care. Even the in-state guys. Look at what the other coaches are doing! You can over-sign a class and cut existing scholarships from players who are not productive! With 85 choices, this is being done more and more often from the likes of Saban, Meyer, Miles, etc.
Just seems that we need more help recruiting on the defensive side of the ball! Garner can’t do it all and Martinez is NO help!
GO DAWGS!