ajcsportstalk

By Top Dawg

November 15, 2006 09:55 PM | Link to this

Yes, we could have done better, but yes, he probably did the right thing in red-shirting them.

By gary

November 15, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Fresh . rarely make that big of a diff. CMR did a good job. The future on off and on def. is very bright. We may lose six on def., but I think the guys coming in will be better than those graduating. Charles Johnson needs to stay another year. I would like to see Troup play next year as a fresh. Stafford could be the best we have ever had, we need a few more stud rec. around him. AJ Green in 08 may be the beginning of a great run of top WR at Georgia .

Go Dawgs from Houston Texas.

By cherokee dawg

November 15, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Another stupid blog by the AJC staff. Of course it was the right thing to do. If they would have made that big of a difference, CMR would have played them (like he did some of them). It is in the best interest of the players and team to have them redshirt.

A better blog question would be: Did the AJC make the best decision in not hiring the best sports staff available?

By Randy Moss is a Slug, Not a Thug

November 15, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

no doubt. it was the right thing to do. it caused alot of pain this year but i think the benefits for the next four years will be great. How do i know this? Because that is the philosophy i employ in ncaa basketball and football on my xbox and it usually works wonders for me and my teams:) if uga was my xbox team i would have redshirted every last one of them. but that is in xbox fantasy land where i can turn off the option of letting any players leave after their redshirt sophomore seasons.

So, all kidding aside, CMR absolutely did the right thing here. he knew that without a legit QB ready to go this year, there was no point in burning up redshirt eligible players. i’m betting that over the next four, because he redshirted them, CMR will see that by saving those kids for next year, he is going to be recipient of one helluva compound interest rate on his investment

By Tigers schmigers

November 15, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this

that is a silly question. this team is very young but depth would be a big problem if Coach didn’t red shirt a large part of this talented class. let them grow and learn for a year, they will have a chance to shine next season.

By GatorHater

November 15, 2006 11:07 PM | Link to this

In a perfect world, every freshman class would be redshirted. That gives you 5 years to coach a player in your system. It usually makes for a well skilled player you can rely on for 3 good years. This is a stupid question, except the Offensive line, depth is fine everywhere on the field. Besides, there is no great freshman redshirting on the O line right now. Coach Mark Richt is smarter than you, thats why he pulls in over 2 million a year to coach the Dawgs. Richt is the man, look what happen to FSU when he left and look at what happen to UGA when he arrived. Quit trying to be an Alabama sports writer and trying to question the head coach all the time. Let the man do his job, because he has done a pretty darn good job since his hire.

Glory, glory to Ol’ Georgia and to H{ll with Georgia Tech!!!!!!!!!!

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 15, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this

We don’t know yet if not redshirting would have helped or hurt. The litmus test is recruiting. So far, it hasn’t appeard to hurt but it’ll be used against us, for example, by the Reptiles who played more true freshmen than almost anyone in the country. Plus, I don’t think it’ll hurt with the majority but it will have an effect on a outstanding few like Percy Harvin of the Reptiles.

By Anonymous

November 15, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

Richt did the right thing by redshirting them even though some of that speed sure could have been used this year. I guess next year we get the chance to see some of these guys. What I don’t know is if coach is opening up any of the secondary spots next year? I know Battle is leaving but is any other position really open because the way he raves about Banks and Jones has you thinkin like he has to find some way to get them on the field. Also looking forward to seeing the Akeems and Gamble at linebacker. Also waiting to see if Wilson can be that make you miss wide receiver in the open field. Looking forward to seeing some these guys in action.

By Ty

November 15, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this

Yes, Richt was right, and this is a stupid question. This is a clearly flawed team. Wasting the eligibility of a bunch more freshmen wouldn’t have helped anything.

By DawgsR#1

November 16, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this

Richt definitely made the correct decision but this spring and summer will be very interesting with the battle for playing time in the secondary. Battle is graduating so it will be interesting if the hard hitters Banks and Jones break through or if Byrd and Johnson can hold on.

By DawgsR#1

November 16, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this

Richt definitely made the correct decision but this spring and summer will be very interesting with the battle for playing time in the secondary. Battle is graduating so it will be interesting if the hard hitters Banks and Jones break through or if Byrd and Johnson can hold on.

By Thomas

November 16, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this

What about the players? Redhshirting will let them get their feet wet in college without the pressure of playing on Saturday. Abdolutely the right thing to do.

By longtimedawg

November 16, 2006 01:20 AM | Link to this

they say you win with great team speed and UGA will have plenty at every position next year. The defense has guys running 4.40 in the forty @ every position in the secondary. I have heard akeem hebron runs a sub 4.4 in the forty @ linebacker…thats down right nasty!

Go Dawgs!!!!!

By Lane4411

November 16, 2006 03:49 AM | Link to this

With all the babble there has been no mention of the OL, where only 2 starters will return next year, this should be a major concern. Couple of OL’s are prepping in Va., need a few JUCO’s, who can step in and play immediately. Stafford, RB’s need protection is the ship is going to be righted. The OL and QB are the most difficult positions to learn, which is why few start until their 3rd yr.

One mention of the OL above, too much emphasis on the skill positions.

By spud

November 16, 2006 05:10 AM | Link to this

I agree with you lane the O line is the major concern for next year does anyone know how many JUCO players we are looking at and do you think they could qualify academically?

By sj

November 16, 2006 05:21 AM | Link to this

Can you redshirt a coach? Maybe Martinez could spend a year in continuing coaching educational class.

By alabamadawg

November 16, 2006 05:25 AM | Link to this

Lane4411 had, by far,the most intelligent response.

By Buck Cochran in the NW

November 16, 2006 05:56 AM | Link to this

Lane 4411, I’m not sure of your point. Problem that MR has already stated is, in’07, the ol will be a problem. We had only 3 players and I guess they weren’t ready to play. WE’re recruiting “OL” like crazy so we don’t get back in to this same stiuation and I’ll be when he’s got more “OL” on campus we’ll see less redshirting in those positions.

By gomdawg

November 16, 2006 06:55 AM | Link to this

the picture look like a Hesiman Shot Let the big dawg eat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s beat jackets.

By beachside bulldawg

November 16, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this

Now that the regular season is behind us, it is gratifying to look back and see the progress this team has made. I cetainly didn’t have us in the top ten, although I was right there with everyone hollering while we were there.

We started without an established QB and had no real identity on defense. Yet sonehow this team rallied around themselves to beat AU over there. Everyone who watched this team barely beat Colorado and Miss State knew we were not a top ten team.

Thanks for a great year and good luck in the post season exhibition game vs. Calvin Johnson. Hopefully I’ll be coming to Atlanta for the Chicken Bowl.

By phipps

November 16, 2006 07:30 AM | Link to this

cherokeedawg and gatorhater- The next time you two slip off to type stupid remarks, “YOUR FIRED”. Now get back to cleaning toilets and quit bothering these folks!!!!!KFC warehouse!!!!!!

By Phipps Truck Stop Buddy

November 16, 2006 07:36 AM | Link to this

Phipps has $ex with men.

By MC

November 16, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

Now that he has beaten Auburn, approval will be given at any aspect. If he beats Tech, he will be applauded to continue whatever he has been trying to do further. Somtimes you have to win at any cost. Otherwise, you could create too many bad habits. Like losing. If Richt beats Tech, he will start to become one of the most popular coaches at Georgia. Maybe after that feat he can win the national championship, which has been his goal all along.

By wesley

November 16, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

Who wouldn’t have wanted to beat Fla,Vandy,Ken. and Tenn….but if we can have all these freshman coming in next year with Staf…he will be able to guide them and they will look up to him for leadership along wiht the other older guys…I think we are in for some very good days ahead…this year has been tuff…on Monday mornings…so I’m ok…with the redshirts….just get the good ones this year!!!!!!!!!!!

By Marky Mark

November 16, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

I wish that everyone would stop second guessing Richt. He has given the bulldog nation two SEC Championships in the past four years and the last one to do that was here for many years. I get very tired of people second guessing a good coach at the first sign of trouble. Everyone needs to get off of Coach Richt’s balls and relax.

By Hunk Erdown

November 16, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

Good teams or bad teams, the last 6 years or more we play worse teams too close. Until we start dominating the patsies on our schedule we will be in danger of what happened this year. I’m looking for a different attitude at going for that jugular vein before I get my hopes up for any NC hopes.

Where do we begin to go from here? Of course its the Off. line. They looked great against AU, but as has been mentioned— no depth. CMR is aware, so lets see what he can do about it. I still think he needs to bring in an OC with a ruthless attitude for putting points on the board.

Go Dawgs!!!

By DAWGLB

November 16, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

WE HAVE THREE JUCO O-LINEMAN COMING. WE HAVE SEVEN REDSHIRT FRESHMEN O-LINE. ALSO KALEB KING IS COMING TO GEORGIA!!!GOOOOOO..DAWGS

By Anonymous

November 16, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

The lowdown on OL Recruiting is this: While we will be young, from a talent point these are some of the best we have brought in ever. From a talent standpoint I honestly feel these are the most athletic OL’s we have brought in to date. So far we have Trinton Sturdivant (2006 Army All American), Antwane Greenlee (Top 2 OL in Georgia), Justin Anderson (2005 Army All American), Ben Harden (playing at Hargrave with Bean), Tanner Strickland (Top 3 OL in Georgia…guy is extremely atletic, plays RB and OL for his high school team), and Clint Boling(Top 5 OL in Georgia). We are also looking to bring in some JUCOS like Vince Vance at GMC, Scott Haverkamp, and a couple more that I can’t remember right now. But I honestly feel that we can be just as good or better if they are able to gell cause talent wise they are top notch. Plus, I think some of them are coming in January so they can work out and get stronger. Anyway, thats the lowdown on the OL since everyone was asking.

By Hunk Erdown

November 16, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this

That defense against AU was gangbusters. With man coverage and 2 free roaming safeties.. well, you see how it produced. Do you think Willie should still be at least demoted or should CMR be “allowed” to make that judgement? Did Willie earn a second chance?

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 16, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Of course the redshirts are correct option. Lot of talent there but the big key is that they get the opportunity to work the weight room to get the bulk they need at this level while picking up the speed of the game in practice. Hebron will be the man at LB next year, wait and see.

By jack

November 16, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

After we beat the wings off the “buzz boys”,… and win our bowl game, looking at this season as a whole, a 9 game winning record tastes pretty good. Redshirting talent to back up Stafford next year and beyond, will give us years of 10 + win seasons. As someone said earlier, this was a flawed year/team anyway. 9 wins would be great! Cream Tech!!!!!

By facticious

November 16, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

Who ever came up with this question needs to be redshirted for a year and kept away from posting on this website. At least I didn’t have to waste two quarters on it.

By dawgfacedboy

November 16, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

DawgLB & Anonymous- where are you getting your information from? I’m not necessarily doubting you I would just know so I could check whenever I wanted. If we address the OL then I believe that we will be MUCH improved for next year. It all starts up front. I’m looking forward to seeing Moreno run!

By TallaDawg

November 16, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

I think every Freshman should redshirt unless he is absolutely necessary for the team. The strength, knowledge and maturity gained in a red shirt year can turn a good player (lower round or undrafted NFL prospect) into a day one NFL propspect. I think it is best for a team not to have a kid learnig on-the-job. And, let’s not forget, the VAST majority of these guys are NOT going to play pro ball. The redshirt year gives them 4+ years to get a degree, which should be the players’ real goal.

By nobull

November 16, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

should have shirted one more…

By sonnyliv

November 16, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Is this writer saying we can play freshman in the bowl game? If so let them all in!

By Spanky

November 16, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

“Sonnyliv”…I was thinking the same thing! I would love to see a preview of R. Jones, Banks, and Morano(?).

By pete

November 16, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

Well, now that the high hopes for this season have been dashed and we’re already looking forward to next fall, I’d say the decision to redshirt a small army is fantastic. Let’s beat Tech, win a bowl, have a great spring, and give ‘em hell next fall. Go Dawgs!

By Anton

November 16, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this

yes, if we finish 9-4. No, if we finish 7-6, but this is the thin line walk in red shirting such a large group. It SHOULD pay out in an SEC and possibly an NCAA chamionship in the next 2-3 seasons…

By DAWGLB

November 16, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

we have three juco o-lineman coming.. we also have 7 redshirt o-lineman.. you heard it here first! kaleb king is coming to georgia!!! goooooo. dawgs

By godawg

November 16, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

When Kaleb comes we should redshirt him too, let him settle in, learn the offense and take care of his academics.

CMR said at the beginning of the season that Moreno needed to redshirt for the safety of our QBs. Apparently blocking in the backfield was a skill he needed a lot of work on. Also, at the time, it appeared that we had a full stable. Caleb may come in with the same needs.

By ChampDawg

November 16, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

I didn’t know that many had been redshirted. But, yes CMR did the right thing though. They are practicing and learning the system without costing a year of eligibility. I’ve been wandering where some of the depth a star recruits have been. Now we know. Next year looks good.

By crs

November 16, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this

Redshirting is huge in my mind, the kids get acclimated, are able to get bigger, stronger, faster, get ahead grades wise, learn their posistion, and on and on. QB, OL, and DL should always redshirt whenever possible.

By Todd

November 16, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

To all you idiots who respond to this blog who think CMR now hung the moon b/c of the shocking W on the plains Sat.

CMR and the staff have done a poor job overall this yr. This team should not be looking at best an 8-4 mark for the 06 campaign. Next yrs. offensive line problems have not suddendly disappeared.

Redshirting all these guys makes absolutely no sense . Everybody else in the leagus are getting these guys on the field even if it’s special teams play.

What doesn MR think, he’s stock piling these guys for some run at the national title in 3 yrs? Hell, MR needs to do something about the 1-6 mark against Florida first.

I’m a big MR guy as our head coach, but we still have issues at the moment. I loved every moment of the Auburn win and it was huged as far as the final outcome of the 06 campaign.

We did loose to Vandy, Kent. and notched up the tally with UF to 1-6.

Is MR ever going to turn it around in Jax. or is the Athletic Dept. have to way it’s tail in 09 and just admit that GA is going to have to take the game back to the campuses to have a chance at winning a few every now and then?

Oh, wait a minute, I see what we’re doing, we’re stock piling all these recruits that Rivals had as 3,4,5 stars, meanwhile West Va and Rutgers are playing all thier no stars recruits this yr. and bringing them along with playing time.

LATE

By rdnblkdawg

November 16, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

CMR seems to make the right decisions in most situations. The question should be “Is it in the best interest of the Student/Athlete”. An extra year of school helps the student and the athlete. They call it student/athlete for a reason!!!!!!!

By tim

November 16, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

but, will Moreno even get any PT next year? with Ware, Lump and possibley Brown coming back? I think it might be best to redshirt Brown (like Bailey this year) and save him for senior leadership in ‘08.

By Mike

November 16, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

I think he was right to redshirt them. UGA would have been average at best with them. I do know this. There are plenty of speedy recievers, even if they are dropping passes. Can any of them play defense. Jermaine Phillips tried for years to crack the lineup at UGA at reciever, then switched to safety. Now those guys he couldn’t beat out could go to him for loan with his fat NFL paycheck. It seems we have too many fast guys that sit, or share time that might be good cover men in the secondary.

By gdawginkalamazoo

November 16, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Tim, one of the best to ever come out of Jersey, I bet he does if he learns to block. Probably never had to in HS since he got the ball all the time.

By Big Fan

November 16, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

The article makes no mention of Nedarris Ward, the big tight end we signed last year out of California. I was told that he has an injured shoulder and may miss the spring. Is this true? Anyone know the scoop on this guy?

By Anonymous

November 16, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

For recruiting you can check ugasports.com or you can check dawgpost.com. Both are good recruiting sites and a place where you will find a lot of dawg fans. Sturdivant is the best OL in North Carolina and a 2006 Army All-American. Justin Anderson is at Hargrave and he was a 2005 Army All-American. Some people are split on who is the best o-lineman this year in Georgia between Nick Claytor and Antwane Greenlee. We have Greenlee and the nerds have Claytor. We also have Tanner Strickland who is a Top 5 OL in Georgia this year. Clint Boling is another O-Lineman that we are also bringing in. Boling could also play defensive line if needed. Plus, we have Ben Harden who is also at Hargrave. Plus, we are recruiting a couple of JUCO’s also. I feel the talent we are getting will be better on the o-line. Its just a matter of them learning how to gell and work together. I don’t know if we have ever had two Army All Americans starting on our offensive line. On the defensive line we have DE Neland Ball who is a four star guy, DE Clifton Geathers who is a four star guy. Also good news is that Geathers recieved a high enough test score to be accepted to UGA and all he has to do is pass his classes at Hargrave and he will be set. We also have DE Justin Houston who is a 3 star guy that plays for Statesboro. We are also recruiting D.J. Stafford who is a DT, DT Jarrius Wynn who is a JUCO at GMC, and DT Corey Irvin who is a JUCO at GMC. Honestly, I think the future is bright along both lines this year.

By Anonymous

November 16, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS: Caleb King RB of Greater Atlanta Christian will announce his commitment tomorrow night at 9:30. Rumors are circulating that he is favoring the DAWGS but its down to Auburn and UGA. We will find out tomorrow night.

By Anonymous

November 16, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

CORRECTION: Caleb is announcing 9:30 tomorrow morning. Everyone can find out bright and early where he is going to college/

By tim

November 16, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

I know he is great (Moreno), but I still wonder how it will effect the rotation. Would be nice to have a backfield of Brown, Moreno and King in ‘08 and that would help with next year. I am sure CMR will take that into consideration, though I am sure Brown doesn’t want to redshirt. But, then again, neither did Bailey…

I am interested to see if Kelin Johnson can keep his starting job next year too. The secondary should be stout for years to come.

And I heard the same regarding Nedarris Ward with the shoulder. Hope he can make it back - he will be an impact player for sure.

By tim

November 16, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Glad to see VA TEch is letting their players be compensated well…

By tim

November 16, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

JOhn Tentuta to Mich St. it’ll be happening after the ACC Title game most likely.

By lane4411

November 16, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

Anonymous, excellent post pertaining to the OL. My concern, is the quality of guys currently redshirted and the stage of development of the new guys coming in. Typically freshman, need a year to beef up,development upper body strength, and improve technique(footwork, use hands,etc.) and improve overall blocking skills. Neglected to mention, learn the system.. If you look @ the top 5 teams in D1, the majority typically have 10/12 guys who are ready to play @ a high quality level and another 4/5 who are redshirted and another 4/5 who are who in the learning/development proces Also, your starters are usually Juniors/Seniors.

Lot of bodies next year, how many will be ready?

The OL to me is the most interesting position because of the mental, as well as, physical aspect. A physical specimen with strong technique dominates-reason why the more mature players are starters.

My thought process is somewhat garbled, attempting to digest pecan pie i ate last night around 10- should know better.

Never spell check

By Robert Hays

November 16, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

Yes anything probably would have been an improvment. I could not see the defense after the 3rd game of the season . I ,m glad they showede up for the Auburn Game. Its been 5 wins in a row for Ga vs Tech.Are the bulldogs going to make it 6 in a row?

By KC in Athens

November 16, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe in sacrificing the success of one year for the success of another. The reality is, your fooling yourself if you think redshirting keeps a kid longer. Most of the top, top players will go pro after their third year anyway so you might as well go ahead and play them.

By ConyersDawg

November 16, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Tim, good statement about the running back situation in 2008. I personally hope that Brown takes his red-shirt. Lump will be a second team all sec next year behind McFaddden. If they would hand the ball to Lump 25 times a game he would be known all over the country.

I doubt Kelin keeps the safety position. If he does, he will share those duties a lot. Kelin is good but he is not the difference maker the dawgs are looking for there.

About the red-shirts. Awesome! Those boys are maturing and getting better and the team will be well served because of it.

By Anonymous

November 16, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

lane, I totally agree with you that freshman have to learn the technique and system. Hopefully the upper body strength can be developed when some of these guys come in on January. Honestly, I have no idea how the O-line is going to turn out next year but I think the talent will be there. If we struggle there, it will only be because of in-experience. I see a lot of teams using freshman o-lineman more than ever right now and that is what makes me think that maybe they can contribute early. We already have six O-line recruits committed. I’m not sure how many more they are trying to get. I would guess about two or three more which will primarily be from the JUCO’s.

By Big Dawg

November 16, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

To: lane4411

The Offensive Line will be fine for the next four years, the 7 redshirted linemen have been really impressive in practice and the coaches have been hard pressed not to play them this year especially with all the injuries. These guys are some of the best that Georgia has ever brought in and a couple of them have been compared to Mike Wilson and that is high praise indeed. So don’t worry because Coach Richt knows what he is doing. As one of the other posters stated Florida State fell apart after he left and our program has been on the rise ever since.

By Yeah_Boy

November 16, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

I remember the old days when only tech fans knew how to use the internet

The blogs were much better then