There will be several connections to Georgia on Sunday when the Rams and Bengals take the field in the Super Bowl.
The most notable likely will play a huge part in deciding the winner: Rams coach Sean McVay (a graduate of the Marist School) and quarterback Matthew Stafford (the former University of Georgia star selected No. 1 in the 2009 NFL draft). But the connection to the state runs much deeper for the Rams – on the coaching staff and on the playing field:
– Former Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris is the defensive coordinator.
– Former Falcons assistant Joe DeCamillis is the special-teams coordinator.
– Former UGA running back Thomas Brown coaches running backs and is the assistant head coach.
– Former UGA offensive lineman Nick Jones is an offensive assistant, while Rome native Marcus Dixon is the assistant defensive line coach.
In addition to Stafford, the Rams have five other players with connections to the state:
– Defensive end Leonard Floyd (Eastman and UGA)
– Offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum (McEachern High and Clemson)
– Running back Sony Michel (UGA)
– Linebacker Ernest Jones (Ware County and South Carolina)
--Defensive back Grant Haley (Lovett)
– Former Falcons wide receiver/returner Brandon Powell
The Bengals with Georgia connections:
– Tight end C.J. Uzomah (North Gwinnett and Auburn)
– Center Trey Hill (Houston County and UGA)
– Former Falcons safety Ricardo Allen
– Safety Vonn Bell (Ridgeland High)
– Cornerback Mike Hilton (Sandy Creek)
– Defensive end Cameron Sample (Shiloh)
– Offensive tackle D’Ante Smith (Grovetown High)
