Top 10 reasons we thought Orson Charles might pick Georgia

This guy rules.

This guy rules.

UPDATE: Click here for AJC Photo Gallery of Charles signing with Georgia at his signing ceremony on March 6, 2009.

Tight end Orson Charles of Tampa, one of the nation’s top unsigned seniors, was scheduled to pick March 6, 2009, between Georgia, Tennessee and Southern Cal at 4:30 p.m. EST. Here are 10 reasons we here at the AJC thought O.C. just might pick UGA. (And we turned out to be right on.)

10. Be Like Herschel (Just Sign Earlier) — The most famous Georgia Bulldog also waited until after signing day. Herschel Walker, the 1982 Heisman Trophy winner, signed his college papers in April. APRIL.

9. You Can’t Spell “Superior College Football” without “SEC” — The Southeastern Conference is considered by many to be the country’s best for college football, and home to the last three BCS champions. Georgia began last season ranked No. 1 in the nation.

8. TE + UGA = NFL — Georgia has an established reputation for sending tight ends to the NFL (see: former standouts such as Benjamin Watson, Leonard Pope and Randy McMichael).

Reunited and it feels so good...

Reunited and it feels so good...

7. Bringing It All Back Home — If O.C. wants to play at least one game per year in front of home state folks, then the Bulldogs have at least one game per year in Florida. The Bulldogs haven’t fared too well against the Gators recently in the series, but the game is held in Jacksonville.

6. Real Men Say It With Chest-Bumps — If O.C. likes the energy of those famous shirt-ripping assistants at Tennessee, then he also likes the enthusiasm of Georgia assistant coach John Lilly. Charles said the two “chest-bumped” at UGA prospect camp last summer. Lilly is in charge of the team’s tight ends.

"Oops. Sorry."

Oops. Sorry.

5. There’s Nothing A Little Instant Legend Status Can’t Fix (Except Florida’s BCS Trophy) — O.C. is already a legend among Georgia supporters without ever playing a single down of college football. He accidentially bumped into and shattered Florida’s 2006 BCS championship trophy while touring campus last April.

4. A Certain Little Black Book — O.C. has been reading Proverbs this week to help him gain wisdom in his decision. Mark Richt is known in the college ranks for his spirituality.

3. If The No. 7 Fits, You Must Commit — O.C. said it’s all about the football, and not the football jerseys. Nevertheless, if it’s the No. 7 jersey he wants, Georgia is reserving the hallowed threads of Matthew Stafford. Not many people can say that they are wearing the digit formerly occupied by the possible No. 1 pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Sure would be nice to do it twice.

Sure would be nice to do it twice.

2. Athens Is Ready When You Are — Georgia is a much closer drive than Tennessee or California. But why drive when flying is quicker? Orlando to Atlanta each way is $59 on AirTran. To Orson’s family, we say “Go. There’s nothing stopping you.”

1. It Takes Two To Make A Thing Go RightQuarterback Aaron Murray is a proven commodity with O.C. The two teamed together to lead Plant High to Florida’s Class AAAA championship in December. One year together, one championship. Can it get any better than that? Murray the golden-boy QB will surely be looking for his favorite target in college, too.

60 comments Add your comment

nola dawg

March 6th, 2009
10:35 am

do we know what time he announces? and can you watch on any websites?

Charlie Morton

March 6th, 2009
10:45 am

Go Vols! Orson Charles come to Knoxville and play in front of 108,000 fans.

kauai dawg

March 6th, 2009
10:51 am

10 wonderful reasons for Mr. Charles to become a DAWG! I am praying you have peace that passes all understanding today no matter which team you pick. Knowing you picked the right team for you and your family is important.

David

March 6th, 2009
10:51 am

wow bumped into the ‘06 championship trophy, it will be nice to see how the FLA fans treat him as he joggs onto the field for the first time in JAX.

Jimmy"Superfly"Snuka

March 6th, 2009
10:57 am

11..He can chest bump with the coaches and wear old number 7. Yessir Buddy.

Bank Walker, Texas Raner

March 6th, 2009
11:08 am

Orson Charles,go to Knoxville and play in front of 108,000 fans who are all related by blood, marriage or in most cases, both.

Cuz

March 6th, 2009
11:10 am

IT’S ORSON CHARLES DAY, IT’S ORSON CHARLES DAY!!!!!!!!

I kept my children out of school and put on my lucky sweat socks. We are going to tailgait and listen to Munson’s favorite calls all day till the announcement. C’mon Orson, hunker down just one time for us.

Bank Walker, Texas Ranger

March 6th, 2009
11:10 am

Sorry, Ranger not Raner now don’t give me any guff or you’ll get a round house kick to the head

Twilb Dawg

March 6th, 2009
11:13 am

He announces at 4:30 today…Rivals is reporting that UT has been emliminated.

bank walker

March 6th, 2009
11:17 am

Come on down Orson Charles!!!! GO DAWGS!!!!!!!

ArkDog

March 6th, 2009
11:19 am

ORSON CHARLES – GEORGIA IS THE PLACE TO GO. ADD UP ALL THE PLUSES AND MINUSES AND SEE WHO GETS THE HIGHEST SCORE – GO BULLDOGS!!!

nola dawg

March 6th, 2009
11:24 am

nice update Twilb… can you watch on Rivals?

JG

March 6th, 2009
11:24 am

Why go to Knoxville and play in front of 108,000 fans when he can stop in Athens and play in front of more than 109,000

Huh?

March 6th, 2009
11:26 am

Imagine a Murray to Charles touchdown pass to win the game in the final seconds against FLORIDA. It would be worth 100 excessive end zone celebrations. Meyer would probably cry again.

[...] it’s never over) as Orson Charles, who could have been so much for this site and for Florida, will decide at 3:45 p.m. between USC, Tennessee, and Georgia. At this point we’re rooting for him to go to Georgia or USC, if only to keep him from the [...]

Cuz

March 6th, 2009
11:40 am

Urban would cry and the replacement crystal football would shatter by itself. The oceans would rise, dogs and cats living together……

no where to be found

March 6th, 2009
12:29 pm

Any player, coach or person who will yank peoples chain and wait to anounce his decision and do the hat trick, is not a person, I want on my team…. there is no reason that this colleges and ncaa allow these guys to display this type of arrogance….. he is prob a non qualifier, thats why he waited, and i am sure there are other reason and things we know not of…. good luck to the chump.. hope he goes to USC…… or Tn.. if he goes to UGA, he will get arrested…..

Bee Proud

March 6th, 2009
12:39 pm

Bo Jackson was better than HW… all day long.

Panom P Disatham

March 6th, 2009
12:41 pm

OC go with your heart, whatever you choose is good as long as it is NOT FU or my former school UT. At UTK, if we have another dollar they would add another seat to the stadium, and now it’s look like jungle of steel. At UGA (also my former school) we pride on quality of life, just take a good look at campus scenery and neatness. None other school look as good as UGA, LSU may come close, you see with your own eyes.

jude63

March 6th, 2009
12:43 pm

I would love to have him in K-town but I know he wants to go to the dawgs. good luck Mr. Charles

2BT

March 6th, 2009
12:44 pm

Go with the Trojans, play in the Rose Bowl and contend for national championships.

Or go with the mutts, and enjoy losing yearly to Urban Meyer and Paul Johnson while visiting Orlando or Tampa Bay for New Year’s!

jude63

March 6th, 2009
12:45 pm

not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Panom P Disatham

March 6th, 2009
12:48 pm

Bo was looked up to Herschael not other way around! At one point Bo is more maketable than HW because of his funny appearance and good humer. HC looked too serious for our audience.

bank walker

March 6th, 2009
12:49 pm

NO WAY bee, was Bo J. better than Herschel. You need to stop snorting the magnesium sulfate in chemistry class.

77DAWG

March 6th, 2009
12:53 pm

2BT is absolutely GT fan. Just notice his expression of sickening mind.

77DAWG

March 6th, 2009
1:01 pm

Mr nowhere to be found. Arrest by who? By you? Mr Law-on-yourown. Different time, place, person, have nothing to do with the present, human create his own destiny Mr. Genius.

FLDAWG

March 6th, 2009
2:00 pm

Bo J was not a better college RB than Herschel, but he was a better athlete. Bo may be the best athlete ever, not necessarily the best CFB RB, but the only RB in the NFL with 2 TD’s over 90 yards and man could he hit a baseball, not to mention a great arm in the OF. Herschel was just a beast in the SEC. He could run over or around just about anyone. Bill Bates will never forget Walker, just like Bosworth will never forget Bo. Two great backs for sure. It’s a shame no one like either of them play today.

Rabiddawg

March 6th, 2009
2:27 pm

Hate to say it but I think Charles will sign with UT. I wish he would choose UGA because AJ, Marlon, and Charles would be lethal against opposing defenses. Just following recruiting, I have noticed that a majority of the time when all signs point in one direction the big time recruit goes the other. Maybe it’s just me but UT has already signed Oku today or yesterday and I feel they waited for a reason. Hopefully I’m wrong.

Snoop Dawg

March 6th, 2009
2:36 pm

Herschel’s a black belt… Bo is a semi crip…

Bancbits78

March 6th, 2009
2:51 pm

When is he supposed to announce that he is coming to UGA? SICK EM DAWGS!!

mcdawg

March 6th, 2009
2:55 pm

3 reason he won’t
U S & C

just a feeling-hope i’m wrong

Tech sucks

March 6th, 2009
3:08 pm

Why in the world would he sign with UT? That makes zero sense. UGA or USC all the way.

Dorsey Hill

March 6th, 2009
3:27 pm

I keep these handy for whenever the subject comes up:

1982 Herschel Walker 355 carries 1752 yrd 16 TD
1981 Herschel Walker 385 1891 18
1980 Herschel Walker 274 1616 15
totals 994 5208 49

Bo Jackson:

1982 127 829
1983 158 1213
1984 87 475
1985 278 1786
Totals 650 4303

When you played an extra year and are 900 yards short other than the same jersey number there is really no comparison at all.

dawes

March 6th, 2009
3:44 pm

orson charles pick georgia if you want to win a national champion

Truth-serum

March 6th, 2009
3:58 pm

Does anybody really care? The Bull Puppies have a top 5 draft every year and then go on to lose. Theyve recruited Top five every year for Ten years and have never competed for a national championship. Georgia are underacheivers. LSU,Florida,Alabama,Ohio State and USC have all won National Championship during that ten year stretch with lower rated recruiting classes…Geogia in football = underacheiving launching pad for the pros….Anyone interested in their coaching staff is not very ambitious about championships!!

Huh?

March 6th, 2009
4:02 pm

Uh, Alabama hasn’t won a national championship in 17 years Mr. Truth Serum. That might be crack rock you’re on instead.

Antonio

March 6th, 2009
4:15 pm

He picked Georgia State!!!

Dorsey Hill

March 6th, 2009
4:21 pm

truth-serum,

Get a grip. All of those teams, but Bama who doesn’t even qualify for your list, have recruited at the same level as UGA. You should put Texas in that list and take off Bama. All of those teams are in the Top 10 every year in recruiting, there really aren’t any other teams, but UGA that are and don’t have a BCS trophy, so you are right in that respect. I would say though that these teams have had something(s) that UGA doesn’t. First is an easy schedule (OSU, Texas, USC). Second are breaks. Yes LSU and UF have two but they got a lot of breaks to get there. Neither has shown up to the game undefeated. UGA got very close in 2002 (close loss to UF or we are 13-0, and VT gave Miami a run in the season finale too) 2005 (Shock misses the UF game and we lose another close one) and 2007 (if Vandy and UK don’t totally blow it vs. UT we win the East and would have been favored to beat LSU in the SEECG.) Now I understand that’s a lot of what ifs but just go back and look to see what UF and LSU both needed to happen for the door to open for them and you’ll see that for an SEC team the one who gets the breaks gets in. As long as we stay up there with a shot we’ll get our shot.

Shane

March 6th, 2009
4:22 pm

Georgia was close to the title twice under richt 2007 and 2002 were near misses. We were probably the best team in the country both years but we didnt get a chance to play for it.

thomas johnson

March 6th, 2009
4:33 pm

Cuz

March 6th, 2009
4:40 pm

Is he playing the musical hats game? Someone stop the music so he will pick one.

Pitbull

March 6th, 2009
4:48 pm

Coach Richt has 82 wins in 8 seasons and is 6-2 in bowl games, with 2 SEC Championships.

Number 7 Orson Charles can be a part of a great program.

chc4

March 6th, 2009
4:50 pm

Orson Charles picks the Dawgs. Yippee!

godawg

March 6th, 2009
4:50 pm

He’s A Georgia Bulldog! WOOF!

BlawgDawg

March 6th, 2009
4:51 pm

I thought this was supposed to happen at 4:30? You would think that this guy was important or something with the way he has stretched this out.

Ben

March 6th, 2009
4:52 pm

John Michael DeMasie

March 6th, 2009
4:53 pm

GA gets another one

USC

March 6th, 2009
4:53 pm

What a waste of good talent. Dawgs LOL.

kauai dawg

March 6th, 2009
4:58 pm

How Bout Them Dawgs! Welcome aboard Mr. Charles!

YoungDawg

March 6th, 2009
5:00 pm

YES! YES! YES! Way to Finish The Drill!!! On the 09 class Orson! Once again UGA’s staff got on the kid early & stayed on him till he signed. It worked with AJ Green, Marlon Brown & now Orson Charles! OK so now let’s get a package with AJ & Marlon out wide with Aaron White & Orson inside. I hope this means we’ll runs some Mizzou type spread & some OU type of stuff as well now that we have the right type of guys to do it.

War Eagle

March 6th, 2009
6:24 pm

Now, you winers may win 7 next year. I do not know who is worse Ga fan or the O’bamers!

Orson Charles News

March 6th, 2009
7:24 pm

[...] Tight end Orson Charles of Tampa, one of the nation’s top unsigned seniors, is scheduled to pick this afternoon between Georgia, Tennessee and Southern Cal. Read more [...]

Orson Charles

March 6th, 2009
8:01 pm

[...] Top 10 reasons Orson Charles might pick Georgia today | College … (blogs.ajc.com) – March 06, 2009Tight end Orson Charles of Tampa, one of the nation’s top unsigned seniors, is scheduled to pick this afternoon between Georgia, Tennessee and Southern Cal. [...]

Sven Ottke

March 6th, 2009
10:25 pm

The AJC is a Communist paper. Let’s see how long this stays up. Clock is ticking.

Pago Flyer

March 7th, 2009
11:08 am

Another Top Ten recruiting class, another Bottom Top Ten finish. Can we just beat Florida!!!

bill_in_atl

March 7th, 2009
9:10 pm

War Eagle didn’t finish his sentence. It should have read “Now, you winers (sic) may win 7 MORE GAMES THAN US next year.”

Since Richt averages better than 10 wins per season and Chizik averages less than 3…Hmmm.. Are there any Tech Grads on here who can help me out??

Vince

March 8th, 2009
10:58 am

Michael, this is a really great top ten list, your comments under the pictures are funny. I fly AirTran from CA to the Midwest because they are the cheapest. You can post this to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/ and then link back to your site. The coolest feature is you can let other people vote on the rankings of your list.

[...] was very hard, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life,” said Orson Charles, who signed with Georgia over Southern Cal and Tennessee on Friday. “But I felt like I owed [...]

matt

March 14th, 2009
10:06 am

Hey Charlie, why would he want to play in front of 108,000 booing fans. or is boo whoo’s. we love our teams and coaches. & i hate orange.

orson charles | 4BLOGGER

March 24th, 2009
10:00 pm

[...] Top 10 reasons we thought Orson Charles might pick Georgia [...]

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