Fortunes of Georgia, Richt can turn on recruiting Crowell
Carver-Columbus High's Isaiah Crowell can be a difference-maker at Georgia. (Jason Getz/AJC)
Those of you who’ve read me around college football recruiting time are familiar with my feelings about it. I’ve mostly mocked it — not because I think it’s not important but because the importance is so often overstated
We’ve seen enough in college football to know that it’s less important how highly a player — or entire recruiting class — is ranked by DraftSuperGeek.com than it is what happens to that player when he arrives on campus. Most significant is whether players are coached up, down or not at all.
How many top 10 recruiting classes you think TCU has pulled in the last 100 years? I’ll speculate: zero.
OK, that said, the fortunes of Georgia next season — and, it follows, coach Mark Richt — could swing on the potential recruitment of one player. I know. I’m contradicting myself. But by all accounts, running back Isaiah Crowell of Carver High School in Columbus, Ga., is that special of a player and, most importantly, he plays the right position.
The Dogs need to improve in a lot of areas but mostly they need a running back they can count on from week to week, on and off the field (read: not Caleb King).
What did Marcus Lattimore do for South Carolina this season? What did a guy named Herschel Walker do for Georgia?
Nobody can guarantee Crowell will be in that category as a freshman, but most seem to believe he’s a game-changer. Richt’s issue is he may not have the luxury of time so he needs an immediate-impact player in 2011. Crowell would pair nicely with quarterback Aaron Murray. The expected loss of A.J. Green will hurt the offense but Murray is good enough — his Liberty Bowl performance notwithstanding — that the Dogs should still have a solid passing attack.
Our recruiting monster, Chip Towers, is down in Florida at the high school All-American game at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. Here’s a link to his latest blog about recruits saying they’re not spooked by Georgia’s 6-7 record this year. Here’s an excerpt, which quotes Crowell:
The general consensus among some of the state’s highest-profile college football prospects is that Georgia’s 6-7 record this past season is not necessarily a deal-killer with regard to their recruitment. Most notably, that is the opinion of Carver-Columbus running back Isaiah Crowell. He is generally considered Georgia’s highest-ranked recruit and is, quite clearly, the Bulldogs’ No. 1 target from the Class of 2011.
“Really, I don’t how they’re going to be when I get there,” Crowell said, speaking metaphorically of the possibility of enrolling at UGA before next season. “I try not to think about it like that. One year South Carolina’s down, then Marcus Lattimore went there and the program’s up. So you never know how it will be when you get there. And I feel like I’ll be a difference maker wherever I go.”
Hey, he stole the Lattimore example from me.
For what it’s worth, Georgia’s in a recruiting battle with Alabama and Auburn for Crowell.
So what do you think? Can one player like Crowell make that big of a difference?
This might help you make your decision. It’s a near four-minute highlight video of Crowell from Scout.com, via YouTube. (Sorry, no audio. But you can provide your own screaming.)
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Earlier post: Our first coach rankings (and a poll about Richt, Hewitt)
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601 comments Add your comment
Ralph
January 4th, 2011
10:29 am
Simple. Crowell only comes to thUGA if his IQ is less than 70. He goes to Tech if it is over 100. Alabama and Auburn have shots if his IQ is between 70 and 100.
simplythetruth
January 4th, 2011
10:30 am
AJ Green did what for UGA this year? Helped produce a 6-7 year, forgot the concept of “team”, made a great impression as a “leader” especially by example? When did he do all of this? If Green is UGA’s shining example of upperclassmen leadership then look no further than the failed “leader” of UGA’s football program. Richt loves the hype but obviously not the real work involved in creating a successful program.The greatest WR in UGA history can’t show up for a bowl game and some UGA fans want to blame Bobo’s playcalling. Quite hyping prospects, make them earn the right to be Dawgs. UGA got soft because their HC got too comfortable.
JB
January 4th, 2011
10:31 am
Ralph……………….people in this world actually make money….and enjoy life……who didn’t go to Tech. I know you find that hard to believe.
Cobb Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:31 am
I’d rather have a roster full of solid players (like TCU) and a coaching staff that could “coach ‘em up” than a few superstars and, well, you know.
Dawglasville
January 4th, 2011
10:31 am
Really? All of this crowing is just silly. I will concede that Bama football has a lot to crow about with Saban. I know Florida owns us in football. I know that Tech is a better academic institution than Georgia. I know that Auburn had a great year. That said, the Tech and Auburn football programs have nothing on us. Other than Vandy, UGA and Florida are by far the two best academic schools in the conference. Don’t talk about how stupid Georgia people are. Other than 1990 when has Tech been a real factor in football post Bobby Dodd? If you would have won the Orange Bowl you may have something to say. Do you think Va Tech was a national power this year? Richt and the Dawgs are down but reel in the crowing. Like me, most of you chest thumpers are only contributing by sitting on your fat butts in front of the TV on Saturday.
Dirty Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:33 am
Crowell should take note of UGA’s 2010 season and not sign with Georgia. I luv Georgia Football because it is a direct reflection on the athletes that come out of the State of Georgia. That being said, there are a lot of issues that must be addressed head on by Richt or Georgia will be the 5th best team in the SEC East next season. Until then, Crowell and the other highly rated high school athletes should look else or you will be walking off the field crying after a lost to another team like UCF.
JB
January 4th, 2011
10:35 am
There is a blogger on here ( maybe (Mobil Dawg) who wrote a great piece a few months ago during the season when we started 1-4. It was about the Culture that Richt has created in Athens that’s the main problem. Well written and made a lot of sense. At the End of the Day, With the Staff and players, I think he has created a culture of say, in one word, weakness.
Cobb Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:35 am
What ever happened to a kid loving a school all of his life and committing to, and supporting afterwards, that school? Now we’re in the Newton era where a kid goes to the highest bidder and stays for one season on his way to the NFL. I’m beginning to thing that the NFL and the NBA should have minor leagues like MLB. So that college football and basketball could be, once again, played by student-athletes.
Mobile Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:37 am
@JB, “I say all that to say we ain’t getting a top notch experienced head coach in here with a shiny resume. Ask Tennessee.Georgia will be hiring potential.”
Nothing wrong with not bringing in a “big name” if McGarity does his homework. I’ve brought up names like “Joey Jones”, University of S Alabama, and others who have a “great” track record at smaller schools. His pedigree is 2nd to none. The right guy, with the right plan, would do fine at UGA. What we need is a coach with a plan. Ours doesn’t appear to have a plan. He’s basing his success in football on faith, not hard work. Sorry if that offends some but IMO, it’s true.
Cobb Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:37 am
Ralph, let me guess your IQ.
blazerdawg
January 4th, 2011
10:37 am
Ralph…LOL…your IQ must be most impressive to have developed that comment…is your jr. high still out for holiday break?
King Donko of Punchstania
January 4th, 2011
10:39 am
Kamani Brown at East Paulding > Crowell.
joey
January 4th, 2011
10:43 am
I have seen Isaiah first hand, he’s a beast. But why on earth would he wana come and be a part of what this program is doing? Other than def playing time. UGA needs to hire someone that can evalute recruits, and a OC. Let BOBO coach QB’s. I like Richt and think he’s a fine coach….at times. But i wouldnt dump him. The rest of the staff…..eh!
Mikes Bobblow
January 4th, 2011
10:44 am
King Donko of Punchstania
I saw both Crowell and the running back at Carrollton named Snoddy in the playoffs and I would take Snoddy over Crowell 10 times out of 10. Crowell will be a bust unless he signs with a mean SOB like Saban.
Mobile Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:45 am
JB, that would have been me. If anything that culture continues to grow more rank as time goes on. Like I said earlier today, it’s highly unlikely that CMR can change himself into what we need. The only other option is that he surrounds himself with “great” people. He hasn’t shown any “indication” that he’s going to do that, or ability IMO, with the CTG hire. CTG didn’t impress me with the way he conducted himself this year.
Ralph
January 4th, 2011
10:45 am
Missing the point. thUGA has a history of recruiting and admitting non-student athletes. SOME schools like Tech (let’s throw in a few more like Stanford, Ivy League, TCU, Duke, Vanderbilt) pass on non-student athletes. They don’t have the pretend college majors/courses. Richt came from FSU which has the same history. Great athletes, but thugs.
One or two players can make a difference
January 4th, 2011
10:45 am
One or two players can make a huge difference in a college teams success. There would be no discussion about Richt’s job security if Stafford and Moreno had stayed for their senior seasons. If you think the final record in 09 would have been 8-5 with those guys on the team you are crazy. Just think how different this past year would have been if Reshad Jones had been patrolling center field for UGA and not the Miami Dolphins! Also, losing Rennie Curran hurt the defense as well. With a little more defense the outcome of several games would have been different. Losing players is a fact of life for college programs so I don’t think you can give Richt and his staff a total pass on that, but these are important points for all of us to consider as we evaluate the UGA program and consider whether a handful of good recruits might help to change our fortunes next year.
Gatormeat
January 4th, 2011
10:45 am
There will be no “dream team” in athens. We have Muschamp, we have Weis, you have bobo. When the players and their parents think it over they will realize that it would be better to go to Florida and learn to play football and have a real chance at the pros. With georgia all they will learn is how to get arrested and lose to mid-level teams in bowls. Face it dogs, to us you are Vanderbilt. You are Kentucky. Accept it
ceph
January 4th, 2011
10:46 am
Not one player or ten players can make a difference at UGA. As long as Richt is the coach nothing good is going to happen. Can’t McgGarity and everyone else GET IT!!!! McGarity says to let everyone know that he GETS IT but I don’t think he does. He said he saw nothing but players hustling and playing hard in the other twelve games they played, I didn’t know we had hired a blind athletic director because I sure didn’t see that. Talent is not the problem at UGA and never has been, COACHING is the problem. We need a coach who wants to win not prepare the players for the afterlife!!!!!!!!!
DIT
January 4th, 2011
10:47 am
I would be shocked if Crowell comes to UGA after this past season. However, if the man likes a good challenge there is no place better than UGA right now. Love to see him there, but I just don’t see it happening
Mikes Bobblow
January 4th, 2011
10:49 am
Ralph who are you kidding, you dont see any players at Stanford, Ivy League, TCU, Duke, Vanderbilt sound like Nesbitt when talking do you? Nesbitt is about as much a student athlete as a pimp.
Lets examine Richt's performance
January 4th, 2011
10:51 am
He states that he believes that preparing young men for life is his biggest mission. He failed=12 arrests in one year. And the coaching thing? 6-7 and 12 losses the last 2 years. END OF STORY!!!!
marseilles mutt
January 4th, 2011
10:51 am
UGA is fast in danger of becoming the Michigan of the South.
Lloyd Carr was a darned good coach , and a Michigan Man as well, but the media, alumni and athletic board all publicly discussed “will he be here or won’t he” for several years before he actually left. During this period the aforementioned created such a turmoil that Michigan could not recruit the athletes needed to compete in the conference. Then Rich Rod comes aboard and brings his offensive ’scheme’ that requires a certain type of athlete-none of whom Michigan had- and you see the results. Michigan has been out of the hunt for what? Eight to ten years now, primarily due to the coaching uncertainty on the part of recruits.
Is that what the AJC wants or are you and MB shooting for employment on one of the Chicago rags? The NY Times? Hey,recruiting is hard enough without you all ‘mocking’ it and what you write is not helping either of our state schools,
But at least y’all are fair; it appears that you try to screw UGA and Tech equally.
King Donko of Punchstania
January 4th, 2011
10:52 am
Gatormeat…UF has had a great run since the early 90’s, but keep in mind that Florida football was irrelevant outside of Gainesville, FL until Spurrier took over the HC job. It’s easy to run your toothless mouth when you’re riding high. Where were you when UF was nothing more than a Wyoming single A powder puff team?
astrouga
January 4th, 2011
10:55 am
The kid looks pretty good, but did anyone else notice that most of those runs were basically two plays? A pass to the outside and a run up the middle. I’m sorry, but how is our o-line going to open up a hole in the middle?
Lets examine Richt's performance
January 4th, 2011
10:56 am
King Donko of Punchstania
Jawja has only been relevent for 1 year. So unless you are Rip Van Winkle STFU. You haven’t been squat since Jan Kemp got thru with Vince. And by the way; prior to 1950 UGA leads head to head, since 1950 UF leads head to head dumbazz.
4th and Long Gone
January 4th, 2011
10:57 am
He looks very good, but nowhere near Herschel, Reggie Bush, etc.
GT
January 4th, 2011
10:57 am
A kid loving his school? Most of these kids never heard of his school until the check showed up with the logo of “his school” on it. When King was born in Atlanta, you think anyone in that household dress him in red or even dreamed of him going to a junior college? I am sure his parents had to get a map out just to figure out where Athens was. This is the huge disconnect between these players and the fan base, these people could care less and show it about three times a quarter with their effort or being arrested, or their grades. Our heroes.
Mobile Dawg
January 4th, 2011
10:57 am
I can’t blame McGarity at this point. He gets a pass because he’s relatively new at this point. That said, I believe he’s made some good moves to this point. He scheduled Boise St which I think was a “huge” shot over CMR’s bow. He has put him on notice.
The real problem though is IMO, we are in a near hopeless position leaving CMR at the helm. At this point I can only hope that a significant amount of “intelligent” supporters put their money where their feelings are. I know that’s hard to do for long time supporters, afraid of losing their seniority, pecking order, etc. but that’s really the only way to drive home the point that we’ve had enough. If you must continue to contribute, make it the minimum, include a letter, letting the President know they are on a “short” leash. Football, as we know supports everything else.
waytogoRicht
January 4th, 2011
10:58 am
Realism, not pessimism, Richt ain’t going to positively turn anything around concerning UGA football fortunes. Negatively for him only, he’s going to turn his $2.8 mil salary south after he’s forced out or fired. Regardless if Boise’s quarterback comes back or graduates, whatever, Richt would hope to lose by only 30 to Petersen. If its a lucky day for Richt. Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi State and Auburn are sure loses, and that’s before you factor in Richt’s annual stumbles over the Colorado’s of the football world. We all repeat, why is this joke of a coach gonna be permitted to embarrass UGA again and continue to stink the joint up?
King Donko of Punchstania
January 4th, 2011
10:58 am
Ah yes, the class of the Jort Nation shines through once again. Clearly, the English language is not your forte
Lets examine Richt's performance
January 4th, 2011
11:00 am
King Donko of Punchstania
No just commenting to any idiot weighing 400 pounds wearing overalls and a red jawja Tshirt.
Kendawg
January 4th, 2011
11:02 am
I will be surprised if Richt can last longer than one more year in Athens.
MS Bully
January 4th, 2011
11:02 am
I’d put Mississippi players up against Georgia players anyday. At least State has to recruit against Ole Miss in a state much smaller than Georgia. Who do you have in-state to compete against, Georgia Tech??
Will
January 4th, 2011
11:03 am
One recruit can no more “save” Richt than one player, most likely the greatest receiver in the history of the program and the MVP of the Liberty Bowl, could save the 2010 season.
Laughing Bee
January 4th, 2011
11:03 am
I would luv to see Stanford play Auburn, too bad it will not happen this year. How many of the dream team kids could qualify for admission to Stanford? Not many, if any is my belief. Perhaps that is the problem, too many of the uga players look at college as the “farm league” of the nfl, they fail to attend class and have entirely too much free time in which to get into trouble. At Tech, most of the players are there for an education first, and a chance at the nfl is just icing on the cake. Perhaps some higher academic standards at uga would help turn the program around.
beanuga
January 4th, 2011
11:04 am
Offensive line needs to improve for the dawgs. Running backs have to have blockers.
Gatormeat
January 4th, 2011
11:04 am
Has richt ever finished a season with more wins than arrests? I doubt it, this is another reason none of the recruits georgia is after should go there. Something about athens seems to strip any character the young men have. They have a history of trouble with the law. It is not surprising considering their history. They consider dooley a saint and Jan Kemps’ valiant struggle proved what a corrupt administration dooley and the athletic dept was running. Then you have slimy behaviour by their coaches and players such as threatening to choke opposing players and starting fights at the end of a game for no reason other than being sore losers and you can see that georgia is no place for decent people. Here at Florida your young men will learn character and have the chance of playing in games that matter instead of Liberty and Independence bowls that mean nothing. Even if you don’t come here I would recommend schools like Auburn, Alabama, or a Tennessee, any of these would be a much better place to develop a young persons’ character, it would be a terrible waste of a young life to go to georgia. Stay away from athens folks, it ain’t no place to be
waytogoRicht
January 4th, 2011
11:04 am
If Richt wants him, would Crowell be another Washaun Ealey or Caleb King?
Laughing Bee
January 4th, 2011
11:05 am
Dear MS Bully, I believe GT beat Mississippi State in their last meeting.
azdawg
January 4th, 2011
11:05 am
You cannot tell how good a recruit is by watching a 4 min video. Both Caleb King and Ealey’s HS videos looked impressive but neither have really lived up to all the hype at all. Why not post the video of Cromwell’s HS playoff game where he was stopped dead by the opposing teams D.
One player isn’t going to save GA’s FB future. GA desperately needs an Off line coach and an Offense that can run block. A new coaching staff that would breath some life into a lifeless team is the real answer.
ARdawg
January 4th, 2011
11:07 am
Jeff Schultz.
I’ve yet to see one single recruiting class at Georgia make a difference the following year. Hershel Walker made a difference but, even though he amounted to a whole class, he wasn’t. Even counting that one, that’s one in what, the last 125 years?
I hope the Crowell kid comes to Georgia mainly because he is a Georgia product and loaded with potential but it is patently unfair to expect he’ll make the same difference to a season that Lattimore did at SC. He doesn’t deserve that pressure. All the highlight reels in the world doesn’t improve those chances. Those reels are against high school competition and rarely do they transfer to the college level.
I remember watching Caleb’s reels and thinking WOW!, he’ll be a difference maker along with a few others that never even played a down. If we put as much into coaching as we do enthusiasim of recruiting, we wouldn’t have been 6-7 last year
beanuga
January 4th, 2011
11:07 am
OK!!!! Looks to me in the highlight video he has great blocking.
monty
January 4th, 2011
11:08 am
Every 4 star recruit has film similar to this one. I saw Washuan Ealy’s and King’s and others. What I see is a smallish quick back who runs well through gaping holes. I wish I saw someone who could break a hard tackle at the line of scrimmage and then run away from everyone else. Maybe he’s the real deal, but if GA’s line can’t open holes for him,he doesn’t look like a back that can out muscle anyone. Part of the problem we have now.
ARdawg
January 4th, 2011
11:09 am
“Gatormeat
January 4th, 2011
11:04 am
Has richt ever finished a season with more wins than arrests? I doubt it, this is another reason none of the recruits georgia is after should go there. Something about athens seems to strip any character the young men have. They have a history of trouble with the law. It is not surprising considering their history. ”
Hey Pot, meet kettle
JB
January 4th, 2011
11:11 am
Wonder what Bill Stanfill and Jake Scott would say about the comment ‘Gatormeat’ made at @ 10:45 ? course I’m sure he doesn’t know them. Call Spurrier, he knows them LOL
Mobile Dawg
January 4th, 2011
11:11 am
Gotta get out of here and get some work done. My bloods a boiling just thinking about CMR recieving $3 million plus a year for what he’s giving us. I hope everyone has a great year, I hope CMR turns us around, somehow, don’t believe it can happen.
I’ve been affiliated with UGA and athletics for over 41 years now, I didn’t watch the Liberty Bowl. From the reports and what I read, I made a good choice. Until the good folks charged with taking care of what’s been near and dear to me for a long time can do their job, I’m checking out. I will pop in from time to time and see what’s going on. Everyone take care….
WDE in Glendale….Good Luck….
Big night in Gtown, FLA
January 4th, 2011
11:16 am
Chili’s or Appleby’s..hmmm
monty
January 4th, 2011
11:16 am
Good coaching is taking a team that isn’t quite as talented and beating a more talented team by preparation(game plan)execution,determination,and enthusiasm(making believers out of your players)see Tampa Bay’s coach. When is the last time we were significantly outmanned and came out a winner? Other teams do that to us, but not us to them.
beanuga
January 4th, 2011
11:17 am
As a Ga fan: I have to hope CMR turns things around without firing any of the coaching staff after a horrible season. I have to hope Joe T turns our strength and conditioning program around.???? I have to hope Searels gets our OL back on track. I have to hope bobobo learns how to call plays. I still have to wonder why we have a formers WR as a RBs coach.??? MR won his SEC titles and most of his games with another coaches players!!!!I like MR as a person and family man. MR can not coach like a Saban or a Meyer. They demand excellence. Why do we as fans have to waste our $ on another season? I am so glad I did not go to that unprepared bowl game this year!! 4th and inches on the goal line and u kick a field goal? WTF