If A.J. Green leaves early, what’s his place in UGA football lore?
If the quarterback could get the ball anywhere near A.J. Green, he usually came down with it. (Associated Press)
A.J. Green tweets he isn’t gone yet, no matter what Channel 2 reports, but you’re not likely to find many observers of the Georgia football program who expect A.J. to be putting on the red No. 8 jersey next season.
He’s already considered a lock to go in the first round of the NFL draft, so about all he could do by returning for another season in Athens is run the risk of an injury that could endanger his pro career.
Oh, I’d love it if he came back. And if he shocks the world and does that, he’ll instantly elevate himself to the highest level of Bulldog Nation folk hero status. But I don’t expect it to happen.
So, assuming Green is gone after this season, what will be his place in Georgia football history? As was the case with Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno, he won’t have helped bring a championship to UGA before leaving early. And generally it’s the players who at least bring home an SEC championship trophy who are the most beloved among fans.
However, there’s one big difference when it comes to Green. Stafford and Moreno were top-notch players, but they weren’t the best I’d ever seen play at their positions for UGA. Stafford had the biggest arm but never completely mastered the mental side of the quarterback position and wasn’t the team leader he could have been. Moreno was a fantastically talented back, but he was no Herschel Walker.
Merry Christmas, Bulldog Nation! (Danbury Mint)
But A.J. is, hands down, the best receiver I’ve ever seen play for Georgia.
He might not have lived up to his full potential, due to injuries and the missed games caused by his stupidity in the jersey-selling affair, but those circus catches, his running after the catch and, most importantly, his ability to go up high in double or triple coverage and still snag the ball in a clutch situation are unequaled.
It’s been a pleasure to watch him play. If I could get my Christmas wish for the Bulldogs, he’d return for his senior season. I don’t think we’ll be that lucky, though.
Speaking of Christmas wishes, here’s hoping you and yours have a safe and enjoyable holiday and all of you come back next week for some bowl talk.
Go Dogs!
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211 comments Add your comment
BullDawgMike
December 23rd, 2010
6:53 pm
A.J. was a great college receiver, and without a doubt will be fantastic as a pro. Having said that, he really has no legacy at UGA as far as I’m concerned. Unless it’s a legacy of letting down his team-mates, coaches and fans. I think back to players such as Hines Ward, Champ Bailey and of course Hershel. Now these are the type players who left a true legacy at UGA. Not players who were really only auditioning for the NFL. Sorry A.J. fans out there, but that’s just the way it is.
Fairley Sucks
December 23rd, 2010
7:07 pm
AJs Jersey, are you high? Waiting for fireworks, are you high as well? If he hadnt been a typical “the world oves me everything because I am a athlete” and found it OK to sell a jersey he would have been utilized 1/3 more than he was. Blame it on coaching if it makes you feel better. Fact is, he is just like Moreno and Stafford, in it for the money.
Fairley Sucks
December 23rd, 2010
7:11 pm
I think Terell Pryor and his crew are a perfect picture of todays spoiled ass athletes. THE OHIO ST. Buckeyes, as they refer to themselves, showed how much pride the have in their university. I think the whole jersey incident with AJ is just another example of that. Great athlete, but out for himself. Could have been the best ever at UGA and still could be if he makes a good decision and return.
Michael
December 23rd, 2010
7:20 pm
Bill, Happy Holidays, and Go Dawgs!
Beast from the East
December 23rd, 2010
7:35 pm
He’s one of the top 3 receivers in the country, but he’ll be remembered at UGA for selling his jersey…..not for any championships.
macrotech
December 23rd, 2010
8:19 pm
AJ is a GREAT receiver, one of the best to ever play the game…his ‘lore’, however will be incomplete. EVEN as a Tech fan, i LOVE college football and can appreciate greatness when I see it…he plays as a man amongst boys. I wish he’d play an entire season…with Murray, he could break a lot of records and would get a shot at the Heisman. Best of luck to him…he’ll do well at the next level! Merry Christmas!
SuperB
December 23rd, 2010
8:49 pm
I’ve covered CFB since 1968 and Green is the best receiver I’ve seen in the SEC.
BobbyDawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:04 pm
I thought AJ made the statement that he’d stay for his senior year to make up for the games that he got suspended in this year for selling his jersey. Maybe I was dreaming. When I put myself in his place, telling the absolute truth, I’d enter the NFL draft and never look back. When it’s about that kind of money there shouldn’t be any question. Good luck AJ whatever you decide to do. You sure made a lot of UGA fans happy a lot of times. And remember this — If you should have a career ending injury next year (HEAVEN FORBID) You’d be a lot better off if your name is on a multimillion dollar contract than you would be playing college ball.
rpidge
December 23rd, 2010
9:10 pm
Green will become like all the other jerks in college football who see dollar marks instead of a college education and a better future down the road. Sports announcers and sports writers encourage these athletes to turn pro and years down the road their agents end up with the majority of their monies. Loyalty to one’s university ended when the dollar became the motivating factor. There are few exceptions but very, very few. A. J. should be an exception but won’t.
War Eagle
December 23rd, 2010
9:16 pm
AJ is among the best out of SEC WR. Cam Newton will be #1 pick with AJ not far behind Good luck to AJ, great athlete
BobbyDawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:27 pm
I’d like to see AJ come and play for the Falcons. With Douglas, Gonzales, Jenkins, and White for mentors and team mates OOOOOWEEEEEE! what a show they’d put on. It’s already great fun to watch this fearsome foursome. I just think AJ would add something to the mix.
BobbyDawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:31 pm
Enter your comments here
Nub
December 23rd, 2010
9:36 pm
David Pollick ….. David Greene …. Played their Sr yr…. Enough said!!!!
Nub
December 23rd, 2010
9:48 pm
DJ Shockley was a Dam fine Dawg….. …. AJ….MS …. KM…. Mutts!!!!
BobbyDawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:49 pm
While AJ is an outstanding receiver it is not the end of the world to lose him With a quarterback like Murray coming up the Dawgs will HAVE receivers . Murray will make the average receiver look great. MR and crew have got their work cut out for them recruiting some good talent to work with Murray, and we’ll have it made.
Aladawg
December 23rd, 2010
11:24 pm
While I respectfully agree that AJ is the most physically gifted player to have played receiver at Georgia, I beg to differ with most that he is the best receiver ever at Georgia. I perceive “best” to include many items.
Here is my incomplete list of bests criterion.
1) Statistical dominance over a career……….see David Greene, Herschel Walker, Terrence Edwards and Kevin Butler.
2) Durability ………….see Hines Ward, David Pollack, Herschel Walker, Terry Hoage
3) Minimum 5 games missed in a 3 year career. Many , many………
4) Game / season changing catches. See Lindsey Scott, Randy McMichael, Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown, AJ Green.
5) Earns Conference and NATIONAL awards……….AJ has failed to do this.
6) Championships………Run Lindsey, Go Fred, Go Reggie.
AJ has done many good things for us. I would love for him to build a legacy, but to do that he must return. good luck in the NFL. You are one of my favorites and you will do well at the next level, but at this point you are not “the best receiver ever” at Georgia.
Aladawg
Ace
December 24th, 2010
12:28 am
This year was more disappointing than last year, at least 2 more bad years before they hit bottom. He is gone and it would be dumb to stick around – take the money and run. Why stay for another bad year?
Sautee Dawg
December 24th, 2010
12:31 am
War Eagle
All the people on the sports channels don’t even have Newton going in the 1st round. Where do you get this #1 selection from?
Some like Mel Kipper predict Newton won’t make the 1st round.
Everybody knows if Luck turns pro he’s predicted as the #1 selection. Mallet right behind him. NFL is looking for Pro style QB’s not tuck it and run types. That spread O don’t work very well in the NFL where the linemen are as fast as the QB’s.
Kipper had A.J. predicted at #4 a few weeks ago havent heard since but, Not Newton.
Sautee Dawg
December 24th, 2010
1:02 am
Just saw on another blog where 4 Tech players are not going bowling because of their grades. Now we’ll have to listen to how hard it is to pass and keep those grades up at Tech as opposed to any other school.
All 4 who were suspended were taking business management courses probably.
And yes Tech has those courses too.
Matter of fact It’s eaiser for an athelete to get into Tech now than at UGA.
I guess tomorrow we’ll have to read all about it.
Hats off to Tech AD for not covering for them, As is the case with the Auburn deal and Cecil passing around the offering plate, and now Ohio St. players that should be suspended are going to play in the Bowl and sit out 5 games next season, why is this?
Pryor and the others involved won’t be there next season, they’ll take the NFL route and Ohio St. won’t miss out on anything.
College football is BIG MONEY!! Truth be known, not many teams that don’t have some players being paid. Not many players standing on the sideline that don’t have diamonds stuck in their ear. the better the player, the bigger the diamond.
With some of the backgrounds that some of these players come from and some of the small towns they come from, do you think they bring those diamonds to college with them??
Ed (The Original)
December 24th, 2010
1:25 am
“Finally I still consider Richt, today, to be the best HC the Dawgs have ever had.”
You got to be kidding. He’s 2-8 against UF. Richt is UGA’s John Cooper. He hasn’t been worth a crap (except for 1/2 of the ‘07 season) since Van Gorder and Calloway left.
Dirty Dawg
December 24th, 2010
1:31 am
bagonhead….no, I’m not happy with a 6-6 season, but I’m even less happy with, so-called, Bulldog fans that seem to want to criticize at every turn…to belittle the program publicly in a way that only feeds doubt in the minds of recruits, other fans and, worse, the damned talk-show rabble-rousers. You see I don’t rely on the athletic performance of 18 and 19 year-olds to determine who I am, and feel the need to be openly critical of them when an oblong spheroid happens to bounce the wrong way…and as for Mr. Green, we didn’t waste his talent, if anything, he did. His stupid greed cost him his chance for greatness, and us a likely three more victories this season alone, and his fragile frame – he better put on some more muscle if he expects to hang around in the pros – cost him other games over his ‘career’.
Bottom line, I think our $3-million coach is exactly the right man for the job and will make even those ‘fans’ that seem to take any loss as a personal affront proud enough to take the bag off.
But if you want to skin-it for everybody to witness, go ahead, you’ve got plenty of company – but just don’t call yourself a ‘Dawg Fan’.
Win P
December 24th, 2010
6:26 am
Do not feel good about UGA. AJ has accompolished his goal and will not return,why should he? UGA will not get the top RB they want, why should he come to UGA? Richt will not turn the program around next year, dosn’t have the “right stuff”. There in lies the greater mystery. Was Richt ever that good? Was his success in earlier years based on his supporting cast and recuits he inherited? Sure Richt’s post-mortem will answer this question.
pops
December 24th, 2010
6:41 am
LEMAY AN GREEN WILL HOLD CMR HOSTAGE ====== START LEMAY OR ILLGO PRO —ITS IN THE WORKS
Hypocrites
December 24th, 2010
8:28 am
If there is still anyone left that doesn’t believe there is a huge double-standard and bias towards the Little 11 with the national media and NCAA, look no further than the current 6 OSU players who were popped doing far worse things than what AJ Green ever did. NCAA bylaws, guidelines, loopholes, what have you, they should not be playing in the Sugar Bowl, as everyone knows.
Dan
December 24th, 2010
8:32 am
Green will be yet another extremely talented UGA player that didn’t get to reach his full potential while playing between the hedges. Unlike Stafford and Moreno who clearly just used UGA as their stepping stone to get to the NFL, I truly think Green loves UGA and the college game itself.
I’m not dare saying he’s jerking us around like LeBron did his Cleveland fans, but I do find it humorous that Green refuses to admit already that he is bolting for the pros. Maybe he thinks he’s being respectful to the fans and his teammates, but there are probably some poor slubs out there that think there is a chance that he will return because he does refuse to admit to the obvious.
Dan
December 24th, 2010
8:32 am
AJ who?
1eyedJack
December 24th, 2010
9:25 am
Will the Ohio State players be required to give their tattoos back?
JaxDawg
December 24th, 2010
9:32 am
AJ has a wealth of talent; however, like many other players of this generation, he is lacking in personal discipline and leadership qualities. When it’s all said and done, he’s just another flash in the pan at UGA! It appears CMR doesn’t hold anyone accountable for leadership (especially himself)!
You people are an embarrassment.
December 24th, 2010
10:17 am
People! Please learn the difference between “your” and “you’re,” “their, there, and they’re,” and “it’s”and “its.” Jeez, you make Auburn people look smart with some of the horrific grammar and syntax used here. Christalmighty, people.
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
10:19 am
The Dawgs should win their first five games in 2011 with or without AJ. If we start out next year like we did this year then I hope Adams and crew have a good replacement in mind for MR. Enough is Enough! These guys need to be READY TO PLAY from the first kickoff.
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
10:22 am
Unfortunatly we have people blogging here that have less than a sixth grade education. Fortunally they are DAWG FANS.
Tel it likeit is!
December 24th, 2010
10:27 am
Out of A.J.’s own mouth earlier in the season, “I do not fell that UGA fans got their money back in not seeing me play the full season!” And leaving ideas that he might be back, now he might not be back; I fell the same about him as I do any other person who wants to leave early, “haul ass!” If he can’t show respect to the fans and university that helped put him where he is today; I don’t want to see him play in a bowl game, let somebody play that going to be there for us next next year. Why reward him with a bowl start when he is helping to stall UGA’s return back into the SEC’s elite list.
If he doesn’t want to be there, cut him loose! He will be just like all other UGA players that think they are ready to go to the next level; apparently they did not read Fred Gibson’s article on leaving early 2 weeks ago! And while I’m on the subject, what is Boykin thinking, hell, he can’t play in the secondary in the SEC, but he thinks he can in the pro’s; everybody in the SEC knows that is a joke, another example that he can’t make it in the classroom, he want be an effective return man in the NFL either. And the offensive line, 2 suggesting they may leave early, both of which were the part of the biggest disappointing offensive lines in UGA history. The O-line at UGA has been a joke for the last 2 years “and they want to go pro?” I could sack on a QB with their play. How many holes did they develop in defensive lines this year? I’ll get off my soap box about leaving early; these guys need to take a deep look at their abilities and ego’s!
AJ is nobody
December 24th, 2010
10:29 am
AJ is just another player in the long line of underachieving players in an underachieving football program. He has all the physical gifts any player could ask for, but shows none of the selfless leadership qualities necessary to be mentioned with the best players ever at UGA. David Greene and David Pollack had more leadership in their little finger than AJ has in his whole body. He’s no different to me than Stafford, Moreno, Andre Hastings, Musa Smith, etc., etc., ad-nauseum. He was a college player with all the potential in the world to be the best and win championships, but was too selfish to put the team above himself. This is evidenced by the violating of NCAA rules and the leaving school early without winning ANYTHING AT ALL. My message to AJ would be this: look at all the “great” UGA players who left a year early for the NFL. Where are they now? Where is Musa Smith? Where is Boss Bailey? Where is Odell Thurman? Where is Reshard Jones? Where is Rennie Curran? Reggie Brown? What has Moreno done in two years in the NFL? What about Stafford? I could go on and on, but I think I’ve made my point. These “great talents” failed to accomplish anything at UGA, and are now mere footnotes and by-standers in the NFL. I expect no different from AJ. I hope you enjoy playing for the Carolina Panthers or the 49ers. I say good riddance.
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
10:45 am
With all the bad things that happened this year I was pleasantly surprised with Aaron Murray’s ability at QB. Let’s hope the Dawgs come up with another player or two that we can be pleasantly surprised with in 2011.
1eyedJack
December 24th, 2010
10:48 am
“Unfortunatly we have people blogging here that have less than a sixth grade education. Fortunally they are DAWG FANS.”
Fortunally? Open mouth/insert foot.
keen observer
December 24th, 2010
10:54 am
BobbyDawg, you mispelled two words while accusing people of having less than a sixth grade education. Be careful when casting stones at others.
keen observer
December 24th, 2010
10:55 am
Unfortunately
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
11:01 am
keen observer — I think you missed my point. No matter what education level a person has it’s fun to blog with them and listen to their input about football. I aint all that smart myself as you all can tell. 1eyedjack — you passed the test!
azdawg
December 24th, 2010
11:05 am
he’s the best rec ga had
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
11:19 am
The next test for the Dawgs will be on 9/3/2011 when Boise St. comes here on a mission to whip up on us “between the hedges”. Anyone who thinks this will be a cakewalk better think again. The Dawgs better have their dancing shoes on that day!
Saint Nick
December 24th, 2010
11:31 am
Green will be remembered only as a punk, a thug, a cheater, and a dropout.
He’ll last maybe a year or two in the NFL, then spend several years in prison. Afterward, say ten years from now, he’ll be flipping burgers and telling everyone how great he was. But no one will remember him by then.
keen observer
December 24th, 2010
11:31 am
If you guys want some good UGA football stories then I suggest you go to the Athens-Banner Herald website. Click on dogbytes and you will find a story about McGarity and his expectations for the program next season. A story about the progress of Michael Bennent and another about Jarvis Jones. I’m disappointed with the AJC and their coverage thus far about the local college football teams. With both teams coming into the bowl season we get almost zero coverage. Great job AJC!
keen observer
December 24th, 2010
11:33 am
BobbyDawg, we play boise state in the Georgia dome not between the hedges.
Saint Nick
December 24th, 2010
11:33 am
There were a lot of things for the dawgs to celebrate this year. Let’s see…
1. A drunken, whoring athletic director.
2. Twelve players arrested.
3. A player suspended for violating NCAA rules.
4. Winning the Fulmer Cup for the most players arrested.
5. Winning the title of #1 party school (i.e., the most drunken student body in the USA).
6. A sleazy assistant coach who razzes opposing players, unethical coaching conduct in violation of NCAA rules.
7. A super sleazy head coach who thinks he’s a saint, but recruits thug wannabes, gangbangers, and illiterate morons.
8. A 6-6 record despite having a team full of 4- and 5-star recruits.
Really something to be proud of!
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
11:36 am
Thanks for the tip. Another good place to get info on all sports is bleacherreport.com.
KimZ'spackage
December 24th, 2010
11:37 am
BobbyDawg please stop posting while you are behind.
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
11:37 am
Saint Nick — you’re gonna wear this one out. How ’bout a break!
BobbyDawg
December 24th, 2010
11:40 am
Please! Let me be the one to decide whether I’m behind or not.
Dawg Tired
December 24th, 2010
11:50 am
War Eagle – I doubt Newton will be the first pick in the draft. He could be, but I doubt it. Actually, I think AJ will be picked ahead of Newton. Of course, neither you nor I KNOW the order in which they will be picked. We’ll have to wait for the actual draft to KNOW that order.
A great player can point to great, wonderous things
December 24th, 2010
12:14 pm
He is the simple on the AJ legacy ………………… there is none beyond some exciting, acrobatic catches which is what he was supposed to do. He cost UGA the 09 LSU game with that dumb showboating after a fabulous TD grab. Great players act like they have been there.
Great players lead their team to exceptional events or games, like a SEC East title or SEC Championship or a East title and then, a great win vs a top 6U of so and so in the Cap One or the Sugar Bowl.
AJ? Did he play in the 09 Weedeater? Was he effective in the 09 OK State U game in Stillwater? Did he lead UGA to a win over Florida in 08, 09 or 2010? Did he win the 08 GT game? Did he even play in the 09 GT UGA game? Nope to all of these. He did one time block a FG vs Arizona State. I will give him that one game winner. What else did he do as a wide out, not a LB???
AJ has no legacy and within three years, his name will be forgotten.
GO Dogs.