Richt’s ‘Dream Team’ could provide the spark UGA badly needs
Malcolm Mitchell (left) and Jay Rome committing to Georgia is a major coup for Mark Richt. (Chip Towers / AJC)
Georgia landing a verbal commitment from Valdosta’s Jay Rome was huge.
It’s not that the five-star player, rated the nation’s top tight end prospect by ESPNU, likely will be needed to make a big impact immediately on the field for “Tight End U,” as he called it. Rome certainly will be given the chance to play early, but the Dogs are well stocked at the position with Orson Charles, Aron White and Artie Lynch, even if Bruce Figgins switches to fullback.
No, Rome’s biggest immediate impact might come before he ever even signs on the dotted line with UGA, by giving momentum to Mark Richt’s alternately praised and derided concept of a signing an in-state “Dream Team.”
After making his announcement on national TV, Rome was on hand Thursday night as Valdosta teammate Malcolm Mitchell, a Top 30 prospect at wide receiver and/or cornerback, also put on a cap with the Georgia “G.”
Both picked Georgia over Nick Saban and Alabama, which has to rank as a major recruiting coup for Richt. “I believe Mark Richt is a great coach,” Rome said. “I don’t feel like he’s going anywhere anytime soon. If we can get a couple of more guys to come in with me in this class, we’ll have everything we need at Georgia, and I believe we’ll start winning football games.”
Rome used his national media platform to try and get more prospects to climb on board the Dream Team train. Along with junior college defensive nose guard John Jenkins, Georgia badly needs Columbus running back Isaiah Crowell and Thomas County defensive end Ray Drew, who reportedly was present at Mitchell’s announcement in Valdosta.
“Isaiah, Ray, come be a Dawg,” Rome said on his broadcast. “We can have the dream team and we’re going to do it. Be a Dawg, baby!”
There are no guarantees in any of this, of course. The verbal commitments aren’t binding. And high school prospects don’t always pan out exactly as planned.
But Richt needs to restore some glamour and prestige to a program that’s been sadly lacking in momentum the past couple of years. Making his Dream Team a reality would provide some of that offseason momentum the Dogs need as they get ready for their national showcase game in Atlanta against Boise State to open the most important season in Richt’s coaching career.
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480 comments Add your comment
how2fish
January 21st, 2011
1:30 pm
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville your really touting the merits of a coaching staff at UF that hasn’t played a SEC game yet and you call us kool-aid drinkers…?
Logan Booker
January 21st, 2011
1:30 pm
Tiger Mania I hope you go eat a di#k. The dawgs will be back in 2011. WOOF!
Tiger Mania
January 21st, 2011
1:31 pm
This is why everyone after a UGA bowl game says that UGA fans are the worst, besides the fact they go to bowl games, sleep in their cars and trucks, eat out of a cooler, bring their own beer from home, bring their own dip and snuff from home, roll their own cigarettes, and bark at everyone.
Joey
January 21st, 2011
1:31 pm
Gary = Kathryn Richt
Gary
January 21st, 2011
1:32 pm
Just so Crowell & Joenkins know, Chizik ALSO has a 5 year contract at Auburn:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-11/auburn-football-coach-gene-chizik-earns-600-000-bonus-with-national-title.html
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:32 pm
At the end of the day, I’m glad Mark Richt has NOT LEARNED EVERYTHING FROM AU & BAMA Coach’s. Both those schools between them have more NCAA troubles than the rest of the conference combined, and that’s a fact. NCAA poster boys.
DAWG4LIFE
January 21st, 2011
1:33 pm
Then why are U on here Tiger Mania?
WIN WITH RICHT
January 21st, 2011
1:33 pm
Tiger Mania
We can’t hep if we got class!!!
Contractor
January 21st, 2011
1:33 pm
Move Orson Charles to wide receiver!!! It is the most logic move since Georgia badly needs some talent and experience at the position. Charles is a physical speciman that can overpower corners and safeties, run by the linebackers, and even run by the secondary. The other tight ends have been a disappointment in my eyes since they were so highly recruited, and haven’t produced squat. We need to maximize the talent and size of Orson, not let him go to waste like so many athletes we’ve had before him. Jay Rome should get the opportunity to start this Fall if he can nail down some pass blocking, cause we know he has the physical ability to stand in there.
Malcom Mitchell should be inserted wherever he shows the most promise. Give him the opportunity like Brandon Smith, on both sides of the ball. Use both of them, and you have some dang speed out there and unlimited formations. We have got to get these guys in early and see what we are working with. I could care less about Caleb King being a senior, or Ealy being a third year starter. I want someone in there that can break tackles, has the will to gain yardage, and CAN HOLD ON TO THE FOOTBALL. These kids have a wonderful opportunity to get Georgia back in the thick of things. And these coaches are getting a breathe of fresh air, and a second chance to turn this ship around, so hopefully they will abandon the thought processes of the past few years and play everyone that needs to be playing. It’s not wasting a year of eligibility if they produce.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 21st, 2011
1:34 pm
DAWG4LIFE
Get a clue
The universe lined up for LSU, AUB, FL, and AL when what first took place
Wait for it, Wait for it, Wait for it, ding ding ding
Thats right they went and got them a real coach
Until we do that, UGA’s universe will be like the planet Mars, almost habitable, but just not liveable
Almost doesnt cut it
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:34 pm
gary….let’s hope it’s never 5 to 10….LOL… if you know what I mean
Bama Mike
January 21st, 2011
1:35 pm
First and I do believe Tiger Mania ( while we do disagree from time to time ) will agree with me. The comment I found most interesting is. ” We are going to Georgia and start winning again ” As one senior Dawg said last night. Not a smart statement for a freshman. See you on the practice field “Bucko”.
Second we have been over-signing since the days of Bryant and Jordan. If you dont like then dont enroll or accept the scholarship. No one was whining about it when we were 6-6 and 7-5. Now that we have gone 36-5 over the past 3 years it is an issue. Tough at the top I guess. Winning championships and graduating players why would anyone want to go to those schools?
Tiger Mania
January 21st, 2011
1:35 pm
And more National Titles too!
See what happens, they have no answer and they go to the penis comments and the probation comments.
Just admit it, Georgia Bulldogs are in shambles and will start the season 0-2 and the piling on will begin early and Mark Richt resigns before the season is over( guessing by October 15 2011).
Nothing has changed at UGA to make anyone think this team is going to improve and that is not players, it is not facilities, it is the LEADERSHIP.
Gary
January 21st, 2011
1:36 pm
I’m sure Crowell & Jenksins know, but Muschamp ALSO has 5 year, long term contract with Florida.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5918911
DC
January 21st, 2011
1:36 pm
JB, I see where you are going…but technically…nothing has been proven against AU as long as Chiz has been coaching for AU…and it can go back to when Tubs was coaching..Tubs didn’t put up with that stuff..
Georgia Saturdays Built FOR LOSERS
January 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
Georgia still sucks, you losers will not win squat next year besides the fulmer cup idiots
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
Tiger mania reminds me of a Carolina fan……..loud and proud …and gone soon…. Look at who AU loses…then look at their schedule next year…..Call us for room advice in Memphis…LOL
BobDog
January 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
Tiger Mania. No, none of those schools are over the 85 scholarship limit. The NCAA prohbits that, as you well know. They are being accused of running off players to keep themselves under the limit. That’s the point. Auburn was not mentioned in the article, maybe they should have been.
DAWG4LIFE
January 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
Richt was good from 2001 through 2008 and had good records all of those years.He has not all of a sudden lost it.The panty loving A.d put to much on him..He will be back this year…Go Dawgs!!!!!
Mr. SEC
January 21st, 2011
1:37 pm
Today is a day that the UGA NATION can proudly say, “It’s great to be a Georgia Bulldog!” Hopefully, this recruiting class and the years to come will put UGA in a position to make a long awaited championship shot! We must continue to recruit IN-STATE quality players. Out of Saban’s own mouth, he could recuit a quality team just out of the Atlanta area. We want Atlanta and ALL other parts of the state also. Let us cross our fingers for the other 3 in-state guys and for a highly recruited JU nose guard. Then give our coaches time to work and we will be ok. Many freshmen WILL start this year, to them the NG; “come get you some!”
Go Dawgs!
Gary
January 21st, 2011
1:39 pm
Derek Dooley has another 5 years on his contract, if Crowell & Jenkins want to know:
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/02/tennessees_derek_dooley_to_mak.html
VIningsDAWG
January 21st, 2011
1:39 pm
As I have said many times before like it or not…THERE IS NO CHECKBOOK at Auburn. Good coaching staff busting their butts and having a good plan. CMR got away from the plan and it has shown.
LOSERS COMPLAIN THAT WINNERS CHEAT
I have heard that Drew’s family members are wearing Auburn BCS gear in Thomasville.
Georgia Saturdays Built FOR LOSERS
January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm
Today is a day that the UGA NATION can proudly say, ” WE STILL SUCK”!!!!!!!!!
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm
DC…… I love the guy who shakes down Pat Dye for money….It’s on You tube….Go watch it….Hearing it first hand is reality at it’s best in Auburn…..The best part is when Dye say’s ” how much ya need?” I love it….the Auburn way no doubt. I think his name is Ramsey. LMAO
Gary
January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm
Petrino is signed through 2017, another 7 years.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5909975
SouthSide Dawg
January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm
I’m hearing that Jenkins just committed to UGA.
Mr. SEC
January 21st, 2011
1:40 pm
Gary,
If Crowell and Jenkins want to know, contracts can also be bought out!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 21st, 2011
1:41 pm
how2fish
Im not touting FL and yes I know they havent played a down but at least FL has it together
and doesnt put up with mediocrity
Do you really think Willie Martinez would have lasted at FL as long as he did here NO
Here’s another example Texas, what did Mack Brown do this year?????????
DC
January 21st, 2011
1:41 pm
AU fans are not claiming we are going to win the West…I haven’t heard one logical AU fan state that. We know its a rough schedule and we are prepared for that. If we go 8-4 during regular season that is a win for us..and we shall regroup and should have a strong 2012 year.
Newnan Dawg
January 21st, 2011
1:41 pm
Tiger Mania – shut the hell up dude!! Auburn has won 1 NC!!! Just 1. The one yall claim was back in 1957 when the school was called Alabama Polytechnical School!! So dont come on here running your mouth when you had one good season because Auburn had Newton and Fariley. I cannot wait until next season when Auburn will be lucky to win 6 games and you will be on here making all kinds of excuses that Auburn is in rebuilding mode because trust Auburn will suck balls next year!! Bye bye to Newton, Fairley, Adams, 4 offensive linemen, ethridge, and so on. So shut your mouth you piece of s**t!!
C-Town
January 21st, 2011
1:41 pm
Crowell is not Lattimore, He will be The FIRST CROWELL….OK HATERS…Its a lot of haters…This kid is the best RB out of the state of GA in the last 5 years…..He’s better than Storm Johnson, Mack Brown, W.Ealey,R.Neal, T.Poole…..just wait and see …..Starts Day 1 @ UGA
DAWG4LIFE
January 21st, 2011
1:41 pm
Where did u hear that Southside Dawg?
CDAWG
January 21st, 2011
1:42 pm
We are sooooo focused on Crowell and I hope we get him but what about Ken Malcome???? I don’t hear anything about him. We redshirted him for 2010 but he will be ready to go in 2011. He is big and fast. Does anyone have any info on Mr. Malcome? I have asked this question numerous times already without any luck.
VIningsDAWG
January 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
Also we put CMR on a pedestal for being a good man. I have had the chance to meet and talk to Chizik many times. He is a good man and firmly beleves in God. Chizik would not put up with the kind of crap some of you have been misguidedly suggested.
UGA fans we need to do what we do and quit worrying about Auburn or Alabama. We also need to quit the gimmicks like black jerseys and Soulja Boy (that was embarrassing).
DAWG4LIFE
January 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
He wont show back up next year Newnan Dawg
DC
January 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
JB,
I can’t stand Dye…he is a horrible person. But, he did put AU on the football map with some amazing season..I just wish he was a better person.
Tiger Mania
January 21st, 2011
1:43 pm
BobDog,
We were in the ESPN article, which is where Jeffrey got his idea from.
As for running off players, how do you know a kid is not passing classes, causing trouble, watching film, doing his work? YOU DON’T. Coaches Like Chizik and Saban keep it in house, while your incompetent head coach has to bail out players practically every weekend.
Both/ all three are hack jobs at programs that win and graduate their players( except Ole Miss) .
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:45 pm
Everyone youtube… PAT DYE& RAMSEY AT AUBURN…… It’s pretty funny……The part at the end where he say’s, “I’ll call my people and get back to you”. is a good part….That would be Louder by the way.Old Pat still on the board and still in the game….LOL
Newnan Dawg
January 21st, 2011
1:45 pm
Tiger Mania – Also, Auburn only landed Quan Bray because they offered his Uncle a job, so there you go, Auburn’s motto – if you want to come play football for us we will pay your parents or give your family members a job!!
JacksonvilleTire Shop
January 21st, 2011
1:47 pm
To: Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
How many flat tires do you have in a year on I-95, we can help! Call “2 Freshman From Valdosta”, we will come and bring some help with us also!
You get the message!
Tiger Mania
January 21st, 2011
1:47 pm
Newnan Dawg,
Where is UGA’s BCS National Championship?
Oh yeah thats right, they do not have one?
200 plus days of this get used to it.
Georgia has all this homegrown talent that everyone comes in and steals, look at the way your program is being run first and dissect it before trying to dissect a BCS Championship program.
Thats it, go ahead and curse, it shows your intelligence.
Sleeze
January 21st, 2011
1:48 pm
So.. what’s the word on who UGA’s new OL coach will be? Who are they looking at?
DC
January 21st, 2011
1:48 pm
Newnan Dawg, thats exactly what AU did..they hired Quan Bray’s uncle so we can get the kid…thats the only reason..thats extremely logical…
“Woahh eagle baby”
Dixie Redcoat Band
January 21st, 2011
1:48 pm
Didn’t somebody say UGA always gets a top ten recruiting class…but…nothing happens?
WIN WITH RICHT
January 21st, 2011
1:48 pm
Richt will have the Dawgs ready to play in 2011. I look for a great run to begin like we had from 2002 thru 2005. Richt will prove all the naysayers wrong.
JacksonvilleTire Shop
January 21st, 2011
1:49 pm
To: Georgia Saturdays Built FOR LOSERS
Glad to see you join us; you did use the word “WE”!
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:49 pm
didn’t we wax AU four years straight with a mediocre team before they went pro?
producewiz
January 21st, 2011
1:50 pm
yeah man.these ratings on players and top classes mean a whole lot.Like last year.Texas,Florida,Georgia,even Alabama.Ole ball coach says we’ll coach them up and see what happens.Previous aforementioned teams coached them down pretty good.
Tiger Mania
January 21st, 2011
1:50 pm
Mark Richt a younger version of Dan Henning.
Can take a former coaches talent and win with it, can run a heck of an offensive as long as he is not the head coach, will sign 14 TE’s and H-Backs but his teams canno stop the run or run the ball.
YEP! Thats your Head Coach at UGA.
JB
January 21st, 2011
1:50 pm
Sleeze…..The team barber would be an improvement.