Mark Richt’s ‘Dream Team’ picks up momentum
Ray Drew is the latest to say he'll join the "Dream Team." (Ray Drew)
Our Chip Towers reports five-star Thomas County Central defensive end Ray Drew announced this morning he’s going to become a Georgia Bulldog.
Perhaps some of those snarky folks who laughed at Mark Richt’s “Dream Team” gambit are taking it somewhat more seriously now.
Snagging Drew is a biggie not just because he’s rated a five-star player, but because Georgia badly needs talent on its defensive line. Now if UGA can get another stellar DE, Asheville’s Jeoffrey Pagan, who recently decommitted from Clemson and is reportedly favoring the Dogs, plus sign junior college nose guard John Jenkins (who won’t announce until Feb 5), Todd Grantham’s 3-4 will be looking a lot more formidable.
And then, of course, there’s still running back Isaiah Crowell, who’ll make his decision public on signing day on ESPNU.
The Dream Team is far from complete at this point. But it’s closer to reality than many ever thought it would be.
Assuming these guys all sign on the dotted line, is that enough to elevate the Georgia program back to the elite? And can it be done in the 2011 season — in other words, are the Dogs likely to actually get turnaround performances from that many true freshman players this fall against SEC competition? What do you think?
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503 comments Add your comment
Preston
January 28th, 2011
11:05 am
jsmooth, I love CMR too but what the hell happened last year? 18th or so ranked class? No sense in that at UGA! I hope the one “off” year won’t hurt too much but every year is crucial in recruiting. They’ve definitely more than impressed me with this recruiting class with back to back terrible seasons and a coach on a very hot seat. I feel pretty darned sure that Crowell, Jenkins, and Pagan are gonna be dawgs next week too. Now let’s do something special with these guys.
UGA1990
January 28th, 2011
11:05 am
GT Joe, I don’t think its fair to say he “can’t do anything with them” as he has won 2 SEC Championships, 2 BCS games, and 95+ games over 10 years in the SEC. Oh, and he is 9-1 against your school!!!
keith
January 28th, 2011
11:06 am
just hope we can coach’m up.
shawn
January 28th, 2011
11:07 am
@Hunting Dawg, I think we win many games TY with the talent from last year and a little help from a few of these recruits but you are right, the majority of these guys will not be on the field NY! Sure makes the near future look bright. I am so glad that we are finally after our GA youth. These are the guys whose heart lies with our home team. A man’s heart lies in his home and with heart he will go to all ends to protect it! Go Dawgs!!
DogFace Blues
January 28th, 2011
11:07 am
CMR will go down as one of the best coaches to turn it around with one of the best teams to ever win the National Championship! Go Dawgs! All hell cant stop him now!
Preston
January 28th, 2011
11:08 am
I thought we were gonna be the laughing stock of the recruiting season when the two kids decided to go to AU and UA a couple of weeks ago. Since then, we’ve gotten every single recruit we’ve wanted! Maybe those two will reconsider and de-commit to the neighbor’s state schools and become dawgs after all!
robodawg
January 28th, 2011
11:08 am
Some of these guys will contribute immediately. But enough to put us among the elite in 2011? Not sure.
In 2012 — if we can wait that long — our talent level looks like it will be back to what it was in 2008, but with a better DC than then.
VDawg
January 28th, 2011
11:10 am
Not ALL of these guys are immediate impact players but will all make an impact in 2011. Drew, Jenkins, and Crowell are starters THIS year and likely EARLY in the year. However, the class we are putting together proves one thing more important than ANYTHING. Mark Richt wants it again. I like what I am hearing and seeing right now. If we finish this “Dream Team” like I think we will, then YES it will put UGA back in ELITE status.
Rooster
January 28th, 2011
11:11 am
I doubt any of these “Dream Teamers” will see action on the field this year except the practice field. That is the way Richt handles the program.
GT JOE A LOSER
January 28th, 2011
11:12 am
CMR at least has coached them enough to beat the LOSERS on the FLAT!!!
What about ....
January 28th, 2011
11:13 am
If UGA lands Jenkins and Drew and the Pagan young man, with signed contracts, what will happen with Abry Jones and DeAngelo Tyson and Kwame Gathers and Bean Anderson?
I know for a TRUE frosh like Drew or Pagan to be an impact player ( lineman) is tough. Now, I do think John Jenkins will be an impact IF UGA can get him.
Would all of these names be reshuffled and the starters emerging? At any rate, UGA ought o ahve TONS and TONS of D line depth as a result ……………. IF we land Pagan and Jenkins. Wow! This has never been the case at UGA in my 50 years of following UGA ball.
I also love the corner back depth emerging now at UGA with two committs. B.Smith and B. Boykin will have some quality corner back company with Swann and Mitchell. Wow!!
Go Dogs.
tony
January 28th, 2011
11:13 am
Hunting Dawg, I guess you weren’t born in 1980 the yr the dawgs recruited H.Walker? Yes, the dawgs won a nc in Walker’s 1st season as a dawg.
DAWGS forever
January 28th, 2011
11:14 am
How many spots are left? Great Job this is a Dream Team and the path back to where we should be! Go DAWGS
H-Town Dawg
January 28th, 2011
11:15 am
For all the non-believers get off the jock straps. We will get Crowell, Jenkins, Turene or Staley. These cats probably got tired of hearing about their State school and wanted to bring UGA back to the forefront. Will everybody in this class play NO, but we will play(3 starters)at least 8 of these guys next year and i hate it for everybody who tried to talk reckless about them DAWGS. This will be a top 3 class full of talent on both sides of the ball. Ask yourself “why are they going to UGA,” then understand they are representing their state with PRIDE. WAtch the speed we have on defense next year and watch the depth pile up. Everybody needs to stay in their playbooks, stay out of the Bars, work harder than every other team in the country and make these SUCKA NON-BELIEVERS respect the greatness that is about to come out of UGA……..Look at the 2000 Florida St. offense and 2002 Georgia offense and lets get back to the business of dominating on offense. Bobo this is your life and you better make good use of these athletes….Coach Grantham i know you have a smile on your face right now. Kids are buying into being coached by a real NFL D-coordinator and want to win SEC and NAtional Championships, get degrees and HIGH DRAFT PICKS………..I LOVE IT HATERS……GOOOOOOOO DAWGS
66DAWGnNC
January 28th, 2011
11:16 am
Assuming all these guys sign on the dotted line, is this enough to elevate UGA back to the elite? To answer your question, Bill, I don’t think we will know that until they play the games. I believe it was the Bear who said, “The best thing about a Freshman is he becomes a Sophomore.” In other words, no one knows what these guys are going to do on the field assuming they make it to the field. I have been following the DAWGS longer than most of these bloggers have been in the world and I can say a lot can happen between now and next September. God forbid, but how many highly recruited guys have come in to the program and had serious or even career ending injuries before they played a down? Obviously your question is hypothetical or you would not have asked it. So, hypothetically, I do believe these guys that have committed (assuming they are everything they are hyped up to be and we all know that is not always the case either), can be difference makers and get the program back to elite status. I have not seen any of them play outside of Drew in the Army AA game, and NO ONE could block him. Will that translate to the college level? I would like to think so, but then again, only time will tell.
Now for the bashers that are sure to arrive, you will say that Richt can’t “coach em up” and so they will only be mediocre. But I remind you that Richt is averaging around 10 wins per year, has won 2 SEC titles and played for a 3rd. So I believe the guy can coach and I do not believe he somehow forgot over the last few years. I have argued before that the majority of the problems we have had the last few years was due to poor execution, not bad calls. For example, against USCe how many missed tackles did we have that allowed Lattimore 180+ yds? Look at the film and you will see the defense in position on many plays, but missed the tackle. Bad call or poor execution? Likewise, against ARK how many blown coverages did you see? I saw at least 3 that went for long TD’s. Also, against USCe when and where did we fumble? Against Colorado when and where did we fumble? I could go on, but you should get the point. Yes, some calls, both offensively and defensively were baffling. But when you evaluate the total body of work you will see a missed block, dropped pass, missed tackle, or blown coverage, that cost us a big play.
Well, you argue, “Richt won those titles with Donnan’s recruits.” That may be partially correct. But if it was ALL due to Donnan’s recruits, then why couldn’t Donnan win big with them? Don’t get me wrong. I believe Donnan was a fine coach. But the best he could do was about 8-4 and not even sniff a title. So, bash all you want; criticize all you want; call me whatever you want (I’m a big boy and I can handle it). In the end I will support coach Richt, his ENTIRE staff, this team, and ALL DAWG sports until I take my last breath.
One more thing: Don’t get too excited about this class at least until Feb 3. How many times have we been excited about a player or signing class only to see some defectors on NDD? Everybody hang loose and remember this football stuff is just a game. While I am an avid supporter and College Football lover, my life does not depend on the signature of an 18 year old kid or his production or lack therof on the gridiron. Lighten up. Life is much too short as it is.
DawginOH
January 28th, 2011
11:16 am
This is HUGE! Welcome to UGA, Ray!
DogFace Blues
January 28th, 2011
11:16 am
Check out the sweeeeeet schedule. First 3 and last 4 at home with a week off against the lizards!
Maybe this is what we been waiting for. NCs in 2012 and 2013!
rduck
January 28th, 2011
11:16 am
congrats on what is looking like a stellar class coming in. great job by CMR and co.. from a Tech fan
GT Joe
January 28th, 2011
11:16 am
LOL dog fans kill me.
Every year you guys are top 10 recruiting, this year is no different from every year. Silly dogs get hyped up so easily!
What has our coach done? took a bunch of 2/3 stars to a BCS bowl game. That’s all.
Shonuff
January 28th, 2011
11:16 am
Richt has always recruited well. If UGA is successful this year, it will be largely on the players who are already in the program. I also realize that everyone is in a frenzy over 5-star Crowell, but wasn’t Caleb King a 5-star back also???? UGA still has to do a much better job developing these players.
BFD
January 28th, 2011
11:17 am
As long as Richt is there to “coach ‘em up”, no one else in the SEC is really worried. It would be different if these “dream teamers” went to a school with a legit coach. Glad they chose to represent the state school. It’s the only reason to put up with finishing fourth in the SEC East for the next four years.
how2fish
January 28th, 2011
11:17 am
Man with all the haters on here now just imagine if we weren’t putting a great class together…welcome to the Bull Dog Nation Ray Drew best of luck on the field and in the classroom.
82Dawg
January 28th, 2011
11:17 am
@GT Joe …AND LOST!!!!
H-Town Dawg
January 28th, 2011
11:19 am
YOU MUST PROTECT YOUR HOUSE…..GO DAWGS
Tweets that mention Mark Richt’s ‘Dream Team’ picks up momentum | UGA: The Junkyard Blawg -- Topsy.com
January 28th, 2011
11:19 am
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GT Joe
January 28th, 2011
11:19 am
Only Mark Richt can take top 10 recruiting classes to Shreveport and Memphis, losing record, etc.
Yeah, Tech had a bad year too, but at least we aren’t squandering talent.
UGA: the black hole of 5 star recruits.
how2fish
January 28th, 2011
11:20 am
BFD that’s a riot…..now you want some cheese with that whine..nancy.
GT Joe
January 28th, 2011
11:20 am
What do you get with 5 star recruits and lousy coaching? Look at GT basketball. and UGA football.
James Edwards
January 28th, 2011
11:21 am
Who cares about dream team recruiting class? Georgia has one every year. Its what happens to these dream players when they get between the hedges. Jail, flunking out, and underperforming on a dramatic level. At least these studs will get to visit nice bowl towns like Memphis, Orlando, and wherever the “Shouldn’t Really Be in a Bowl” game is played the next couple of years. Coach Richt is all in all right but he is a whale.
82Dawg
January 28th, 2011
11:21 am
Because they can’t get the talent…
Da'rick
January 28th, 2011
11:21 am
You guys better load up on the talent since you lose 20% a year due to being punk crooks and academics. UGA displays zero integrity in who they recruit.
Brand recognition
January 28th, 2011
11:21 am
I would love to see the glum UGA hater’s faces on signing day. They live to hate UGA because they are jelaous. If …………. If ………….If the haters are honest, they now have to BOW DOWN to the UGA Brand. Why?
UGA has undergone tons of negatives like the UCF game, another loss to Florida when they were set to be done in and no major SEC wins in several ( 2 ) years and rumors swirling about one coach or another. Right?? We all agree that it HAS BEEN very negative about all that says UGA. Damon Evans and his panty raid,etc.
Well, um, ah, how could UGA land such a fantastic class if they did not have that TRADITION AND BRAND RECOGNITION?? HMMMMMMMMMMM?
Enjoy it now …………..haters. UGA 4th ONLY to Alabama and the REAL USC and PN State in bowl wins. Bama has 37, USC with 32 and PN Sate with 27 and UGA with 26.
THIS IS one more reason why UGA has BRAND RECOGNITION. TRADITION !!!!
DREAM TEAM BABY!!!! READ and WEEP.
Hunting Dawg
January 28th, 2011
11:21 am
@Tony, Yes, I was around in 1980 and had been around for quite a while before then. Way to pick 1 year out of the last 31! Read, and understand/comprehend, my post a little better. We should be better but NC is not happening in 2011. anybody who thinks so is, once again, smoking something funny!
WDE
January 28th, 2011
11:22 am
I just feel like we’ve seen similar articles for the past 5 years, every February.
Why is this class any different from the past 5 top-10 classes? I really am just starting to feel bad for yall depending on Februaries instead of making real changes.
Maybe this is “the class”, but I’m sure everyone thought the last 5 were too. Let me put it this way, UCF hasn’t sniffed the top 10 in recruiting in its history.
Steve Superior
January 28th, 2011
11:22 am
I wonder if Markie boy can beat Vandy or Kentucky with these guys?
BG
January 28th, 2011
11:22 am
GO DAWGS! The dream team is no longer a dream!!!!!!!!!
GT Joe
January 28th, 2011
11:23 am
Don’t ya’ll have a “dream team” every year?
WDE
January 28th, 2011
11:23 am
Didn’t realize brand recognition won games. You’ll get a first hand lesson in this in the Georgia Dome opening weekend.
You've Been DaRicked
January 28th, 2011
11:24 am
Not so fast…. we still have signing day to burst a bubble or two !
DogFace Blues
January 28th, 2011
11:24 am
Caleb King too scrawny. IC is a juggernaut but has attitude problem. Friends that seen him play at Calhoun say he would check his self out of game and his own fans giving him crap.
Hmmmmmm
January 28th, 2011
11:25 am
Drew is going there because of the good jail house ministry he perceives will be available to him every time a Dawg needs a little visitation.
Sportsrealist
January 28th, 2011
11:25 am
@GT Joe, It least we have your team to beat up on every year.
GT Joe
January 28th, 2011
11:25 am
Just what UGA needs: a lil mo’ Jesus!
Mr. Wilson from Jefferson HS in Tampa
January 28th, 2011
11:25 am
Young Mr. Wilson will be an impact player. The LB kid from Tampa at Jefferson HS. He can fly and hit like a ton of bricks when he gets there Spppppppppppppppppppppeed he has
Go Dogs.
Dawgs
January 28th, 2011
11:27 am
Enter your comments here
Jim key
January 28th, 2011
11:27 am
Hey Bill, who is this Richardson kid?
GT Joe
January 28th, 2011
11:27 am
Beat up on? LOL. Your top 10 recruits are averaging 3 pts. more than Tech in the last 3 GT-UGA games. LOL, yeah, “beat up on”
DawginLex
January 28th, 2011
11:28 am
Stevie Superior,
South Carolina lost 2 years in a row to Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt.
Now shutup
H-Town Dawg
January 28th, 2011
11:28 am
Check and see how many UGA players are in the NFL since 2002. We put players out every year and will continue to do so. 3 potential first round picks this year, Boling, Green and Houston. Green was the only one close to 5stars. Caleb King needs 2 adjust his attitude and do his schoolwork, this dude had problems in high school with grades, and Ealey needs to get like Garrison Hearst and become a monster in the weightroom. they are serviceable backs and they can still help UGA next year. #3 and #4 need to lead by example and become beasts in the weightroom, classroom and on the football field.
Dawgs
January 28th, 2011
11:29 am
If Alabama fans still think Crowell is considering them, yall are in straight denial. Turn the channel to reality and view him in red & black. Ya swallow that one, how did it taste? Suck on it while your going to bed tonight and realize whats about to happen. GOOOOO DAWGS SIC Dream Team