A few reasons for UGA fans to look on the bright side
UGA defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has been named one of the nation's Top 25 recruiters. (University of Georgia)
The gray skies outside have reflected too much of how my winter has gone so far, so it’s time for a few mood brighteners, of the red and black variety.
Some might choose to be focusing on those potential signees that Georgia didn’t manage to flip last week, but the Dogs still will have some pretty impressive fresh blood coming to Athens, and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham reportedly had a big hand in making that happen. Rivals.com has noticed, and named Grantham one of the nation’s 25 best recruiters, which bodes well for replenishing the senior-laden defensive secondary after this season.
Speaking of which, David Ching of ESPN’s DawgNation notes that while Georgia could have depth problems in its defensive secondary in the wake of last week’s dismissals, the returning starting lineup is pretty awesome, with Bacarri Rambo, Shawn Williams, Branden Smith and Sanders Commings.
Ching quotes Williams as saying, “The whole defense, it’s going to be one of our goals to finish as the No. 1 defense in the country this year.” If they’re successful, the Dogs might well be able to kick it up a notch from a 10-win season.
At any rate, I like the way Rambo is thinking in putting off the NFL for another year: “God put it on my heart that I need to stay my senior year so I can get better and improve at the small things that I need to and just be a complete safety. I’m going to do my best this offseason to try to get better, work hard, be a leader and hopefully help my team get to Miami next year.”
Meanwhile, in the wake of signing day, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach has updated his 2012 Way-Too-Early Preseason Top 25 and UGA has moved up a spot to No. 5. Notes Schlabach: “Georgia has to run the ball more effectively and learn how to finish games, but there might not be a more inviting schedule in 2012 than the one the Bulldogs will face. Georgia is expected to bring back 10 starters from a much-improved defense, including All-American linebacker Jarvis Jones and safety Bacarri Rambo. Incoming freshmen Josh Harvey-Clemons, Jonathan Taylor and John Atkins might provide some immediate help. Quarterback Aaron Murray and receiver Malcolm Mitchell are coming back, and UGA signed two highly regarded tailbacks — Keith Marshall (already enrolled at UGA) and Todd Gurley — to push sophomore Isaiah Crowell. Georgia doesn’t play SEC West favorites Alabama, Arkansas and LSU during the regular season and plays four of its first five games at home.”
And let’s top it off with one of my all-time favorite Dawgs, Hines Ward, who recently told 11 Alive he would like one day to return to Athens as a coach. “I tease Coach Richt if he wants to hire me, hire me,” Ward said. “I would love that. That would be my ultimate dream.”
Wouldn’t you just love to see that?
Yeah, I’m definitely feeling better now. How about you?
Got something on your mind concerning UGA athletics or a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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264 comments Add your comment
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:26 pm
And we’re no way ready to compete against Bama yet!!
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:30 pm
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:24 pm
When you return 10 of 11 starters on a top 5 defense, coupled with returning all the play makers on offense plus they RBs we added you start to see a top ten team emerge, just like the pollsters are seeing. we will be much better than last year in all facets of the game. Which is scary to think about our defense being that much better.
As for the fair weather fans on here amen. they all just need to go hide in their shells until something good happens.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:31 pm
A few reasons for UGA fans to look on the bright side?
1. The Dawgs are still Preseason National Champs.
2. Saying “Wait Til Next Year” is still a good thing
3. Uga IX can’t be worse than Uga’s VIII and Russ.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:31 pm
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:26 pm
couldnt disagree more. Did you see who they lost???
TR 90% of their offense gone
Playmakers on defense gone
They will finish no better than 3rd in the west this year losing 3 games.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:32 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:31 pm
And once again all things trolls say not uga fans thanks for playing!
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:33 pm
Best defenses in the country lead to low offensive numbers sorry moron, try again.
Yes. Auburn, Kentucky, and Ole Miss were some of the best defenses in the country. I’m not sure how anyone scored against those teams.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:37 pm
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:33 pm
surprise surprise still doesnt get it. Those def u named would hold most ACC teams to under 3TDs a game, especially GT. They just get beat up on in the SEC, but would all most likely be better than half the ACC if they played in that joke of a conf.
But you leave out LSU, SC, and even MSU???? hmmmmmmmm……… wonder where those def ranked????
DawgInaTruck
February 8th, 2012
1:37 pm
Bob are you going to come to any of my fish frys this year? You know you hold a standing invitation.
b-ham dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:42 pm
We are not a top 10 team at all. The only reason we are ranked so high in these “too early” polls is because they are taking in account the schedule we are playing. DB depth is a huge concern don’t want to even think about if commings or smith go down. Also, the O-line has to block before we can be a top 10 team. With that said if we stay healthy and play to our “potential” which is very rare i think we make another run at the sec east, and who knows we could get lucky in one more game.
GATA Always
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:42 pm
I know they are losing a substantial amount of players, but Saban has those boys focused on playing hard nosed football. I’m not going to sit here and bash his recruiting tactics, thats for another forum…but as for a head football coach..he’s proven himself in the college ranks. Next year, they will be vulnerable…but I also know how the Dawgs have under performed in big games the past few years.
One thing Hines would bring to the table…is ENTHUSIASM!! I dont see that from Richt or Bobo anywhere on the field. But Grantham sure brings the fire…and it exactly what we need a whole lot more.
Steve
February 8th, 2012
1:43 pm
People, why do you keep responding to losers likt GTBob and Still@theKool-aidBAR? Do you not see that they have no life, friends, women, etc? They truly get a rise out of coming on a UGA blog and getting you worked up. Just ignore them. Especially any Tech fan. They have been jealous of UGA for decades and it will never end. Do you not think they would love to get the coverage UGA does, the recruiting UGA does, the coaching UGA does, the women UGA does, etc?
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:45 pm
b-ham dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:42 pm
DB depth is not an issue. They will sign another DB out of JUCO for 2012 season, MM can and will most likely get snaps at CB this year, and JHC will start out at safety before moving to LB like Tree did. We are fine there.
OL will be better and we have more depth with 14-17 guys competing for the starting jobs.
With our defense and the weapons on offense we return, we will earn a top ten ranking for week 1.
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:45 pm
But it still amazes me that a team who didnt win their division or conference played for the National Championship!!!! As long as BCS system is still being runned by a bunch of crooks….teams who have a fair shot at playing for the crystal ball…will never get a chance!!
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
Sic em Stevo!! LOL
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:42 pm
O he is hands down the best “coach” in football, but at the same time the worst person in all of sports.
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
Those def u named would hold most ACC teams to under 3TDs a game, especially GT.
Auburn is the only team that I named that played any ACC teams. They played two and both scored more then three touchdowns. As did Utah St for that matter. Very impressive defense.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
Steve
February 8th, 2012
1:43 pm
Good for them. I for one prefer to destroy there posts and make them feel stupid. Been working so far.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
Sat, Sept 20 2008 GT vs Mississippi State W38-7
Sat, Oct 3 2009 GT@ Mississippi State W42-31
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:37 pm
surprise surprise still doesnt get it. Those def u named would hold most ACC teams to under 3TDs a game, especially GT. They just get beat up on in the SEC, but would all most likely be better than half the ACC if they played in that joke of a conf.
But you leave out LSU, SC, and even MSU???? hmmmmmmmm……… wonder where those def ranked????
I guess we are not SCARED of MSU. CPJ’s T.O. scored 11 TDs against MSU the last times we played them.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
their
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:45 pm
Amen
DawgInaTruck
February 8th, 2012
1:49 pm
“But it still amazes me that a team who didnt win their division or conference played for the National Championship!!!!”
As much as I enjoy the bowl games, you are dead-on with that one. If there were ever the perfect argument for some kind of playoff system or a plus-one plan, that one was it.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:50 pm
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:47 pm
Once again retard read the whole thing. It clearly states MOST not all. Clemson is one of the best teams in your joke of a conf. and so was UVA this year.
Ut. state was a fluke game sorry try again.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:51 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
God you are stupid. MSU is michigan state you moron.
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:53 pm
Do you not think they would love to get the coverage UGA does, the recruiting UGA does, the coaching UGA does, the women UGA does, etc?
The recruiting, yes. Can’t say I really care about any of the others. Especially the coaching.
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:54 pm
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:53 pm
Well there we have it folks, GT Bob admits he doesnt like women and is into men! Bet you feel good finally putting that out there dont you!
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
Clemson is one of the best teams in your joke of a conf. and so was UVA this year.
UVA had the same amount of points and less yards against GT then they did against Auburn. Do you consider GT a great defense too?
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:55 pm
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:51 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
God you are stupid. MSU is michigan state you moron.
But BOB only mentioned SEC teams so WHY are you throwing in Michigan State? I guess the SC you typed really meant Southern Cal right?
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:57 pm
Well there we have it folks, GT Bob admits he doesnt like women and is into men! Bet you feel good finally putting that out there dont you!
Yep. I’m gay. Do you hate gay people?
Promethius
February 8th, 2012
1:57 pm
Can you give me hope as to the future of UGa BB?
b-ham dawg
February 8th, 2012
1:58 pm
@TDF… How can you say DB depth is not a concern? I shouldn’t say DB because safety is fine but Corner is where we need depth. We only have commings, smith, swann, bowman, and now dawson who is a true frosh at Corner. How is this not a concern? and please don’t start naming walk-ons.
GATA always
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:59 pm
BOB why don’t we give TDF some money to manage. You see how brilliant he is on the Blogs I am sure he would Triple our money in just a few months.
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
2:16 pm
I am sure he would Triple our money in just a few months.
As long as he promises not to bet on football games, i’m all for it.
Randy McMichael
February 8th, 2012
2:19 pm
I’d like to come back to counsel these young men on their personal relationships off of the field…
A few reasons for UGA fans to look on the bright side
February 8th, 2012
2:21 pm
We’ve got a great start on winning The Richt Cup again!
MarineDog
February 8th, 2012
2:21 pm
What about Jim Harbaugh for the 49ers? He was a former QB at Michigan and was very successful. He was the HC at Stanford and was successful and has completely turned the 49ers into a contender.
Sauced
February 8th, 2012
2:21 pm
Bring Hines on board! Get No Show as well. Great role models for DUI class at UGA!!!
Dream Team!!! Wait till next year!!!
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2012
2:21 pm
The Commings jury is still out…regardless, he probably wont be available for the entire season. And Smith is still suspect at times. Swann, Dawson, Bowman, etc…all havent had enough reps to give me confidence in their coverage abilities. True, theres plenty of talent…but not enough experience.
5 star thug squad
February 8th, 2012
2:23 pm
We’re better at women-beaters than world-beaters.
SSIgator
February 8th, 2012
2:24 pm
“help my team get to Miami next year”
Huh? What is he going to do? Chip in from sales of his stash to take them on vacation? South Beach is a nice place, but very expensive. Better start saving for that trip now.
Noshaun
February 8th, 2012
2:25 pm
I knew all about the arrest procedures from my days at ga.
Snoop Dawg
February 8th, 2012
2:25 pm
TDF, you are dumber than a box of rocks. Those would be cinder rocks, because you are either retarded or you brain is fried. You remind me of Chatty Cathy.
As I read this blog, I am once again reminded why my Dawgs are destined for another underachieving year. All these blind homer actually believe that “this year they might go all the way.” With the immense talent, they should but they won’t because they do not have the right attitude because of their head coach, their leader.
It is amusing to hear all the philosophical pronouncements on Hines Ward as a coach, on whether Heisman winners make good coaches, etc. This–by people who tolerate an incompetent head coach like Mark Richt! Well there, there goes your credibility down the drain. And Bobo… He’s still going to be calling the same plays next year, right? Keep drinking that Koolaid…
TDF, my son has a name for you. It’s Dufus. You do not have a clue. If you want to see a troll of the first order, go look in the mirror.
You and your fellow Excusers are a contributing factor why UGA football is subterranian these days.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
2:25 pm
Comming will get the TUFF UGa discipline and miss the 1st half of the Buffalo game.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
2:29 pm
GTBob you still coming over tonight for a little tickle time? It’s been too long! We can dress up in our Star Wars outfits!
Rick James
February 8th, 2012
2:29 pm
@GTBob
I don’t get why people are high on Grantham.
He padded his defensive stats against terrible offensive teams. Therefore UGA fans think he is a defensive genius.
———————————————————————————————————————————————
Ha Ha..Name two people besides you that are not Tech fans who would trade him for Al Groh.
Jacket99
February 8th, 2012
2:31 pm
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:37 pm
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
1:33 pm
surprise surprise still doesnt get it. Those def u named would hold most ACC teams to under 3TDs a game, especially GT. They just get beat up on in the SEC, but would all most likely be better than half the ACC if they played in that joke of a conf.
But you leave out LSU, SC, and even MSU???? hmmmmmmmm……… wonder where those def ranked????
—————————————————-
TDF
February 8th, 2012
1:51 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
1:48 pm
God you are stupid. MSU is michigan state you moron.
————————————————————————–
Now I’m confused. Which MSU were you talking about?
Toad Grantham
February 8th, 2012
2:34 pm
But what about those “half-time adjustments” I made against LSU and MI State!!!!
OldFan
February 8th, 2012
2:34 pm
Great stuff, Bill, but it sure would be nice if we beat somebody who actually matters next year. Once again, we’ll find out early enough against SC.
Still@theKool-aidBAR
February 8th, 2012
2:39 pm
OldFan UGa plays USC in the middle of the year. You open with Mizzou this year.
Rick James
February 8th, 2012
2:41 pm
Is there a reason why we always see Tech fans in droves when an athelete a Georgia gets in trouble? Even the ones who left the program years ago are targets but they cant seem to remember Joe Hamilton and Reuben Houston.I guess if you cant beat Georgia on the field you just focus on things that have nothing to do with the scoreboad.
GTBob
February 8th, 2012
2:42 pm
Ha Ha..Name two people besides you that are not Tech fans who would trade him for Al Groh.
I can name at least one. Bill Parcells. What does he know about defense though?