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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— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg