Dawgs’ 2013 recruiting class: Solid, but no superstars … yet (UPDATED)
Despite some disappointments, Mark Richt was all smiles Wednesday. (Associated Press)
When the King boys were young, there were two kinds of Christmas mornings.
There were what we called “bicycle” years, when the bounty delivered by Santa was dominated by a shiny new bicycle or some other major gift. And there were other years when there weren’t one or two spectacular gifts but instead we got a whole lot of things we wanted … and even a few we needed.
The years with a new bicycle might have been more exciting, but we never really thought we had a bad Christmas Day.
College football’s national signing day is a lot like that for the Georgia Bulldogs.
Some years the program is rewarded with a burst of national excitement generated by a highly ranked recruiting class topped off by couple of five-star players donning a UGA cap on national television.
And then there are years like this one, in which Mark Richt signed his largest class ever and filled just about all his program’s needs — what my Mom would have called “a very nice haul” — but didn’t get any five-star players and signed only two of the top 10 in-state recruits.
It wasn’t a “bicycle” year, in other words.
Yes, it was tough for Bulldogs fans to watch “SportsCenter” interrupted to show signing announcements by a string of top players, three from the state of Georgia — and none of whom signed with UGA.
Of course, running back Alvin Kamara going with Alabama was expected, and it wasn’t particularly surprising that defensive lineman Montravious Adams followed the man who recruited him for UGA, former defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner, to Auburn. But the loss of much-needed offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, long considered a lock for the Dawgs, to the sudden, mysterious recruiting mojo of “the University of Ole Miss” (as Robert Nkemdiche called it) was particularly hurtful.
And most of the top talent in Georgia leaving the state — in what’s considered one of the most bountiful years of high school players in quite a while, perhaps the best ever — is disturbing.
Looking at the bigger picture, while the loss of Garner at the height of recruiting season no doubt discombobulated UGA’s efforts a bit this year, the puzzling lateness with which the Dogs have approached some top in-state prospects in recent years, last year’s drastic undersigning (with only 17 players), and the continued lack of emphasis on signing offensive linemen — only four out of 32 players??!! — can be laid at least in part at his feet (along with the relative underperformance of a highly regarded defensive line this past season). So Garner leaving might prove to be a case of one step back this year and two steps forward in the future, with coaches who are more active and on top of things on the local recruiting scene taking his place.
The recruitment of Tunsil also was the latest example of UGA going with the high-risk you’re-our-guy strategy of making one top recruit their entire focus at a position — putting all their eggs in one basket. It worked with Isaiah Crowell at tailback two years ago (though it didn’t pay off in the end when he got kicked out of school and the Dawgs were left sorely lacking in depth), but was an abject failure with Tunsil this year. Watching UGA’s coaches scramble to try to come up with a Plan B when it became obvious Tunsil was going elsewhere was embarrassing.
Still, Richt and company signed a solid, deep class that especially addressed needs at linebacker and in the secondary, even if it was lacking in some of that signing-day which-cap-will-he-pick-up-off-the-table drama that ESPN promotes — and which has skewed media (and fan) perception of the class as a whole. It might not be close to the No. 1 class in the country as Richt defiantly hailed it Wednesday (the various rankings average out to No. 11), but, as Georgia’s head coach noted, “We took care of business in the areas that we needed. We got the guys that are very, very talented and are excited about being here.”
And once they actually start playing games, some of these players could well end up outshining those given five stars by the recruiting services.
Besides, those overall class rankings can be deceptive. Two words: Dream. Team.
Yes, perhaps the case can be made that the attention lavished on signing day’s late deciders is warranted because they tend to be among the best players who are recruited the hardest. Still, the horse-race style coverage tends to overlook some top-quality players who commit early and don’t waver.
Todd Grantham refused to end speculation about his future at UGA. (Associated Press)
Finally, what to make of this whole Todd Grantham soap opera?
While perhaps before signing day Georgia’s defensive coordinator might have seen the speculation about a possible NFL job as somehow enhancing his standing in the eyes of prospective recruits, it’s been reported that rival coaches used it against the Dawgs.
If he stays, you wonder why he endangered the signing of Davin Bellamy, Georgia’s main signing day triumph, by equivocating rather than coming right out and putting an end to the rumors. And if he’s truly leaving, then you have to figure he was at the very least disingenuous with some of Georgia’s signees, if he didn’t outright mislead them.
Frankly, Grantham’s continued dancing around the issue and refusal to say yes or no on signing day makes him look like a bit of a jerk.
UPDATE: I’m off for a couple of days but I stilll have one eye on Athens and was pleased to see that Grantham is staying at UGA … for the time being. That doesn’t mean, however, that I’ve changed my mind about the awkward, unnecessarily distracting way he handled this latest flirtation with the NFL. I’m just hoping the lingering uncertainty over Grantham’s future plans doesn’t come back to bite the Dawgs in recruiting defensive players for next year.
Got something you want to discuss about UGA athletics? Got a question you want the Junkyard Blawg to tackle? If so, send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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194 comments Add your comment
Joey
February 7th, 2013
1:41 pm
Looking at Willie’s last season, he allowed 337 points in 12 games vs Grantham’s last – 276 points in 14 games
And that is not allowing for all of Aaron Murray’s pick-6s and ST scores.
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
1:48 pm
Well, since you can’t wait, I won’t keep you in suspense. The reason is because it’s always going to be that way because it’s human nature and the nature of the profession. The vast majority of college coordinators are interested in either working in the NFL or becoming college head coaches at some point. When you have success, you get those opportunities and if you’re not getting those opportunities, then that’s a pretty clear indication that you’re not cutting it. Van Gorder had a successful tenure at Georgia and he left to because he wanted to coach in the NFL and be a head coach. Mark Richt left Florida State because he wanted to be a head coach. Someday, Mike Bobo will leave because he wants to be a head coach. It’s simply career advancement and it’s not at all unnatural. Your idea that you should somehow beat him to the punch and dump him before he can dump you is short sighted and unrealistic.
JRW7
February 7th, 2013
1:48 pm
I have never agreed with GTBOB, but he is right on in his 1:22 post.
Dark Day?
February 7th, 2013
1:53 pm
GT IS HEADED for some “dark days” having signed ONLY 14 kids. TECH is in big trouble.
Go Dogs.
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
1:57 pm
wow those are stunning numbers for a guy who mid way through his last season knew he was going to be fired and could have cared less how his defense played.
and yet did Martinez have the talent Gratham has had the last two seasons; I dont think so and yet Gratham still gives up 30 points a game against every top 20 team except for a FL team whose offense was one of the worst in the country
oh and lets not forget 2 seasons worth of the easiest schedules UGA has played in eons
So again please explain to me why keeping a guy that has shown 2 years in a row that he is courting other opportunities that he should be kept on,
Minnesota Dawg
February 7th, 2013
2:05 pm
We sure do have a lot of potential coaches on this blog. They seem to know which players will be good! Some act as if our coaches at Georgia don’t have any sense. I trust Mark Richt. I’d rather have him than any other coach. Go DAWGS!
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
2:10 pm
When you have success, you get those opportunities and if you’re not getting those opportunities, then that’s a pretty clear indication that you’re not cutting it.
Again what success has Grantham shown other than successfully giving up 30+ pts against top 20 opponents
Again I dont fault the guy for career aspirations but in his 2nd year he demands a pay raise; third year yet again he is looking to move on
I understand coaching is a revolving door but Asst have to earn their promotions as did Richt who spent over a decade at FSU and others who spend 4 to 5 + years of successful coordinating
Once again please explain to me why keeping a guy that has shown 2 years in a row that he is courting other opportunities that he should be kept on when your program is only going to be hurt
Joey
February 7th, 2013
2:31 pm
Flat Tire, in ‘09, we played 4 ranked teams – last season it was 5. I think the schedule is kinda relative – UT is down – Vandy is ranked. Ole Miss is better than Miss St. SC is much better than then.
Anyway, the D last season had better numbers, but the issue with the suspended players, then the UT and SC games had last season’s D reeling, I think, until S Williams called the D out – which I still believe was done with TG’s blessing. After the UK game, the Dawgs D was equal to Bama’s D.
I haven’t commented on TG’s interview, but while I hope he doesn’t go, I can’t see anybody blaming him if he takes a big pay raise, with a longer contract. He is a family man, and I know from experience, when you get that first kid, priorities change – it’s all about making as much as you can, to pass on to that kid, to give them a better life or better start than you had yourself.
I hope he stays – with this offense, if he can’t get the D to play better than average, we will beat a bunch of good teams.
Oh, and isn’t the NFL “courting TG” instead of the other way around?
Va Dawg
February 7th, 2013
2:46 pm
I was told that Tunsil’s girlfriend got a FULL RIDE to Ole Miss last weekend WHILE he was there!
Lets check on that one!
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
2:49 pm
Joey
You said anybody blaming him if he takes a big pay raise, with a longer contract
Have you seen lately the turnaround on coordinators in the NFL; its very short
As long as Richt wins 9-10 games a year which is really not that hard with the talent UGA gets Grantham is fine;
I promise you Gratham will have a much longer term as D-Coordinator than he will ever have in the NFL cause the UGA fanbase excepts mediocrity and is happy with 9-10 wins so long as we beat that joke program 60 miles to the west that hasnt done anything much in 60 years
oh and that longer term will earn him more money in the long run
wake up Gratham doesnt want to be here so why are we wasting our time with someone who is going to be used by other schools as a recruiting ploy by telling them “he isnt going to be there” against us and who has shown he cant stop top 20 teams
Joey
February 7th, 2013
3:02 pm
Grantham stopped 3 outta 5 Top 20 teams this past season, Flat Tire.
UGA lost only to the BCS Champ and the #7 team on the road. And one of those games came down to the last second.
You really should check out Grantham’s past a little closer – I’m sure you knew TG worked for Saban at MSU. Oh and you do realize that King Nick offered the Bama DC job, got turned down, then gave it to Kirby in ‘08, right?
I thank the football gods regularly that we got Grantham, other than Bud Foster and John Chavis, who we pursued.
Those guys had good seasons, huh?
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
3:09 pm
Flat Tire, you’re directing your anger at the wrong person. If you have an issue with Grantham being your DC, then by all means, let Richt or McGarity know. I think the circumstances lend themselves to giving Grantham more time to fine tune his defense but I don’t have any problems with people disagreeing with that assessment.
What I disagree with however is the assertion that people shouldn’t be allowed to seek out the best opportunity they can find, assuming they’re not being deceitful or defrauding their current employers. As such, your issue that you want to get rid of Grantham because he’s looking at other jobs is a non-starter. Coordinators will always be looking at other jobs because that’s how they view personal job success. You can bet that if Mike Bobo was drawing interest to be the next head coach at Texas instead of just Southern Miss, he’d be gone before Reggie Ball could count to four.
McDawg
February 7th, 2013
3:17 pm
Tunsil & Kamara were the whiffs-never seemed that Adams was ever on board
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
3:18 pm
3 out of 5 he stopped
oh wow Vandy he stopped LOL who were the other 3 that he didnt give up 30 points to other than a terrible FL offense
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
3:23 pm
GeoffDawg
Again you miss the point; the guy has shown nothing and here we are again as a program wondering if he is going to be our D-coordinator next year
Try that at your job and lets see how long your employed
As for Bobo sure he would be gone and I wouldnt blame him but how many years has he been here
Joey
February 7th, 2013
3:28 pm
It must be a burden, having to tote that negativity everywhere.
Name me ONE DC you would trade Grantham for today.
And cut out the “wake-up” crap.
You know I’m not a (your words) koolaid drinker. We can agree to disagree . . .
McDawg
February 7th, 2013
3:36 pm
Monte Kiffin
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
3:37 pm
Wow
here we go with the name one coach out there garbage
I heard that when Martinez was here too
our fanbase has become laughable
oh well you got me I forgot there are no coaches out there except Richt Bobo and Grantham
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
3:40 pm
Flat Tire, I get your point. I just don’t agree with it. Your opinion is that Grantham isn’t qualified to be in his current position. That’s not what I think but I don’t have a problem with you taking that stance. The sticking point here is your assertion that a contributing factor to his disqualification is that he looks at other jobs and leverages those jobs for more money / job stability. If Grantham were reporting to you, obviously that wouldn’t work for him. However, the powers that be are more accomodating because they place a higher value on his services than you do.
If I was looking at other jobs than one of the factors I’d have to consider would be how highly thought of I am by my current employer which is precisely what Grantham’s agent is leveraging. Are you familiar with the law of diminishing returns? Essentially, at the point that Grantham’s costs outweigh his benefits, based on Richt/McGarity’s opinion, he’ll no longer be at Georgia. If they don’t like his job shopping to the tune that it overshadows his successes on the field, I’m sure they’ll follow your advice. Until that time however, they’ll tolerate it. That’s the same scenario you’ll find at any job.
'94 UGA Alumnus
February 7th, 2013
3:43 pm
I hope you enjoy the BBVA Compass bowl Tunsil and Nkemdiche because that’s where you are headed (if you’re lucky that is), I could understand going to Alabama or Florida but Ole Miss. REALLY?????
Joey
February 7th, 2013
3:46 pm
Name one jackass – we may be looking for a DC a week from now – I know you know a better one . . .
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
3:51 pm
Geoff Dawg
LOL
Again go try what he is pulling at any employer and see what happens
Ever heard of the term Job hopper
Grantham and his agent and everyone outside of the UGA fanbase knows how our program works why do you think he is doing this; at UGA mediocrity is tolerated getting fired rarely happens
Again I dont have a problem with Granthams career aspirations just dont hurt the program that has made you one of the highest paid coordinators which he continues to do and will do ASAP when he gets the opportunity
And we wonder why we cant win the big games at this program
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
3:52 pm
Thats right we might be looking for one next week so why are you defending his antics
Joey
February 7th, 2013
3:54 pm
And I never heard that when Willie was here.
And the only thing “laughable” about our fanbase, is the fans who pitch a fit over a Top 10 recruiting class of 30 4-Star and 3-Star recruits.
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
3:57 pm
where did I pitch a fit about a top 10 recruiting class
Joey
February 7th, 2013
3:57 pm
Antics?
Answering an interview request for a higher-paying, longer-term-contract, job?
Buddy, congrats for never having done that in your life.
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
3:59 pm
Yes, I’m familiar with the term. Look at somebody’s resume who’s been in the workforce for 20 years. You’ll likely see five or six different employers. Organizations are flattening and lateral moves are considered necessary for career growth. The era of the gold watch retirements is long gone. Welcome to corporate America.
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
4:04 pm
Nah Ive done that thank you but I earned the better opportunity by getting results
Joey
February 7th, 2013
4:05 pm
I said “fans” and I know you’ve read them on here.
I don’t know your opinion on the class.
Back to Grantham. All I am saying is compare the other Top-20 teams’ DC’s performance the past 2 seasons and pick a better DC. And I mean, be sure and count the scores from pick-6s, fumbles, and Special Teams.
Bill King
February 7th, 2013
4:06 pm
I just want to make one thing clear on Grantham: I don’t begrudge him the opportunity to advance his career in whatever way he sees fit. Frankly, I think he’d be happier back in the NFL, where he doesn’t have to deal with recruiting teenagers. I just don’t think this coy, legalistic stance he took yesterday best served his interests or UGA’s. I would have appreciated a more forthright approach. “Yes, this is a possibility I’m considering” or “No, I don’t plan on going anywhere” or even “I don’t plan on leaving but you never say never.” Instead we got a shoft-shoe routine about contractual obligations.
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
4:08 pm
Um yea Im very familiar with corporate America but not leveraging your current employer every year for other opportunities
That gets you fired
but
Hey since your job approves of leveraging them after a big pay raise every year can I send my resume to them I like the idea
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
4:09 pm
Bill King
Thank You
I totally agree
Joey
February 7th, 2013
4:09 pm
Flat Tire, if you can’t see that Grantham’s attacking-style defense, while using players recruited mostly by Willie’s passive 4-3 D, and with very little depth, hasn’t made a difference in UGA’s standing in the college football world, you are blind as a bat.
James K. Polk
February 7th, 2013
4:10 pm
Mediocrity=UGA…and our fans LOVE it for some reason. THAT is why we are losing recruits. It’s not because of Grantham leaving, or because of Richt’s hip, or because Saban is cheating. We lose recruits because they go visit Bama, Florida, Auburn, and LSU and see crystal throphies, then come here on a visit and see our Outback Bowl trophy and notice that our alumns and fans are thrilled about it. THAT’S why,
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
4:12 pm
Obviously not Flat Tire. You never took economics, did you?
Joey
February 7th, 2013
4:15 pm
Bill, have you considered the possibility that the Saints (or any other NFL team) was
aware of the timing of NSD, and didn’t contact him until afterward?
Instead of “a routine,” maybe it was the uncomfortable truth?
We will know shortly – and if he stays, we will know Mark Richt is fine with what occured.
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
4:16 pm
Bill, when you say “I don’t plan on leaving but you never say never.”, I interpret that to be equivalent to Grantham’s statement that he “expects to be here next year” in lieu of saying that he “will be here next year”. That seems pretty forthright to me. He could be fully aware of potential interest but if he doesn’t think he’s one of the top candidates, he could fully expect to be in Athens next year.
Joey
February 7th, 2013
4:18 pm
“Um yea Im very familiar with corporate America but not leveraging your current employer every year for other opportunities”
****************************************
What did Grantham “leverage” last season?
UGA OFFERED the raise and extension.
Why?
His defense was the #5 Defense in the USA.
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
4:23 pm
#5 against who no one
look at what he did against the ranked teams
Joey
February 7th, 2013
4:28 pm
It’s not “leveraging.”
It’s called accepting what the market will pay.
I would send Grantham an email congratulations for a 50% raise.
And thank him for beating 22 “no ones” the last 2 seasons.
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
4:34 pm
LOL
I love how we are now using economics
But you know I like how economics is taught at programs like FL and AL
I wonder what they call their brand of economics I bet it has nothing to do with Mediocrity
Guess thats why theyve hoisted 7 crystal balls among them the last 20 yrs and UGA hasnt even sniffed the championship game
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
4:57 pm
I love how you love everything Flat Tire. Yes, economics are relevant for determining the worth of an employee against costs incurred. It’s called operating in reality. What you don’t realize is that you don’t have an issue with the way employees are managed, you have an issue with your perceived failings with the staff assessments conducted by the administration.
Joey
February 7th, 2013
5:05 pm
Ok, UF was the recepient of a “perfect storm” – a Spread Offense genius, and the most perfect Spread QB ever (though Cam might argue). When Timmy left, so did Urban’s genius.
Bama, on the other hand, has the best coach, who has learned how to use the rules to build a perfect football program. He has the largest staff, compliments of “analysts,” and other “support staff,” as well as the largest Athletic Dept (156?) in the country by triple.
As long as Saban is there, nobody will get the best of Bama regularly, and even after he is gone (see LSU) even a doofus (Les) can continue what he created.
We will beat Saban sometime, here and there, but UGA is not Bama – and will never be.
Joey
February 7th, 2013
5:10 pm
GeoffDawg Flat Tire is a DGD, and I tend to agree on a number of things, but not today.
He is looking for perfection in a profession that has only one perfect (or near perfect) occupant.
It may well drive him mad, unless he realizes it . . .
Bill King
February 7th, 2013
5:19 pm
Joey:
Grantham’s meeting with the Saints had been reported in New Orleans in advance of signing day and before Grantham notified Greg McGarity.
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
5:28 pm
I never intended for this discussion to be adversarial. For whatever reason, he’s just coming across as a bit of a D-Bag today.
GeoffDawg
February 7th, 2013
5:41 pm
Bill, there’s definitely room to be cynical with the way the timing of this whole thing played out but unless Grantham has a history of dishonesty that I’m not aware of, I’m not sure why we wouldn’t give him the benefit of the doubt. Certainly, it’s within the realm of possibility that he was aware of potential interest, either directly or through an intermediary but if he hadn’t received a formal invitation to interview, then anything he would have to say on the subject up to that point would be just speculation. Without hard evidence to the contrary, he could very well have fully expected to stay in Athens (and still could) while in the process of communicating with recruits and through NSD.
Joey
February 7th, 2013
6:11 pm
I know that Bill (5:19), but that report still came from, “a source.” Not the Saints office, nor Grantham.
If Grantham violated protocol, McGarity won’t let this slide, or will be rendered a paper tiger.
I am obviously hoping for a different scenario – Grantham went by the book, and turned the offer down.
I don’t like the thought of starting over with a new DC.
Bill, also, sorry for the 5:07. “SMART” just brings out the worst in me . . .
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
7:06 pm
Joey
UGA is not Bama because of the fanbases
Bama’s fanbase demands championships
UGA’s fans demand 9 to 10 win seasons
Thats the difference; The state of Georgia is a much better state economically and consistantly has better recruits
If UGA fans start demanding champions then we will keep these great in-state players
Take our womens gymnastics team you win championships you get more of the best wanting to come play for you
Flat Tire Doesnt Live in Delusionalville Ga.
February 7th, 2013
7:11 pm
and as for Grantham; Im glad he has career aspirations but dont drag the program along with it
These continued antics by Grantham gives other teams recruiting defensive players against UGA a much easier way to recruit them from coming to UGA now