A most unusual sight: UGA absent from Rivals.com’s Top 10
It’s a strange feeling for Georgia fans, and it has to feel a bit odd to Mark Richt. According to Rivals.com, Georgia’s recruiting class of 2010 ranks 15th nationally and sixth in the SEC. (The ratings — updated as of 10:48 a.m. Wednesday — are subject to change.) That would be the Bulldogs’ lowest national rating since 2001, when Mark Richt had been on the job barely two months.
Over Rich’s first nine years, Georgia finished outside Rivals’ Top 10 only once. A year-by-year look:
• 2001: Sixteenth nationally, third in the SEC.
• 2002: Third in the nation, second in the SEC.
• 2003: Sixth in the nation, third in the SEC.
• 2004: Sixth in the nation, second in the SEC.
• 2005: Tenth in the nation, second in the SEC.
• 2006: Fourth in the nation, second in the SEC.
• 2007: Ninth in the nation, sixth in the SEC.
• 2008: Seventh in the nation, third in the SEC.
• 2009: Sixth in the nation, third in the SEC.
About here, you might be saying, “So what if Georgia’s not in the Top 10 this time? All those highly rated classes really only resulted in one SEC title.” (That being in 2005; the 2002 conference championship was achieved largely with Jim Donnan’s recruits.) Not to be a Gloomy Gus, but here’s what:
When you get used to a school lighting up the recruiting board, it’s significant when it doesn’t. It’s significant when Georgia doesn’t land a single 5-star recruit. (That last happened in 2007.) It’s significant when an Auburn program in Year 2 under Gene Chizik lands 13 spots ahead of Georgia in Year 10 under Richt. And from this we can draw only one conclusion:
Mark Richt needs to rent some white limos.
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600 comments Add your comment
ESPN Ranks UGA 2010 Class #9
February 3rd, 2010
10:18 am
#9 on ESPN, not horrible Bradley.
Benjamin
February 3rd, 2010
10:18 am
Branden Smith
February 3rd, 2010
10:14 am
I was a FIVE-STAR last year (2009)idiot
–
Uhh, before calling people idiots, you probably should go back and read what he wrote….
dawgerbrown
February 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
People get too caught up in the number of stars next to a player’s name. Every year there are 4 and 5 stars who don’t live up to expectations. And, there are 2 & 3 stars that surpass them, ( see 2 Tim Jennings about to play in second Super Bowl, and 3 star David Pollack). The difference between a 3 and 4 star is minimal, if accurate. Everybody take a deep breath. UGA is getting what it needs in this class with help in the secondary and d-line. Adding Thornton is huge, one more uncommitted big name signs with UGA and we could be back in the top ten again.
Henry Co.
February 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
You know, I would rather have a class recruited out of the “Top 10″ than to have a one in the “Top 10″ and in the next 2 years be on probabation, have players being kicked off the team, coaches investigated, etc. Richt is doing fine and showing that he will not promise to a kid something he “shouldn’t” being delievered. As a TECH fan you would think I would be happy that they appear to not be recruiting to par, but they will be ready, they will win and they will surprise a lot of programs. this because they are doing it right!
Come on MB, speak the truth
February 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
As Paul Harvey used to say … for the rest of the story’ Auburn NEEDED bodies and got them. They were below the allowed levels in sheer manpower and as a result, could sign kids by saying that you will play soon, if not start. Congrats to Auburn. Very fine job.
UGA did get the needed D bodies. Calhoun’s Rogers? A nice grab for UT but he was not going to make or break UGA’s class. Look at every position on the UGA squad and we are deep, especially with the w. out spot that rogers would have been fourth string. Afterall, Marlon Brown was a diamond in the rough like rogers is. His routes lack crispness.
I love the bounty of linebackers soon to arrive and the D ends soon to arrive PLUS the ones already on campus. We needed Thorton and Garrsion SMith more than we needed another wide out with issues.
Go Dogs.
EW
February 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
I think this is a good thing, maybe this recruiting class will feel the need to prove itself since it’s not as highly touted. Anything to motivate these kids is a good thing.
David
February 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
and Michael Dyer is Officially an Auburn Tiger! get ready to see this kid plow over some boys in the SEC!
Billy Buzz
February 3rd, 2010
10:19 am
Damon,
What’s the difference in Georgia and the Titanic?
SCCOCK13
February 3rd, 2010
10:20 am
don’t worry at least Richt won’t leave UGA on probation like Chizik will and Holz did at SC
JD
February 3rd, 2010
10:20 am
Mark,
Seriously? You’re commenting to congratulate the first poster? Dude, things must be real tough at the AJC these days.
Also, who don’t you bother mentioning the AVERAGE rating of the incoming UGA commits? I think I know why — because our average ranking per recruit is WELL WITHIN the national top ten. We are signing FAR FEWER total players than a lot of other schools in the top ten. You think that’s worth mentioning? I do.
But that wouldn’t make for quite as sensational a story, I guess. That would be a little too fair and balanced for your work.
Way to go, Mark. More disgraceful “journalism” out of you guys. To think, I used to have respect for the AJC Sports folks…
The Dawgs are going to be just fine.
Mark Bradley
February 3rd, 2010
10:20 am
I’d agree that the ratings aren’t always an indication of future success on the field. But I would also note that one or two Georgia fans have put great stock in recruiting ratings in recent years, and if they mattered so much back then, why wouldn’t they matter today?
78 DAWG
February 3rd, 2010
10:20 am
Wait a minute you mean that the whole world doesn’t hinge on having a top 3 recruiting class? And you can win without 5 star players, from reading these blogs I thought that was more important than actually winning games, or life. If the important things aren’t
1- recruiting stars
2- size of your stadium (inversely proportional to….)
3- winning national championships in February
4- getting drunker than the other teams fans
5- trash talking/dancing after every play
Then my world makes no sense!
Bizzaroneck
February 3rd, 2010
10:20 am
I’m hearing we might steal Telvin Smith from FSU. That could put us back in the top 10 with the addition of Thornton.
Dawg Fud
February 3rd, 2010
10:20 am
Auburn pays their players!
relax…i am kidding War Eagle people.
GHOST OF ERK RUSSELL
February 3rd, 2010
10:21 am
Enter your comments here
78 DAWG
February 3rd, 2010
10:21 am
Mark shut up with your “logic”!
Rebel Ace
February 3rd, 2010
10:22 am
Nutt is mopping up Mississippi with Mullen as his mop.
Chipped Tires
February 3rd, 2010
10:22 am
Dont worry UGA didnt have to promise Da’Rick Da’Scooter afterall…. UGA Wins !
PMC
February 3rd, 2010
10:22 am
Ratings matter when they are convenient Mark. This is kind of akin to being a Redskins fan during the beginning of Free Agency.
Roll Tider
February 3rd, 2010
10:22 am
First off, Kyle is clearly illiterate. A sentence needs a subject and a predicate, son.
Secondly, as I’ve said many times, UGA’s glory years came against Zook, Shula, lazy-arse Tuberville, and Gailey. Now that there are better coaches in neighboring states he will be further exposed for what he is-slightly better than mediocre. Sad thing is that the East will suck next year to the point that a 2 or 3 loss UF or UGA will end up in Atlanta. The West is much better overall at this point.
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
February 3rd, 2010
10:22 am
Mark, what’s Kentucky rated….in recruiting…for football?
Rivals Ranks UGA #6
February 3rd, 2010
10:22 am
Rvials has UGA st #6 for quality of pick.
We have 3 more 4 star guys hwo have committed, but letters arn’t in yet, Morant, etc.
Really?
February 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
The day isn’t even over and you have already finalized our rankings. Awesome work.
Dawg Fud
February 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
don’t know what Kentucky is rated but they beat us…on our home field.
Koolaid Dawg
February 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
UGA ranked #1 in Top 100 recruits by Scout and # 2 by Rivals.
78 DAWG
February 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
We Are number 1. Did no one see what we did to Texas A&m in Shrevport! We are the number #1 program in All of college football, eat it Myer!
EW
February 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
JD do you EVER read this blog. MB ALWAYS comments on the first poster being first.
Ho Hum
February 3rd, 2010
10:23 am
So what – it is what happens on the field – maybe GA has realized that some of these high profile players bring more trouble than talent – besides GA is 15 now with only 18 signed – of course Auburn is ranked higher they have 30 signed – so what 30 cannot play – get over the rankings etc – this is a big joke for the rivals.com to make money and the media to have something to write about –
Dawgs are getting the players they want
toga
February 3rd, 2010
10:24 am
Sinking ship. Out done by Auburn and Tennesse, maybe every surrounding state? I can understand Alabama and Florida, but to a 1st and 2nd year coach. DC was not the problem…
Print media ran them ALL out and now??
February 3rd, 2010
10:25 am
hey gang…………the AJC is DOA. Cynthia Tucker was run out of town and the remaining few writers have to pan handle on the net to get readers.
Since when has the AJC been worth anything more than to wrap dead fish in?
Go Dogs
Jacques Costeau
February 3rd, 2010
10:25 am
For years everyone thought you could not get lower than whale poop as it was lying on the bottom of the ocean. But the UGA 2010 recruiting class has proved them wrong….you can get lower than whale poop! How is the view from the bottom, rednecks?
Not a problem
February 3rd, 2010
10:25 am
Next year, Georgia may be the most loaded state in nation with college football recruits (UGA will have plenty of scholarships). Further, Grantham and company will have a whole year to recruit their guys. The Rogers recruiting was a freak thing, aided by a third party who felt that GA stubbed his kid. I can concede a high rated class for better coaching for this upcoming year. The dawgs will be alright.
What??
February 3rd, 2010
10:26 am
We are in for some tuff times. This class will haunt us!
Richt has got to figure it out, and quick.
Declining UGA
February 3rd, 2010
10:26 am
Word is Dooley may flip to UGA at the end of next season! LOL
Word is Richt has beaten GT with vastly better talent! What happens when the talent level becomes neutralized? The gameday coaching has never been a strong point for UGA this decade…..Beginning to look like losing to Kentucky could be an annual event! But hey….atleast you did manage to steal a Kentucky recruit at the last minute after a GT offensive line prospect turned you down. LOL
Come on….let’s hear you sing it….”Oh it’s great to be a …………….” LOL LOL LOL
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
February 3rd, 2010
10:26 am
By the way, we signed a 5 Star guy that will make a bigger difference than all signers combined. Getting a new DC is worth 5 5-star players.
EX Georgia Fan
February 3rd, 2010
10:27 am
I thoght Georgia would finish strong. What a joke! I’m throiugh with this shi$
Mark's Bradley
February 3rd, 2010
10:28 am
This is me…stirring the pot…serving beaten’ dead horse stew…
Fact of the matter is…UGA’s worst class still ranks above GTU’s best. I (for one) do not believe in rankings either (they are rated by washed up 40-y-o benchwarmers who have never played or coached a down of football). However, if the AJC is going to continue to shove our “pathetic class” down our throats… why don’t you start reporting about the disappointment with Tech’s Class… or Georgia State’s for that matter?
Maybe someone is a little upset that we stole Mike Thornton from UK?
Mark Bradley's Mom
February 3rd, 2010
10:28 am
Mark, remember what I have always told you. People have good days and people have bad days honey. Lord knows I sure had a BAD day when I found out I was pregnant with you.
Benjamin
February 3rd, 2010
10:29 am
Rankings come and go, in my honest opinion. I’ve never really been too enamored with whether a team was 1st or 30th in the recruiting classes, and this year is no different.
Georgia’s had a few top classes in the past 20 years that didn’t play up to their expected levels. I forget the year, but there was one in the early 90s that people thought would make us national championship contenders, and we didn’t exactly hit those levels in that era for reasons that extended beyond the recruiting world.
Richt and co. will right the ship this year, I believe, and the “recruiting classes” will follow.
Jax Dawg
February 3rd, 2010
10:29 am
Mark If you write an article about Georgia’s past high ranking in recruiting with lackluster results on the field will you write an article of lackluster recruiting ratings with great results on the field if it happens?
Evansdawg
February 3rd, 2010
10:30 am
I don’t understand the doom and gloom reaction to all of this. From the list of recruits the Dawgs have landed so far, we are getting exactly what we need and where we need it most. 5-star ratings are crap once the season begins. It comes down to how well the coaches plug in the right guys at the right positions, at the right time. From the looks of it, with quality coaching…like Georgia possesses….great things can happen. Georgia has had one bad year, and all the pundits are trying to spin it as the end of the world. Mark Richt is at his best when the pressure is on. Its on…and he is focused with the intent to win. Thats exactly where he should be right now, and Dawgnation will benfit from it.
nemov
February 3rd, 2010
10:30 am
Clemson had a top 2 recruiting clas a couple of years ago. This is the most overhyped day of the year.
Not Don Waddell
February 3rd, 2010
10:30 am
Hey Mark, it’s kind of funny that 2000 was UGA’s last substandard class…wonder how it turned out…hmmm…let me see….
Reggie Brown…still in the NFL
Chris Clemons…still in the NFL
Nic Clemons…in the NFL for a while
David Greene…had to settle for big, slow guy when Jason Campbell opted for Auburn
Arnold Harrison…still in the NFL
Sean Jones…still in the NFL
Musa Smith…great college RB
Johnathan Sullivan…better college DT than Stroud or Seymour
Will Thompson…3 year starter
Horace Willis…always will owe him a debt of gratitude…after he got busted burning some weed, got kicked out of UGA before practice started…wound up being the DB beaten by Michael Johnson for the 2002 Auburn win…
All in all, I hope that the 2010 class turns out as badly as 2000 did…
Ironically, Andre Zellner and Albert Hollis were the two really big fish in that class…Zellner never could get into school, but played for the Cowboys for several years after Fort Valley St, and Hollis had that catastrophic leg injury
cantondawg
February 3rd, 2010
10:30 am
Mark,
I think this year will be the turning point for UGA. I agreed with you completely a few months ago that the program had been on Auto-pilot for the past few years. Sometimes we all have to evaluate ourselves and make tough decisions which i think CMR did this past year. I think it’s absolutely amazing that we pulled the class that we did considering we were down 3 coaches for the most important recruiting period. This year was going to be a small class anyway so we really can’t compare our classes to Auburn of Florida. However, i do think we filled several of our needs in this class. Remember a team is made up of 4-5 recruiting classes and UGA has been lights out for the past few years in recruiting. Sure Losinig DR took alot of luster off of this day but we are absolutely loaded at WR and i think our path to the SEC championshiop will be on the backs of Ealey and King.
We return 10 starters on offense and have a much better DC this year. If we win our usual 10 games this year then i expect us to be in the top 5 recruiting next year
vollball96
February 3rd, 2010
10:30 am
UGA is and always will be bottom feeders.. The only reason u guys ever looked good was when sanders took over at UT and cost us games.. Now u guys think wow we have been good for so long,,lololo.. Anyone that’s been around knows that UGA has not reach the level of UT or UoF in 20 years..They just got lucky with UT and UoF having some bad seasons while UGA maintained the same old level..No matter what ESPNU says..lol better name fo uga is old miss
Big Orange
February 3rd, 2010
10:31 am
@ Bank Walker, Texas Moron……….you got your new DC alright. Didn’t the first 5 turn you down? I don’t think you should be crowing about that. Da’Rick and UT will continue to administer the annual azz-whoopin to the Pups in October. Get ready….there is a new sheriff in the SEC and its Marshall Derek Dooley!!!!
Double down Dawg
February 3rd, 2010
10:31 am
I TOLD YOU WE SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT IN SMART!
COLONEL Dawg
February 3rd, 2010
10:31 am
Before we start trashing UGA for dropping in the recruiting rankings, it should be noted that the “North Avenue Trade School” has been absent from the top tier in recuiting for quite a while. This mythical measure of success doesn’t seem to have mattered much to them.
It doesn’t matter how many stars you sign with—it’s what round of the NFL draft you are selected in!
dawgfacedboy
February 3rd, 2010
10:31 am
Let me get this straight. When our classes were among the top and not producing because our coaches stunk people were pi$$ed. Now that we’ve seemingly upgraded our coaching staff and our class is not among the top people are pi$$ed? Coaching is what makes players better. Very few players are 1st round draft picks when they get on campus and are still when they leave. 5 star recruits fizzle all the time in college football and 2 star recruits become AA. Happens in every sport all the time.
Coaching boys, coaching is what counts.
Bling and blang
February 3rd, 2010
10:32 am
This dawg and pony show has been hilarious the last few days. Way too much emphasis put on this process. How many losers are now at the Butt Smehre Building now ???? Some bewilderment and some excitement which really means nothing.