UGA’s impact freshman of 2010? Best bet is an Ogletree
Alec Ogletree passes a poster of himself and his twin brother. (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
Athens — I tried this last February and was — stop if you’ve heard this before — wrong as all get-out. I thought Georgia’s biggest impact freshman of 2009 would be Branden Smith, who made a couple of plays but wasn’t half as significant as Washaun Ealey or Orson Charles. I thought Marlon Brown would be starting by the end of September; he didn’t start at all. I thought Aaron Murray wouldn’t be redshirted; he was.
In sum, I guessed wrong on pretty much everything involving a true freshman last season. (Though I was correct in suggesting Abry Jones and Montez Robinson wouldn’t be redshirted.) This year I tried to cheat: I solicited Mark Richt’s help. And he, being smart, wouldn’t bite.
“If you say this guy’s going to make an impact,” he said Wednesday, “the other guys read it and say, ‘What about me?’ ”
And then Richt went into those cautionary tales that make recruiting so much fun. “Tra Battle was a walk-on, and he starts in our nickel package as a freshman. We offered Tim Jennings a scholarship the night before Signing Day — he was going to South Carolina State — because we’d seen him in an all-star game and he was the best player on the field.”
Postscript: Jennings will play in the Super Bowl on Sunday. He’s a cornerback for Indianapolis. He was a 2-star recruit exiting high school, according to Rivals.com, and he’s in his fourth season as a professional now.
Loading ...In sum, you never know. But we, being all too human, love to guess. And the guess here is that no 2010 offensive signee will leave much of a mark this fall. Why? Because Georgia returns starters at every offensive position save quarterback.
Defense, however, is another matter. The Bulldogs have lost six starters and are thinnest up front. That could pave the way for Mike Thornton, the tackle from Stephenson. Todd Grantham, the new defensive coordinator, sees Thornton fitting into his 3-4 as the 1-gap tackle, and that’s a big thing. Because Georgia hasn’t been recruiting 1-gap tackles in previous years. Garrison Smith, the tackle from Douglass, would be another possibility.
T.J. Stripling, the defensive end from Southwest DeKalb, figures to see time at that position or, since Georgia will now field one extra linebacker, at that position. But Alec Ogletree, the safety from Newnan and the highest-rated Bulldog signee, stands to have the best combination of ability and opportunity. (There’s a chance Ogletree will become a linebacker before he’s done, but Georgia is listing him as a DB.)
Were I guessing today — and I guess I am — I’d go with Alec Ogletree as Impact Freshman of 2010. (Not to be confused with Alexander “Zander” Ogletree, his twin brother who’s likewise a Georgia signee and who UGA lists as a linebacker.) But I invite your input and, in the poll above, your vote.
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166 comments Add your comment
Go Dawgs!
February 4th, 2010
8:47 am
First!!!!!?
Bradley's Buzz: The verdict on UGA's and Tech's signing classes | Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
8:48 am
[...] arrived at Georgia a 2-star recruit, and he’ll be playing in the Super Bowl come Sunday. More about Jennings and signees and impact freshmen is available in this post. So y’all come back, ya [...]
RMAC
February 4th, 2010
8:49 am
First
RMAC
February 4th, 2010
8:49 am
well ok, 2nd…dang
Tater
February 4th, 2010
8:50 am
First? Well woop-tee freakin doo!!!!
Tater
February 4th, 2010
8:52 am
OK, third….still woop-tee freakin doo
Bow Wow
February 4th, 2010
8:52 am
Seemingly, when UGA has a top recruiting class things are great. When they have a bad year, the missed recruits are bums, and quality doesn’t matter.
NC Dawg
February 4th, 2010
8:52 am
First!
Hunker Down
February 4th, 2010
8:53 am
With the departure of Rashad Jone I feel Jakar Hamilton will be a starter on defense. Although he is a juco player he is of the 2010 class so not sure if he counts or not since he is not a freshman. Javomg played already 2 years he should be able to step in right away.
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
8:54 am
First to Go Dawgs! Kudos.
Kenny "Bulletproof Tiger" Powers
February 4th, 2010
8:58 am
Can we use Zander Ogeltree as a undersized LB in the 3-4 with his brother, Richard Samuel, and Stripling? That would be a nice lineup.
newnandawg
February 4th, 2010
8:58 am
Mark, it is very likely that Zander will become a fullback. He is faster than the current fullbacks at UGA already. He will likely gain weight and could fit the mold already established up there. He played recievier and running back for Newnan this year, having never gone both ways before. He has great hands and runs very good routes. Also, he is a strong blocker and loves to hit. He could be a real strong point on offense in a year or so. He only played on offense his senior year and did a great job. He, like his brother Alec, is a very good athlete– he is point guard on the basketball team.
hammerhead
February 4th, 2010
8:58 am
Small class in terms of sheer numbers – quality players overall – several kids that, I think, will prove the “experts” wrong and be better than their assigned “stars”. Overall, however, a disappointing finish with some big names defecting or ultimately deciding on another school. We’ll be fine. Oh, and I agree, Ogletree is the most likely candidate to make an immediate impact. Thrilled with the addition of Mike Thornton to this class!
G8R H8R
February 4th, 2010
9:00 am
Mark, Zander is going to play fullback and special teams, not DB…with Chapas & Munzenmeier leaving in the next year or so, Zander will be a big contributor for the Dawgs in years to come as well. Congrats to ‘Tree & Zander!!
Herschel Talker
February 4th, 2010
9:01 am
MB:
I’d say Jakar, unless you’re excluding him because you said “freshman,” in which case I don’t think there’s really any other good candidates besides Alec
HT
JRM
February 4th, 2010
9:01 am
does anyone know where you can see a depth chart updated with the new guys?
Toe Meets Leather
February 4th, 2010
9:01 am
Sure am disappointed we missed out on Da’Rick Rogers. Dang, he had Bulldog written all over him. Lack of integrity in keeping his commitment, super ego, thug demeanor, etc. He would have been in an Athens jail before November rolled around.
Oh, well. You can’t win them all.
F-105 Thunderchief
February 4th, 2010
9:01 am
I like being surprised, so I don’t follow recruiting that closely. I’d heard of Herschel Walker before and was glad to see he signed. Ditto Stafford, because a long snapper was due to be the starter at QB. Other than that, recruiting ignorance is mostly bliss.
Jax Dawg
February 4th, 2010
9:05 am
Mark, will you write an article praising this class if it pans out? You’ve written several articles saying Georgia takes a highly touted class and underachieves with. Just asking?
lagadawg
February 4th, 2010
9:09 am
The elite teams sign 25 to whatever and turn kids away,Ga. wants to sign 25 and can’t,somethings wrong.If Ga. don’t sign at least 28 players next year I think CMR should be showed the door.
KJ
February 4th, 2010
9:13 am
Toe Meets Leather, you forgot to add your spam for your retarded tshirts nobody wants to buy, you’re slipping.
FalconUGAFan
February 4th, 2010
9:16 am
F-105 I’m with you. I seldom know names until game time.
4tix4dogs4cokes
February 4th, 2010
9:17 am
lagadawg — You are complete moron if you think GA did not sign 25+ players because they couldn’t get kids to accept a scholarship. The number of signees is dependent upon total number of kids currently on scholarship + new signees not exceeding 85 total. If you don’t understand that basic fundamental of CFB, then you are an idiot.
Tom Dawg
February 4th, 2010
9:20 am
Im not worried about our recruits, however, Im worried what our coaches are going to do to get these guys to compete on a level that UGA should be competing in order to win championships. Im ready to see discipline and focus restored on this team. I dont want to see guys dancing on sidelines when the game is still in doubt. I want to see their heads in the game. We have the tools and we have the resources. Im rooting for CMR to get the dawgs back so we can play with Florida and Tennessee and not getting blown out. Come on Dawgs and come on Dawg nation lets G A T A !!!!
» SEC links: Vandy wins, Hogs rally, and signing wrap-up John Clay’s Sidelines
February 4th, 2010
9:20 am
[...] Mark Bradley of the AJC predicts who will be Georgia’s biggest impact freshman. [...]
SimpleDawg
February 4th, 2010
9:21 am
“Missing out” on The’Rick will probably be a good thing……he seems to be a follower and easily swayed by double-talk. He’ll be a candidate to wear the Knox County orange…..just like some of Tenneysee’s other recent prized stars.
The Dawgs class looks pretty strong on paper. Now let’s see if what’s inside these young men matches the exterior.
Tom Dawg
February 4th, 2010
9:26 am
One other thing … I want our guys to have fun on the football field and I think everyone should raise hell about Dooley’s celebration rule. Taunting is something different and I think fans should let Michael Adams, Damon Evans and the SEC commish know how we all feel about this stupid rule in CFB.
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
February 4th, 2010
9:27 am
It’s usually not the guy we think, so it won’t be Alex. “Automatics” usually underachieve because they feel their success is “automatic”.
Probably gonna be Bennett, at WR. We have no depth there, so he’ll get playing time, if he produces, he’ll get lots of touches. He’ll have a chip on his shoulder, like most Non 5 stars, won’t be hard to get him to work hard. He won’t see any double teams, those will go to AJ. Could be a BIG year if he produces.
F-105 Thunderchief
February 4th, 2010
9:27 am
4tix: “showed the door?” Consider the source.
GeoffDawg
February 4th, 2010
9:28 am
Given our depth at DL and safety, I think you’d have to go with Thornton and Alec Ogletree. Thornton most likely as Jakar Hamilton will probably walk into one of the starting safety spots right off the bat.
Mike S
February 4th, 2010
9:30 am
Lagadawg – Georgia’s target this year was 19 the entire time. They signed 18. Now there are a few scholarships opening up because jones, Curran, etc are leaving early, but Richt said weeks ago he was going to save those for next year or for current non-scholarship players or walk-ons that earn one this summer.
Da'Rick Rogers
February 4th, 2010
9:30 am
I am UGA’s impact player for 2010! I impacted your recruiting class making it one of the WORST in the SEC. In October I am going to impact the Bulldogs again by catching 3-4 TD passes in a lop-sided beatdown administered to the Bulldogs by CDD & Company. Lastly, I am going to impact recruiting for 2011 because all the good SEC recruits will want to play on the same team as “The ‘Rick”. So you see, I am the biggest impact player on UGA for 2010! Rocky Top is DA’Bomb!!!
PMC
February 4th, 2010
9:31 am
Does Richard Samuel count since he will probably be at ILB for the first time in College?
Across the back could be Smith, Rambo/Hamilton, Ogltree/Commings, Boykin
That’s a tremendously exciting group for Lakatose to work his magic with. If Grantham can simply improve fundamentals you will see a very very stout defense next year.
Last years addition simply wasn’t quite up to the early difficulty of that schedule. They still finished strong. There is plenty of reason to believe this years addition will be much improved regardless of the haul in this class. It just makes the next year of recruiting that much more important.
Bill
February 4th, 2010
9:31 am
Tebow is having Lunch with Obama today……..How about those apples.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 4th, 2010
9:32 am
wouldn’t suprise me if the smaller brother has more impact before his career is done, he might just feel like he has more to prove and work harder glad to have them all. question about junior college is it a requirement that you have to stay at a junior college for two years if you dont qualify or can one year get you ready to transfer to the hedges?
Herschel Walker could whip your ass right now at 47
February 4th, 2010
9:32 am
Biggest impact will be when NuKeese…err….Da Rick comes over the middle and Jakar or Tree lights him up.
dawgfan
February 4th, 2010
9:33 am
I live in Newnan, GA and had the chance to see Ogletree in person most Friday nigts and I will tell you he has a nack for making the big play when its needed. Go to youtube and find his films and sit back and watch the highlite reel this kid has. He would hit running backs or receivers coming across the middle of the field and not only did it sound like a small car crash you could some times feel it in the stands.
lagadawg
February 4th, 2010
9:34 am
4TIC4,i Read numerous times they wanted to sign between 23 to 25 and if Robey,Greene,Rogers,Witaker,and etc. had signed with Ga. they would have signed that many moron.
J Dawg
February 4th, 2010
9:35 am
Todd Grantham, is definately the best person that CMR went out and got this year, with out a doubt, and he,and the restof the defensive staff will make a huge impact this year. But, as for the kids Ogletree will make an immediate impact once he gets on the field ( think Thomas Davis type hits) but might not be early in the season, but hopefully he have a chance to introduce himself to Da’Rick as he goes over the middle PPOOWW!!!!!
go Dawgs!!!!!!
Mike S
February 4th, 2010
9:36 am
With a Defensive backfield of Tree, Hamilton, Rambo, and the Brandon’s opposing recievers are going to quickly become Lakatos Intolerant this season. hehe
Barnacle Bill Bavasi
February 4th, 2010
9:36 am
Most who go to JC are only there a year.
Tom Dawg
February 4th, 2010
9:37 am
Just put the best damn players on the field ! I don’t care if they are freshmen or 5th year Seniors. Cut out being loyal to upperclassmen if thet are not the best players ! Just Win Baby !
uga_b
February 4th, 2010
9:40 am
TODD GRANTHAM
Randy
February 4th, 2010
9:40 am
This won’t be a popular post, but something is wrong in Athens…not sure what it is, but we have under-performed on the field, and now in recruiting. We can try to make ourselves feel better by talking about how much Rogers is a thug and we’ll be better off without him….or that our class was small but good quality…the truth is, we have sunk to average at every level and we need to get it fixed. Go Dawgs
Bulldawg1444
February 4th, 2010
9:40 am
Maybe some of you so called BullDog fanatics will think the next time you are in the stadium and decide to BOO 18-22- year old kids. I know of 1 big recruit that was in attendance at the LSU game that said that was a deciding factor in him choosing AU over UGA.So maybe a lot of so called self proclaimed experts need to clean up their own act first
Richard Hamilton
February 4th, 2010
9:41 am
Thornton is my prediction. He looks ready body wise, and I get the sense that he knows he is going to make an impact and ready to earn his spot. I really believe we will look back on this class and he will be the standout.
lost
February 4th, 2010
9:42 am
what is GATA
BrokeBackJacket
February 4th, 2010
9:43 am
If I may change the subject line a bit, allow me to express MHO as to UGA’s most important newcomers next year!
1. coach Todd Grantham…and it aint even close…..by far UGA’s best recruit and will give IMMEDIATE results!
2. db coach Lakatos….UGA’s dbs will no longer allow recievers running free in the secondary…often with the db in another zip code!
3. Whatever other defensive coach UGA is yet to hire…..Whoever it turns out to be will be a marked improvement!
4. Jakar Hamilton…6ft 1in…200+lbs..can fly..and loves and lives to hit! Can’t wait to see Da’rick run a crossing pttern across the middle!
5. Alec Olgetree….a “player” and will meake 2 deep chart at s/olb
Other possibles to make 2 deep depth chart…Thornton, Smith, Stripling. Bruce Benedict great potential, but will need rs to complete recovery from serious knee injury. Also let’s not forget C. Durham coming back will be tremendous addition and take a lot of pressure off AJ…as dependable possession reciever…Durham is MONEY!
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
February 4th, 2010
9:43 am
An immediate impact player has to be intelligent to learn the playbook and schemes fast.
Bennett is very smart, 3.5 gpa.
Immediate Impact:
1) No depth at WR
2) 3.5 gpa
3) rated 3 star, will have chip on shoulder
lost
February 4th, 2010
9:44 am
Enter your comments here
lost
February 4th, 2010
9:47 am
hamilton is my choice for biggest impact player. He said he would do anything, even take a concussion, to make a big hit
Mass Exodus
February 4th, 2010
9:48 am
@ bulldawg 1444…. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUU !!!
Dawg Fud
February 4th, 2010
9:50 am
Jakar Hamilton
4tix4dogs4cokes
February 4th, 2010
9:51 am
lagadawg — Wrong again friend…..you obviously do not understand recruiting or CFB….one more shot….UGA had 5 guys on their radar who were realistically in play as of last week….D. Rogers WR, J. Whitaker DT, N. Robey CB, C. Green WR, M. Thornton DT….realistically, they figured they could get 1 of the 2 WR, Robey was clearly headed elsewhere and they probably would get 1 of the 2 DTs….as it stands, Robey de-committed as expected, they struck out on both WRs and got the 1 DT….So, what did they do in the final 24 hours? They offered the OT out of Green Co. and they signed and placed into GMC the WR Outlaw. So, they net was they got 1 of the 5 that were in play and then filled in the gap with 2 late offers. They were never going to sign 22, 25 or 28 kids. What is so hard to understand about this?
Outlaws and Rambo's
February 4th, 2010
9:51 am
Big ole Trinton Sturdivant he aint played too much !!!!
Richard Hamilton
February 4th, 2010
9:52 am
I agree Bulldawg1444. It’s one thing to be upset about the teams performance, but to actually boo your own team. College football is totally out of control.
Randy: So what is your informed, genius plan to fix the problems in Athens? Fire Richt and hire who exactly??? If you guys are going to bitch and moan on here, at least back it up with some well thought out solutions to the problems. Can you even give us one sane idea or are you just on here to bitch.
It would be interesting to see how many people on here that complain about Richt and the dawgs, probably deserve to be fired from their own jobs based on performance.
Mass Exodus
February 4th, 2010
9:54 am
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU Richard Hamilton !!!!!
NCAA recruiting guide lines rule
February 4th, 2010
9:55 am
UGA got what? 19 kids?? How many were they allowed to sign? I expect that the factual number was about 19, as their overall team numbers are high, which means this class may have beens smaller. It also bodes well for 2010 with red shirts and depth. This is very key.
Anyone have the correct answer?
J Dawg
February 4th, 2010
9:57 am
No depth at WR … Really ? Durham, Wooten , King, Marlon Brown, Troupe, not to mention #8 and Charles . Bennett won’t see the field.
GT51
February 4th, 2010
9:57 am
if uga has recruited as well as everyone says they have these past few years, then how can richard samuel move from rb to lb and be projected to start? What has happened to all of the 4 star lb recruits?????? Not coached up.
Bill
February 4th, 2010
9:57 am
Richard H, most of them don’t even have a job!
GeoffDawg
February 4th, 2010
9:58 am
GATA = Get After That A$$
Blind Homers Club
February 4th, 2010
9:58 am
One solution is for blind homers like bulldawg 1444 and Hamilton to demand better from our well paid coaches. If you cant stand the heat homers the get out of the kitchen! Or if you cant run with the big dawgs …stay on the porch !
4tix4dogs4cokes
February 4th, 2010
10:02 am
GT51 — Samuel was a 5-start RB/LB coming out of HS. His preference was RB, he was given a chance there and was ultimately beat out by Ealey and King. You might remember those guys, they were “coached up” enough to gash the maggots on national TV. Also, the UGA defense was “coached up” enough by graduate assistants to stop ManBoobs and his “perfect option” offense.
Richard Samuels as a LB
February 4th, 2010
10:03 am
With Samuels going to L backer, that is a like another big time D recruit. It is also called depth. When Roberrt Edwards ( 90s ) went to tailback from L backer, he was a great, great SEC running back until the UT game and he blew his knee out and was not 100% after that. Samuels could be just as big an impact going to Linebacker. He has bulk, size and speed. HE WILL BE an impact player for sure. I do believe that he will enjoy tearing heads off of runners.
This is only more good news for UGA fans to chew on. Great Frosh class ( depth wise ) with a couple of impact players beyond Samuels and it keeps on getting good at UGA.
We are fine depth wise at wideout, where the darick kid would have been 3rd or 4th string in his frosh year. At UT, he does not have a QB that can deliver the ball.
Go Dogs!!
Go Dogs.
Mike S
February 4th, 2010
10:04 am
NCAA – Georgia had 19 scholarships available for this season originally. Add to that the scholarships that opened up from players leaving early (Curran, Jones, etc).
UGA had thier 19 set for months. The firing of Willie Martinez, Jancek, etc caused a couple guys to rethink thier offers (Dean R, Robey), especially after Lakatos and Grantham were hired. At that time the writing was on the wall for both Deon Rogers and Nickell Robey — both are small quick players — the 3-4 and Lakatos in particular wanted Big agressive DB’s to play up on the line. Deon and Robey are small and did not fit that mold. So they made the intelligent decision and chose to play elsewhere.
Then the defection of Da’Rick to play with his BFF added another scholarship.
UGA then had to scramble to fill those final spots.
BUT, bottom line, the plan was NINETEEN SCHOLARSHIPS for MONTHS. With the defections and a few new Schlarships open, richt decided to try and rope in a few high profile guys.
End of story — UGA intended 19, they got 18. They now have 3-5 extra scholarships to offer to deserving non-Sholly players or to hold for late signees/walk ons. The Scholarships could also be held over to next season, which would allow UGA to go after a 28-30 player class like our friends over at AU.
J Dawg
February 4th, 2010
10:08 am
Lonnie Outlaw remember the name. You probably never heard of him because he only has 2 stars beside his name, but he is sick. Super hands, super fast. trust
UglyOldDog
February 4th, 2010
10:09 am
MB……….I know I’m old, dumb and full of…., but I still don’t understand how a school can sign more than 28 kids (in the SEC) or have more than 25 kids on any 1 yrs scholorship total at anytime…MB help me…I’m a UGA grad (I sure that explains the dumb part at least)
Must be Bennett's dad
February 4th, 2010
10:10 am
Whoever it was that said Michael Bennett is going to be the top contributor as a freshmen must be related to him. Most likely a parent… Give me a break.
GT51
February 4th, 2010
10:12 am
richard samuel was never projected to play lb. listed solely as rb. he was another one of those feature articles in the ajc. the next hershel walker!!! Manboobs gashed the grad asst defense and spray on tan last year on nat tv. uga is going to see how losing 3 d lineman will affect the entire defense this year. defense will definitly be worse
TXDawg
February 4th, 2010
10:12 am
Hey Mark Bradley, Ogletree went to Newnan High in Newnan, GA, not Newman High, which I believe is Peyton Manning’s alma mater in New Orleans.
Robert
February 4th, 2010
10:13 am
hope Da’Rick rogers will come across the middle knowing that Jakar Hamilton and Alec ogletree will be waiting on him.
E.Lo
February 4th, 2010
10:14 am
Come on M.B., Ogletree did not come from Newman, Georgia. I think you meant to say Newnan. LOL!
E.Lo
February 4th, 2010
10:15 am
Sorry TXDawg, you beat me to it. It’s still funny as $hit.
TXDawg
February 4th, 2010
10:17 am
Oh yeah, impact freshman for this year…..ummm….either Thornton or Stripling. The only areas on the team where anyone could see an impact over what we already have is D-Line or Linebacker. Outside shot goes to Alec O, if he is moved to LB. Our DBs and Offense are covered…..however, if Hutson Mason proves to be some sort of prodigy, then he could be the answer to your question. Not sure Richt would do that to Murray though.
TXDawg
February 4th, 2010
10:18 am
No problem E.Lo…..at least MB knows he has some editors in the house…lol
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
10:19 am
Thanks, editors. I’m obliged.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
February 4th, 2010
10:20 am
Was Outlaw the 18th or 19th kid to sign ? I have seen him many times he is in my neck of the south . he is a freak could have been 4 or 5 stars easy but for the most important thing but you already know that because he has to go to junior college.
UGA right now on D makes a better team
February 4th, 2010
10:20 am
To: Mike S
Thank you for the recruiting numbers answer and you also made my point, sir. UGA will have a bountiful ( 27-29 qty. like AUB ) class in 2011 with many positions being slotted for blue ships,etc. UGA on offense for example, is frankly, loaded.
We are set at F back, at running back with Mr. Malcome coming in and @ TEs with three very fine players, QB, O line and flanker/ wide outs. The D will be fine with Arby Jones, DeAngelo Tyson and Brandon Woods, and the two new big kids and all of the DEs coming in. I believe that we red shirted four or five D players from a year ago on the D line. If so, good news for depth.
UGA on D is a better football team right now with Samuels and Ogletree as L backers or with Olgetree at Safety, coupled with Jakari Hamilton, Martrez Robinson and Justin Huston and company and Gamble,etc.
The new D coaches will infuse an aggressive, hard hitting, attacking style and it will be welcome. This one fact will add two wins or three to our “relatively” easy schedule for 2010. Richt will also be involved greatly in the QBs. This is very important.
It will be fun.
Go Dogs.
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
10:23 am
Outlaw was the 19th signee, SOUTH GA.
Paul in RDU
February 4th, 2010
10:24 am
UglyOldDog – I presume you are asking how can you sign 28 kids in one year and keep under the 85 scholarship limit. It’s pretty simple – attrition. A number of kids won’t make the grade, some will quit, transfer, flunk out, leave for the NFL etc. You can guarantee that all 28 won’t be on the squad in a couple of years.
According to this morning’s Raleigh paper, UNC signed 29 kids last year. Only 20 of them are on the roster today.
Chris Phillips
February 4th, 2010
10:25 am
If Grantham puts T.J. Stripling in at OLB, my guess is that Stripling will have the biggest impact. He is very fast, evasive, and has strong hands. He will be an instant threat to QB’s.
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
10:26 am
Mark Richt said it yesterday: If you’re signing 28, you’re assuming some of them won’t qualify. But committing to them tends to give you leverage when/if they do become eligible.
Todd Blackledge
February 4th, 2010
10:27 am
Hey Tech, nice # 43 ranked class you dorks pulled in.
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
10:27 am
It will instructive to see how positions and deployment change with the 3-4, Chris. Outside linebackers are the big pass rushers in Grantham’s system, as opposed to defensive ends in the 4-3.
De' truth
February 4th, 2010
10:31 am
I hope(in the interest of him staying in school)that Da’Rick can spell better than his mother.
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
February 4th, 2010
10:33 am
Coach Richt said in the post-recruiting interview that WR was a position where Georgia lacked depth. 6 or 7 there for 3 receiver sets is not good enough.
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
February 4th, 2010
10:36 am
Lonnie Outlaw headed to JUCO for 2 years his high school coach said yesterday. Not enough college credits, didn’t take any college prep courses.
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
10:36 am
I heard him say that about wide receivers, but then you start recalling names — Green, Troupe, Brown, Durham, King, Wooten — and you think, “Will there really be many catches for the No. 7 wide receiver?” And CMR also noted Georgia’s tight ends are close to being wide receivers themselves.
What the Huck
February 4th, 2010
10:38 am
Toe Meets Leather…..you need to go over to your blog and moan about your 44th rank class instead of being over here dissing our 15th ranked class….and as for having done NOTHING with our top ten classes….
we have not won a national championship, as six other schools have the past seven years….but we are 3-1 against Bama during that time; 3-1 against LSU, 5-2 against Auburn and we are 8-1 against Tech lately….and, yes….I DO know our record against Florida and Tennessee…
Without-a-clue
February 4th, 2010
10:39 am
Not enough wide receivers to run 3-receiver sets? Good! Use 2 & 3 tight ends and RUN THE D@MN BALL!!
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
February 4th, 2010
10:41 am
Georgia prefers to run 3 WR sets. That gives 4 guys a chance to get a lot of touches, AJ will have 1 WR wrapped up, that leaves 2 spots, 2 guys who rotate with those 2 spots, Bennett is smart, hungry, tall, fast, and very smart. I think he will work his way into 1 of the 3 spots. Tremendous athlete.
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
February 4th, 2010
10:49 am
AJ will get double teams, and rolled coverages, so guys like Bennett will have the best WR mismatches.
Out of Georgia’s 6 WR’s, if 3 get injured, you’re down to 1 on the depth chart in each of the 3 WR spots. That’s not good depth. Georgia owuld move to a 2 WR set then likely, might anyways.
Toe Meets Leather
February 4th, 2010
10:51 am
UGA’s recruits may not see a lot of action on the field, but when they leave Richt’s program, they’ll know how to pray.
Mike S
February 4th, 2010
10:53 am
Toe Meets Leather — which means they will be prepared for the important things in life.
Pup Fan
February 4th, 2010
10:53 am
Is Richard Samuel moving to LB a done deal? I haven’t seen anything official as of yet. He should have been a LB in the first place! MAN-BEAST!!!!!
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
10:54 am
Richt said Wednesday Samuel is moving to linebacker.
Paul Paul
February 4th, 2010
10:55 am
By far the biggest impact will be made by the coaches we have just hired. We needed defensive coaching and we got 2 of the very best. We still have one more spot to fill and my guess is it might be Travis Jones of New Orleans. He would be a great compliment to the other two and if they win the Super Bowl that would be a huge plus.
Coaches make huge differences if they able to instill the right fundamentals and values in their players. Look at what Coach Grantham did with the undersized nose tackle at Dallas. For you Tech fans look at the last 2 years under Coach Johnson. Nobody would have predicted his success. Bulldogs need look no further than Coach Fox. Fundamentals and discipline have made the basketball team better than anyone could have anticipated.
Coach Richt has made some mistakes over the years but he seems to learn from them. When coach Turberville told him in his early years he couldn’t win in the SEC without a good running game he listened. Coach Richt also realized he needed to learn clock management after losing one of his early games because of it. Coach Richt has learned what he needs to to do at this juncture and is doing it.
As for the recruits we got what we needed. We have talented young men coming back who can play. The coaching changes will make these young athletes play up to their potential. Next year will surprise a lot of people.
As for the recruit we lost to young Coach Dooley I think down deep the coaches are secretly glad he didn’t come. He has some issues that are going to make him hard to deal with on the college level. We need more kids like AJ Green that love Georgia and want to play there.
From an old Dog we are going to be fine in the years to come. Character is something that cannot be taught and I think we have some of that.
Wolfdawg777
February 4th, 2010
10:57 am
im thinking brandon burrows will become fullback. He played running back in highschool and even though he is picked to play DE we will have
so many and he would be a hoss of a fullback.
jon zealy
February 4th, 2010
10:57 am
You need to add a “I don’t give a rats ass” to the poll. ; 0)
Pup Fan
February 4th, 2010
10:58 am
Awesome! I must have missed that watching Da’News! Thanks Mark.
todd grantham
February 4th, 2010
10:59 am
Mark, I would have to say that I am the man that will have the most impact in Athens this fall.
Best, Todd
Mark Bradley
February 4th, 2010
11:00 am
Thanks for the input, Coach Grantham.
willie martinez
February 4th, 2010
11:03 am
And I would have to state that my absence from Athens this fall will be the greatest impact on the team.
GHOST OF ERK RUSSELL
February 4th, 2010
11:07 am
I would have given up 5 recruits to get rid of three def coaches we let go.We are in good shape-you are gonna take a hit when alot of turnover happens.T Granthem is worth 10 recruits.WR depth AJ- Durham-Wooten-Troupe-M Brown-T King-O Charles even plays in the slot alot of the times.If nobody gets seriously injured we are good.
Tony
February 4th, 2010
11:07 am
The Dawgs are in trouble. This class is not very good but neither is our team. CMR is in over his head. He has made some very poor chioces and we are now suffering from them all. If we win the national championship with Stafford in Moreneo we are not in this situation. If CMR fires CWM two years or even one year sooner, we would not be in this situation. If we beat UT last year we would Rogers today. CMR is not the future on Bulldog football. I have never felt so humiliated being a Dawg fan and alumnus. Thank God there’s more to my life today than UGA football.
willie martinez
February 4th, 2010
11:08 am
GOER, its spelled G-r-a-n-t-h-a-m
Asheville Dawg
February 4th, 2010
11:08 am
hey paul paul, write your term paper elsewhere
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
February 4th, 2010
11:10 am
UGA will be fine guys- it’s up to the coaches now to coach them up.
DirtyDawg
February 4th, 2010
11:13 am
Hey 1444, I don’t know who your kid is that decided Georgia fans were booing their 18-year-olds, but my guess is that he got it confused – assuming it happened at all – with Georgia fans booing their coaches for the play calling or 40-year-old officials that cost us the game. And believe me, Georgia fans are no more inclined to boo than Auburn fans – been there, heard that.
As for Mr. Bradley, so today we’re in our ‘make nice mode’. I mean to read your dumpin’ on us article yesterday, I’da thought you’d pose the question of ‘who’ll make the biggest impact’…and answer it with ‘with a sorry class like this…NOBODY…ha, ha, ha’
MARK BRADLEY IS A UGAY HICK
February 4th, 2010
11:29 am
MARK RICHT IS STANDING ON THIN ICE AND STANDING UNDER HIM IS KIRBY SMART!
CTG
February 4th, 2010
11:30 am
Mark,
I unfortunately have to retract my previous statement, I just receieved all new flooring in my home from Nance’s Flooring in Calhoun, GA and now have jilted the dogs to sign with Da’Rick at UT.
Condolences,
Todd Grantham
gatorhater
February 4th, 2010
11:44 am
CMR got his own state straight poached by UT, UF, and FSU. Leg humpers fired the wrong coach, that fake pro-style slow developing offense has gone stale and I dont even need to start with the D problems. As they’ve been for 30 years, UGA will remain a pompous fanbase who believe they’re an MNC contender while they continue to be a second-tier SEC school.
hahaha, troof hurts puppies.
Bud
February 4th, 2010
11:45 am
I’m not sure I’d want anyboby stupid enough to call himslf da rick.
AltamahaDawg
February 4th, 2010
11:51 am
Benedict might not be an Impact guy, but I’m betting he cracks the 2 deep chart. OL had been a LOT bigger issue, and just as responsible for our recent woes as any part of the team, IMO. And depth has been a part of that.
Just one sidenote, trying to figure out this scoring. How is it that the AU commit Coleman get 5 stars, while not being in the top 5 of any category that they rate OL by?
For what its worth, when Benedict first commited he was considered by some to be the top OL prospect in the country, but got hurt early in his senior year. Look how much richer all of our lives would have been to have got that 1 extra star rating.
MARK BRADLEY IS A UGAY HICK
February 4th, 2010
11:53 am
IT BURNS UGAY FANS AND I LOVE IT!
UglyOldDog
February 4th, 2010
11:53 am
WHIIZZZZ………sorry about that gatorhater
REALIST
February 4th, 2010
12:16 pm
If I were a GT fan I’d be more than a little concerned that under Johnson you will be almost totally devoid of bonafide Div 1 athletes before much longer. Think Annapolis South. Have you seen the incoming class on the field? I’ve seen several…ouch. Even the officials are finally zero-ing in on the chop blocks and incessant illegal motion by interior OL on every play. Please tell me Iowa wasn’t that slow.
JAMES STEWART
February 4th, 2010
12:25 pm
Da Rick Rogers knew he was going to lose his money tree if he went to Georgia. he will be the best paid college freshman at tenn.
Moonlight Graham
February 4th, 2010
12:35 pm
The best thing for myself about this upcoming season is that Coach Grantham will be playing the best players, on the D. So in the future recruits will know if they come in and earn a starting spot they will play right away.
The 2011 class will be outstanding with all of the available scholarships and the high quality of Georgia Highschool seniors, next year!!!
SOUTHGADAWG88
February 4th, 2010
12:36 pm
When you add the redshirts to the mix we should see 7-8 impact freshman hit the field this year plus Hamilton who is a juco so I rank them by impact like this.
1.Hamilton-should be starter after spring.
2.Kwame Geathers-Kwame will be a star at UGA before he’s done.EVERYONE says he is the best of the Geathers clan and with the amount of athletes that family has produced that’s a big statement.
3.Thorton-Geno Atkins clone..should be playing from game 1.Explosive get off..3-4 end terror.If he get’s bigger he could play NT.
4.Olgletree-Highly regarded safety/LB prospect.. lots of talent but I think Rambo/Hamilton will be starting safeties yet Tree will get a ton of PT.
5.TJ Stripling-If you ever see this kid’s film he looks like Quinton Moses a little bigger and a lot faster get off.He will play this year,
6.Garrison Smith-Undersized DT at 250 but excellent 3-4 end prospect.Great motor
7.Demetre Baker-My player to watch.You tube this kid…the most explosive athlete in this class bar none.His RB tape is incredible looks better than Holcome to me.A beast at LB on film too.This guy is going to surprise a lot of folks.
8.Jordon Love-RS last year..big CB 6-200 son of former NFL WR.Hurt foot in HS.Should be ready to go in spring.
9.Burrows-Like Baker this is my other kid to watch..6-5 240 RB in HS..Brandon Jacobs type of back.moves beautifully for a person his size. The upside of this kid is huge but there is some injury concerns with him.If he stays healthy at UGA he could end up being the best of the bunch.
I love the size and athleticism that we will be putting on the field on defense this year.Coupled with the new scheme our D will look totally different…we go from small and fast to big and physical seemingly overnight.I look forward to this season.About damn time the best players we signed were Defensive kids.As for Rogers does anybody know if he will qualify this year?If he doesn’t look for him to sign with UGA next year.
greg
February 4th, 2010
12:42 pm
next years talent pool in the state will be amazing, that is why Coach Richt and staff did not stress about filling every scholy this year, also I have watched the Ogletree kids play the last 4 years and they are both high character men on and off the field and are excited about being DAWGS.Before the season is over, Tree will block a punt or field goal to win us a game.
Moonlight Graham
February 4th, 2010
12:46 pm
Mark any word on Travis Jones as the last hire for a Defensive coach, after the Super Bowl?
NCDawg
February 4th, 2010
12:48 pm
So, if Murray and Mettenberger were red shirted, why are they showing up on the georgiadogs.com website roster as sophs?
Kuntufecky
February 4th, 2010
12:50 pm
Wildcats got your number in 2010….it’s gonna be a REPEAT of 2009!!!
YOU Duds are OWNED, Kentucky Style
UglyOldDog
February 4th, 2010
12:56 pm
Kuntufecky are you implying Deliverance style “Kentucky Style”
CRACKER JACKET
February 4th, 2010
1:00 pm
DaRick will be Da Dud! What was that SAT score again???????????????
AndyC
February 4th, 2010
1:02 pm
The Junkyard Blawg has some interesting stuff today that shows that this recruiting class isn’t as bad as some are saying. I think it’s also worth noting that this was the smallest class in all of the SEC so if you are going to have a bad year, this would be the one to have it where you do have most of the starters returning. One mediocre year will not hurt the Dawgs in the long term, two or three in a row…then you have problems.
Plain Truth
February 4th, 2010
1:02 pm
gatorhater….Dr. Phil going to be on the gator staff this year?
Ginger
February 4th, 2010
1:06 pm
My guess for impact freshman is Mike Thornton or Garrison Smith…New 3-4 and Nose tackle player will be huge..Olgetree had a few problems back pedaling in passing coverages in the Under Armour game—so remains to be seen if he will get these corrected at safety or if he becomes a linebacker. I am also for impact freshman– high on Zander (Alec’s brother)…He is Rennie Curren type player and He just had a great Sr year at Newnan…Zander was such a play maker for that defense…I like folks who make plays and those who just find a way to get the job done & that is what Zander is.
Aiken for Clay
February 4th, 2010
1:12 pm
Did Dawg fans get Chris Hansoned yesterday? This guy thinks so…good stuff.
http://www.atlantasportssoup.com/home/
WTF???
February 4th, 2010
1:14 pm
Stripling will be the impact freshman of the year for the Dawgs… Don’t take this as a knock to Ogletree, he is an AWESOME football player.. But I think he is a bit undersized to play backer in the 3-4 and a bit inexperienced to see a significant amount of playing time at safety. But who knows? He could put on another 10-15 lbs before the fall… I think the Hamilton kid will see a good bit of time on the field and have a big impact… But from what I hear, TJ is the cream of the crop in this class. REGARDLESS of rankings….
Bob Spencer
February 4th, 2010
1:56 pm
what is happening to UGA is the Fulmerization of Mark Richt. At the end of Phil’s tenure Tennessee lost the appeal to the recuits because Phil was not sexy enough. Mark has lost that appeal and it will gradually shop up in the recruiting process over the next few years. When the fans have had enough they will make a change and a good man will be out of a job because he could not recruit or coach up the talent.
Stinger
February 4th, 2010
2:03 pm
Sorry, I just don’t see it with this group. None of them will be impact players. Some of them are lucky to get Divn 1 offers.
DawginLex
February 4th, 2010
2:07 pm
Hamilton will play right away.
Samuel will move to LB and will be starting by the 3rd game.
Thornton will get some reps at DL.
Other than that, I say redshirt them. We have 14 returning starters and a lot of players who have played.
Will
February 4th, 2010
2:13 pm
The best one we got this year was Coach G…followed by Coach L. We are going to have one of the best secondaries in the nation next season.
Paddy
February 4th, 2010
2:21 pm
It is my belief that if we are wanting to see big hits on UT Da’Rick next year, it will be a long wait. Don’t believe he will see the field much for a couple years.
Gatormania
February 4th, 2010
2:21 pm
Benedict is recovering from a serious knee injury and will need a year redshirting/recovering before he even thinks about playing. But you are going to need several Benedicts to block the wave of defensive tackles, ends, and linebackers the Gators will be sending your way the next several years. The front 7 (3 deep with quality at every position) for the Gators is going to be unbelieveable folks.
longtimedawgfan
February 4th, 2010
3:01 pm
Jax Dawg: don’t hold your breath until Bradley writes something positive…no matter how well the dawgs perform….some people never change….Bradley is one of them…a Kentucky Wildcat…first and last….
ATLdawg, ya dig?
February 4th, 2010
3:15 pm
It’s a shame Benedict blew out his knee. He’d be starting on day one. Kholton Houston has a chance as well. He’s tough and mean, which Georgia’s line lacks outside of Ben Jones. Thornton is the obvious choice to make an impact b/c we lost so many defensive lineman. Stripling looks athletic but doesn’t really show up on film. Not sure how much impact he’s going to make until he gains 30 pounds and some fire in his belly. Alec and Jakar are MOBSTERS they lay down so many HITS. Can’t wait to see them strap on the MIGHTY “G”, ya dig????
Mark Bradley's red headed step child
February 4th, 2010
3:20 pm
I am excited to see what Samuel can do at OLB along with the DE/OLB’s we recruited this class. Jamie Newburg said last night that UGA easily recruited the #2 overall Defensive Line class in the country behind the Gators. I think Stripling will be huge year 2 in that Hybrid DE role with Morant beinging the other. Both guys are over 6′5″ and fast. Just need a full year or maybe 2 in college to get caught up in the weight room and cafeteria. Benedict will be starting LT as a Soph.
walrus
February 4th, 2010
3:38 pm
GT51 says “what happened to all the 4* lb recruits?”
Lets see, how many people would you like to have at each position? 2-3
How many linebackers are in the 3-4 defense? 4
So how many linebackers do you need? 8-12
Look at Georgia’s roster and look at all the linebackers who aren’t walk-ons. You can seldom have too many.
Camden Mark
February 4th, 2010
4:57 pm
Benedict will be fine by summer.Local kid down here,people will be pleased with the way that young man moves.For a big guy he runs and moves his feet really well,strong,loves to hit and smart.
5th Coach Quits on Urban Meyer Since December
February 4th, 2010
7:20 pm
George Edawards, the new DC for Florida, quit after working with Urban Meyer for just 4 weeks.
Since December that’s:
Charlie Strong
Vance Bedford
Kenny Carter
Billy Gonzales
George Edwards
Of course, Urban Meyer also quit, but later tried to un-quit, now might quit again.
Urban Liar Strikes Again!!!
February 4th, 2010
7:30 pm
Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Guess what?
Urban Meyer forgot to tell recruits his new defensive coordinator was quitting BEFORE sining day.
Oops.
I’m sure the TIMING is PURE COINCIDENCE–1 day AFTER signing day.
I’m sure Florida officials are “shocked” at the “sudden” news.
1eyedJack
February 4th, 2010
7:31 pm
If Urban should quit again which “high-profile” coach would Mr. Foley try to entice (steal) away? You know he couldn’t hire a Muschamp or other uncertainty…not with all that talent on hand.
jack
February 4th, 2010
7:32 pm
Ogletree and Hamilton = Davis and Blue
FortsonDawg
February 4th, 2010
8:28 pm
Who is this Outlaw kid? Has anyone seen him play? I didn’t see where he was rated by any sights.
MARK BRADLEY IS A UGAY HICK
February 4th, 2010
9:24 pm
MARK RICHT=MARV LEVY, JIM TRESSEL,BOB STOOPS,BOBBY COX AND ANDY REID!
We Ruin This State
February 4th, 2010
11:23 pm
Zander has decided that since Hershel is his hero he will concentrate on wrestling.
Wreckmaniac
February 4th, 2010
11:26 pm
With all of the dawg hatred spewed in the last 48 hours about DaRick, I’m convinced that he must be the absolute stud of all of this years
recruits.
Wreckmaniac
February 4th, 2010
11:28 pm
Although I know that Knoxville is the best place in the US to see college football I now want to see UT just to watch DaRick. He is the big name of this years class.
Nick
February 4th, 2010
11:33 pm
I see Jakar Hamilton being the biggest new impact. He’s already seasoned on the college level and he’s going to be playing in a much depleted and much aligned position.
JRW7
February 5th, 2010
12:32 am
Mark Bradley, Good Article, Does the Outlaw kid count as a scholarship for 2010? I hear he is going to GMC for 2 years. and how many players do we have on ships right now? THANKS !!!!!GO DOGS!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
February 5th, 2010
8:14 am
Outlaw would not count as a scholarship player until he’s actually enrolled at UGA. And I’m not sure how many players Georgia has on scholarship at the moment.
yomama
February 5th, 2010
8:18 am
How many great classes did Ray Goff have under his belt when he was head coach? And what were the results? Donnan had some good classes and nothing there. Richt has won two SEC crowns with what was mostly Donnan’s class. While Richt has not won a crown since with his own classes, the team continues to be competitive. Let’s also not forget that in addition to a new class, Richt has also recruited an entire new defensive staff to bring in a new look, and a fresh approach. Will it work? Will the kids work out? Will Richt win another SEC Crown or a National Championship? Who knows. No one does. But here is one interesting thought: every person Coach Richt approached to become Defensive Coordinator the school where that person was at went through a lot of effort, and anted up a lot of money, to keep them from going to Georgia. If Georgia, and its head coach, was not a program to respect then we may have gotten a DC sooner. The naysayers maybe right: Georgia has peaked under Richt. But even the naysayers, especially the ones at Georgia Tech who learned the hardway, know that until Richt retires you have to take Georgia as a serious threat to win a game.
sowegadawg
February 5th, 2010
9:06 am
Mark Bradley –If a signed recruit backs out after signing day but before actually attending classes, what is the procedure for him signing with another school?
Mark Bradley
February 5th, 2010
9:17 am
Got me, Sowedawg. That’s a good question. I’ll ask somebody.
drunk dawg
February 5th, 2010
11:38 am
Bennett, WR, #1 Immediate Impact Player
we have tons of wide receivers still…what are you smoking buddy!
andy
February 5th, 2010
1:03 pm
How about his “new” linebacker? Richard Samuel Will Shine
Old OL
February 5th, 2010
3:43 pm
Prediction — Michael Bennett will never play a down for any Division I team. This time next year he’ll be attending Kennesaw State. Saw him play in high school twice — based on his performance in those games, I have no idea what in the world the Georgia Bulldogs saw in him. In 2009, I bet there were 50 HS WRs in the state of GA that were better than Bennett.
mike nance
February 5th, 2010
9:01 pm
Da’rick got paid, thats all i can say. I’m rich and i bought him a car, too bad. i’m a super dad and what dad wouldn’t get his son into tennessee by all costs. im rich, NANCE RULESS!!!
Bacnbits
February 8th, 2010
10:42 am
For all of you FIRST people. YOU ARE ALL LOSERS! do you go to bed thinking that you will wake up and be the first one to write on this one? get a life losers!
Bacnbits
February 8th, 2010
10:43 am
Nance you are a loser too buddy!
liar
February 10th, 2010
10:57 am
i made an A on a quiz
Cugatown, USA 30263
February 27th, 2010
8:06 pm
Without-a-clue: Not enough wide receivers to run 3-receiver sets? Good! Use 2 & 3 tight ends and RUN THE D@MN BALL!!
Just A Thought, the fans here in newnan, saw this all year…..
imagine certain packages where Zander was motioned form FB/RB to the slot and Alec was spilt wide out, like 3rd & 1, 4th & 1, 1st & Goal on the 1, dangerous. a screen or bubble route to Zander or Alec, the way they pick up yards, run over defender, it’s just easy to pass up. Use them the way Michigan used Charles Woodson………