A.J.’s legacy at UGA: A great player who didn’t go great places (UPDATE: Green Tweets he’s not leaving – at least not yet)
It's no stretch to say he's the best Georgia receiver ever. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
If A.J. Green is indeed gone to the NFL, as two sources close to the Georgia program have told Zach Klein of Channel 2 Action News, he’ll leave a hollow legacy at Georgia. He’s the best-ever Bulldog receiver, and his surpassing has taken Georgia, in chronological order, to the Capital One Bowl, the Independence Bowl and the Liberty Bowl.
Part of this can blamed on circumstance: Green worked with three different starting quarterbacks in his three seasons. Part can be blamed on Green himself: At a time when his team needed him most, he got himself suspended for the silly sin of selling his jersey from a nondescript bowl for $1,000. On cue, the 2010 Bulldogs lost three of the four games he missed, thereby relegating them to yet another nondescript bowl.
There can be no complaints about Green the player. He made big plays, spectacular plays, winning plays. Had he arrived at the beginning of the decade and not its end, he might have been the difference between Georgia coming close to playing for a national championship and actually seizing one. But his first season was 2008, which was the beginning of the slide that has seen the Bulldogs go from 11-2 in 2007 to 6-6 now. He was the right man at the wrong time.
He’ll be a great pro. Of this there’s no doubt. Mel Kiper of ESPN lists him third on his latest Big Board, behind only Andrew Luck of Stanford and Da’Quan Bowers of Clemson. If there’s a difference between Green and Tech’s Calvin Johnson as collegians, it can be measured in Angstrom units. But the great Johnson at least helped lift Tech to an ACC title game in 2006. For all Green’s excellence, Georgia got worse over his time in Athens. Which doesn’t seem fair. But sometimes life just isn’t.
Twitter update: A.J. Green — he’s @ajgreen_uga8 — says he’s not going pro. Or at least not yet.
Tweet at 12:19 a.m. Thursday: “Idk where these ppl got that I’m going pro..this is def not true.”
Tweet at 12:34: “Haven’t even made a decision yet!”
By Mark Bradley
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418 comments Add your comment
Spoke
December 23rd, 2010
1:52 am
For selfish reasons, I would love to see Green spend one more year in the Red and Black, but I wish him the best whatever his decision. The guy is going to make a spectacular pro, whenever he goes.
Nada
December 23rd, 2010
2:14 am
He’ll leave with the same legacy as Stafford and Moreno, two other great players who essentially accomplished nothing as a team during their careers.
still@the bar
December 23rd, 2010
2:15 am
If AJ needed $1000 last year do you really think he will stay?
UGA is Better Off Without Him!
December 23rd, 2010
2:41 am
Good Riddance, Future Felon!
Dirty Dawg
December 23rd, 2010
2:45 am
What if Mel Kiper is wrong? What if he don’t know crap? Seems to me that he, and others like him, shouldn’t be allowed to ‘rank’ underclassmen, regardless if they’re eligible for the draft or not. Sure they can get independent evaluations, and should, but to be constantly reminded that some Elvis-haired know-it-all that you’re the next best thing since Calvin Johnson – only skinnier – is way too much to avoid.
Fact is, as MB has said, the young man has some unfinished business in Athens…we’ll see if he agrees.
psychotic humor
December 23rd, 2010
2:46 am
I have been reading Mark’s blogs and stories for weeks and one thing stands out. You have to be the most irresponsible…mistake after mistake in your facts…”writer” that I have read in a long time. You work for an Atlanta paper. You write like a 6 year old. Who is your Editor…he or she should be fired along with you. You show signs of being a heavy drinker…..have respect for the sportsfans of Georgia and quit….you must have some scoop on the editor if you have not been fired yet…your a freaking joke……and you know…the fans know it….and your bartender knows it…
psychotic humor
December 23rd, 2010
2:48 am
http://www.firemarkbradly.com
psychotic humor
December 23rd, 2010
2:49 am
oh did I misspell your name…..oh now you know how it feels
74 UGA grad
December 23rd, 2010
2:54 am
No offense, Mr. Bradley, but the idea that you judge a player by how his team performs is not particularly bright, especially in the case of a WR. Exactly how is Green responsible for losses when the defense gives up 40 points?
And harping on the uniform suspension is equally lame. The punishment far exceeded the crime (not that there really was one), but as a typical sports media apologist for the NCAA, it’s par for the course.
Usually I give you high marks for your football and basketball opinions (baseball, not so much), but after your recent effort on the Hawks/Magic and this one, you are in a definite slump. Two straight stinkers.
still@the bar
December 23rd, 2010
3:03 am
Why can’t MEL talk about Juniors? They leave all the time. They get feedback from the NFL on their Draftability. AJ has no unfinished business at UGA. He made himself marketable to the NFL in probably the first 2 rounds and that is BIG money. The only people AJ may owe something to at UGA are the GAA money doners that paid for his Scholarship.
RomeDawg
December 23rd, 2010
3:07 am
He will be missed. I think if he stays, which I don’t blame him for leaving, we could be special next year.
still@the bar
December 23rd, 2010
3:15 am
How special when dawgs lose a lot of the O-line, WRs, and LBs? The Vols started looking better in the end, USC returns most of their O & D, The Gators who know the hell with them, and Auburn should be down. UGA should never lose to Vandy and Kentucky.
Cali Dawg
December 23rd, 2010
3:16 am
AJ,
UGA and school will always wait…the NFL won’t. Get your money, play in the NFL, and you can always come back to school. Any student would do something they love for Millions of $$$$’s and then come back to school for the degree. Who wouldn’t want that type of monetary head start in life. People…get real! I think #34 did it thay way and everything turned out ok. Fred Gibson…another example.
Dawg in Iraq
December 23rd, 2010
3:39 am
Hate to bring it up here, but if the NCAA let’s Ohio State go, then Green aught to sue them. I still think they really worked Green and GA over. Such hypocrites.
still@the bar
December 23rd, 2010
3:41 am
Draft right now but still a lot of stuff can happen
1 Panthers
2 Bengals
3 Broncos
4 Cards
5 Lions
6 Bills
7 Skins
8 49ers
9 Texans
10 Vikings
11 Browns
12 Titans
13 Cowboys
14 Seahawks
15 Patriots(from Raiders)
16 Dolphins
17 Bucs
18 Jags
19 Chargers
20 Packers
21 Rams
22 Chiefs
23 Colts
24 Giants
25 Saints
26 Bears
27 Jets
28 Ravens
29 Steelers
30 Falcons
31 Patriots
32 Eagles
uga student
December 23rd, 2010
3:48 am
Mark, the fact that he tweeted just to clear it up that he hasnt made a decision still gives the dawg fans hope, he wouldnt get our hopes up just to ride publicity till the draft would he? i think he really wants a shot at takin down boise in the dome!
still@the bar
December 23rd, 2010
4:00 am
uga student put down the SMOKE and go to sleep with that dream still alive. HAHAHAH I am sure if you were offered a Million $ a year job you would love to stay in school just to prove that you can pass the Marketing class right?
still@the bar
December 23rd, 2010
4:03 am
The bar is clean the girls are all checked out. Good night have a happy holiday. If you don’t, stop by. There will be an open bar stool with your name on it.
Mark Bradley`s Booster
December 23rd, 2010
4:26 am
Mark: Unless there is any reason to believe A.J.`s tweets
may be anything of substance, no doubt he is gone. He made a lot of spectacular plays and no doubt has a great talent for catching passes. I don`t know about how his speed or his ability to get open and take hits in the NFL ranks with the top NFL receivers.
Jesse Stone
December 23rd, 2010
5:10 am
I got 2 words for you…Jake Locker. If you are a projected Top Ten pick, you have to go. There is too much risk in returning.
Jesse Stone
December 23rd, 2010
5:19 am
“A shot at taking down Boise in the dome” is going to make A.J Green return for his senior season?
That would be like vacationing in Claxton just to see the Fruitcake Factory.
SnoopDawg
December 23rd, 2010
5:43 am
I just wish his dad would have took the blame for the jersey. Then we wouldn’t be headed to the Liberty Bowl. It would be nice to see him in a Falcons jersey.
SnoopDawg
December 23rd, 2010
5:46 am
To bad his dad didn’t tke the blame.
Uga=worst fanbase in america
December 23rd, 2010
5:57 am
Its terrible how quick this weak a$$ fan base will turn on the team. A few months ago aj green could do no wrong everybody loved him he was a damn good dawg, the best wr etc. now he is considering a move that would affect his life forever you people are acting like the world is about to end. If aj decided to stay and was injured and couldnt play anymore how many of you so called dawg fans would look out for him and his family and make sure they are financially secure? Yea just like I thought nobody would. if he decides to return great, if he goes pro thats great as well. Why do you weak ass fans feel like these players should stay loyal to you when all you do is trash them? An 18-22 yr old young man shows poor judgement and skips a court date or has a drink like ANY and every college student does you label him a thug and completely disrespects him yet when its time for him to make a life changing decision you expect him to consider you rednecks news flash aj green does not owe you anything! I hate to see you leave aj but if thats your choice I really cant blame you to hell with the sorry ass bandwagon uga fans! good luck in the future! I wonder if tenn fans acted like spoiled brats when eric berry turned pro, or if clemson fans trashed cj spiller my guess is no that crap only happens at uga! To hell with uga fans!!!!!!!!
dd
December 23rd, 2010
5:59 am
I love my Dawgs, but if you think AJ will be at UGA next year, I’ve got some land I’d love to show you.
WTF
December 23rd, 2010
6:17 am
Green is a great receiver, and he had pro-starter QB his first year – but nothing much around him his last. He’d be nuts to not go, but I’d respect him more (but doubt his intellegence) if he stays.
UGA’s problem for the last decade or 2 in the pass-game has been when they had really good QBs, they had no really good receivers…and vice-versa.
Atticus
December 23rd, 2010
6:27 am
He is 100% GONE.
Atticus
December 23rd, 2010
6:28 am
You think Stafford would like to get him at 5th?
Jesse Stone
December 23rd, 2010
6:32 am
The Bengals are not bringing back Terrell Owens. I’m just sayin’……Or Chan Gailey could team him up with Stevie Johnson.
SC Boy
December 23rd, 2010
6:39 am
Jeffrey at USC is much better. Thicker and more physical. Going to be an even better prospect than AJ.
11 Arrests 6 Wins
December 23rd, 2010
7:02 am
Glad to see this over-rated, over-hyped beanpole gone. Never heard so much garbage about a little above average receiver. There are 3 receivers in the SEC better than this guy.
Paddy
December 23rd, 2010
7:08 am
UGA03main….funny @1:49…if they are silent commits pal, no one knows about them. And if Mark tells, he ruins it for everyone! Don’t you dare tell Mark.
Big time?? Not
December 23rd, 2010
7:17 am
Four tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes
McDawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:18 am
that is why it’s called a team sport
J. Houston should stay as should Cordy Glenn
JB
December 23rd, 2010
7:25 am
Great guy, great receiver…..but as with Stafford, no Hardware to show for in the trophy case…..Last time I checked, It was still a team sport……….We need 22 AJ types at all positions, Then we’ll rock………
Gogs Smell
December 23rd, 2010
7:25 am
WOW ! Didnt see that coming. After he took $1000, from an agent and then they came up with the excuse of selling a jersey whodathunkit?
gomdawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:27 am
THEY ALL SHOULD STAY SEC CHAMPS AND PLAYING FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 201 IS GOING TO BE GREAT . GO DAWGS
gomdawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:27 am
2011
Mike Jay
December 23rd, 2010
7:28 am
I never knew AJ was such a physically weak average receiver. You analyst here have really opened my eyes. Thanks for your wisdom, know you just need to let all those professional talent scouts so nobody does something stupid and drafts him in the top 10.
Logan Booker
December 23rd, 2010
7:31 am
Don’t believe the tweets, they’re a very obvious smoke screen. Why would Green leave a 6-6 team to go play in the NFL for millions, you ask? Seriously? Are you people that dense? He’s gone and any knowledgeable fan knows that. If you don’t then you’re simply delusional, a word often repeated in these parts.
THIRTY FOUR POINTS to your thirty one points
December 23rd, 2010
7:33 am
doesn’t matter…
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((34-31)))))))))))))))))))))))))
18 out of 21
8 out of 10
Beast from the East
December 23rd, 2010
7:36 am
I’m sure he’ll go pro. Why wouldn’t anyone that is going to be picked that high? He’s most likely just delaying his announcement until after the bowl game.
Best of luck in the NFL, young man.
LakeDawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:37 am
UGA has certainly wasted some big time talent the last few years. How does a team that had Stafford, Moreno, A.J. Green, plus a hand-full of current NFL linemen and linebackers not win at least an SEC championship?
Shooter McGavin
December 23rd, 2010
7:40 am
What a story on the home page, about the 4 masked gunman invading the Georgia Tech DORMS. The dorms people!!!
And Techies will still make fun of UGA for being a “party school”.
Good luck out there, Nerds. Pack some heat!!
11 Arrests 6 Wins
December 23rd, 2010
7:46 am
At Thug-U, the hoodlums are the football “playuhs”.
Larry
December 23rd, 2010
7:46 am
Mark,
Think about it! AJ’s first year was with a future #1 draft pick at QB. The in his second year he was being thrown the ball by Joe Cox. And in this past season by a Freshman QB. What numbers would he have put up the past three years had all three been paired with Matthew Stafford?
No doubt he blew it in the jersey but the biggest reason for the lack of growth/regression was the above, poor coaching, and the lack of necessary talent. Remember GA’s record this season BEFORE he returned? 1-3. Nothing to write home about but this mediocre team finished 5-3 with him.
skydawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:47 am
Agree with what you said mostly Mark except there is a HUGE difference between Calvin getting Tech to the ACC championship game and AJ getting UGA to an SEC championship game and it’s called ‘level of competition’. Much harder road to get to the SEC game. I’m sorry, it just is.
alpharettadawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:47 am
Aaron Murray tweeted “I heard you were coming back to win the Heisman, haha”
Zach Klein confronted AJ Green on Twitter and stands by his story. Stay Classy, Zach!
What??
December 23rd, 2010
7:53 am
He is gone!
Why all of the drama over a player that never lived up to his potential?
Missed gammes every season due to injuries or money. Will stay hurt in the NFL due to small skinny frame.
Roaddawg
December 23rd, 2010
7:53 am
Anyone saying that AJ should return to school (if he’s truly projected in the top 10 picks) is simply naive. Do you remember Quentin Moses??? He was rated in the top half of the first round after his junior season. Did the ‘right’ thing, came back, faced double teams his entire senior year, his stats suffered, and he fell to the 4th round. The Cardinals cut him in the preaseason. A first round pick NEVER gets cut without a legit shot. If a player is projected in the first round, regardless of where, they should go.
Thanks AJ, for 3 solid years, it’s too bad the team as a whole couldn’t reach your level of individual play.
GO DAWGS!