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
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
9:36 am
Frank
you said it best Too MANY PENALTIES…lol…the class will be worse this year..Richt will be fired and the next coach will learn quick that something is just not right..my nephew is playing in the Junior all star game ..At pratice I wish you could have heard the bashing of UGA..My wife was amazed, I wasnt, i have heard this for 2 years now..And if you thought Eric Berry hated UGA,you should hear his little brothers talk ..lol..And it is not because of CMR..actually most people love CMR and my nephew loves coach Lakotas..Its not the coaching..
Fishndawg1
December 23rd, 2010
9:38 am
Is Caleb King ineligible or not?
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
9:38 am
suckeye buckeye,
Ohio state 0-9 vs the SEC in bowl games.
Try and win something before you come on a blog involving an SEC team talking crap about your overrated program.
Terry Porter been inducted into the OSU Hall of Fame yet?
He should be because that and cheating Maurice Clarett are the only ways you won in 2002.
Be thankful you didn’t play Georgia that year because we would have kicked your @##!!
Skitty Fritty
December 23rd, 2010
9:39 am
How sad to be a Tech fan when you can’t beat UGA even when UGA stinks! I love the excitement about losing by 8 instead of 1. Good Luck AJ and Go Greenwave!
crabapplejoe
December 23rd, 2010
9:39 am
So much angst over a kid that never had a 1000 yard season…..LMAO
gt4ever
December 23rd, 2010
9:39 am
Guess he couldn’t pass his knitting class, fishndawg1…. Kinda sad…. I mean those college courses are really tuff….
Skitty Fritty
December 23rd, 2010
9:39 am
Can UGA switch to the Big 10 so we can win again?
Skitty Fritty
December 23rd, 2010
9:42 am
gt4ever:
I guess EVERY student at GT ends up with an engineering degree? I guess you didn’t graduate from Tech because I know for certain your school is not as hard as you think anymore because there are other avenues besides engineering. I guess this is the EXCUSE you have to use when you can’t win.
Receptive Dawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:42 am
AJ is gone. The rest is dramatic posturing probably orche$trated by his agent.
What idiot (tarheel$ excluded) would pass on the first round in the NFL to stay at the college level?
techlogic
December 23rd, 2010
9:43 am
Calvin is better than AJ and Tech won the ACC last year.
Naner naner new new.
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
9:43 am
Rev Al Sharpton
LOL thats was the funniest post i ever read lol..I probaly should have kept my comments to myself, but that practice yesterday really stuck with me..Im just advising people on here to stop using the word thug…I heard a a kid say Ealey was bashed so hard after that hit and run that he crossed uga off right then..Alot of people hate that..It came up 25 times after practice..i never posted on this blog or even read this blog, i did not know that kids read this like that..
Civil Engineer
December 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
I would stay in school so I can work for $45,000 a year and then lose my job to someone in India but I would have a degree from GT.
WDE
December 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
Yeah, sorry, Calvin Johnson was a tier above AJ Greene. That isn’t to say AJ isn’t top tier, it’s just that CJ was ridiculous.
JB
December 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
“this is why” is a Techie hoping recruits read these blogs…..The Georgia team is mostly black with like 4 black coach’s…..There is not a problem on that team….or this state….that ALL of society or all states suffer. To single out UGA is just ….well, crap……..Go Dawgs.
This is who
December 23rd, 2010
9:53 am
This is why
Funny, you’re the only one I’ve heard being a racist on this blog? Sober up a bit chief, and get back to us a little later.
papadawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:53 am
Cmon Green quit being a DRAMA QUEEN and tell us what you’re going to do
1eyedJack
December 23rd, 2010
9:53 am
AJ needs to stay.
He is a magnificent college receiver. That’s a given. However, despite his wonderful skills, every time I see him on the field, and every time I see him leave five yards on the field by running out of bounds, I think to myself, don’t get hurt AJ. He needs 20-25 lbs more of lower body. He is Jerious Norwood waiting to happen. All the talent in the world with skinny legs and unable to stay in the lineup. Every DB in the league will be diving for his legs.
At this point all AJ has gauranteed is to get drafted in the first round. There is no gaurantee of millions.
“Will a new CBA result in an NBA-style rookie wage scale?”
“You betcha. However the two sides decide to redistribute the money saved, look for the mind-boggling rookie contracts like Sam Bradford’s to disappear under the new CBA.” Yahoo Sports
Things look good for a NFL lockout. It only takes 7-8 hardline owners to stand their ground.
Dawgsdawg
December 23rd, 2010
9:54 am
@Goldenrod, tech never beat UGA while Calvin was playing . tech hasn’t owned anything in this State since the 1950″s.
daddydog1988
December 23rd, 2010
9:56 am
The money will be there. AJ’s choice is do I add 1 more year to my pro career; or do I come back: start the year as a Heisman favorite, change his UGA legacy from someone who made a mistake that realy hurt his team to a hero that came back with the money right in front of him.
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
9:57 am
This is why,
There are a lot of dumb people on these blogs but you win the prize for being the dumbest.
Carver lost the football game because the refs were racist?
You need to take your mike vick loving, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Black Panther, everything is against the brotha mentality and shove it.
Go find a blog with Cynthia Tucker or some other whacko.
Freddy
December 23rd, 2010
9:58 am
He is so gone.
Time
December 23rd, 2010
9:58 am
Mark Bradley, you’ve left a hollow legacy at the AJC. I think the only thing keeping you employed is your ability to generate ad revenue from the blog hits you stir up from the UGA faithful.
Green doesn’t owe you, the UGA fanbase or anyone anything. His legacy is that of many great players on the college level. Which is to play well enough to earn a job at the next level, but didn’t go “great places” while in school.
AJ should be checked into a mental hospital if you chooses to remain at UGA for another year. Or have him speak to old Tech hoop star James Forrest, who went from first round lock to undrafted by staying a extra year.
Billyboy
December 23rd, 2010
9:58 am
Should Green go pro? Does a person who hurts his team for $1,000 have integrity and stay, or take millions. This is a really hard question.
Buckeye
December 23rd, 2010
10:00 am
DawginLex,
Funny, I usually get one of you to waste 5 minutes of your life responding…0 and 9, tell me something new. It’s 2010, not 19 freakin’ 80.
I’ve been in Atlanta for 25 years and have earned the right to chime in. I’ll bet you $10,000 I’ve paid a helleva lot more Georgia taxes that has gone to thUGA than you have.
By the way, where are staying in Memphis? Clarion? Red Roof? Motel 6?
gadawgs
December 23rd, 2010
10:00 am
If he is top five like Kiper says the kids gotta go. I love my Dawgs but if it were me or you would you pass up millions to come back and take a chance on getting hurt and not getting drafted and have to work for a living instead of being a MILLIONAIRE & playing a game. Thought so….
gt4ever
December 23rd, 2010
10:00 am
No, skitty fritty, we have the same problem, just NOT as much of a problem, because our percentage of marginal students is a WHOLE lot smaller than UGA’s…. I can tell you this, your absolutely right about GT trying to help out it’s football program with liberal art type courses…. It hasn’t helped much, but we are trying…. I think the right football coach will have a greater impact than crip courses…..
JB
December 23rd, 2010
10:00 am
Did Calvin Johnson stay 4 years?
GT
December 23rd, 2010
10:01 am
Just because a man is 7 feet tall that does not make him a basketball player. Must be something in Athens that make everything a few inches more than it is. Great for journalism or in this case selling news but until someone in this state starts judging talent in real daylight we are going to continue to watch major college football from the stands. Greatness receiver in Georgia history? There is an old man playing football in Pittsburgh I would give that one to and he has done something many Georgia players in the past have done ,that Green has not, win. This kid came back for the Colorado game and they lost. All the ink and crying about how the NCAA had cheated Georgia of wins then he returns and plays the weakest team in division one college football and loses. The only reason Georgia put this team on its schedule is because they were a patsy and then they lose to them. Colorado was not even good enough for a homecoming game. Green was in the Florida game and they lost to the worse Florida team in a decade. I was at a party Sunday night and Georgia fans were calling this freshman quarterback the best that has ever come to Georgia. These drugs have got to stop. As your loyal ,in state, opponent ,hear me, there is no fear of Georgia by most teams they play anymore. As a two generation Tech family I can promise you that was not always the case, for those too young to remember. Georgia retired Dodd early when Dooley showed up. He could see the years of wondering for Tech. If these conditions had existed back then Dodd might have coached another 15 years. I really can’t remember a lower point at Georgia since Dooley, maybe someone can help me on this. But as a Tech fan I can tell you there has never been a time like this, I can remember, since Dooley got there I feel less afraid of Georgia. No player on a team like this one and a history like Georgia’s can be called great and if I were a pro scout I would not let this source of reporting be my only eyes and ears.
Reality
December 23rd, 2010
10:02 am
Joey
December 23rd, 2010
9:20 am
“12 Catches 173 yards 1 TD in 2 games…..not very amazing.”
******************************
What?
Damn, nerd, that’s a year’s worth of receiving for a WR playing for
Dayum, idiot, check the facts.
Nerds! Nerds! Nerds!
December 23rd, 2010
10:03 am
This is why… Shut up. The people on here calling AJ a thug are tech fans.
The Berry Brothers? They were always Tennessee. Watch the other brothers will sign with UT.
Your nephew? I’m sure he thinks you are a dolt. Get a job loser and quit living through your nephew! I wish YOU would leave the state!
AJ was a great talent. Hes the best I’ve seen in 30 years. But it goes to show you that a WR cannot win you football games.
gt4ever
December 23rd, 2010
10:05 am
He is NO thug, just not very SMART….
Todd
December 23rd, 2010
10:05 am
Had this thought before the season began. Another one with no hardware to show. The list goes on and on under CMR and Bobo.
I ask again, does anyone know who Mike Bobo is outside the SEC?
Freakin AJ Green the absolute truth, real deal, nothing, notta at UGA.
Next in line, Aron Murray and Orson Charles.
Dad gummit Mark Richt!
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:06 am
Really buckeye?
I went to UGA and lived 40 years in the state of Georgia and was born and raised there.
I’ll take the $10,000 in $20 bills.
Joe
December 23rd, 2010
10:06 am
AJ will be an awesome pro. Every bit as good as CJ. Shouldn’t GT fans be worried about Siena?
GTDog
December 23rd, 2010
10:08 am
I’m enjoying a nice cup of joe in front of the fire, reading the posts by the guy who just watched “Remember the Titans”. Remember that scene in the playoff game where the refs were calling all the penalties. What I can’t get is how they (GHSA) got the black refs to throw all those flags in the Calhoun-Carver game? There must have been some money in there somewhere.
Also, where is this Junior All Star game being held? I haven’t heard of that one, but it would be nice to go watch, assuming it’s not just another fantasy in some guys head.
By the way, I recall reading several articles that quoted Eric Berry as being very complimentary of Richt and the Georgia program, so I don’t think he “fled” from the state. Too funny, wait…I need to get back to that posting guy, I bet he’s at the point in the movie where they’re cheering the injured guy’s Mom as she waks into the stands. That was touching, I want to see his take on that…
JB
December 23rd, 2010
10:09 am
The MO for a Tech fan/Alum is to assume that All UGA Grads/fans are sitting in a trailer in Middle Georgia somewhere in Camo on leave from the local plant closed down for the holidays. It’s all they have. It’s what they at taught from day one of hitting that campus. Hate everything UGA….and talk about it 24/7. Never mind that most are Lawyers, business owners, Teachers, Farmers, Doctors of Veterinary medicine etc….. In there little world, if you are not an Engineer making 87,657.56, you’re worthless. Enjoy your nerdy little world…..Most UGA folks could care less about your life,school or loser teams.
Hmmmmmmm
December 23rd, 2010
10:09 am
AJ is not even in the same league as Julio from UA…… CJ was a freak of nature. Period! AJ is not anywhere near the talent…… Sorry to bust your bubble…
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:09 am
GTdog,
Yeah, he probably was the one who “went out on the town” with Bertier’s momma
Reality
December 23rd, 2010
10:10 am
Nerds! Nerds! Nerds!
December 23rd, 2010
10:03 am
“AJ was a great talent. Hes the best I’ve seen in 30 years”
Geeeeez…if he’s the “best” you’ve seen, then you haven’t seen much. Just another delusional GA fan.
sports fan
December 23rd, 2010
10:10 am
He should go. He’s already sold GA down the river for $1,000. He cost his team at least 2 victories and 8-4 looks a lot better than 6-6. He’s already proven that he’s a selfish jerk so why not leave early and not honor your word. Oh wait! You’ve already shown your character. See ya!
GTDog
December 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
Lex!
You typo’d my handle! But I think I like it better: GTDog v. GTdog…hmmmm, let’s the dog part kinda separate out from the GT part. Can you tell I’m bored or what?
Gatorzone
December 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
Lots of Christmas spirit on here today!
Any player projected in the top 20 of the first round should go pro.
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
DawginLex
Im dumb because my nephew earned a spot on the junior all star game and i heard 5 recruits talking bad about uga at practice?….I dont know exactly why the refs threw all those flags, but by me being a military man and knowing a lot of parents from Carver, this is the second straight year that flags caused Carver to lose..last year Flowery Branch…Those parents are not sending their kids to UGA…And it has nothing to do with CMR…Tell your “KLAN” to quit bashing guys on these blogs..A top 2012 rb from dekalb told me watch how ” watch those red necks bash Caleb King (his buddy) after they announce he is ineligble”, even though he has a learning disability..GT does not bash kids when they dont get them..these are still 19 year old kids…
JB
just watch NSD , you are going to be mad, Thats all im going to say..
Not yet
December 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
I would think that the near certainty of an NFL lock-out next year would affect the chocies of many college players as to whether they will stay or go.
Thats the problem for Green.
Green really has to go because, like Caleb King,
he wont be academically eligible next Fall.
Caleb and Washaun
December 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
alrite…Kat iz spelt…..uuuuuhhhhh….errrrr….K….uh KA…..uh…
Dawgsdawg
December 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
Calvin Johnsons career stats vs UGA 9 receptions 71 yards and 1 td . He was a great receiver , except when he played UGA.
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
If flags caused Carver to lose then maybe they should stop committing penalties……………………….
Joey
December 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
Reality,
Ga Tech’s second leading receiver: Orwin Smith – 11 catches – 189 yards – 0 TDs
Who’s the idiot?
JB
December 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
And you know Buckeye is a Big Time GT Alum trolling a AJC blog about AJ Green at Christmas time….Got to do something on break from a big board meeting I guess….LOL……… And He’s worried about “wasted time”…..LMAO….
1eyedJack
December 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
If he does go pro and there is no lockout…he won’t get past Denver, they love UGA and SEC guys.