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
not so fast my friend
December 23rd, 2010
10:15 am
This is why I agree the word thug is way over used, but my brother is a member of the coaching staff on one of the 5a H.S programs and UGA is much loved at his school, so its not all the H.S’s his by the way is the 2010 state champs .
Reality
December 23rd, 2010
10:16 am
Joey
December 23rd, 2010
10:14 am
Easy, you’re the idiot.
This is who
December 23rd, 2010
10:17 am
I know, everyone at Carver hates UGA. Except, of course Jarvis Jones, the 5-star linebacker. He hates UGA and the state so much that he went allll the way out to California (remember, that’s where the QB “Sunshine was from in the movie!). Funny, he decided to come back after his injury.
Crowell hates UGA so much, that they’re in his final two.
LMAO, you’re a joke man…
robertussen
December 23rd, 2010
10:17 am
Another fine project from John Mccissic and the Summerville High School football program. And maybe the best player to come out of there. That says a lot from a school so rich in football history. Here’s something most of you may not know. When Aj played for the Greenwave, he would face rival Ft. Dorchester at least once a year if not twice in the playoffs. They had former Gator and now Bengal DE Carlos Dunlap on one end and Tarheal DE Robert Quinn on the other end, who is also projected to go early in the first round despite his not being able to play this season. It has been a good couple of years for Dorchester district 2. And Mccissic hasn’t retired yet he has now made his record almost impossible to beat. If you didn’t know, he’s the winningest football coach ever at any level. Good Luck Aj!
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:21 am
GTDog,
i corrected it!
We are going to do updowns until Blue(this is why) is no longer tired and thirsty.
Boy you must be outside your mind!
Joey
December 23rd, 2010
10:22 am
Nice comeback, Reality.
I was correct in my observation about PJ’s receivers, and “idiot” is how you counter.
Simpleton.
Coffee Bluff DAWG
December 23rd, 2010
10:22 am
This is Why,
“I dont know exactly why the refs threw all those flags”.
The refs usually throw a flag when they see a penalty. Wow.
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
10:23 am
GTDog
the game is January 8, 2011 in Decatur, Scout.com is covering all the pratices, My nephew is looking good, no need to lie, I really dont care..jeremy Price, UGA hoops brother is in the game, Columbia has 4 stud players in that game, they all hate UGA…I am good friends with the Berrys..Eric will never say something stupid so you all can label him..But i know for a fact the twins will not be going to UGA..CMR has already offered but it doesnt matter…And dont lie you idiot, it was not a black ref out there..lol
Reality
December 23rd, 2010
10:26 am
Joey
Explain D Thomas’s 1154 yards. Yes, idiot.
FLA DAWG
December 23rd, 2010
10:26 am
AJ,
You have been one of the very few bright spots between the hedges the last couple of years.
Thanks for all you’ve given UGA. Son, it’s now time to move on. The Dawgs will be at the bottom again next year and you have more than earned your right to depart for the draft.
You are unquestionably the best UGA receiver in history.
Wait’ll the country sees you in The NFL!
Best Of Luck,
FLA DAWG
Class of ‘79
Buckeye
December 23rd, 2010
10:27 am
DawginLex,
Shame you’ve only seen one national championship in those 40 years.
You can get your first installment from AJ and then another few bucks from your SEC betheran, the Newtons.
No reservations for Memphis?…. must be staying at the cousin’s doublewide..
Are you one those who pay no federal taxes while those of us in the top 1% pay the lion’s share??
This is who
December 23rd, 2010
10:29 am
Brother, you’re getting confused: Is it Carver-COLUMBUS or COLUMBIA? Two different schools…
And, are you telling me there were NO black refs in the Calhoun-Carver game. The playoff game THIS year? Think about it carefully before you answer.
And look, let’s not resort to name calling just because your story’s coming apart. I can assure that I’m not an idiot…
Name calling is a defense used when you’re beaten, be careful now…..lol
ReddJonn68
December 23rd, 2010
10:30 am
Mark Bradley there was talk about a week ago on a Sporting News blog that the NCAA may extend the deadline to declare for the draft due to the labor impasse is there any fact behind this rumor or is just that, a rumor???
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:30 am
Nice try Buckeye,
Own my home
married
kids
Still can’t dispute 0-9 can you?
Still can’t dispute Terry Porter can you?
Still can’t dispute overrated program can you?
Still can’t dispute Clarett can you?
You are a Tech fan because you argue with us the same way. like a liberal. Deflect the real question and go somewhere else where you think you have an advantage.
Merry Christmas.
LogicDawg
December 23rd, 2010
10:31 am
It’s not Green’s fault. Everyone needs to understand that he played during a time where the offensive coordinator was cutting his teeth. A different OC and AJ would have had at least an additional 1,000 yards receiving over his 3 year period.
JB
December 23rd, 2010
10:32 am
This is why………I’m white, hate Auburn, am I a racist?……..No, didn’t think so………You are trying to put a spin That some black players won’t attend Georgia because a few bloggers cross the line with comments from the fan base ? Have to been to Alabama and spent any time? How about Mississippi ? Hell, how about Ohio? ……. You’re reaching
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
This is why,
The Berrys not going to UGA has nothing to do with the fact that their Dad played at UT does it?
You really need to stop posting because you are getting abused.
Alum
December 23rd, 2010
10:33 am
After the rotten deal he got from the NCAA I wouldn’t blame him for going to the NFL. Best of luck Green, we’ll miss you!
Joey
December 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
You know, my daddy told me, “you can’t argue with a dumbass,” and boy was he right . . .
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
This is who
I said it is 4 or 5 players from Columbia High that has looked good in practices at the All star game..including a stud de 6ft6 and runs like a deer..If you did not know ,most of the players on CARVER COLUMBUS are military kids..I know a lot of parents from that team..Can you read..Im from south Ga, think about it, when was the last time UGA landed a player from south ga..Greg Reid left because Lowndes were cheated against Grayson
7576DAWG
December 23rd, 2010
10:40 am
Green finally has shown a little intelligence , let’s emphasis little, saying he hasn’t made a decision as to turn pro or not..
Green has got to learn that the media is not his friend , all they want is to break a story at his expense and he doesn’t have to make a decision for a few more weeks.
The reason I criticize AJ so much is because other when AJ signed with UGA he agreed the only thing he had control of is eating, drinking, sleeping, studying and playing football in exchange for a free education and if he did ANYTHING other than the above privileges he had to run it by the coach first and get permission , WHICH HE DID NOT. AJ should have been kicked off the team because I don’t want anyone playing for UGA that doesn’t always put the team first.
Having said that, now it’s time for AJ . He is eligible to turn pro and now he has to make the decision to go pro or stay one more year.I can accept either decision because it is nobody’s business except AJ’s but before now it’s all about the team and AJ was suppose to be one of the roll model’s and leaders this year and he failed at both.
This is who
December 23rd, 2010
10:42 am
You’re KILLING me! Reid hated Georgia, yet (again), UGA was a close second with him, and we didn’t even recruit him diligently until late in the game.
By the way, there were a slew of SG players in Athens just last weekend, including all those kids you stated would never, no way, attend UGA. Why were they there? I mean, their parents would NEVER allow them to attend UGA, but they sent them off to Athens for a long weekend?
Everything you say is so full of holes, it’s hilarious.
But, I’m off work until the 11th so I might try to dig up this ballgame. You say Decatur…Dekalb Memorial Stadium by chance?
Praizal
December 23rd, 2010
10:43 am
It’s good that Green is leaving, it can’t come soon enough. Get this thug out of Athens and stop recruiting stupid goons like him.
ReddJonn68
December 23rd, 2010
10:43 am
I’m not putting anyone down or condoning any of the activity that takes place on this blog. The real UGA fans will always blog with some common sense, but earlier this year before the season started & these kids were getting trouble people were going crazy with their posts. Mind you blogs should never play a part in a kid’s educational choice, but we live in the electronic age so anything goes. By the way ” that is why ” Christian LeMay is black!
Reality
December 23rd, 2010
10:45 am
Guess your dad was referring to you. LOL!!!
This is who
December 23rd, 2010
10:46 am
On cue, some wanna be pretending he’s a UGA fan calling Green a “thug”…..how predictable…..lol
9-1
December 23rd, 2010
10:47 am
AJ is coming back, Justin Houston is too, listen I hear bells, it’s Santa on the roof!!!!
Both are gone, too bad I wish they all would stay 4 years but who can blame a guy for turning pro and geting millions. If Moreno and Stafford had come back last year CMR would not be on the hot seat at least not with the knob on high…. Hope he can get it going next year and win back the doubters. GO DAAAWGS.
Dan D.
December 23rd, 2010
10:48 am
AJ should have been kicked off the team because I don’t want anyone playing for UGA that doesn’t always put the team first.
And that kind of “looking the other way” is why Mark Richt is a sleazebag who should have been run out of Athens years ago.
not so fast my friend
December 23rd, 2010
10:49 am
Buckeye really your talking smack on a UGA blog…tell you what take a look and see how many SEC teams we beat this year…and then look at the Buckeye’s record in bowl games vs the SEC…my God have you no shame??
Dawg H8R
December 23rd, 2010
10:50 am
WTF happened to my last post? Veiled racism makes it,but I don’t see my responses.
how2fish
December 23rd, 2010
10:51 am
A.J..whatever you decide best wishes your a DGD!!
Cyber Dawg
December 23rd, 2010
10:52 am
rj5k2 g8hm3 e67he c6j3r ygx9r s3f1v rj5g2 g8hm3 e67he c6j3r ygx9r s3f1v j24g2 g8hm3 e67he c6j3r ygx9r s3f1v rj5g2 g8hm3 e67he c6j3r ygx9r s5dr2 vb52u
sierra bravo tango
how2fish
December 23rd, 2010
10:53 am
Praizal I’m deep into the holiday mood but really your an idiot or a Bug.
1eyedJack
December 23rd, 2010
10:55 am
85% of the team and half the coaches are black. Racism argument fails.
As for our fanbase, the percentage of racists (of all colors), rednecks, trailer dwellers, ignorant or just plain half wits is about the same across the Southeast. So unless you can show alot of black players fleeing to play outside the region the argument fails.
Wiki Leaks
December 23rd, 2010
10:56 am
Green is leaving. Prediction is that he’ll be in prison within four years, then go into custodial or sanitation services while on parole.
Why would you expect anything else from this punk?
DawginLex
December 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
Wiki,
Classless comment. You don’t know Green or anything about him.
My bet is you weigh 400 pounds, live in your mom’s basement and hope you get a year’s supply of Dunkin Donuts for Christmas.
Enjoy
9-1
December 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
Dan D get a life, CMR is having his problems winning on the field right now but in life the man is on the right track. Question his coaching all you want but calling him a sleazebag makes you look so stupid and misguided…get a life.
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
DawginLex
Ok sir..Im not going to argue with you, when i know the Berrys personally….whatever, but he didnt go their, neither will the twins
This is who
yeah they take visits at uga for the women..but they never sign with UGA..Name one big time South Ga player to sign with UGa in the last 3 years..?
True DAWG
December 23rd, 2010
10:59 am
Definitely the best receiver to ever put on red and black!
This is why
December 23rd, 2010
11:00 am
1eyedJack
Yeah you are right 85% of the players are black, But those players were not the top players in the state..6-6 record this year..The top players will leave year in year out..
how2fish
December 23rd, 2010
11:00 am
Wiki Leaks amazing how the weak and stupid love to use “thug” and “punk” to label people they have never met. I hope you get everything you deserve for Christmas I really do.
hotbobby
December 23rd, 2010
11:01 am
Recruits come to UGA thinking if they put on the red and black, they are destined to win. There is noone here to show them how to win!
Skitty Fritty
December 23rd, 2010
11:01 am
Wiki:
I am from AJ’s hometown and know many people who state AJ is a great guy. You are 100% wrong about his character. He is a quality person and will do well in life. Be careful, your jealousy is showing.
Merry Christmas
bob
December 23rd, 2010
11:01 am
Staying? Did a new shipment of jerseys hit ebay this week?
bjohndawg
December 23rd, 2010
11:02 am
The NFL is his next stop. Next year.
And you great WR and TE recruits, time to sign with UGA.
1) We sling the football
2) the best WR is leaving
3) you can start and make an immediate impact.
SID
December 23rd, 2010
11:02 am
What is his grade point avg.???
how2fish
December 23rd, 2010
11:04 am
This is why explain how it is that a H.S player thinks or is lead to think that ref’s throw games, so they take it out I guess “On the Man” by not playing at UGA….I’m really having a lot of trouble connecting those dots…the black athletes currently and formerly at UGA by and large seem to have enjoyed their stays..
Skitty Fritty
December 23rd, 2010
11:05 am
This is Why:
Tell us why Eric Berry picked UT since you have all the “Inside” knowledge?
bob
December 23rd, 2010
11:06 am
btw: Hines Ward was better. He was always there. On the years they did not have a good QB, he would play it.
dawg777
December 23rd, 2010
11:07 am
Cam Newton and family your big CHRISTMAS BONUS IN CASH IS COMING TO YOUR CHURCH ,FOR CHRISTMAS. I KNOW YOU CAN’T WAIT. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!