Georgia’s Pro Day attracts NFL Who’s Who
Editor’s Note: Chip Towers provided updates throughout UGA’s Pro Day and all of them are listed below. Some of the notables: RB Knowshon Moreno turned in a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash while DB Asher Allen turned in a blazing 4.33. QB Matthew Stafford ended the day with several impressive throws. DB C.J. Byrd, LB Dannell Ellerbe and WR Mohamed Massaqoui helped themselves with fast times in the 40.
Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno will be on the field again for Georgia today. Check that: They’ll be on Georgia’s fields but it will be for themselves.
Representatives of all 32 NFL teams — and in some cases three or four from each team — will be on hand as the Bulldogs’ two offensive stars from this past season, along with 12 other UGA players, show off their wares for NFL scouts.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said it may be the Bulldogs’ biggest Pro Day since he and his staff came to Athens. Strength and conditioning director Dave Van Halanger, who organizes and oversees the event, wasn’t so sure. He remembers the first year, when Georgia had Richard Seymour and Marcus Stroud and Kendrell Bell, as being a well-attended event. And certainly there was a lot of buzz when David Pollack and David Greene and Thomas Davis came out in 2004.
But in Stafford and Moreno the Bulldogs have produced two players that could be early first-round picks. And in the case of Stafford, VERY early. Some have projected him as the No. 1 overall pick.
The main reason for the incredible turnout is Stafford chose not to throw at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis last month. He chose to throw to his own recivers — Mohamed Massaquoi, Demiko Goodman and Kenneth Harris — on his own fields. And the beneficiaries of that decision, including Stafford and Moreno, are Georgia and the 12 other players hoping to get their name called during the NFL draft.
“Matthew’s decision to throw here and not there, that was up to him. . . . I don’t get into the middle of that decision,” coach Mark Richt said. “But the fact that Matthew is doing it here is a big deal because he will attract a big crowd. Even if those guys weren’t here we’d have a solid Pro Day. But with both those guys being here it’s going to be a bigger crowd than we normally get.”
Because Stafford is being considered for the top spot, more actual NFL coaches and executives are expected to be in town rather than just scouts.
Said Richt: “I can’t predict who’s coming but I’m sure there are going to be some big-name coaches, head coaches and position coaches. I would think GMs will be here. I think you’ll see a great representation of the NFL coming to our campus, which is super.”
Richt is encouraging the current Bulldogs to come out and watch their former teammates for motivation if nothing else.
“It’s a job interview for the dream of their lifetime,” Richt said. “So I told our guys to come watch their teammates interview for a job in the NFL. I want that to motivate them. I them to be excited about it.”
Other UGA players showing off for the scouts Thursday: Receivers Mohamed Massaquoi, Kenneth Harris and Demiko Goodman; cornerbacks Asher Allen and Ramarcus Brown; fullback Brannan Southerland; linebacker Dannell Ellerbe; defensive tackle Corvey Irvin; defensive ends Jeremy Lomax and Jarius Wynn; safety CJ Byrd; and punter Brian Mimbs.
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292 comments Add your comment
Oledawg
March 19th, 2009
3:15 pm
Chip-This quick posting and running blog has to have the rest of AJC writers lickin’ their chops. It really works well and can put excitement into what could be a mundane blog. I’m impressed. It’s nice to see a risk turn out so well. You and the bloggers sort of hit some chemistry leading up to Stafford’s turn. I liked the side scenes (Knowshon and Sutherland giving high-fives to incoming players). Your writing is enjoyable reading. The Dawg spirit is in your bones! Go ChipDawg!
KELA SHIRLEY
March 19th, 2009
3:20 pm
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oledawg
March 19th, 2009
3:31 pm
Knowshon’s running ability and individual style is the closest to “Sweetness” than any player ever. Barry would be next.
how2fish
March 19th, 2009
3:32 pm
Caldog great post HW was a man among boys in college, and the 2nd best college football player I’ve ever seen..great job!
gdawginkalamazoo
March 19th, 2009
3:42 pm
Jeez, if this were the old Lions they would be licking their chops to draft Crabtree as the #1 pick. Never can have too many first round WR’s on your roster.
BILLY JACK
March 19th, 2009
3:46 pm
Fulton you are obviously a dumb jackass-UGA has produced more pros than almost any school all pros everywhere you must be a techie,where everything is dark-gray and depressing.
uga_b
March 19th, 2009
3:56 pm
Thanks UGA VI for grabbing the wiki on that. It’s one of those magic draft numbers that people hold out. Honestly, we all know there are 2 types of speed: quick accelerators and striders. RBs need to be accelerators, so Knowshons 10 split is probably more interesting than the 40.
GA Tech Insider
March 19th, 2009
3:58 pm
I think Gil Brandt gave Mathew the highest compliment he could have possibly gotten today. He compared him with Brett Favre (in a good way).
Congrats and best of luck in the future.
GTI
http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/03/19/stafford-displays-strong-accurate-arm-at-georgia-pro-day/
Spike
March 19th, 2009
4:01 pm
We are really pulling for Mo Mass!! Go, baby!!!!
Voice of Reason
March 19th, 2009
4:04 pm
Gale Sayers- 4.7 in the 40
gdawginkalamazoo
March 19th, 2009
4:07 pm
Isn’t Gil Brandt Stafford’s neighbor?
BR
March 19th, 2009
4:09 pm
Poor nerds. Still jealous of UGA. Gotta read everything about us, don’t you? I would too if I had no team to read about. Sorry we have many players that will be drafted and you have very very very few.
7 years
Go Dawgs!
My2cents
March 19th, 2009
4:12 pm
It’s sad that Mark Richt had to wait 7+ years to see some quality NFL players at UGA. Doesn’t say much for his recruiting abilities, now does it? Good luck to those players and God help UGA clue into what an average coach they have. Nice guy, average coach.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 19th, 2009
4:19 pm
My2cents, WTF? Change your moniker to My2Methpipes.
DawgGirl32
March 19th, 2009
4:27 pm
My2cents- Mark Richt has sent numerous quality players to the NFL prior to this year. Please don’t be so ignorant.
PTC DAWG
March 19th, 2009
4:31 pm
Once again, the Pro Scouting on this board is off the charts. Keep it coming!!
THUGA
March 19th, 2009
4:39 pm
Noodle Arm Stafford throwing to his own UGLY Receivers, What a joke. Noodle Arm Stafford too scared to throw @ the combine.
Noshow Moreno
March 19th, 2009
4:47 pm
Sorry guys that I was a bit slow, damn DB was faster than me. Kick off punts thats wheres I’ll be at.
NC Dawg
March 19th, 2009
4:54 pm
Anyone else catch Lost last night and that Hurley was wearing a UGA sweatshirt. Probably has something to do with Josh Holloway (Sawyer) being a Georgia alum and he’s the one who supplied Hurley with a sweatshirt large enough for him to wear
UGA Fan
March 19th, 2009
4:57 pm
Hey hem o’roid; you are a freaking idiot. Mark Richt is a class act and pulled Moody’s scholarship because it deserved to be. There is no room in college football for a thug who threatens his teachers. You are a disgrace to the world and I bet your own mother doesn’t claim you.
Charlotte Dawg
March 19th, 2009
5:01 pm
Who cares? These boys are gone and do nothing for us.
And a 4.6 40 is not impressive for Moreno. I thought he was faster than that.
dap01
March 19th, 2009
5:15 pm
Fulton: Save up your car wash money and buy yourself cable, internet and read a couple of newspapers. And don’t blog again until you have a clue.
Clint
March 19th, 2009
5:26 pm
Shaun Alexander ran a 4.65 at the combine, and he had a pretty good career.
J.J.M.
March 19th, 2009
5:27 pm
moreno will run a 4.63 all 4 quarters so thats a good thing
1953 dawg
March 19th, 2009
5:34 pm
All this paper does is blog about Tenn.’s new coach, or Stafford&Moreno. Enough, who cares about 2 players that never gave a rat’s ass about UGA, and a loser coach that has never won a game in the SEC. Typical blogs by sports writers that have no clue about what is important to UGA fans. How about blogs about UGA’s coach, or heres a great idea, how about blogs about players that are still on team, and care about winning games and championships, not about themselves like Stafford & Moreno. Moreno has no speed, and that bull sh.. of him jumping up after runs in the NFL will get his head caved in. And as far as Stafford, he is the most overrated Q.B. that ever played at UGA. This guy will only get you beat. He will throw a terrible interception or two in every big game. Don’t believe me, how about Fl. 2007, returned for t.d. with no UGA receiver within 10 yards of pass, or how about Fl. 2008, his int. at the start of 3rd qtr that was returned to the 1 yard line, was only a 14 pt. swing. Or how about his 2 ints. against Tenn. last year in the redzone, that Tenn. turned into 14 pts. the only points they had. But I think this loser saved his best int. for the best game, against Tech. with UGA gaining control of game, what does BRAINDEAD stafford do, throws an int to Burnett for a quick 7, that keeps tech in game. If not for his bonehead throw, UGA is up 28-6 at half. Please blog about someone that matters, not these two ego maniacs.
athensdawg
March 19th, 2009
5:36 pm
Stafford accomplished SO much as the georgia quarterback that I don’t know if our program can survive losing him. We should just shut the football program down….
I am sure the NFL will soon change its name to the SFL (Stafford Football League.)
So glad to see this over-hyped kid get outta here and glad I don’t have to listen to the stafford koolaid drinkers in the stands anymore.
If I had to pick a quarterback to win one football game, it sure wouldn’t be him.
BILLY JACK
March 19th, 2009
5:48 pm
My 2 CENTS-You need to change your name to I AM A TECH QUEER-look at Coach Richts record the last 8 yrs i believe he is 2nd with the most wins D-1 and has the best winning record on the road and is a great man.
DirtyDawg
March 19th, 2009
5:58 pm
By the way, and just to close the subject, guess which college has produced the most (3) Super Bowl MVPs,…do I really have to answer that here?
And further, since we’ve got so many interested, I’ve been lobbying for a change – actually, just talking about it on line – in the NCAA’s eligibility rules to allow any former player that has eligibility remaining, once they reach the age of 40, that they could come back to complete said eligibility. My bet is that Mr. Walker, even in his late 40s could still go…at least enough to break the all-time college rushing record. Whatayasay folks?
crichar
March 19th, 2009
6:10 pm
Too bad you too dumb enough to know that CJ spiller was graded by the scout as a first round pick(and he ran behind 4 freshmen OL last season) but he decided to stay one more to be a guaranteed top 5 pick next year.
Clemson Tigers always
crichar
March 19th, 2009
6:14 pm
Damn a 4.63. James davis ran 4.4 something in the comebine. UGA just doesnt produce RB like they use too.
To me personallly, If CJ Spiller would have enter the draft, he have been the first RB picked
Clemson Tigers Always
AltamahaDawg
March 19th, 2009
6:22 pm
For record…..I can bench press 24 times too.
GeoffDawg
March 19th, 2009
6:28 pm
“Too bad you too dumb enough” – wow crichar, you do the Clemson English department proud. In any case, Knowshon would take Spiller’s lunch money in a head to head comparison every time. You want to talk about running behind OLs with issues? Did you happen to hear about anything that happened with the Georgia program last year? Your ignorance is the stuff of legend.
uga_b
March 19th, 2009
6:41 pm
So for those of you scoring at home, 1953 Dawg is not a fan of QBs throwing interceptions (EVER!), hustling back to the huddle, and that the NCAA only grants 4 years of eligibility. I have yet to see a college QB complete every throw. Until today, I never heard anyone champion not hustling.
I love these kids while they are here and root for them once they move on. The great things is I get to see new players every year for each one that left. I am glad they can come back to visit the program and give the kids some advice.
“What have they done for me now” people come off petty and small to me. Or maybe just old and crotchety.
uga_b
March 19th, 2009
6:45 pm
I also enjoy the we can be selfish about our self interests as fans, but kids pursuing a degree and a dream better not be selfish. They took a scholarship to better themselves and have a chance to attend college and grow as players. Who the hell are we to tell them they can’t look our for themselves when we are only looking out for us. Sorry, I got riled up.
UGA Pro Day Round-up | GeorgiaBulldog.com - Georgia Bulldogs News, Discussion, Schedules & More
March 19th, 2009
7:23 pm
[...] round to get the serious money. Fortunately for him and the other Dogs showing off, it was a true who’s who of the NFL world in Athens today. Representatives of all 32 NFL teams — and in some cases three or four from each [...]
PTC DAWG
March 19th, 2009
8:44 pm
Even some Dawgs knocking Stafford…great…you can’t hide class.
PAUL3084
March 19th, 2009
9:07 pm
I caught some of Moreno’s workout at the combine and though he doesn’t have “blazing” speed in the 40 he looked great running the other drills. His lateral quickness was above and beyond the other backs I saw. Southerland also impressed me and I was surprised at how thick MoMass looked at the combine. I’m going to miss watching all those guys on Saturdays this fall. I wish all the former Dawgs luck in their NFL careers.
Baba O'Riley
March 19th, 2009
9:21 pm
Knowshon compared to Walter Payton and Barry Sanders? oledawg, are you kidding???
bank walker
March 19th, 2009
9:30 pm
Clemson tigers, Bwwwaahhhaaa!!!! They are a freakin joke and so are you crichar! Purple and urnge, who came up with those colors? Please crichar leave the football talk to the big boys.
Chip Towers
March 19th, 2009
10:44 pm
Talked to Demiko Goodman’s dad this evening and he said Demiko ran a 4.35 on his first 40-yard dash. I have no reason not to believe him. So there you go.
Trouble Funk
March 20th, 2009
10:00 am
Great Job Chip. Thanks for the updates. We all know Staff & Moreno will get drafted high and be good pros. The Pro day was really for others to show their stuff. People like Ramarcus who has great speed, talent etc but got caught in loop at UGA. Can’t wait to see where his high school Tristan Davis from Auburn end up. He also had so much speed, size & talent that Auburn didn’t know what to do with him. Played numerous positions and excelled at all.
Cuz
March 20th, 2009
4:07 pm
CallDogg if you come back. Herschel beat Darryl Greene in a 100 yd dash on a show they used to have back in the dark ages where they would get a bunch of football players and run them through obstacle courses and sprints to see who was the “top” football player. These days the NFL guys make enough money they don’t need extra to make their yacht payment so that show is long gone.