Curran’s last game between the hedges?
Athens –- Saturday’s game against Kentucky will be the last in Sanford Stadium for 23 seniors on Georgia’s football team. Might it also be the last game between the hedges for junior linebacker Rennie Curran?
“It’s bound to run through my head once or twice,” Curran said Tuesday.
Curran is eligible to enter the 2010 NFL draft, and while he said he hasn’t made a decision on whether to leave school early, he left no doubt that he plans to seriously consider the possibility.
“It’s definitely a tough call,” Curran said. ““I have to sit down with my family. It’s something I have to pray about. . . . I’m just going to try to make the most informed decision and the smart decision.
“Honestly, I’m not leaning any way at all, because I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
A “huge” consideration, he said, is his 14-month-old daughter, Eleana, who lives in Gwinnett County.
“I’m not the normal college student,” Curran said. “Having her and seeing her and not being able to take her out and provide for her, it really weighs down on me, being a father and not being able to spend that time with her because I’m in college. I definitely want to be able to provide for her. She’s my heart. That’s definitely something that I think about in terms of that decision.”
Then, with a bright and proud smile, Curran pulled out his mobile phone and showed off a video taken Monday of him and his daughter.
In the end, Curran’s decision might come down to whether he senses that his draft status –- and earnings potential -– could benefit significantly from a senior season in college.
“That’s another thing that makes the decision even harder, when you think about . . what your weaknesses are and whether those weaknesses can be improved by another year,” Curran said. “Things like my height, I know, are not going to change.”
His height, which Georgia lists at 5-11, is the most common argument against his NFL potential.
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173 comments Add your comment
Herschel Talker
November 17th, 2009
3:16 pm
He’s gone. No question. He has money problems. No chance he stays around.
shards1967
November 17th, 2009
3:16 pm
LSU’s Charles Scott wants him to stay in school. If he goes to the League, well, um good luck and thanks for nothing.
UGA class of 71 & 73
Why did anyone...
November 17th, 2009
3:17 pm
…even bring up # “I am always out of position” 9? What a waste of a position while hoping that he would improve – the guys behind him must really be bad!
Sautee Dawg
November 17th, 2009
3:17 pm
Curran will find a job in the NFL, been a great player to watch, strongest work ethic on the team.
Don’t blame him for going Pro to better take care of his child.
People who doubt his tackling ability should go back and spend some time in the filmroom.
kevin
November 17th, 2009
3:17 pm
Rennie doesn’t have the height…..but he’s got a bigger heart than anyone on the team, heck maybe in the SEC. And for Mark and Joe Friday stating he is “overrated”???? That tells me they are football retards. Rennie puts himself in position to make alot of tackles. Alot of linebackers couldn’t even get themselves in position to make alot of the tackles that he makes…thus he misses some because he plays wide open. He leads UGA in tackles and will until he leaves. He will make an NFL team, because like Pollack….he has heart…..you can’t grow that, teach it, or pretend to have it. And all the doubters are prime examples of those without heart….cause they have no clue of the advantage it gives a player. Good Luck Rennie…..a real man is concerned about his family first….you do whats best for your girl!
SadDawg
November 17th, 2009
3:19 pm
I’ll bet Rennie is as big as Tedy Bruschi, and he had a pretty long and successful career through last season.
SadDawg
November 17th, 2009
3:23 pm
DogGoneGaDawg, I hope you are right, but how do you figure we’ll “be much better next year”?
Dawg Whisperer
November 17th, 2009
3:24 pm
A throwback to the way UGA junkyard dawg linebackers played in yesteryear. Rennie, you’re a real class act. Good luck!
Dawgs pee Yellow
November 17th, 2009
3:25 pm
NOTHING but man love for Rennie ! I hope he stays another year to get his degree. NFL will be there next year but hate to see him possibly lose out on his education.
Damn good dawg not matter how it plays out. High 5 Rennie !!
SadDawg
November 17th, 2009
3:27 pm
“Why did anyone…”, Don’t you think if Rashad was always out of position, his coach would speak to him about it or sit him on the bench? He’s in the position Willie wants him in obviously….
EW
November 17th, 2009
3:28 pm
That money will be waiting for you when you get done playing next year to Rennie.
EW
November 17th, 2009
3:28 pm
too*
Gratefuldawghead
November 17th, 2009
3:29 pm
What “Dawgs pee Yellow” said!
Truth
November 17th, 2009
3:30 pm
If Rennie leaves does that mean that the average score against UGA is around 55 next year?
kevin
November 17th, 2009
3:31 pm
And Mark you are an idiot trying to say one LB meets the blocker head on, so the other linebacker can make the tackle…..that may be the stupidest football comment I’ve ever heard. No LB tries to meet a blocker head on…. they try to slide off the block to make the tackle. No LB allows themselves to be blocked , so the others can make the tackle……go buy the book….”football for dummies”. Did Mark ever think maybe the other LB that is suppose to make the tackle is blocked too…..wow….bet he never played two hand touch in the backyard.
mcdaviddawg
November 17th, 2009
3:32 pm
I wish he’d stay but if he was my son I’d say go. The bulldogs don’t get any coaching so he’s likely as good as he’ll get in college. It’s been fun watching him, who knows how good he could have been on a well coached team.
F-105 Thunderchief
November 17th, 2009
3:35 pm
Good luck whatever you do. Remember, Jessie Tuggle wasn’t a giant, either.
JB
November 17th, 2009
3:37 pm
Next year on D will be brutal. We lose all 3 DL in the starting rotation and if Rennie leaves, the only ” Big Time” baller we have on D, The New DC will have his work cut out for him.
DieHardUGAFan
November 17th, 2009
3:38 pm
What Rennie? Did we scare you off?
http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/0911/campus.football.superfans.week11/images/georgia.48809111.jpg
gadawgs
November 17th, 2009
3:38 pm
The ONE CONSISTENT player we have had on that side of the ball the last two years. I wish you luck with whatever you decide Rennie. If you can get paid take the money and look after your family. You can always come back and finish your degree at a later date. Also, being the fine DAWG you are I am sure that the affluent alumni in this state will look after you after your playing days are over. Good luck if you decide to go. We will miss you. Just one request PLEASE take Willie with you.
KD
November 17th, 2009
3:39 pm
Would hate to see Rennie leave early. I also can’t believe we have 23 seniors this year and not better than we are. And UGA has to lead the nation in players leaving early, that is only one reason that UGA is no longer competetive for the SEC, check the championship rosters and you will see what Iam talking about. Iknow I will not miss #3 & #23 at all, those two cannot tackle a cold in a blizzard !!!!!!!
ugaaccountant
November 17th, 2009
3:39 pm
If you are a projected top 3 round pick, meaning you are extremely likely to get a contract, you go pro. If things don’t work out long term, you can always come back and finish your degree. As a Junior, he should be only 1 year away from finishing a degree. Tuition, room and board is certainly under 20k a year in Athens. If you don’t think he can save up that much with even a 1 year NFL career then you aren’t thinking straight. The responsible move for a father is to provide for his family, and in today’s economy, the NFL
is paying more than 99.9% of new college graduates will make.
ugaaccountant
November 17th, 2009
3:40 pm
23 seniors includes walk-ons. We always have a ton of walk-ons every year at senior day, and we have this exact conversation every year.
George
November 17th, 2009
3:44 pm
Rennie is GONE LIKE THE WIND
Ricky
November 17th, 2009
3:49 pm
Just another (minority) athlete who has a baby & apparently no wife (no mention in the article)…what’s with these people? When are they going to act like responsible citizens?
Why Stay?
November 17th, 2009
3:49 pm
With this bunch of losers. No way will this Team ever win any title with this coaching staff.Mark Richt has never ever won a SEC title with a class that he recruited. He can thank coach Donnan.
ButlerDawg
November 17th, 2009
3:51 pm
I don’t blame him if he left. I wouldn’t want to come back and play for Willie either.
Ain't gonna be...
November 17th, 2009
3:58 pm
another DC (no rhyme intended). Go ‘Dogs Rennie. Best of luck whatever you decide; however we need ya man.
Sweet Home Alabama
November 17th, 2009
3:59 pm
BASED on MY resurch i would advise you leaving for the pros.grass is greener on the other side.
SadDawg
November 17th, 2009
4:00 pm
Take a look around Ricky, it ain’t just minorities having babies out of wedlock anymore. It’s close to 50% now for whites. in the 70% range for non-whites.
tell it like it is
November 17th, 2009
4:00 pm
Don’t worry dog fans slick willie will be back next year.
Saint Simons
November 17th, 2009
4:00 pm
(((((( 45-42 )))))) hahahahahahahahahahahaha
Reading earlier comments
November 17th, 2009
4:03 pm
If Rennie leaves, we beat Tech for certain in 2: it’s just Karma, baby. Oh and “Saint Simons” must be one miserable wretch if he (she?) really does lives there ’cause it’s 100% Georgia Bulldog Country.
C.W.Moss
November 17th, 2009
4:08 pm
Tech fans fear Novemebr 28th…Thier beloved bees will go down hard aganist the Dawgs. It will just like their bowl game last year against LSU….31-10 will be the final score. Tech fans fear the game because they know when the bees lose the repercussion from the Dawg fans will be brutal. Tech fans should fear that game…they can point fingers now all they want to but deep down they know….Georgia has nothing to lose and will play with reckless abandon….Tech has everything to lose…ranking,BCS bowl, recruits, state bragging rights….it will all come crashing down on them. Fear the future Tech fans….it is coming fast.Your day in the sun will be over and once again your program will slip back into its rightful place…insignificant in college football!
Stick and Scrape
November 17th, 2009
4:08 pm
He is way overrated, gets caught in the wash way to much, can’t scrape when contacted, and can’t get into proper position in his drops on pass coverage. A great competitor, but needs clear shots to get to his spot. Misses way too many tackles and is ineffective on blitzes. Looks for free lanes and doesn’t fill gaps and takes on a blocker, waits for contact to come to him. He’s a great Bulldog, proud of him either way, but let’s not worry about him leaving us if that’s his choice.
Stick and Scrape
November 17th, 2009
4:08 pm
He is way overrated, gets caught in the wash way to much, can’t scrape when contacted, and can’t get into proper position in his drops on pass coverage. A great competitor, but needs clear shots to get to his spot. Misses way too many tackles and is ineffective on blitzes. Looks for free lanes and doesn’t fill gaps and takes on a blocker, waits for contact to come to him. He’s a great Bulldog, proud of him either way, but let’s not worry about him leaving us if that’s his choice.
Ricky
November 17th, 2009
4:09 pm
Sad Dog…that’s BS that 50% of white kids are born out of wedlock! When you come to an argument, bring some facts. It’s looks like it’s a badge of honor among blacks to “father” kids whereever they want. And the girls are just as guilty as the boys! Bill Cosby is right and he gets shouted down by his own people…don’t applaud Rennie Curran…ask him why?
74Dawg
November 17th, 2009
4:11 pm
Rennie should get his degree. His chances in the Pros aren’t that good, a real job will support your family w/ greater certainty. He ain’t winning the lottery, that’s for sure. But best to him either way.
Yo, C.W. Moss!
November 17th, 2009
4:15 pm
1st of all, how is Bonnie & Clyde in the afterlife? Aren’t you around 102 years old? Anyway, you are spot-on (and “Karma” comment right above yours). GT is skeered because they have SO MUCH to lose and UGA has nothin’ to lose and lots of grief to pay back!!!! Win or lose, the ‘Dawgs go to probably the same bowl so all they have to do is hit ‘Tech in the mouth. This year, the DAWGS are the spoiler. Be skeered ‘Tech, be very skeered!!! Mwhahahahahahaha!
94dawg
November 17th, 2009
4:16 pm
Rennie- after seeing the best tackler on UGA team whiff not once but twice when trying to tackle a slow Tim Tebow I would suggest you come back for 1 more year. Not to mention your 5′10′ height will make you no better than a late 2nd round pick.
Georgia Dawg
November 17th, 2009
4:22 pm
Rennie has been a solid player for Georgia, but I was not aware that the NFL coveted 5′ 7″ linebackers….not sure if the NFL is realistic in his future….perhaps staying and getting a degree could help provide for his daughter….I wish him the best…but I see limited upside for him if he leaves early..
20 wins in a row
November 17th, 2009
4:23 pm
The ship is sinking Rennie, time to jump off.
MariettaDawg
November 17th, 2009
4:30 pm
Rennie is a heck of a linebacker and a leader on defense. However, his height may be a problem in the NFL. I’d like to see him come back for his senior year and I believe it would serve him well to have a degree to fall back on in case the NFL doesn’t work out.
uuughh...
November 17th, 2009
4:31 pm
Get out while you still can Rennie–Thanks for the memories.
His best tackling year was his freshman year. The longer players are “coached” by Martinez, the worse they tackle. We all know Martinez is coming back…so there is no coaching upside in staying.
Further, we will have the same inexperience at QB next season meaning the offense will struggle. That inexperience put our defense in bad positions this year and I don’t expect anything to change next year. You would think that our O-line would improve but we thought the same thing last year and they have regressed this year…so meh.
Take the money and run kid.
Roadrunner
November 17th, 2009
4:31 pm
Agree with the common sentiment here, Rennie is a great college LB and a credit to the team with his hustle attitude, but I question leaving school early unless he can be confident of a reasonably high round draft position. Anything past round 4 or 5 and it becomes doubtful he’d even make the team. As a family man I understand the pressures he’s under and whatever his decision I only hope for the best for him. Thanks for picking UGA Rennie & hope to see you one more year!
crazy dawg
November 17th, 2009
4:32 pm
This has been the problem at UGA for the past few years.The me before the TEAM all are players are more concerned with when they will play on Sundays rather than going out and winning games onSaturdays for UGA . I say good bye and dont let the door hit you in the rear if you dont have your heart in being a dawg then the team will be better off with out you. When we as fans understand that we we need to quit babying these guys and worring if they are going to leave or stay the team will be much better off with a group of players who want to be Bulldogs. The High Schools are filled with players as good if not better than #35 lets get out and find them.
White Trash
November 17th, 2009
4:32 pm
His size will be fine. He has the heart and talent to do great things on the next level. Just take a great look at London Fletcher. Same size and leads the NFL in total tackles this decade. Currain do what is best for you and the family and thanks for everything.
BuzzGT
November 17th, 2009
4:35 pm
Projected in Rounds 1 or 2: Definately Go.
Round 3: Maybe.
Rounds 4 – 7 Stay!
uuughh...
November 17th, 2009
4:37 pm
crazy dawg…you are right. High schools are full of them. They play like Rennie but are 5 inches taller and all want to play for Florida, Penn State, USC, and now Tennessee.
If you were a defensive player, would you want to play for Monte Kiffin, architect of the most common defense in the NFL, or Willie Martinez, who routinely takes 5 star recruits and coaches them into 2 star performances?
Michael
November 17th, 2009
4:42 pm
Rennie is a Brookwood grad, I’m a Parkview grad, and he’s one of my favorite UGA players. That’s how darn good he is. He has almost been the entire defense at times ever since he began starting. I don’t think he can make a wrong decision. If people keep telling him he’s short, he just needs to remember two words: Jessie Tuggle.