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
ugaaccountant
November 17th, 2009
4:43 pm
23 more sensless arrests by the Athens/CC police Saturday. These power hungry cops go out of their way to arrest people instead of serving the public good. If you ever wonder why so many UGA players get arrested, it’s because the cops arrest you for anything.
If anyone really wants to argue that a kid having an open container of alcohol is an offense that deserves jailtime, i’d love to hear your story. It’s time we eliminate some of these useless laws from the books so that our cops can focus on actual crimes.
Stay in school
November 17th, 2009
4:45 pm
They teach you to wear a rubber your senior year!!!
ugaaccountant
November 17th, 2009
4:45 pm
The #1 MLB in the country is strongly considering UGA. So yes, it’s quite possible that we’ll replace Curran with someone just as good. I’d love to have him one more year, but if he wants to turn pro I can’t say 1 negative word about that choice.
Richard Hamilton
November 17th, 2009
4:50 pm
Curran would be crazy to stay if he gets a first or second round grade. NFL teams are always making a big deal out of smaller size linebackers, don’t ask me why. If he got hurt next year, he might not get drafted at all. Although the other side of the coin is that there may be a rookie pay scale after next year. You could see a lot of underclassmen declare which could hurt his draft projection. I hope he comes back but I won’t be surprised or upset if he leaves.
White Trash
November 17th, 2009
4:51 pm
He will be the next London Flecther…not a bad shoe to fill.
uuughh...
November 17th, 2009
4:52 pm
23 arrests out of 90,000 is .025%. I don’t think that is an inordinate amount. I’d say that the crowd was pretty well behaved.
I am more curious to know which genius deemed this news-worthy. Apparently there is no need for a gatekeeper in the internet age. WHat a shame.
Gary
November 17th, 2009
4:54 pm
Rennie, Thanks for choosing Georgia. Hope you enjoyed your time and learned some stuff. Stay or go just wanted to say thanks to you and all the team.
dd
November 17th, 2009
4:54 pm
Miami 33 tech 17
Saint Simons
November 17th, 2009
4:59 pm
1 in 10, Baby! We have a great team one in every ten years!
Whopper Dawg
November 17th, 2009
5:01 pm
Hmmmmmmmmm, let’s see, will another year under 1/4 Willie improve my draft stock, hmmmmmmmm, got it!! Nope.
icedawg
November 17th, 2009
5:05 pm
If the NFL drafted Stafford, then they’ve shown that they will draft just about anybody. Stafford would have surely benefited from another year in the university ranks. He was a prolific interception thrower at the collegiate level and even more so now at the professional level. So, if Stafford was chosen and chosen number one, then why not Curran who is probably more talented at his position at this stage?
Saint Simons
November 17th, 2009
5:10 pm
Curran is awesome, as a jacket fan I would like to see him leave so we don’t have to play him again. Great LB at UGA, no doubt….
………….ooops, I just wet myself thinking about his power..! Silly me:)
uuughh...
November 17th, 2009
5:19 pm
icedawg…that is enough internet for you. That is the dumbest thing I have ever read.
The NFL draft is not solely based on your performance in college but also your measurables (height, weight, 40 time, strength, etc), your interview, and each prospective team’s view of said player’s potential.
Talent is potential. Stafford’s mix of arm strength and unreached potential made him an enticing pick early in the draft. Currently, Sanchez is much better than Stafford, but he is closer to maximizing his poential too. Wait 3 or 4 years then pass judgement on Stafford if you must. Elway was at his best at the end of his career mind you.
As for Rennie…he scores well in many of these categories but also comes up short in a few (pun intended). Look for Rashad Jones to be drafted before Rennie because he has all of the measurables. Not saying it is fair…but those NFL guys know what they are looking for.
fan
November 17th, 2009
5:39 pm
like 4 people have actually said something intelligent on this blog. Those four people have said Jessie Tuggle. RC might not the best LB in coverage but in short yardage plays, no one is better. How do you lead the sec last year and second in the next year in tackles and be overrated??? tell me morons??? I ve never heard so many stupid comments in my life. remember people “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
icedawg
November 17th, 2009
5:40 pm
uugggh, I do not recall Stafford having a stellar career at Georgia. No championships, a lot of hype, a lot of interceptions. We’ve had much better quarterbacks, Greene and Shockley most recently. Stafford had “potential’ at UGA, had a rocket arm but still threw tons of interceptions and did not win a championship. He was recruited and supposedly had top “talent” around him but did not deliver the goods. You’re right, time will tell in the pros. All I can go by is what I’ve seen him do and that the three years at UGA and now in Detroit has been underachievement. We’ll see. Tape measures mean nothing, performance does.
NFL Scout
November 17th, 2009
5:45 pm
Curran is short ok, but could probibly be an awesome FB in the pros. But get real the height will put him in a lower round with most of UGA players who come out too early. Another year and get your draft status up. If not in 3-4 years at the most you will on your way out like Pope is right now along with so many others. You might better get that degree at UGA before you leave if you want to best provide for your family.
McDawg
November 17th, 2009
5:48 pm
i would hope everyone would support his decsion whatever it might be-the guy is a gamer
Josh
November 17th, 2009
6:02 pm
Redhill, did you just say Curran’s tackling has left something to be desired? What a joke. He along with Norwood from South Carolina are the best tacklers in the SEC. Give me a break.
confusadude
November 17th, 2009
6:04 pm
Look at Stafford & Moreno, they got their money but neither was ready. If it’s all about money, then go for it. You will never get back that senior year that will become more precious than money as you get older. Ask Hershel, was it worth it? Not many make it long term in the NFL. You’re a very good linebacker, but you are not ready. Stay humble, keep preparing.
falcon
November 17th, 2009
6:22 pm
It all depends on one thing and one thing alone. What round will Rennie be selected in?
DOUG
November 17th, 2009
6:23 pm
I hope he stays but it wont be a big loss. He is excellent but not Great. Nick Williams will be better within a year. I think the hype surrounding him is about his tenacity for his size. I don’t think his stock will be good enough to go early. He has great anticipation and that makes him look faster than he really is. Whatever he does I wish him the best.
Big B CH 99
November 17th, 2009
6:36 pm
As a Tech fan, he’s one of the few UGA players along w/ AJ that I really respect. He’s an excellent LB, but I don’t think the NFL will ever give him a fair shot b/c of his height, personally I don’t think it matters, but NFL scouts think way too much about it.
The 5′10″ LB from Wake when they won the ACC championship game was a tackling machine, but he hasn’t gotten a fair shot.
Go Jackets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check Your Stats
November 17th, 2009
6:36 pm
How can you all say he is overrated? Last year he was second in the SEC in total tackles and is currently second this year. Best LB UGA has had in a while!
Wings and Rings and other things
November 17th, 2009
6:54 pm
Here is the deal, keep playing for Willie T and the Magnificents and risk getting hurt, or go and make $500,000 a year for a few years. Even the Techies can figure that one out.
Wings and Rings and other things
November 17th, 2009
6:56 pm
What is with this Saint Simons character?
Sonny Clusters
November 17th, 2009
7:04 pm
Not many Brookwood and Parkview guys get along. There’s a good reason for that. When they’d come over to our Dairy Queen there’d always be trouble. Short, tall, fat, ugly, it didn’t matter. They was always trouble.
John
November 17th, 2009
7:07 pm
Jessie Tuggle, Ray Lewis, London Fletcher, Mike Singletary are all less than 5′10, and all will be Hall of Famers, therefore Rennie height isn’t a factor. Rennie lead the SEC in tackles last year, and 2nd this year in the best college conference in football. Rennie can always come back for the diploma.
chemdawg
November 17th, 2009
7:07 pm
He’s gone.
Johnny DangerDawg
November 17th, 2009
7:09 pm
I’m not sure how much another year of college will help Rennie’s draft status, since he’s already so good. But I do think he should want to earn his degree. There is no guarantee the pros will work out for any player but especially one who’s considered not the ideal frame for his position. I hope Rennie earns his college degree and then goes on to prove himself in the pros.
Johnny DangerDawg
November 17th, 2009
7:18 pm
John,
Those guys you named proved that short players *can* succeed. But it doesn’t always work out that way. Remember UGA cornerback Tim Wansley? He was a game-changer for UGA but only got drafted in the 7th round. We all know that short guys (at various positions) suffer on Draft Day. They can prove themselves in training camp, but… If a taller guy has equal talent, the shorter one gets placed lower on the depth chart.
Try again
November 17th, 2009
7:19 pm
Ray Lewis is 6′1′. Keep hanging your hat on him being London Fletcher. The days of short LBs and London Fletcher are coming to an end. Curran will be a 3rd round pick…….in the UFL.
Try again
November 17th, 2009
7:21 pm
…….and David Greene led all of college football in wins. Where is he now?
willie martinez
November 17th, 2009
7:25 pm
i hate it so that Rennie will be playing his last game at home. but, so will bryan evans.
Abilene
November 17th, 2009
7:48 pm
Good riddance, Curran is seriously overrated. Hope he goes and takes Richt with him.
Abilene
November 17th, 2009
7:50 pm
He would never have earned whatever silly degree he was enrolled for anyway. The guy’s brain is a brick.
So goodbye and good riddance.
Haywood Jablomey
November 17th, 2009
8:01 pm
RENNIE, your daughter can wait an extra 12 months.
she will benefit much more by the example you set by
finishing what you started and earning your degree.
just do the right thing.
DAMN GOOD DAWG. my fave player offense or defense.
Wings and Rings and other things
November 17th, 2009
8:02 pm
Abilene is surely not a true dog fan!
Abilene
November 17th, 2009
8:09 pm
“Abilene is surely not a true dog fan!”
Oh yes she is. Just a fan who’s tired of Mark Richt and never competing for the SEC.
Saint Simons ( a/k/a fat turd that lives in mom's basement eating paste)
November 17th, 2009
8:20 pm
Saint Simons
You are so stupid that when you were locked in the bathroom you peed your pants.
todd
November 17th, 2009
8:35 pm
he’s gone if and I think it’s a big if he’s 1st, 2nd round guarantee.
nobody stays around at Ga if they get the 1st, 2nd guarantee, don’t tell me Rashad Jones was a guarnatee last yr. bc. dude wasn’t.
people stay around at FL, Ala and Lsu, not Ga and Rennie Curran, dude your short, think about it long and hard for you child’s sake, the NFL is a different deal and again your short, right now I would say one of those NFL tackles would swallow you up. Just check yourself, I would hate for you to make a bad move, declare and end up 7th round or something. CHECK YOURSELF RENNIE!
TW
November 17th, 2009
8:42 pm
He should leave before Willie Martinez makes him worse.
Ever notice our defensive studs are better when they get here than when they leave?
SamoanDawg
November 17th, 2009
9:25 pm
Rennie is overrated?!? R u frigging kidn’ me? Of course he’s undersize. His HEART is immeasurable. Natural football instincts.. sideline to sideline. True old school football player. I’ll take him over any 5 star athlete LB, who runs a sub 4.3 40 that don’t have no football instincts. Rennie is a true warrior!
Considering and Commiting are 2 different things entirely
November 17th, 2009
9:26 pm
ugaaccountant, the #1 High School MLB is also strongly considering Florida, Florida State, Miami, Tennessee, and USC, so don’t get your hopes up.
Try again
November 17th, 2009
9:45 pm
Todd…Rennie is definitely not 1st or 2nd round material. Norwood is the best LB in the league and will go highest. Rennie is a 4th or 5th ound pick and will be a career special teamer. BOOK IT!
still a dawg fan
November 17th, 2009
11:27 pm
Hey thadawfdude,
Rennie is a good college linebacker but the NFL does not need a 5-5 215lb linebacker.
If Rennie had gone to FL or AL he would have been a backup.No way he starts for either one of those teams.The NFL is looking for linebackers like Spikes or McClain who are 6-5 250lbs & can stuff the run & play pass defense.Maybe the Lions will bring him in as a free agent but get real,no NFL team is going to waste a draft pick on Rennie.There are to many other talented linebackers who have NFL size & speed to think that an NFL team would actually draft Rennie.Free Agent at best & only chance he has of making it is as a special teams player.
For all you people who think he is going to be drafted in the early rounds must remember that Rennie is a good,not great college linebacker on a bad defense
The Truth
November 18th, 2009
12:25 am
Wofford loss a “learning opportunity?” Hell, how about a significant embarrassment? What a joke. Nice job Coach Fox…u da man!
Cuz
November 18th, 2009
2:50 am
Rennie, do what is best for your daughter. I have tried to do the same for mine.
Topp Dogg
November 18th, 2009
7:02 am
Spikes is three times the player Curran is and he stayed.he also will have a great NFL career.The question is will Rennie its doubtful ?
neb dooh
November 18th, 2009
7:47 am
curran is a good player but he aint no tuggle
Falconian
November 18th, 2009
8:29 am
Curran is the most overrated linebacker in college ball. The guy does have speed, but he is way to small and gets hung up in the pack and can’t escape and get to the guy with the ball.