Deadline nears for Justin Houston decision
The deadline for underclassmen to enter the NFL draft is Saturday, which means the clock is ticking for Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston’s decision.
Of the Georgia juniors who said they would seriously consider the draft, Houston is the only one who hasn’t publicly declared his intentions.
Wide receiver A.J. Green announced he is forgoing his final season at UGA to enter the draft, in which he is widely expected to be a top-five pick. But cornerback Brandon Boykin and offensive linemen Cordy Glenn and Trinton Sturdivant decided to bypass the draft and return for their senior seasons.
Houston, who led the SEC in sacks this past season, is ranked as the draft’s No. 25 prospect by Scout.com.
It would be a surprise if Houston passes up the draft, although Georgia coach Mark Richt has made the point that Houston — like the other Georgia juniors aside from Green — could improve his draft stock (and thus his eventual NFL payday) by returning for his senior season.
Ten SEC underclassmen had declared for the draft through Thursday night, according to a list posted on the conference’s official website: Marcell Dareus, DL, Alabama; Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama; Julio Jones, WR, Alabama; Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas; Cam Newton, QB, Auburn; Will Hill, DB, Florida; A.J. Green, WR, Georgia; Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky; Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU; and Tori Gurley, WR, South Carolina. UPDATE: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley added his name to the list today.
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249 comments Add your comment
Wally Butts, Jr.
January 14th, 2011
2:05 pm
Tech fan. Recruited in 70. Both sons at Auburn, one currently. Not trolling, I want to be Houston’s agent. Falcon fan since 66, too. UGA got Moore and Swann look like they can play defensive back, but I dont know what else theyve got coming. I like Quan Bray, too. I didnt know Dog fans jumped ship.
Wally Butts, Jr.
January 14th, 2011
2:07 pm
Cheeseball? No thanks, I just ate.
Ron
January 14th, 2011
2:10 pm
There will never be another Hershal Walker. For that matter, there won’t be another Bo Jackson either. There are many pretenders, but they don’t work out. That combination of size & speed is tough to match. I have seen a lot of High School backs in person(George Rogers, Jamal Lewis, & many more). Best I ever saw in High School was Monte Williams of Commerce. Well, he just didn’t care, so he had no career. He could dom a sub 4.3 40 on a good day.What a waste of talent. I guess a lot of these players don’t care judging by arrerst records of many Schools.
Falconfan247
January 14th, 2011
2:13 pm
If we can hold on to Houston in addition to getting Jarvis and R. Samuel integrated that’s the basis for a fast athletic group of linebackers for next year. Could be a quick turnaround. Just saying.
Edward John Smith (Captain of the Titanic)
January 14th, 2011
2:22 pm
Justin – Jump immediately… the ship is sinking… no need to be here as we all know the end of this story…
Gatormeat
January 14th, 2011
2:23 pm
Houston needs to get away from athens. He is wasting his life and career there. The lack of character that defines georgia will rub off on him if he does not get out of there, no decent person should ever be subjected to the shameful things going on with that program.
Wink Martindale
January 14th, 2011
2:24 pm
If Houston leaves Dogs ought to have a black out again. That was fun.
Wink Martindale
January 14th, 2011
2:26 pm
If he goes as high as 25, thass some serious money.
headley lamar
January 14th, 2011
2:26 pm
Cam probably will have to take a pay cut in the NFL.
AltamahaDawg
January 14th, 2011
2:31 pm
Walker , no. But there might another Hearst out there.
Doc Dawg
January 14th, 2011
2:37 pm
Is something I have been hearing-True ? In a move to keep donations and ticket sales from droping , Athletic Dept. to allow ticket holders to transfer tickets to others this season ?
Lou Holtz aka the Spitting Cobra
January 14th, 2011
2:45 pm
I heard an ESPN talking head saying that Fairley will probably get picked ahead of Bowers. The team that drafts Fairley ahead of Bowers will regret for many years to come.
Layla Kiffin
January 14th, 2011
2:47 pm
Good point Gatormeat- plus, he’s not even collecting a paycheck like players at Auburn.
puppydawg
January 14th, 2011
2:58 pm
I’m selfish enough to say that I hope Justin stays but also understanding enough to say that I wouldn’t blame him for leaving. If he does decide to leave, he will be missed more than AJ.
Cecil Newton
January 14th, 2011
3:02 pm
Joel Olsteen will having nothing on me come April. I’ll trade this new truck AU bought me for a real preacher man’s caddy.
D Fence
January 14th, 2011
3:04 pm
Yea Gatormeat, he should have going to the sainthood that is UF. I mean nothing bad ever happens down there in that muck.
Hector
January 14th, 2011
3:07 pm
good riddance!!!!!
dawgrific
January 14th, 2011
3:11 pm
This just in…..rumor has it that the auburn limo just showed up in athens, with a trunk full of money, and that as long as #42 donates half of that money to scam’s daddy’s churches, he may play immediately for the war eagles, um tigers, I mean the plainsmen. Also, even the the NCAA knows about it, since he is so good they are going to let the whole money thing slide, just this one last time though.
WIN WITH RICHT
January 14th, 2011
3:18 pm
With both Newton and Fairley gone to the NFL, look at all the room Auburn just opened up in their salary cap.
dawgrific
January 14th, 2011
3:20 pm
that salary cap comment is awesome, well-played
Coyote
January 14th, 2011
3:28 pm
Why are people trashing Caleb King in a thread about Justin Houston? Maybe the guy hasn’t quite been the difference-maker we all hoped but he’s the best RB we’ve got (yes, better than Ealey because he’s got better vision and lateral movement, he’s a better blocker, and he doesn’t fumble as much). Caleb may not be the nation’s best RB, but he could start for at least half the teams in the SEC and he’s been a warrior for us. The guy has been injured several times since his lofty HS ranking. In addition to all the leg injuries, anyone remember that he broke his jaw in the LSU game last year? I’d love to see UGA land a big-time RB in this next recruiting class but no need to bash Caleb. I for one am glad he’s a Dawg!
David
January 14th, 2011
3:30 pm
If Houston returns, that’s 10 out of 11 on defense back.
And Houston moves from #30 in the draft to maybe #1 or #2, like Fairley will in 2010.
UGAFan
January 14th, 2011
3:31 pm
“Stay! Coach Richt’s job is on the line.”
__________________________
Go! Coach Richt’s job is on the line.”
DawginLex
January 14th, 2011
3:31 pm
When is Houston going to announce?
It is 3:30 Friday afternoon and the deadline is tomorrow.
Get on with it already.
Destin Dawg
January 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
Cecil.. you the man… “”" It’ll take more than a $chlorship to get Cam “” !!!!!!!!
Chuck
January 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
Green leaving was a no brainer. Houston should stay because he is a bubble player that could fall into the early part of the second round. He would be much better served to get a big year under his belt and turn himself into a top 15 pick. The money difference between an early second round and a top 15 pick is huge. He will never make back that lost money. His body will hold up for the same number of pro football seasons and he should get paid the most for each of those years as possible.
mountainman
January 14th, 2011
3:44 pm
Go H GO!!! Hollywood Richt ain’t gonna take you into an acting career, the shades and tan are just gimmicks!!! Only part Richt could play is if they bring back “All in the Family” cause he’s perfect for the part of Meatball, no acting required!!!
Danny Ford
January 14th, 2011
3:54 pm
This would be a good time for UGA to join the Southern Conference, the SEC is too tough!
Old Dawg
January 14th, 2011
3:59 pm
He’s too good, he’s got to go. Too much money!
BIG DOG
January 14th, 2011
4:00 pm
Don’t risk blowin a knee. Go get paid dog!
BIG DOG
January 14th, 2011
4:02 pm
Do whats right for yo family, dawg!
BIG DOG
January 14th, 2011
4:04 pm
Don’t let these rednecks talk you into doing something stupid. They gonna pay your bills if you get hurt?
dogster
January 14th, 2011
4:06 pm
Staying on a sinking ship or NFL millions? Let me guess.
Einsteindawg
January 14th, 2011
4:07 pm
Whatever you decide Mr. Houston, thanks for your defensive leadership and good luck in the future. Although unrelated, what was the name of the Atlanta Falcon’s running back from their very first season? I think he came via the NY Giants. Was it Ernie Wheelwright? Thanks.
big root
January 14th, 2011
4:23 pm
J.Houston go get your money, the Defense will go back to a 4-3 and be better, the talent is there for a 4-3 to be good next year if RICHT play people DL- D.MORANT,J ANDERSON,K GEATHERS,C WASHINGTON, LB- B BURROWS,J JONES,TJ STRIPLING, DB- B SMITH,B BOYKINS,A OGLETREE,B RAMBO. conditioning,hardwork,attitude,never take a play off go hard UGA
David
January 14th, 2011
4:26 pm
Dawgs win it all next year! We are ready for greatness!
mdc33
January 14th, 2011
4:49 pm
not many on this site know crap about the macro level or college sports…or kids….If the allure of $ is there whether you can get it or not…you go…because if you think you are worth 20mill and only sign for 6 mill it is still Mills more than you would get in the working world with the skill set…
SatillaDawg
January 14th, 2011
4:57 pm
Good riddance, Fairley.
Any pro team for which you play, I’m for the other team.
Go Dawgs!
edumacated
January 14th, 2011
5:13 pm
Houston should go pro. Every player has to know that the next time they step on the field could be their last. Unless of course he actually is working towards a usable degree.
edumacated
January 14th, 2011
5:15 pm
Hey BIG DOG,
This redneck hopes you stay out of prison……yo.
FaithfulDawg86
January 14th, 2011
5:22 pm
Amen, Georgia87. Say what they will about CMR, he refuses to take part in oversigning. He truly cares about these kids and their educations…. I’ll take a coach with class any day!
Bama Bill
January 14th, 2011
5:25 pm
Did Newton and Fairley graduate ? They clearly have been on college campuses long enough to have a degree in “something” from Auburn !
@ Bama Bill
January 14th, 2011
5:33 pm
Newton’s contract with Auburn did not require him to graduate. If it had, it would have cost them a lot more that a mere $180K.
South GA Dawg
January 14th, 2011
6:01 pm
When all is said and done Auburn will be on probation. The boosters ar dirty and NCAA-SEC ,FBI know it. They will not get the death penalty though. I dont think any team will be given that again. It ruined SMU football program. They have never recovered from it. Any recruit going there is wasting his time. You will be transfering in two years begging someone to pick you up. Ask SMU if it was worth it. The scandel is already public. the case is being made, charges will be filed and heads will roll.
Dawg Tired
January 14th, 2011
6:05 pm
Just wondering – ESPN is saying that Nick Fairly led the nation in sacks this season. Makes one wonder how Houston could lead the SEC in sacks.
Dawgcruiser
January 14th, 2011
6:08 pm
@Bernie Matt:
I am sorry but I have to disagree with you. There are many players on scholarship that you don’t see the contribution on the field but there are many other ways in which they help the program ie. scout team, work out, depth,etc
So to say that a guy does not deserve to be on scholarship just because he is not on the field, it is just absurd. Not everyone is going to get on the field. You can only play 11 on offense and 11 on defense. Let’s just say you have a 2 deep, that will be 44 players on the field. So for all 85 players to get playing time, You have to go 4 deep. I just don’t think that you will be substituting somebody who is 4th on the depth chart and putting that person to play instead of AJ Green. I could see a second string to give him a breather, but that is about it.
These players you are calling out and wanting out are there sweating and giving it all they have to hopefully get a chance to play. Now, if they were not working hard, then that is another subject and I do not think that CMR will put up with that. If he started to get rid of players who are working hard but just not getting to the field, then he would be no different than Saban and all the others. As a player, I don’t know if I would want to go play for guy like that. What if I get injured and can no longer play to my full potential but I’m still working hard to get back on the field. What then? Cut me and get somebody else in my place? Do you really think that is what a player deserves? Maybe they need to evaluate better before offering a schooly, but once offered, the player should be allowed to finish his career as long as he is giving it all he is got to the program even if that means not getting on the field.
jasont13
January 14th, 2011
6:12 pm
Damon Evans, should get a lot of the blame when it comes to the strength and conditioning issues. It has been professed that Van Halanger and Coach Richt have wanted a nutrionist, personal trainers and a dedicated meal program, however Damon Evans would not pony up the money to get these people on staff. Van Halanger was going to step down anyway after last year. The issue is Evans had a stangle hold on the finances. Coach Richt wanted a indoor facility, Evans gets him a smaller one compared to others. The money was there but Evans wouldn’t do it. McGarity see’s what is needed when it comes to the facilites and the strength and conditioning programs.
FIRE MIKE BOBO!!!!!!
January 14th, 2011
6:31 pm
It’s gonna cost Fairley a lot of money if he continues to take late hits on defenseless QB’s.
TO BBDawg
January 14th, 2011
6:36 pm
BBDawg~
The reason Houston is not balls to the wall pursuing from the backside is because HIS JOB is to look for B.C.R. (Bootlegs, counters and reverses) coming back to his side. If everyman on defense or offense does HIS JOB, then you can stop anything. Don’t knock a kid for doing his job unless you know what the hell you are talking about.
Stinger2
January 14th, 2011
6:49 pm
I am amazed at all of the UGA bloggers expertise about football. Maybe the Bulldog Nation should call a convention and elect a new head coach and staff from this wonderful group of arm chair experts who complain so much about CMR.