Healthy Sturdivant is ‘dreaming’ about spring practice
ATHENS — This is the first January in three years that Trinton Sturdivant is not rehabbing from knee surgery. Come March, he’ll participate in spring practice for the first time in three years.
“I’m actually really excited about it,” the UGA offensive tackle said Tuesday. “I’ve been dreaming about it sometimes.”
Season-ending knee injuries in 2008 and 2009 resulted in surgeries and long, arduous stretches of rehabilitation, but Sturdivant made it through the 2010 season healthy and looks forward to 2011, his senior season.
He said he considered “pretty seriously” the possibility of entering the NFL draft but “came to the conclusion it’d be best for me to stay here” for several reasons.
“I graduate in December with a degree in finance and management,” he said. “And my goal coming in to Georgia was to win, and I don’t want to leave on a losing note. . . . Another reason it’s a good idea I stayed [is] to make the GMs in the NFL feel more comfortable about drafting someone with two ACL [surgeries].”
Sturdivant said he was “disappointed at first” about offensive line coach Stacy Searels‘ decision last week to leave for the same job (and higher pay) at Texas, “but I talked to him and it was a good business move for him. I’m confident coach [Mark] Richt is going to hire a really good offensive line coach.”
Richt eased the offensive linemen’s concerns after Searels’ departure, Sturdivant said. Richt “talked to us about how the calls weren’t going to change, the blocking style wasn’t going to change too much -– only, like, small techniques. So hopefully it won’t be too much of a transition.”
Sturdivant started all 13 games at left tackle as a freshman in 2007, then missed the entire 2008 season after blowing out his left knee in preseason camp. He made it back by the start of the 2009 season, only to reinjure the same knee in the first game, starting again the surgery-rehab cycle. He started seven games during the 2010 season, his workload increasing as the season progressed.
After all that he has been through, Sturdivant clearly is happy to be healthy, happy to be here. . . .
“Even though we had not such a great season . . . I love being at Georgia,” he said.
– Tim Tucker, UGA Sports Blog
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203 comments Add your comment
Kenny Effing Powers
January 26th, 2011
10:10 am
I play real sports. I’m not trying to be the best at exercising.
athens lifer
January 26th, 2011
10:13 am
The Dogs are ready for a nice ‘11 season. We should cheat. Auburn does, USC does, Tennessee did under Kittten, it’s our turn. Give Crowell a hundred grand or so, about half that to Drew, see ya in the NC in 2013!
The Most Interesting Man Alive
January 26th, 2011
10:14 am
Athens Lifer you may be on to something with the cheating angle. The last time the Humpers won anything you offered Hershel a better auto than Clemson did.
Mobile Dawg
January 26th, 2011
10:15 am
I have a lot of respect for Sturdivant, I wish him success on and off the field. He’s been through a lot. As for the comments that not a lot will change under a new coach, it’s typical Richt and what I’ve come to expect. Enough said.
bigroot
January 26th, 2011
10:18 am
Sturdivant if you lay off does JELLY DONUTS and workout maybe you wouldn,t get hurt every time someone start making contact with you. big softy get physical
Stanky
January 26th, 2011
10:19 am
but guys – we are sooo close – and we are working hard to get better, I assure you!
Does this sound like Ray Goff or Mark Richt?
We suck – Richt is accountable.
UCF game did me in.
Remeber beating Clemson, 2002, in Athens. 4th and long 1 – inside our 50. we make the 1st down – we win. If Clemson holds – they get the ball and a chance to win.
Well, a young/hungry Mark Richt sent a message to his team and UGA fans- we are here to win – UGA went for it – got the 1st down.
IN 2010 – UGA drives 90 yards – 4th and 12″ at the UCF 3.
IF UGA goes for it – they get a first dwon – and probably a touchdown.
If UCF holds – they have real crappy field position
Well. our CEO and mature Mark Richt sends a messgae to his team and UGA fans about trying to get 6″ against UCF -and we kick a field goal in a pointless bowl. A victory for UCF – and they go on and win the game.
WE suck – Richt is the HC – need new leadership.
Dan Mullins
January 26th, 2011
10:22 am
I love this Dream Team that Richt is assembling; the cupboard is certainly going to be full when I take over for the Suntanned One in Athens in 2012.
JB
January 26th, 2011
10:29 am
@10:22……………….For the life of me, if we have to choose between Mullins and Kirby, I’ll take the unproven Kirby. I just don’t think I could stomach a guy who was on the other end of sticking us in the eye wearing Gator Blue. Kirby bleeds red and black down deep and would love to have us on top. Yes, he’s unproven, but at least he’s been around how it’s suppose to be done. That’s just me. Mullins is probably more ready, ….but…………..?
woebegong
January 26th, 2011
10:30 am
Dawgfan,
Do you blame the kid for at least exploring the possibilities in the NFL considering the state it is in. Yes I am sure he can and will improve his stock by staying this year. That does not by any means cheapen his commitment to UGA and he will get his degree in December. Not in basket weaving either. He studied hard and let’s not forget, his leg problems he has had to fight through just to get to play again. He has a good head on his shoulders, represents UGA proudly and is an example for others to follow. I am surely not niave enough to believe that 95% of college football players don’t have NFL stars in their eyes, but give credit, where credit is due. This young man is what college players should strive to be.
A degree
January 26th, 2011
10:31 am
90% of the hoods on this blog talk about cops and arrests and UGA being a lousy school and this and that. They are haters. Fine and they probably are unemployable.
This young man spoke of his degree in Finance. THAT will take care of him loooooooooooong after any NFL money is there and in fact, his EDUCATION will allow him to KEEP what he earns in the NFL.
Remember ………………..college is not entriely 100% about football. I never played a down at UGA and my diploma carried me right up to retirement.
Gooooooooooooooooo Dogs! Sic EM! Wooof!!!
Lakedawg
January 26th, 2011
10:35 am
I think TS explained his position darn well. get my degree, go out on a winner, and improve draft position. Sounds well thought to me , a win/win on all three acoounts.
I really look forward to this fall when the Dawgs are winning the East, what are all the naysayers going to whine about then. Get over it Coach Richt is the coach and will be around for many more years.
You either support the Dawgs or you don’t. I you don’t they do not contribute or buy tickets, which I suspect many on here do not, but like to run their mouth about something you have no investment in.
how2fish
January 26th, 2011
10:35 am
Dang dawgfan someone needs a hug….
JB
January 26th, 2011
10:41 am
If we get Crowell,Drew and Jenkins and the rest of this class, Someone ( or Richt) is going to have a pretty good team in 2012.
On to the NFL is not a crime or something to be ashamed of
January 26th, 2011
10:43 am
For a young man to leave school and go to the NFL is not and should not be such an issue. I really think that when folks scream that so and so kid moved on from the U of SO and SO that they are jealous. It is a CAREER move. Career move it is. Here is one example:
I went to and graduated from UGA in 71. I pal of mine there left school to go work for a resturant fabricator co in Marietta. He never finished his degree. Sad?? Bad move??? He DID LEAVE UGA.
He is about to retire from a national rest. chain that he is SVP of and heads up their construction and he is a MULTI millionaire. See?? We did not hate him for that 1970 career move. He was then in 1970 making some nice $$$ and always has. He TOOK that opportunity that required him to leave college. Duh.
My point?? College offers all kinds of opportunities beydond just an education …………. whether it be in the NFL or maybe in business or some other field.
Do not begrudgfe these kids when that money opportunity calls. No way should we begrudge any of them. WE would do the same thing.
Go Dogs.
Dan Mullins
January 26th, 2011
10:50 am
JB it will either be me or Chris Petersen from Boise St. After Boise hoses UGA in Atlanta in September, the Humpers will be beggging for Petersen to right the ship.
gomdawg
January 26th, 2011
10:58 am
Does anybody know who we are trying to get for Offensive Line Coach
how2fish
January 26th, 2011
10:59 am
Dan Mullins if I remember correctly Boise was supposed to stomp UGA the last time we met, how did that turn out again?
JB
January 26th, 2011
11:01 am
Peterson ain’t coming. Been approached by other programs. Feasting on weak schedules winning 11 games a year. Would take Big Big bucks to lure him. Adams ain’t paying, Not when you can hire a Kirby for half that price tag. Just my 2 cents. Adams is interested in being competitive,not winning Championships IMO.
Trojan
January 26th, 2011
11:02 am
Athenian: If this blog is not relevant, why are you on here?
gomdawg
January 26th, 2011
11:03 am
Jb , get a life , CMR will be our coach for a long time.
schmeckdawg
January 26th, 2011
11:04 am
I wish Crowell, Drew, & Jenkins would read this and see what a kid that really wants to be a DAWG looks and sounds like; maybe then, they would stop with these stupid games!
One thing could change in Athens
January 26th, 2011
11:06 am
I do think that Richt’s overall policy is to love and coddle the kids. He is just that way in his self perceived role as counselor and mentor. He likes to SERVE the Lord that way. It is the way that it is. This is one reason that he connects with their mamas. I do not mean to sound disrespectful of any entity here.
Now that is fine ………IF some one or some group of coaches are the Hammer. Most any football system or Army or business organization has to have ………….. the Hammer. I am somewhat concerned that when a Hammer arrives ( TG in 2010 ) that CMR immediately reigns that in. The curse language on the practice field, the loud outbursts by one coach or other, the in your face yelling, he does not tolerate.
If this scenario is close to accuracy …………….. then a divided house will fall. THIS AREA is a major part of the lack of cohesion on the UGA squad. Jimmy Carter called it in his day “love and restraint” toward Iran and it did not work then, nor will it work now.
Go Dogs. Year 2011 is about to get cranking with sigining day and the die will be cast going forward. The new O line coach will be telling.
gooooooooooooooooooooooooo Dogs. Woof!!
schmeckdawg
January 26th, 2011
11:08 am
@gomdawg: I hope it’s not McWhorter or Hugh Nall. If the guy could recruit the South, I would love to have the OL coach from somewhere like Wisconsin where they just line up and pound you! Now I know that they lost to TCU, but, Wisconsin doesn’t have the athletes that we do in The SEC!
JB
January 26th, 2011
11:10 am
gomdawg………………How much ya got………….to lose that is……….You can ignore reality all you want, But another lackluster year like this one, he’s toast. Harman Fund down 14% last year ( they will tell you they have lowered the minimum , and they have……….Wonder why they have? I ‘ve talked to three friends in our Bulldog Club who are not renewing this year….. My point, it will soon be about the money, not the love for Richt. Three years of Decline………or have you been out of the country….Proud of that Bowl performance?
JB
January 26th, 2011
11:13 am
s/b Hartman Fund
McGarity's input
January 26th, 2011
11:14 am
McGarity will have to be 100% involved in the hiring interview process of any O line candidate for UGA. Why? That person will absolutely be concerned about the future. In other words, he will ask “what about next year, if we do not achieve say 9 or 10 big wins”, including Florida?
It is for this reason that McGarity will have to sit alone with the O line candidate and assure him that if in the event of a HC transition, he will vouch for him, barring a complete O line breakdown and urge the new HC to keep him on board for a year more.
This is tricky. I wonder who besides someone very, very close already to UGA would jump in and take this O line position? Dicey it is. For this reason, I see a UGa man as the likely O line candidate …………… Matt Stinchcomb or Hugh Nall or maybe McWorter who has been my choise since he left Texas. His family has done so much fo UGA and he was an AA O line player himself.
McWorter is highly qualified more than anyone in football and he and Richt would absolutely mesh, philisophically. His resume is superb.
Go Dogs.
Dan Mullins
January 26th, 2011
11:16 am
how2fish, different HC then and after losing to Central Florida, you can’t be counted on to beat anyone in D1. The SEC should have put you on Bowl Probation.
JB
January 26th, 2011
11:18 am
@11:14……….no need to worry, Gomdawg say’s we have many more years of Richt.
JB
January 26th, 2011
11:20 am
Athletic Dept spent $50,000 to keep from returning unsold Bowl tickets to save face……So Tech like.
WIN WITH RICHT
January 26th, 2011
11:35 am
Trinton Sturdivant will be major plus for Dawgs next season. If not for all the injuries, he would probably already been an All American and a first round draft pick.
Frosh O linemen at UGA??
January 26th, 2011
11:41 am
In the last couple of years, UGA recruited three kids that come to mind. One was from Jax at Boles HS ( Benedict?) and one was from fabled Buford HS. One was from LaGrange HS.
Where are these young men in their progressions. I know that the JAX kid blew his knee out in HS two or so years ago. Has he rehabbed? Will he play? He was considered ( pre injury ) the # 4 O lineman in the USA. Tops in Florida he was.
Will these men contribute? Also, we got the LaGrange O line kid Burdette, two years back. Where is he in his progression? He supposedly was very bright ( class valedictorian ) and a fabulous O line prospect.
Anyone know about these kids?? Now, if they are as good as advertised, UGA ought to be knee deep in O line talent, along with the incoming kids and journeymen linemen .
Go Dogs.
Bad Dog
January 26th, 2011
11:43 am
Richt “talked to us about how the calls weren’t going to change, the blocking style wasn’t going to change too much -– only, like, small techniques. So hopefully it won’t be too much of a transition.”
Please tell me the small techniques will teach the lineman how to pass and run block!!
how2fish
January 26th, 2011
11:44 am
Dan Mullins I don’t give a damn who there coach is the hype is the same, and last I looked he won’t take one snap…I for one think the outcome this time will mirror the outcome last time.
dawgfan
January 26th, 2011
11:58 am
I agree with One Thing Could Change In Athens. Why do our coaches act like the players won an Olympic gold medal when they make a good play? Has anyone ever noticed this? A d-back makes an INT and he is showered with hugs and pats on the head like he’s in freaking pee wee league. I mean I get excited too but good grief, its his job to make that interception. Championship calibre programs expect things like that to happen. If an Alabama player makes an INT Saban might clap a time or two and give him a pat on the back, but that’s it. He’s already moved on to the next play after about two seconds. I mean geez. Act like you’ve been there before.
Big Dawg
January 26th, 2011
11:58 am
I would like to say thank you for Trinton deciding to come back for his senior season no matter the reason. I noticed as the season progressed he started looking like the Freshman All-American again. Now as to the inconsistency on the offensive line a lot of that has to do with all the changing of personnel as we have seen the last three plus years so these guys could not develop into a cohesive group knowing what the guy next to them was going to do in certain situations. Some of the people on here seem to have no clue as to what it takes to play on the offensive line. It doesn’t take much for a play to be blown up by missed assignments, the one thing I have noticed a lot is the on line adjustments just seemed to be missing and that comes from familiarity with the other 4 to 5 guys on the line in specific situations. I also noticed we were playing guys out of their natural positions which also added to the inconsistency. Hopefully with a new O-line coach that will change, maybe Richt will hire Johnson back from West Virginia.
Go Dawgs
BooMan
January 26th, 2011
12:04 pm
The PR machine and “feel good” stories being mustered out of nothing out of Athens is hilarious!!!
Dan Mullins
January 26th, 2011
12:13 pm
how2fish, I guess it is a good think O’Leary isn’t coaching Boise eh??
4th and 6 inches
January 26th, 2011
12:17 pm
All this recruiting class will do is help whoever the next HC is be successful. Helen Hunt should have been immediately fired after the Liberty Bowl fiasco.
how2fish
January 26th, 2011
12:18 pm
Dan Mullins Boise didn’t play anyone as good as UCF last year to start with…your point?
Dan Mullins
January 26th, 2011
12:22 pm
My point is UGA is on a steep downward spiral and will continue in 2011 making sure that your sunday school teacher of a coach is gone. Of course that will be bad news for the rest of the SEC East.
Dan Mullins
January 26th, 2011
12:23 pm
And by the way fishboy, UCF wasn’t as good as VT.
the o-line stinks
January 26th, 2011
12:25 pm
almost as badly as the d-line
Central Florida looking to add UGA as 2012 Homecoming oponent.
January 26th, 2011
12:26 pm
Says a lot doesn’t it?
DawginLex
January 26th, 2011
12:31 pm
No one on here knows crap about what 2011 holds. It is all like your backside with opinions, everybody has one and some stink worse than others.
I do know this.
2010 was a horrid crap fest from the get go.
AJ not playing got this team looking over their shoulder from the beginning wondering when he was going to come back, who was going to make a play.
You can call it homerism if you want to but this team was not that far away.
17-6 SC key fumbles near the goal line and key dropped pass
31-24 Arkansas game was tied with 2 minutes to go. Allowed a sack and had to punt back to Mallett. Late TD
24-12 MSU Game was close throughout. More fumbles and a horrible penalty on the long TD cost us points
34-31 Florida(OT) speaks for itself
49-31 Auburn-Only game that could be classified as a blowout. Turned on the opening kickoff of the 2nd half.
10-6 UCF-Microcosm of the entire season. Crapfest where the D kept us in it.
Now, I see a team that easily could have won 10 or 11 games.
Reality is, they didn’t.
Now the heat is turned up on Richt.
If the new S&C program doesn’t pay off, someone else will be coaching the Dream Team in 2012.
WIN WITH RICHT
January 26th, 2011
12:33 pm
Dan Mullins
Georgia will not stay down long. Our Sunday school teacher coach has a long record of top 5 and top 10 teams as HC and Offensive coordinator at FSU.
DawginLex
January 26th, 2011
12:35 pm
and to the UGA hater idiot:
It is Dan Mullen you retard. You can’t even hate on us without looking stupid.
Junkyard Dawg
January 26th, 2011
12:37 pm
@ DawginLex
LOL…..I was reading what he posted and said to myself, damn he can’t even spell the guy’s name right.
MARK
January 26th, 2011
12:38 pm
SO WHAT WE HAVE COMMING BACK AT LEFT TACKLE IS SOMEONE THAT TODAY IS NOT NFL MATERIAL AND DON’T BELIEVE HE EVER WAS OR WILL BE,SORRY, WE NEED A TOTAL REBUILD ON THE OLINE. THOSE BOYS ARE SOFT AND NOT ATHLETIC, BUT WE WILL BE STARTING AFRESH THIS TIME NEXT YEAR ANYWAY
edumacated
January 26th, 2011
12:40 pm
DawginLex,
Georgia wasn’t even in that Arkansas game until the second half when they relaxed and let the Dawgs back in it. South Carolina? Did you not watch that game? Lattimore made our defense look like they had never performed a tackling drill before.
You didn’t even mention the Colorado fiasco.
I guess my point is to ask how you can reason that a team with a losing record is “not far away.”
Junkyard Dawg
January 26th, 2011
12:42 pm
I think the approach from now to kickoff will determine their season. They really have to bring the pain in the weight room this summer. Signing Jenkins and Drew would REALLY be keys to helping this defense cause pressure. These kids should love the fact that UGA really has no depth at their positions, which would mean almost unlimited playing time at a school that has a proven track record of putting players in the NFL. Something is telling me UGA might fix this problem because Richt knows he is on the hot seat.