Q&A: Jasper Sanks knows exactly how Isaiah Crowell is feeling
Q&A WITH JASPER SANKS
Jasper Sanks rushed f0r 1,651 yards and 12 TDs at Georgia but never lived up to the tremendous expectations that came with him from Columbus.
If there is one person on the face of this Earth who knows what Isaiah Crowell is going through this week it’s Jasper Sanks. Both of them are from Columbus, both of them were Carver High graduates, both were five-star running back prospects and both came to Georgia pulling a freight train of expectations behind them. Crowell will play his first college football game on Saturday against No. 5 Boise State in the Georgia Dome. Sanks played his first game with the Bulldogs 13 years ago. But their circumstances are eerily similar.
For Sanks, there was no storybook ending. Though he had a solid college career — 1,651 yards, 12 touchdowns — he was never able to live up to the grandiose expectations placed on him. And he made plenty of mistakes along the way. He failed to gain freshman eligibility, showed up overweight and out of shape, got arrested (though charges were later dropped) and struggled with ball security. And the NFL career that was practically assured for him never materialized.
Jasper today with his baby, Savannah.
But through it all, Sanks says he has no regrets. The experiences he had at Georgia, he said, made him the man is he today. He met his future wife at UGA — volleyball player Kristine Keese — and the two had their first child, Savannah, this past March. He also received the bulk of his education at Georgia. After graduating with business management degree from the University of Phoenix last December, Sanks, 33, now works in the oil business in Houston. So as Sanks cheerfully proclaims, there is a “happily ever after” to his story.
We caught up with Sanks in a telephone interview this week to see what he had to say about Crowell and to reflect on his four years in Athens. . . .
Q: So has Isaiah Crowell been on your mind lot lately?
A: “Oh yeah, absolutely. I was just talking to my wife about this young guy. I definitely feel what the guy is going through. Being a tailback at the University of Georgia and coming in as one of the top running backs like I did, that’s a lot of pressure. It’s hard to describe but it’s a lot a pressure, man. You’ve got a lot of fans that are pulling for you to come in and be that impact player right away. They don’t have time to wait for you to grow or get experience. They want you hit that field running at top speed. So, yeah, it was pressure. I can’t deny that man. That’s probably why I went bald and lost my hair [laughs].”
Q: You and Isaiah are both Carver High grads from Columbus and certainly kindred spirits. Do you know him personally?
A: “Yes, I’ve gotten to speak with him a few times. Mostly we’ve just sent a lot of text messages back and forth. Nothing really about football. I told him that’s going to take care of itself. The only thing I’m trying to pop into his head is mainly to stay focused and leave home at home.”
Q: What do you mean “leave home at home?”
A: “It’s so hard when you’re a high-profile player like that. You’ve got so many people who are pushing you. They think just because they’re pushing that’s something good. It’s not. I want him to be surrounded with people who are pulling for him, not pushing him. If you let them they’ll push you off a cliff. My main concern is the supporting cast he has. When I was coming through, I had a lot of people saying, ‘yes, yes, yes,’ when they should have been saying ‘no, no, no, no.’ So I’m real worried about the people he’s surrounding himself with. I’m more worried about that than I am about the football for him. The game will take care of itself. He has God-given ability. We all know he can play the game. It’s the small stuff outside of the football I want the young man to think about.
“I know what he had to go through coming from Columbus, Ga. There’s a lifestyle down there in the inner city that you’re fighting. There’s a lot of demons that you’re fighting with. It’s a situation where it’s kind of hard to cut off some of these people you grew up with. But it’s for the best. It’s hard because you don’t want to be labeled as somebody who has changed or who has a big head. There are so many different elements involved that fans don’t see that he’s dealing with. And I know it because I’ve been there.”
Q: What are your recollections of your first year at Georgia?
A: “I tell you, man, it was almost like it wasn’t real, with all the attention and the speed of the game and trying to learn that complex offense than [Jim] Donnan was running at that time. It was so much different than it was in high school. In high school I was just so much bigger, faster, better than everybody I came up against. Once I got to college, it was so competitive, it was really overwhelming.”
Q: I think most people would describe your career at Georgia as somewhat tumultuous on and off the field. How would you analyze it?
A: “I think I came into a situation where I was kind of caught in the crossfire. Coach Donnan didn’t originally recruit me; it was actually Ray Goff who first recruited me. And coming in from Marshall, I think Coach Donnan had a lot on his plate with the job and alumni and everything. I felt like I kind of got caught in the crossfire. It was just an unfortunate situation.”
Q: Did you feel like you were a better player than you get credit for?
A: “I definitely felt like I was an All-SEC-caliber tailback. But you come in with a guy like Quincy Carter, who demanded to throw the ball 40 times a game. And Coach Donnan liked those small scatbacks. I was a prototype SEC-type tailback, run between the tackles. Coach Richt was the same way. He liked those Warrick Dunn-type backs.They just didn’t cater to my style. So it was just bad timing on my part. Nothing against those coaches; I thought both of them were great coaches. I just think during my era I just came at the wrong time. I was a between-the-tackles, clock-management type of back. That’s not what they were looking for.”
Q: So how would you describe your time at Georgia?
A: “Oh, it was a happy time. It was a learning experience. I’m a spiritual person and I believe if it was meant to be I would have made it to that next level. I wouldn’t take anything back. It was a life-learning experience. If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t have persevered and went on and got my degree and been successful like I am now. I’m very happy. It was great for me in that it made me the man I am now.”
Q: How did you end up in the oil business, by the way?
A: “I actually met the vice president of this company, The Wood Group — GE bought us and now we’re GE Oil & Gas — when I was working at Enterprise. I was a branch manager with Enterprise Rental Car and the guy had a corporate account with us. He came in and we had about a five- or 10-minute conversation. We hit it off and he told me I should send in a resume. About a week later, he brought me in for an interview and they hired me right away. It was like a dream come true.”
Q: I’m assuming you’ll be tuned in for Saturday’s game?
A: “Oh, yeah, I can’t wait. I’ll be watching. . . . When I see that guy run out there on the field with that No. 1 jersey on, it’s going to give me chill bumps, because I know exactly what he’s going through.”
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144 comments Add your comment
jaglaw
September 1st, 2011
12:22 pm
First
EW
September 1st, 2011
12:22 pm
Good Stuff, thanks for the article.
jaglaw
September 1st, 2011
12:22 pm
second
LHarding Dawg
September 1st, 2011
12:24 pm
Great interview!!!! Good for you Jasper.
CovingtonDawg
September 1st, 2011
12:25 pm
Awesome write-up Chip. Great to hear that Jasper is doing well after college.
bugsquacher
September 1st, 2011
12:27 pm
georgia wins a tight one this weekend…. by 3 pts. …… it will come down to the defense in the 4th qtr…..
tighten your chin strap…..
hey jasper, enjoyed the round of golf this summer…. good luck in your new job….
Cville Dawg
September 1st, 2011
12:28 pm
Good for Jasper. I’m glad to hear he’s been successful after football and that his time in school was a good chance for the rest of his life! Go Dawgs, Go Jasper, and Go Isiah.
chilidawg
September 1st, 2011
12:32 pm
More glass is half empty stuff, huh?
outkasted
September 1st, 2011
12:34 pm
let me get my positive on before it turns negative…. nice article thats one thing as fans we don’t know whats going in these young men lives away from the football field so we really don’t know what ’s going on to make it the right situation or the wrong situation but regardless of how it turns out i’m with them dawgs no matter what…. i’m encourage that nne of these guys have been getting arrested and the talk has been all about the team from all the guys…. 2 days away from the start of our football season and like u Jasper I too will be tuning in and when them DAWGS run out of that tunnel i will have my chills b/c i’m ready to shut some of these pessimistic fans the hell up….
GO DAWGS
Dawg_Mike
September 1st, 2011
12:36 pm
It still wasn’t a fumble, by the way…..
McDawg
September 1st, 2011
12:38 pm
lets be honest-the real issue was the GT fumble (that never happened) and a little bit of a weight gain-and yes Quincy liked to dump the ball 3yds and let them run-highly prolific offense when they were executing
Frank Lane
September 1st, 2011
12:39 pm
I was very impressed by this article and glad to learn what a level person Jasper Sanks is. Like many alumni, I remember the fumbles at critical times instead of the good stuff. This re-framed the young man in my mind. Thanks
azdawg
September 1st, 2011
12:41 pm
Have to give JS credit and admiration. He was scrutinized a good bit while at GA but still remains loyal bulldog and fan now. Wish him the best.
kerryb
September 1st, 2011
12:43 pm
Glad to hear that Jasper has gotten things straighten out and is having a good life.
richie_rich1986
September 1st, 2011
12:44 pm
Great Article thanks!!!
Shawn
September 1st, 2011
12:45 pm
Very pleased to here from him. Good job Jasper. Proud to call you a Dawg for life.
Buckhead Dawg
September 1st, 2011
12:46 pm
Holy cow, I don’t know what to say…Jasper Sanks actually seems to have pulled himself together…
JT
September 1st, 2011
12:46 pm
Congrats to Jasper on a happy and successful life. More stories like this please.
FalconUGAFan
September 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
Great to hear about JS. Good luck in life and thanks for helping out Isaiah…
TXDawg
September 1st, 2011
12:50 pm
DAWG for life……good for you Jasper….I have a baby named Savannah too, how about that!
Randall "Pink" Floyd
September 1st, 2011
12:54 pm
Jasper must have been 11 or 12 when Goff was recruiting him. LOL.
PaulPaul
September 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
Excellent article Chip. We need to remember all these young men have a life after football. Wonder what he would have done if the offense had been different. I personally like the big backs who can ram it between the tackles and control the clock. Malcome and Samuels hopefully will do just that for us this weekend.
Thanks once again and keep these type articles along with the other great info coming.
Mark (another one)
September 1st, 2011
12:56 pm
To my college football is all about the players, and getting to see them develop into men. Mr. Sanks appears to have done just that. He wasn’t as successful as he wanted to be on the field but he took advantage of his situation and made something of himself. He’s a husband, a father, educated, employeed, and taking care of his business. No regrets. And he married another UGA athlete. I love to read these types of articles.
And for those who will take their shots at Jasper, remember that he isn’t bitter or looking back. Why are you? This is his life, not yours. Read his comments about those that pull and those that push. Which are you?
Skeeter
September 1st, 2011
12:57 pm
Nice interview, Chip! Sanks is really an insightful fellow.
1eyedJack
September 1st, 2011
12:58 pm
Hopefully this will put to bed those rumors the nerds are spreading that Jasper is a janitor. And it wasn’t a fumble!
BillS
September 1st, 2011
12:59 pm
A lot of kids never manage to grow up. Sounds as if Jasper did, and congratulations to him. Good story.
'94 UGA Alumni
September 1st, 2011
1:05 pm
good story. Glad to hear Jasper Sanks is doing well.
OMG
September 1st, 2011
1:09 pm
We have another dork who likes to put “First” at the top of a Message Board. Get a life!
Great interview! Glad to hear Jasper is doing well!
Go Dawgs!
Big Earl
September 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
Good stuff Chip. Great to hear JS is doing well. Cute little girl too.
phil
September 1st, 2011
1:10 pm
Mark (another one) – You’re an idiot but thanks for the sermon…
Proud of Jasper. Did the best he could, basically, playing for a coach in over his head….
anotherdawg
September 1st, 2011
1:11 pm
Neat column. Often, we only see a name and a number. We don’t realize there’s alot more to a player than how many yards he gains, or how many times he turns the ball over. I guarantee that the average fan would have a different perspective if he put in the work and effort these young men do. There’s alot more to it than just the glory moments during a game.
phil
September 1st, 2011
1:12 pm
anotherdawg – No there isn’t. All these overpaid guys do is show up on Saturday and play a little ball….very little actual “work” goes into any of it.
I’m kidding. But thanks for pointing out the obvious to us all….
AltamahaDawg
September 1st, 2011
1:13 pm
eeirily similar? I got that they had the same zip code on thier mama’s mailbox, but playing in thier first game is pretty much every player in Georgia history isn’t it?
DawginLex
September 1st, 2011
1:16 pm
Way to further rip the stereotype to shreds Mr Sanks.
you sir are a DGD!
and a smart one too!
phil
September 1st, 2011
1:19 pm
Fire MR…
Vampire Bill
September 1st, 2011
1:21 pm
That is a great article. Thanks
NCDAWG
September 1st, 2011
1:21 pm
DAWG MIKE!! YOU ARE SOOOOO RIGHT!!! IT WASN’T A FUMBLE! Karma paid Tech back BIG TIME for that victory by the refs! Too bad they didn’t have the instant replay rule back then.
Dbalcer
September 1st, 2011
1:32 pm
Great article and insightful look into how things are for a highly recruited tailback. I am glad he is trying to mentor to Isaiah. We named our dog after Jasper it is nice to read about how well he is doing now.
@Phil
September 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
Thanks for being the arbiter of good taste and reason, D-bag.
secdawgs
September 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
It would have been real easy for Jasper to fold up the tent and given up on life, his brother was killed here in Columbus not too long ago and he had a real hard time with that. Glad to hear he has gotten all that behind him.
Paul Akridge
September 1st, 2011
1:35 pm
I love this interview, and the positive comments from Jasper. Jasper had a lot of bad comments thrown at him; we sometimes forget these are very young men. I’m sure his contact with Isaih will have a positive impact.
b
September 1st, 2011
1:36 pm
Great article!
If everyone could read this about how hard it is for freshmen, then maybe they wouldn’t
be so critical. There’s enough to worry about for all frosh, much less becoming a star
that some people expect out of them.
I hope Sanks showed some perspective to some of us, unfortunately, the ones who need
to read this article won’t bother to read it.
san
rlinaug
September 1st, 2011
1:37 pm
that’s a great story. wonderful. all that will make him a good father to that little girl.
Milton
September 1st, 2011
1:37 pm
I’m from Columbus and saw Jasper play in highschool, he was a one heck of a football and basketball player! It’s obvious God had a plan for Jasper, his time at Georgia was to mold him into the man he is today – it wasn’t about touchdowns or playing time! Crowell is a stud, maybe a better running back. But Jasper was one of the best athletes to ever come out of Georgia. Go Dawgs!
Win P
September 1st, 2011
1:50 pm
Great article and points out the importance of the academic side of the Student/athlete.
Old School
September 1st, 2011
1:54 pm
Great to hear things are working well for Jasper. God Bless you and your family.
WDE
September 1st, 2011
1:56 pm
Jasper best of luck going forward! DGD!
dawg from a distance
September 1st, 2011
1:57 pm
I’m thankful for Jasper. He recieved a lot of un due flack. He was kind of a back out of place.
I am confused a bit. Was he on CMR’s first team in 01?
I knew he was with Donnan but my memory fails me. Loved the article and praying for blessings and favor for the Sanks family.
Go DAWGS!
AlanW
September 1st, 2011
1:58 pm
Very nice article. Wish continued success for Mr. Sanks.
Ringleader
September 1st, 2011
1:59 pm
A Dog for life………………
BBrown
September 1st, 2011
2:02 pm
Chip, great article. Very timely and relevant given the start and hype of Crowell’s career at UGA.
JasperFan
September 1st, 2011
2:02 pm
This article sure made a fan of his out of me. Proud of you, Jasper. It could have turned ugly for you but you didn’t let it happen. Good luck to you and the family moving forward, from one of those you left behind in Columbus.
Doug Fisher
September 1st, 2011
2:04 pm
Awesome interview!
still a dawg fan
September 1st, 2011
2:04 pm
Nice interview. Good job Jasper I’m glad everything is working out great for you. Hopefully some of the young guys will read this & realize just how important it is to have a good education.
PJT
September 1st, 2011
2:08 pm
Good for you Jasper Sanks – let’s hope Mr. Crowell heeds that good advice. As a Tech fan, I can neither confirm nor deny the existence of a fumble on that fateful play, but the player in question is forever known in Tech circles as “Jasper Thanks.”
collegeballfan
September 1st, 2011
2:10 pm
Good for Sanks. Landed on his feet, got is degree and the rest is up to him. Nice story.
“And it wasn’t a fumble!”
I just checked the boxscore, it was a fumble.
You folks sound like the Tech guys saying it was not pass interference.
DawginLex
September 1st, 2011
2:12 pm
Jasper was on Richt’s first team in 2001.
Remember the Auburn game? Richt had no timeouts left and ran Jasper up the middle short of the goal line.
Next game, he used Haynes to rip Tech a new one and started the train rolling.
Big Dirty Dawg
September 1st, 2011
2:16 pm
Great article Chip…but my only complaint…should have come out a week or two ago!! =0) Just hope IC is listening to the people who truly looking out for his best interests!! Many Dawg fans need to understand the pressure thrusted upon him. Lets just sit back and enjoy all these players and what they contribute to our team each Saturday!! Some people need to understand football is bigger entity than just the sport of it!! Go Dawgs…Buck the Broncos!!
Charles
September 1st, 2011
2:17 pm
Very proud of Jasper. He could harbor some ill-will after his dismissal years ago, but has instead chosen to learn from his time in Athens. Glad to hear he’s doing well.
Natureboy809
September 1st, 2011
2:17 pm
Very classy interview. Sanks could easily have turned into a bitter person about his time in Athens, but didn’t. DGD
hammerhead
September 1st, 2011
2:19 pm
What a pleasant surprise. I may be more proud of Sanks as a young family man with a good job in the oil business than I would be if he was currently an All Pro RB in the NFL. DGD, if you ask me. Thanks, Chip!
GeorgiaDawg93
September 1st, 2011
2:21 pm
I nominated Quincy Carter as UGA Cancer of the Century.
Three Jack
September 1st, 2011
2:23 pm
Jasper suffers from the same disease that is afflicting the Great Blamer Barack Obama.
JimDawg
September 1st, 2011
2:25 pm
Great article and beautiful baby girl. Proud of Jasper and how is life is turning out…
Tobias Funke
September 1st, 2011
2:27 pm
Best wishes, Jasper.
GO DAWGS
September 1st, 2011
2:35 pm
Glad to hear that he is doing well. The two things I remember most about Jasper is the horrible fumble call against Tech unfortunately and him signing his Chick fil a cup at least ten times in a class we had together. He’s come along ways.
Insured
September 1st, 2011
2:38 pm
Great interview. Please do more of these Chip. As for Isaiah, he’s no scatback, he does most of his damage right up the gut. And Quincy? I heard he’s coaching middle school football near Dalton?
Milledge
September 1st, 2011
2:43 pm
I agree with insured. I’d love to hear where several other standouts are. Players like Greg Blue, Boss Bailey, Boss Bailey, Joe Terenshinki 3, and of course Reggie Ball.
Dale
September 1st, 2011
2:43 pm
This kid’s been through a lot, including having his twin brother murdered. It’s nice to read something positive about things that really matter, like LIFE, rather than how well some kid plays a game. Good for Jasper!! What a great story. Go Dawgs!
59bulldawg
September 1st, 2011
2:45 pm
Great to hear from you Jasper! Glad you’re doing well!
Tuscaloosa Dawg
September 1st, 2011
2:49 pm
I’m pulling for you Jasper! Glad to hear life is going well for you and your family. I’m also thankful that you’re providing some mentoring and perspective for Isaiah (and fellow dawg fans) too.
Best wishes and go dawgs!
Nomobama
September 1st, 2011
2:49 pm
Same position, same hometown, same college, same bust? His comment about everyone being same ability, unlike high school said it all. Not easy to meet expectations…
BG
September 1st, 2011
2:54 pm
Jasper is a DGD!
Elliot Garcia
September 1st, 2011
2:59 pm
So, he works at a gas station??!!
Nick
September 1st, 2011
3:04 pm
Good luck to you, JS! Sounds like you’re doing fine to me.
Go Dawgs!
RxDawg
September 1st, 2011
3:05 pm
This was so much better then I thought…
Great interview.
?
September 1st, 2011
3:07 pm
No Elliott, GE the international conglomerate doesn’t own gas stations, they help get it out of the ground. Jasper probably makes 100 times what you do.
AthensDawg
September 1st, 2011
3:12 pm
I dont care what anybody says Jasper, that was absolutely not a fumble against Tech! That is one of the worst calls ive ever seen in a game outside of that Miami-OSU debacle at the end of the game in Natl Champ!
Bill King is a................
September 1st, 2011
3:12 pm
For heavens sake, KEEP JASPER AWAY FROM CROWELL!!!!!!!!!!!! And surely there are better things to write about than Jasper Shanks!!!! For the love of Mike!!!!!!
fan
September 1st, 2011
3:13 pm
ga. should have landed jamal lewis out douglass
Pulpwud Smiff
September 1st, 2011
3:22 pm
And we need to hear this loser’s life story because…?
ugaclassof2004
September 1st, 2011
3:28 pm
I think Jasper Sanks is a good example of how the recruiting rankings for these high school players are so skewed. Most magazines at the time had him on par with Jamal Lewis. Jasper was a nice player, but like Patrick Pass, I felt he was overrated. Jasper just didn’t have that ability to see plays as they developed and react to them like a Knowshon Moreno or Adrian Peterson could. I think he is probably right when he said that he came into a tough situation initially. Donnan’s offense was definitely not tailored for the prototypical tailback, which is ironic when you consider that his best season at UGA came from riding the coattails of Robert Edwards, a prototypical pro back if there ever was one. I think he’s wrong in his assessment of Richt though. I think Coach Richt gave Sanks and plenty of the old Donnan guard their of opportunities, Jasper just didn’t or couldn’t take advantage of them. So with Jasper I think it was a combination of him being overrated as well as him being in the wrong scheme. But he seems to be doing well outside of football which is good to hear.
Blue Ridge Top Dawg
September 1st, 2011
3:30 pm
a dozen years later…. it still wasnt a fumble! …….. What a great interview! Hope our young man will listen. “Before you can lead, you have to be willing to be led” GO DAWGS!
Genes or environment?
September 1st, 2011
3:38 pm
It’s a pretty safe bet that Crowell will follow in Sanks’ footsteps. You can take the punk out of Carver-Columbus, but you can’t take the Carver-Columbus out of the punk.
He might last two years at most. Then he’ll tell his sad stories to his probation officer for a few years.
AnnapolisDAWG
September 1st, 2011
3:40 pm
Great interview Chip!!! Awesome to hear Jasper is doing great and I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors. Sick em’ DAWGS!
f4ifrank
September 1st, 2011
3:42 pm
Excellent article Chip!!
ha
September 1st, 2011
3:43 pm
I gots my edumififcation from GAWGA and now I pumps da gas down da skreet.
AnnapolisDAWG
September 1st, 2011
3:43 pm
@ Genes or environment: you my friend are an idiot and obviously understood nothing about the interview. Maybe you should read the interview again and figure out how you too can become a man.
BklynDawg
September 1st, 2011
3:53 pm
Great article, Chip! Once a Dawg, always a Dawg, and I like to hear how former players are doing.
JS, as other commenters have said above, you’re a class act and DGD! Thanks for helping the next generation learn from your experiences, and congratulations on your beautiful family and new career.
Also. . . Hell no! It wasn’t a fumble!
Hit REAL Hard
September 1st, 2011
3:53 pm
Thanks, — Sanks.
Destin Dawg
September 1st, 2011
3:54 pm
great life story… kids that stay in State do seem to do better in school and life after football … 2 days !! can’t wait !! UGA 31 .. Boise St. 17.. Go Dawgs !!
flatsdawg1
September 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
Who better to gauge the fire under Isaiah Crowell’s posterior than Mr Sanks back then except maybe Mr. Richt today perhaps. Interesting article, I was actually surprised with his career rushing total , back then it seemed like he had a couple hundred a season given all the expectations. Good to hear he’s doing well.
the dude
September 1st, 2011
3:57 pm
NEXT FIND OUT WHERE PULPWOOD SMITH IS? DID HE GRADUATE FROM TECH?
.
September 1st, 2011
3:59 pm
What a great read. Jasper has tremendous perspective and wisdom. Very happy to see he has carved out a successful life for he and his family.
As for the TROLL(S) and UGA haters on here posting under different handles (i.e. Pulpwood Smiff, Genes or environment, Bill King is a……) — how pathetic is your life that this is your most signficant contribution? Losers, all of you.
NC Mtn Dawg
September 1st, 2011
4:02 pm
Enter your comments here
MrMarshall Dawg4Life
September 1st, 2011
4:08 pm
I’m glad that everyone got to hear from Jasper in this article. More than anything, the comments warmed my heart. I’m from Columbus, GA and I followed his career from Carver thru UGA. I’ve always thought that he got a bad wrap. Sure he could have been better in some areas, but he was still a GREAT running back. He had a STRONG freshman campaign and things kind of went crazy from there (playing time, being in the dog house, etc), but he was indeed a fine running back. I love his attitude and I hope that all these people who still like to throw his name out in a negative light can now move on just as he has. I’m glad he’s doing well for himself…… Dawg…..4….LIFE!!
Go Dogs
September 1st, 2011
4:09 pm
Hopefully you people will remember this article the next time you want to criticize a player. Most of you have never and will never be in a situation like so many of these young men – the hype, pressue and responsibility – Please stand behind them and know that they are doing the best they can and they want to win the game worse than you want them too.
NC Mtn Dawg
September 1st, 2011
4:14 pm
Jasper,
You are one of those people who are “pulling” Isaiah along. He will have a better shot at life as long as he listens to men like you! God bless you brother. Stay in touch with him and keep him grounded. It’s good to hear that you are doing well. I have two daughters, so I know how you feel about being a dad. Believe me when I tell you that it only gets better. Best of luck with your new job, but remember that your family should always come first.
RunningDog
September 1st, 2011
4:18 pm
I am so happy to see that Sanks life has turned out fine. It’s tough for some kids to adjust to the pressure that college fans put on them, but he’s grown up.
come on
September 1st, 2011
4:21 pm
more like jasper thanks and the record book shows it was a fumble
RamboDog
September 1st, 2011
4:39 pm
come on
September 1st, 2011
4:21 pm
And the record book shows 9 out of last 10 !!!!
GT is not relevant to any discussion about BIG BOY football. Better hurry on over the Bobby Dodd, they are putting out the folding chairs, you can get one up close tonight.
Columbus Dawg
September 1st, 2011
4:42 pm
Proud with all that Jasper has been thru he has came out on top. Jasper’s twin brother Jarvis was shot dead here in Columbus a few years ago during a drug deal gone bad. RIP Jarvis. Im glad that Jasper has chosen another path. Congrats on the pretty baby girl!
Bob
September 1st, 2011
4:58 pm
Thanks Jasper for your contributions at UGA…I always felt like you were a victim of terrible officiating calls. Other than the LSU game, I think Quincy was a liability, and probably was a reason Donnan was fired. And, congratulations on finishing your college degree.
oracle of marietta
September 1st, 2011
5:07 pm
Sanks was a loser a UGA. Glad his life is going well, but this is a college football forum not the Lifetime channel If you believe that he was underutilized, you probably think Bobo should be head coach. Get real. Go Dawgs. Love you Chip, terrible article.
Gridiron
September 1st, 2011
5:08 pm
Wonderful interview Chip. Congratulations to Jasper on his accompaniments after football!!
ben b
September 1st, 2011
5:12 pm
Great article! It’s good to know jasper is doing well for himself. I know him personally & I can vouch that he has been through alot in his life. So to go through the disappointments of a game that I know he loved so much, & to not reach the heights of a career that everyone knew he was destined to reach…but is able to smile & not have any regrets, I respect him for that! Your name is still ringing here in columbus, ga…stay up!
Keisa D.
September 1st, 2011
5:23 pm
Proud of you Jasper! I believed in you before football and after. Love you always!
oldogfan
September 1st, 2011
5:24 pm
Thank you Jasper for what you gave to UGA and thank you for trying to help a young guy make it.
Holla' gurlllll
September 1st, 2011
5:36 pm
Our Dawgs are about to open the season with the #5 ranked team in the nation and the only story the AJC guys can come up with is a Jasper Sanks article?????
DawgInaTruck
September 1st, 2011
5:45 pm
Congratulations to Jasper Sanks on making a success of life and for completing the work required to obtain a college degree. Too many in his situation don’t follow through. Like many I live and die with the Dawgs in the fall and winter but stories like this show us all what is truly important.
Once a Dawg ALWAYS a DGD!!
Inlet Dawg
September 1st, 2011
5:52 pm
Glad Jasper is doing well.I always thought he kinda got a raw deal when he was there and he pointed that out and it is great that is not bitter about the whole thing.Go Dawgs!!!!!
waytogoricht
September 1st, 2011
5:56 pm
Hope Richt has gotten down from his $3.2 mil. separation from offense and behind the scenes drawn up some plays whereby Crowell has a chance to succeed against Boise. If he hasn’t, Crowell won’t succeed against Boise. If he’s drawn up plays for Crowell that would be “coaching up” and why Richt ever separated himself from offense is a mystery. Tell me its not to allow more time to work on the suntan. I’m talking about Richt at his best, like at Tennessee with Verron Haynes several years back when Richt wasn’t making $3.2 mil and was still involved with offense.
Its Richt’s rearend in the crosshairs and he knows what he’s best at to win-drawing up offensive plays which give his players a chance to succeed(coaching up). On the other hand ifs Richt’s brain is staying in hibernation, and he stupidly leaves offense up to the present offensive coordinator, Richt, you won’t be kicked out the door fast enough for me.
Fire Mark Richt
September 1st, 2011
5:57 pm
Good for you Sanks. And we all know that it wasn’t a fumble. Go Dawgs! Only two days to go before UGA football is back.
michael osoh
September 1st, 2011
6:00 pm
I graduated and played football with jap at carver high and rothschilds middle school,I also was the 1 that called and told him his twin brother was killed,I speak for many wen I say life is more than football and after all be has been thru and the things he got goin on now his wife,new born and new career,would not be possible if he wasn’t a strong person.The things he went thru made him a better man and friend! Great article chip! Go dawgs…Crowell and others should learn from the hardships of the ones who came before,cause he did it for yall!
Columbus Dawg
September 1st, 2011
6:13 pm
Is this the same Michael Osoh that played baseball at Sally Little League here in Columbus. If so I hope life has brought you the things you want and need. You were always a good kid. I used to umpire your games.
Ricky 4
September 1st, 2011
6:25 pm
Thank You for all you did for the University of Georgia Jasper. Once a Dawg always a Dawg. Praying for much success for you!
TampaGator
September 1st, 2011
6:28 pm
Good to read that Jasper got his degree, has a nice family, and is doing well in life. Nice story. Life is certainly much greater than football….except on Saturdays.
Smiling Jack
September 1st, 2011
6:29 pm
Great article and thanks for the insights on a good kid with football talent who grew to be the man he is today! Fans ought always remember these are 18-19 year old kids that are in the biggest pressure cooker of their lives. Some turn out real well because of the decisions they make. Others, well, they don’t turn out very well because of the decisions they make. Excuses never make a person better, only good decisions in life’s situation make one better. We ought all to appreciate a great football program that gives young men an opportunity to become mature, successful men. Go Dawgs!
Ha
September 1st, 2011
6:50 pm
The university of Phoenix has a color by numbers entrance exam. Jasper was so damn dumb he failed.
SHAWN RALEIGH
September 1st, 2011
7:22 pm
This article is very inspirational to me! Jasper is a good friend of mine and im very proud of him. I know that he is speaking from the heart. I wore the same jersey as He and Isaiah at Carver High School. What Jasper said about the demons is very true. Do you know how many players from this town should have been top college or NFL players that were consumed by this lifestyle? Too many! I never made it to the next level. hat lifestyle got ahold of me before I left high school. The main thing is that Jasper learned a hard lesson and he has a big enough heart to encourage Isaiah to stay focused so he doesnt make the same mistakes he did. Isaiah I encourage you to also stay focused! Both of you are my brothers! #1
NYDAWG
September 1st, 2011
8:04 pm
Jasoer is leading a great life! An inspiration to young people!
NYDAWG
September 1st, 2011
8:05 pm
Jasper that is! Sorry!
Charles
September 1st, 2011
8:36 pm
Great Great interview. Best in a long time.
PowerDawg
September 1st, 2011
8:48 pm
Jasper, I am one of the many who believe you got screwed on that goal line “fumble” against Tech. I’ve watched the replay dozens of times…you were down when you released the ball.
All in all you were a Damn Good Dawg.
Win P
September 1st, 2011
8:55 pm
Chip, just read your article on sport nutrition. I’m inclined to think UGA was not anywhere near “cutting edge” in sport nutrition. Was UGA behind what other SEC schools were doing in sport nutrition? Giving an athlete $2,000 and hoping he would eat right for the next six months sounds irresponsible and the easy way to deal with nutrition/meals for athletes.
I remember 4 years ago when the large salary increases occurred, Bobo became offensive coach and Willie became defensive coach and Richt became CEO and would have time to deal with the current treads in his profession. Hind sight is 20/20, but IMO a major area for improvement in team performance was overlooked or discounted.
The $2,000 meal allowance may have gone to buy scooters.
DAWG07
September 1st, 2011
8:55 pm
Great article. Nice to hear that Jasper has has done well for himself and family. The days at UGA provided foundation for his succes in the oil business.
Jordan
September 1st, 2011
9:02 pm
How good will Georgia be this year? Check out my predictions here: http://isportsweb.com/2011/09/01/2011-georgia-bulldogs-predictions-edition/
whatthedawg
September 1st, 2011
9:55 pm
Great article, Chip. Sounds like a well rounded, mature man who has learned a lot about life.
Dawg89
September 1st, 2011
9:55 pm
Best of luck, Jasper. I’m glad to read that life is good for you!
Mobile Dawg
September 1st, 2011
10:14 pm
I would like to see more interviews with older, successful Dawgs. No words ever spoken could be more true than life is who you surround yourself with. Hopefully Isiah will heed those words and make the most of his potential. I hope he doesn’t have to start, I would sure like to see Richard Samuel get his opportunity if he’s healthy.
matt
September 1st, 2011
11:13 pm
What is with the ex part? Is he no longer a DAWG?????
They Serve Gruel In Prison
September 1st, 2011
11:47 pm
Very good to hear about Jasper….he could have ended up like Quincy Carter.
prpldawg
September 2nd, 2011
8:51 am
By far the best news is that Mr. Sanks fought through hard times and, instead of giving in, has mad a good and productive life for himself and now has a family. There is a God!
TampaDawg
September 2nd, 2011
8:56 am
chilidawg
September 1st, 2011
12:32 pm
More glass is half empty stuff, huh?
—————————————-
Maybe from your perspective chili but that article undoubtedly reads as “Glass Half FULL” ..Sorry if you didn’t understand it.
Brenda
September 2nd, 2011
8:57 am
Good for you, Jasper Sanks. What a wonderful story. You’re going to do well in whatever you do! And thank you for your contribution at UGA.
TampaDawg
September 2nd, 2011
9:31 am
So which one was worse “Genes or environment” or “Pulpwood Smiff”? Both obviously either can’t read or just have no reading comprehension skills. That or they are too lazy to read. Otherwise, how could you not come away from this feeling good about how this guys life has turned out? I am proud of him and believe he will be a positive force in IC’s life. IC’s most important lesson from this will be this: Experience is NOT the best teacher, someone else’s experience IS.
JerseyDawg
September 2nd, 2011
10:33 am
Great to read Jasper is doing well….and that still wasn’t a fumble.
All ACC Teams superior to UGA
September 2nd, 2011
11:26 am
UCF 10
UGA 6
Dr. Morpheus
September 2nd, 2011
1:13 pm
You can see why JS has done so well- he has maintained a winning attitude despite so many disappointments that would have become an excuse for failure for a lesser individual. Way to go, Mr. Sanks and Go Dawgs, whip them Broncos!
Celtdawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:15 pm
Proud of you Jasper! Great advice for Isiah as well.
ugab
September 2nd, 2011
5:28 pm
YEH BABY!! IT IS TIME FOR SOME UGA FOOTBALL.
HardTruth Soldier
September 2nd, 2011
10:42 pm
I think what alot of people forget that we Dogs had a chance to get Jamaal Lewis that year, Jamaal wanted Georgia, but Georgia didn’t look at him(check the records, that was the start of getting Rodney Gardner here) and the disappointment of Jasper killed Georgia inside. Jamaal and Tennessee went on to win the National title that year, and we lost Jamaal, and Deon Grant to UT. Couple that with Jasper not being in shape when he showed up, and his pot smoking, and that killed him. Glad to know he’s happy now, and it’s nice to know you get second chances in America. But regardless of your missteps you still a Dawg for life. Congrats on the family, and nothing but love to you man, because I’ve been there when people have that pressure on you, truth be told about 80% of all Black kids have a huge amount of pressure to make it and it’s tougher than most think. And let me say this for the record, white athletes trying to make it ain’t that easy either.
No more talk, time to see what 2011 Georgia Bulldogs are made of | UGA sports blog
September 3rd, 2011
11:16 am
[...] Q&A: Catching up with Jasper Sanks, the last great back from Columbus [...]
pjsimmons
September 4th, 2011
2:38 pm
GREAT ARTICLE MAYBE ONE PRACTICE A week should end with real life situaations like this one and the pep talk by one of the previous players.