Rambo staying, Charles going as UGA players wrestle with NFL decisions
Orson Charles, Georgia’s All-SEC tight end, will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft.
Charles revealed the unsurprising decision Wednesday, saying “it’s time to open a new chapter in my life.”
A few hours later, another UGA underclassman who had been seriously considering the draft — safety Bacarri Rambo — made the opposite decision, announcing through the school that he will return for his senior season.
Charles said he consulted with several NFL players and a former NFL coach, Tony Dungy, about his stay-or-go choice. The NFL’s underclassmen advisory committee told Charles that he could be drafted as high as the second round.
The decision wasn’t stressful, Charles said, because “either way I wouldn’t be wrong.” He added: “As I continued to pray about it, I just felt ready.”
The deadline to declare for the draft is Sunday. Charles and Rambo appeared to have the highest draft stock among Georgia players considering early entry, although several others also have said they are weighing decisions.
Rambo’s return is a boon for the Georgia defense. He led the SEC with eight interceptions this past season and was named an Associated Press first-team All-American.
Charles’ departure, combined with the expiration of senior Aron White’s eligibility, means Georgia will head toward the 2012 season without its top two tight ends from last season.
The Bulldogs’ top returners at the position will be junior Arthur Lynch, who has two career catches, and Jay Rome, a highly touted recruit who was redshirted as a freshman last season. Also, Colquitt County tight end Ty Smith has committed to sign with the Bulldogs next month.
“They have a lot of people who can fill the hole at tight end,” Charles said.
Charles was one of two prized recruits, along with quarterback Aaron Murray, who signed with Georgia out of Tampa’s Plant High in 2009. Murray, who unlike Charles was redshirted in his first season at UGA, has two years of eligibility remaining and wished his long-time teammate well.
“The No. 1 thing he said was, ‘Just don’t forget about me,’” Charles said.
“To play [in college] with my high school quarterback was definitely a blessing,” Charles added.
Charles started 29 games for Georgia. He caught 94 passes for 1,370 yards, which set a UGA career yardage record for tight ends, and 10 touchdowns, which tied the school record for the position.
After catching 45 passes for 574 yards and five touchdowns in the 2011 season, he was voted first-team All-SEC by both the coaches and the media. He was chosen first-team All-America by the American Football Coaches Association.
In what proved to be his final college game –-a triple-overtime loss to Michigan State in the Outback Bowl –- Charles had one catch for two yards. He said that game did not affect his decision to depart.
“I met the majority of all my goals I came here with,” Charles said Wednesday. “I feel like I’ve grown spiritually. . . . I feel like I’ve grown as a player.
“I was going back and remembering some of the goals I came in [with], and today I was checking them all off, like, ‘Yeah, I accomplished this.’ The past three years have just been a blessing. They’ve been awesome.”
The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Charles is ranked as the third best tight end in this year’s draft by nfldraftscout.com, behind Clemson’s Dwayne Allen and Stanford’s Coby Fleener.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
347 comments Add your comment
krazydawg
January 11th, 2012
5:10 pm
Good luck to Charles.Jay Romes father was a stand out at Clemson,and i watched Jay Rome play alot.This guy is going to be a beast for Georgia.I look at this as a good thing.
honest_abe
January 11th, 2012
5:12 pm
can’t blame him. never full utilized at georgia, charles will be a beast on sunday afternoons. if only the falcons could get him.
anyone care for schottenheimer as oc?
will
January 11th, 2012
5:14 pm
Damn Good Dawg- Very Good TE
For those who are critical of his Outback Bowl Performance-IT SHOWS HOW MUCH YOU WERE WATCHING!!! He had to stay in and help protect Aaron Murray for all except max of 5 pass plays!!!!
He is the one guy that we could afford to lose early, because of the above. We can find other TE’s to help protect the passer. Unfortuanately, Orson could not be utilized as much as we would alll like in the passing game, he is ready, and needs to move on to the next level!!!!! LOL
childrojc
January 11th, 2012
5:16 pm
What happened to Finish the drill ?
It seems like the recruits from out of state have no aspirations to win championships at Georgia unless it is in the first year or two they are there.
Lets get some run blocking/ pass protecting Tight Ends that can be more traditional in the passing game this will help the young OL too !
UGA needs as of immediately :
1. Three starters on OL
2. Two Tight ends
3. FULLBACK
FINISH THE DRILL DAWGS !
Bob
January 11th, 2012
5:25 pm
Good luck Orson and thanks for being a part of the Dawgnation. How can we be leaders in sending players to the NFL, but never contend for anything meaningful?
Columbus
January 11th, 2012
5:29 pm
Blank better NOT raid UGA for Grantham. It would ANGER many GA residents and that is not what you want to do when they are also your NFL fan base.
Complains too much
January 11th, 2012
5:29 pm
45 receptions by tight end most in SEC ,For all those complaining about the offense, #1 in total yards in SEC, 3rd in SEC in average yards per game.Not bad considering their was no depth on the O line and the problems at RB.
dostoveyskiy
January 11th, 2012
5:29 pm
I love how UGa fans build up a player then stab him in the back.
Buckhead Bulldog
January 11th, 2012
5:30 pm
He better learn how to block instead of getting holding penalties in critical situations. Other than that, good luck to him!
Jimmy Crack
January 11th, 2012
5:31 pm
Good luck, Orson.
On the bright side UGA has some good TEs with more coming. I am looking forward to seeing more Artie Lynch. He is the Dawgs’ Gronk.
major
January 11th, 2012
5:34 pm
Lets Review, and this is not meant to be disrespectful to the UGA fans, just calling it like it is.
Offense, Play Calling is rountine, does not utilize the fullback, TE( Charles- a good one), lack of run offense that cause too much pressure on the quarterback to make plays.
Defense, front seven is strong, not to the level as the Alabama’s or LSU’s but close behind. Lacks depth, at times players are in the correct position which allows big plays. Grantham is getting his players better, but without sufficient deep personnel, (3 deep). When certain players go out on defense the Opposing OC recognizes it and immediately makes a call.
Special Teams, the overall program is strong, but some major holes, incorrect positioning cause major plays to go against them.
Team Attitude, it seems like the defensive players have the right attitude, and the offensive players continually look over to the sidelines to see if they can get them out of box( see Jordon Jefferson-LSU for comparison).
Team Strength- average at best, is the diet and nutrition program working?
Team Asst. Coaches- below average for a premier SEC program. Currently one coach who would fit other programs( including NFL) and be an asset.
Columbus
January 11th, 2012
5:35 pm
childrojc. are you blind? UGA over-achieved in 2011. This YOUNG team will be even stronger next year and the 3 years after? WOW. They had NO running game in 2011 and STILL won 10 games. How good do you think they will be in 2012 with a GREAT running game and experience at all positions? There are a couple of questions mark positions but man, there is a lot of depth and returning starters at most positions. It could not be much better. The OL is going to be OK with no injuries. We got some great young guys and a true freshman that might be all-SEC in 2012 plus more we might get a JUCO. Lighten up and watch the drill be finished the next 5 years. SEC Championship game not good enough for you this year after 2010? You are gonna have a sad life brother….
BurytheBone
January 11th, 2012
5:35 pm
Can’t say I blame him. He wasn’t even included by his teamate QB in the bowl game. I think if i had been AM i would have found a way to get OC the ball. Some good friend he is.
BurytheBone
January 11th, 2012
5:39 pm
Since we don’t utilize our tight ends, why don’t we quit recruiting them and recruit better on the O-line
Joe P
January 11th, 2012
5:40 pm
Got confirmation from the coaches by ESPN that Rambo is returning.
major
January 11th, 2012
5:43 pm
Columbus,
I agree that 10 wins is in reach and very attainable. The issue that UGA is going to have is playing teams that will not help them if other teams go undefeated and stay undefeated until late into the season. This past year, everyone kept saying all preseason that losing the first two games would be detrimental and there was a chance UGA would fall apart, well they did not fall apart and beat a decent(not good) MSU team, a below average Florida team, and a better than usual Vanderbilt team.
One can say this, playing Missouri in Columbia, USC in Columbia and an improved Florida team is not going to be easy as some think.
But keeping up with LSU, Alabama or Arkansas is not going to as easy.
The OL is going to be the pivotal postion needed to improve drastically if UGA even wants to be considered in the big discussion.
Edawg
January 11th, 2012
5:48 pm
Shocker, can he take Murray with him.
ugakev
January 11th, 2012
6:00 pm
I am very excited for dawg fans to see Arthur Lynch. That guy is a beast that plays with alot of heart and will run you slap over for extra yards.
dmr
January 11th, 2012
6:03 pm
Orson Charles has conducted himself with nothing but class since he joined the Georgia program. His numbers speak for themselves. He will be missed as a team leader and a friend of the fans. I wish him the greatest of luck at the next level.
BillDog
January 11th, 2012
6:04 pm
GOOD LUCK IN THE NFL!!!!
COME BACK AND COMPLETE YOU DEGREE AND SUPPORT UGA WITH YOUR SUCCESS IN THE NFL AND YOUR HEART.
GO DAWGS!!
B-truth)
January 11th, 2012
6:05 pm
RAMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELL YEAH! UGA returing 2 1st team ALL AMERICANS
on defense!! RAMBO IS THE SHIIZIZIZIZIZZZIIZZNITTT
HE made a wise move!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! talking bout millions
Tony in Johns Creek
January 11th, 2012
6:15 pm
Best of luck to Orson. I don’t blame him. He wasn’t in the game plan nearly enough. A matchup nightmare and built like a brick house. Speed size, athleticism…. another one that we’ll all watch flourish in the NFL with good coaching, and wonder why we never saw him do that at UGA….
JB
January 11th, 2012
6:32 pm
Good news for Rambo….Hope McGarity has agreed to terms with Grantham, as the wolves are howling at the door. I said on here last week that there would be at least 6 new HC’s in the NFL looking to fill staff and at least 2-3 DC’s fired, leaving about 30-35 defensive coaching jobs open in the NFL. If you don’t Grantham’s name has not been bounced around, your naive. Hope he stays.
kerryb
January 11th, 2012
6:32 pm
DC Dawg
January 11th, 2012
2:22 pm
Another kid leaves UGA early without the TEAM ever accomplishing a thing. This trend is disturbing.
#ajgreen
#knowshonmoreno
#matthewstafford
#orsoncharles
_________________________________________________________________-
You notice that all of these players were offensive players. We finally have the DC and the players on the defense. I’d rather have a great defense than offense. Look at Bama this year.
JB
January 11th, 2012
6:35 pm
kerryb……………..Notice how Bama’s offense kinda looks clumsy and not very smooth…..but very effective and works……………….To me, it’s their running game that makes it work.
kerryb
January 11th, 2012
6:36 pm
If Shawn Williams stays (and I think he will) we may end up with 2 All-Americans at safety next year. With Jarvis Jones, Ogletree and John Jenkins there may be even more All Americans on this defense next year.
dawgster
January 11th, 2012
6:38 pm
Reading some of the comments by some, including dawg fans makes me wonder whether you guys know anything about this game. I mean, I hear all this talk about Off. Coord.’s and talking about how O. Charles did not get used during his career at UGA..You have got to be “freaking” kidding me. Did anyone look at Bama’s high powered, innovative offense this year that got them a BCS title..Its about “Defense” in the SEC folks…Ask LSU…Everyone wants to blame Coach Bobo for our failures. Well its a team game, and when you lose or win, everyone plays a part in that…Wait I almost forgot the key ingredient…The Players…Now with that being said, would I like to see a few more innovative plays, such as screens, toss sweeps and passes to the TE’s…Yes, but when you play a great defense, they can take away alot of those from an offense…Maybe, just maybe, thats why O. Charles didn’t catch 15 balls a game…go dawgs and good luck O.Charles..Always a dawg…
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
January 11th, 2012
6:38 pm
@Lpac 74:
Pay attention. Orson was also 0 – 9 in that set of games as was any other UGA player. Dumba$$. I hope Murray goesn’t read your ignorant post and come over to kick your butt.
kerryb
January 11th, 2012
6:38 pm
We will have a stable of RB’s next year and I think the line will be more athletic than this years. I saw Theus in that All American game and he was just mauling defensive linemen. His run blocking was unbelievable. He was pushing the D-lineman down field about 10 yards on running plays.
Jim
January 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
UGA Insider
January 11th, 2012
2:44 pm
UGA didn’t use Orson vs. MSU on purpose folks….. He had already informed the staff he was going pro and didn’t want many calls because he didn’t want to risk injury. He also whiffed on many blocks but the Dawgs had no other choice but to play him. They just didn’t throw to him because he didn’t want any throws.
So Insider you’re saying UGA threw the MSU game?
Danny G
January 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
Good player, but not great. Someone gave him bad advise. He will be selling insurance in Florida in a couple of years.
Stinger2
January 11th, 2012
6:40 pm
I am a GT fan. I am also a Rambo fan. He is a great asset to the UGA defense. Good luck to him in his Sr. year
dawgster
January 11th, 2012
6:41 pm
The dawgs will be fine at TE next year, but not having O. Charles will put more pressure on WR’s, I would expect alot more TE by committee next season, unless one steps up and above the others…go dawgs
kerryb
January 11th, 2012
6:42 pm
I think what handcuffed this offense this year was not having a proven FB like in years past with Chapas and Munzenmeir. And one in the past like Southerland. If you noticed we played more of a spread this year than usual. Not much I-formation football. There is a FB named Hicks coming in that’s already 6′2, 245lbs. Hopefully we can get back to smash mouth football with the RB’s we’ll have.
Stinger2
January 11th, 2012
6:43 pm
Jim: UGA Insider hasn`t a clue. His posts sound like he is an outsider.
kerryb
January 11th, 2012
6:44 pm
Rome will be good enough. I heard that he could have started for a lot of teams this year but we had so many TE’s we didn’t need him.
kerryb
January 11th, 2012
6:44 pm
dawgster, that was a good post.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
January 11th, 2012
6:45 pm
@Dawgster(6:38 pm)
You said it extremely well. There is a number of those (someposing as UGA fans) that not only don’t know anything, they don’t even suspect anything about what it takes to put a winner on the field regularly. If any one of them ever get a football coaching job at ANY level I will drive cross-country to see what they produce
Tim Tucker
January 11th, 2012
6:51 pm
bruce mac: Charles’ NFL draft projection was that he could go as high as second round.
Ray
January 11th, 2012
6:54 pm
Like others have said not used properly just like many other players we’ve had thanks to Bobo.
Look at Matthew Stafford now it wasn’t bobo that did that he had it in him all along. It’s sad too he almost broke Dan Marino record with less weapons then Drew Brees.
Then there is A.J Green and many others, but from many respectful bulldogs fans Thanks Orson Charles for your time here we will miss you.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
January 11th, 2012
6:54 pm
@Columbus:(5:35 pm)
Well said Bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 11th, 2012
6:56 pm
Columbus
Get a clue
If Richt and Bobo had coached this years LSU or Alabama teams they would have lost at least 2 games
Yes UGA has great players coming back but we have had great players in the past only be outcoached at least 2 games a season
dawgster
January 11th, 2012
7:03 pm
@KB..thanks..good point on the FB call…I don’t know if we didn’t have the confidence in that position, but I think next year we will see it used more and hopefully they will be blocking for a couple of very good RB’s…@ Braniac…I’ll join you if some of these on here become coaches…I know as soon as I say that you will see many on here claiming to be coaches…The clock starts now…go dawgs
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
January 11th, 2012
7:07 pm
@Childrojc:
How much time did you spend developing that crap about UGA players from outside Georgia not trying to win Championships at UGA? Are you certifiably insane? What about Stafford, Moreno, AJ Greene,Orson, Ben Jones, etc?
David
January 11th, 2012
7:08 pm
This just in! The LSU football team is stuck in New Orleans and has been unable to leave. Seems some unruly Bama fans painted a 50 yard line in front of their bus…………..
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
January 11th, 2012
7:09 pm
Flat tire in Jacksonville = Flat Brain = Zero
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
January 11th, 2012
7:11 pm
@David 7:08 pm;
Good one Bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PR
January 11th, 2012
7:14 pm
For all the trolls on here spreading rumors about Grantham leaving… This is his quote from TODAY:
“This time of year there are a lot of rumors involving coaching openings,” Grantham said in a statement. “Because of the terrific recruiting class we are assembling and the juniors that have communicated to me their desire to come back to Georgia I felt it important to address some of these current and any future rumors. I’ve had discussions with Coach (Mark) Richt and (AD) Greg McGarity and we are on track to finalizing details on a contract extension. My family enjoys Athens very much. I love the passion and excitement of our fans. We have the program headed in the right direction and I want to be a part of bringing Georgia a championship. My desire is to be at UGA for a very long time. Go Dawgs!”
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
January 11th, 2012
7:14 pm
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life) = Chairman of the Board for the UGA Kool-aid fund
AFAN
January 11th, 2012
7:16 pm
Well I wish the best for him. But he is undersized and a little slow to do anything else besides tight end. I just dont think it is a good decision for him.
But be that as it may, We have some pretty good talent behind him at tight end and i dont think we will miss a beat.
It would have hurt more to lose Rambo. Thanks Rambo for staying!