Notebook: Tony Dungy’s comments place Georgia QB Aaron Murray into NFL discussion
Slowly and surely, Georgia's Aaron Murray is climbing higher in the record books and into the conscience of the NFL talent scouts. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS – It may have been a lighthearted gesture from a personal friend or it could have been the firm conviction for a former NFL coach and pro football analyst. Whatever it was, Tony Dungy got a lot of folks’ attention with his answer via Twitter to a question about whom Kansas City should take as its first pick in the NFL draft.
“I would take Georgia QB Aaron Murray if he comes out,” Dungy wrote on Monday.
It didn’t take long for Dungy’s opinion to make its way to Murray.
“I’ve had everyone ask me about that,” Murray said Tuesday afternoon before the Bulldogs’ practice. “I’m like, ‘I don’t know.’ I’m not worried about that until after the season and then I’ll sit down with my family and make the best decision for myself and my future. I’m having too much fun right now. This season has been awesome. We still have so much ahead of us and so much excitement that I really don’t even have time to think about anything else. I’m just living in the moment.”
Murray’s NFL draft stock is an interesting topic. Though he’s on pace obliterate every quarterback record Georgia has and run down some pretty significant ones in the SEC as well, he’s knocked for his height (listed 6-foot-1) and is not generally talked about as breathlessly as other other college quarterbacks.
Murray is listed as the No. 2 quarterback prospect by NFLscout.com, but that’s for the 2014 draft. As for the one next April, Murray is listed behind at least six other quarterbacks by ESPN’s Scouts Inc.
Perhaps Dungy was just trying to help out a friend. Dungy’s son, Oregon wide receiver Eric Dungy, played with Murray at Tampa’s Plant High School. Murray said he remains in contact the former NFL head coach.
But Murray’s production should stand on its own. After his 330-yard, four-touchdown passing performance this past weekend, he moved into the No. 1 spot in the nation pass efficiency (174.3). This season, he has completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 2,986 yards and 28 TDs with 7 interceptions.
Murray now has 87 career TDs passes, which is fifth in SEC history, and has thrown for 9,184 yards, which is also fifth. He’s not far off from tracking down the players atop those lists which include Danny Wuerffel and Peyton Manning. But he’d probably need another season to do that.
“I’ve never been a guy who worried about records,” Murray said. “The only record I care about is the win-loss column. I came here to win championships and right now we have a team that has the opportunity to do that.”
Whether it’s after this season or next, there are many in Georgia’s camp who believe Murray will eventually be a pro.
“That’s going to be something for us to discuss after the season and him to discuss with his family,” UGA quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “I think his mind is in the right place right now, which is on Georgia Tech this week. But I think he has pro potential because of his intelligence. I think he’s a winner. He’s improved every year and I think he’s going to continue improving. The kid’s the type of guy that, what he sets his sights on, he usually attains those goals. Just look at his life history. Put something out there he wants to do and he gets it done. The No. 1 thing he wants to do right now is win a championship.”
Bobo bristled when asked how Murray’s decision might impact those of Hutson Mason, a junior who is redshirting as Murray’s backup.
“I’m not getting into that until after the season,” Bobo said. “I’m worried about Georgia Tech, really, and Murray better, too.”
Early wake-up call on Saturday
Georgia coach Mark Richt doesn’t mind playing early games, as the Bulldogs will do with Saturday’s noon kickoff versus the Yellow Jackets (ESPN). His only concern is that Georgia’s fans would be late to wake up and slow to arrive for the annual Senior Day festivities. The Bulldogs’ traditional graduation “walk” through the gauntlet of their teammates is scheduled begin at 11:46 a.m.
“I hope we can get the Dog Nation out there a little bit earlier,” Richt said. “The Dawg Walk will be about 15 minutes earlier (10 a.m.) because of the senior festivities and I’m hoping everybody can be in the stands in time to honor those guys. We’re hoping to send them off with a great moment and hopefully they’ll play great during the game.”
Georgia will have approximately 17 seniors going through the short ceremony, which includes their immediate families
A do-over against South Carolina?
To date, Georgia has one blemish on its ledger, and it’s a rather ugly one. The Bulldogs were dominated by South Carolina 35-7 on Oct. 6.
Senior linebacker Christian Robinson, whose father played football for the Gamecocks, if he would like to play them again.
“I would love to,” he said. “I think we kind of walked into a, well, whoever was there knows. My dad said he’d never seen anything like it. I think we walked into something we weren’t mentally prepared for atmosphere wise. Some things happened so quick. We can’t go back and change. They got us when they scheduled the game and they showed up at the right time. But me, a person who’s dad went to South Carolina, I’d like to just so my dad doesn’t have the last laugh. We’ll see.”
Of course, Georgia and South Carolina won’t play again until the second game of next season, and Robinson will be graduated and gone by then. Depending on how these next two weeks go, he could indeed have the last laugh
“We’ve got a lot more at stake right now,” Robinson said of the Bulldogs’ BCS title shot, “so I’ll take that.”
They said it
“I didn’t really think it was over. We had a lot of football left to play. There were six more regular-season games at the time. So I didn’t really think it was over then. Historically, South Carolina’s due to lose a few, so I wasn’t worried about it.”
– Senior flanker Tavarres King, on whether he thought Georgia’s SEC and BCS possibilities were over after losing to South Carolina 35-7 on Oct. 6.
Etc. . . .
The Bulldogs practiced for more than two hours Tuesday in full pads in preparation for Tech. . . . Georgia’s injury situation looks greatly improved. Starting right guard Chris Burnette (shoulder) is practicing without limitations and should start on Saturday. Fullback Merritt Hall (ankle) also practiced full speed. Tailback Keith Marshall practiced in a non-contact capacity due to a shoulder contusion but will play on Saturday. . . . The Bulldogs will be going for their 11th win of the season on Saturday. There have been eight Georgia teams to do that. Among them were Wally Butts‘ 1942 national championship team (11-1), Butt’s 1946 team (11-0), Vince Dooley’s 1971 team (11-1), Dooley’s 1980 national championship team (12-0) and Dooley’s 1982 team (11-1). Richt has coached three: 2002 (13-1), 2003 (11-3) and 2007 (11-2). . . .
Georgia’s defense ranked fourth in the national in forcing three-and-outs with a rate of 59.3 percent. That’s an average of 5.4 per game. Florida leads the way at 6.8 followed by Florida State (6.8) and Wisconsin (5.6). . . . Tech and Georgia did not play from 1917-24 because of a parade float made by UGA students that ridiculed the Yellow Jackets for playing football during World War I. . . . The biggest UGA comeback against Tech came in 1978 when freshman Buck Belue came off the sideline with the Bulldogs trailing 20-0 and rallied them to a 29-28 win.
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221 comments Add your comment
NCDawg
November 21st, 2012
8:16 am
Joey – of course you are correct but with caveats. Aaron has had some pretty bad games against top opponents… all on his own. The 3 INT’s against UF stand out. However, things like dropped passes do not help his tightness in those games. I bet I can pick out at least one dropped pass in every single one of those games, early in the game, that if completed would have changed the course of the game. Our receivers need to catch balls early in the game to “help” Aaron out. It’s about getting in a groove.
Against Bama we need to get him in a rhythm early…that is the key. Easy throws to get the jitters out. Quick throws to let the line settle in. Do that he might just light up Bama the way he lights everybody else up. If Mettenberger can do it with a decidedly inferior set of receivers he should be able to get it done as well.
Hairy Dawg
November 21st, 2012
8:18 am
@TexasDawg
Really – that’s your argument??
That they got beat bad by a top ten South Carolina team??
And, then ask if I saw Johnny Football against Alabama??
Yes, I did see him… He had a great first half, then a good enough second half to lead his team to a narrow victory… And, actually, his defense won it for him with the interception or else we’d all be saying, “Wow that Johnny Football ALMOST pulled that one off!”
BTW – Dare we compare the fact that he has two losses on the season and is only rated as the 22nd best QB in the country and his team will NOT be playing for a chance at the NC game??!!
Don’t get me wrong – he definitely deserves the hype, but not the comparison you are presenting as argument for why Murray shouldn’t be considered…. Please come up with something better than that…
jj
November 21st, 2012
8:25 am
He’s Eric Zeier all over again. Outstanding college QB who won’t be able to see over his own offensive line.
NC_Dawg
November 21st, 2012
8:25 am
Just because your good in college doesn’t mean that will transfer to the NFL. Just ask Tim Tebow.
Murray will make a great back-up QB in the NFL. He can ride the pine, make a few million dollars, then move on with the rest of his life. But he will not be a starter in the NFL. If by chance he does start for a team, it will be ugly. He has never performed well on the big stage against really good defenses.
David Green is another good example. Great college QB, broke NCAA records, relegated to a back-up role in the NFL. Played less than four years.
Buzz 2011
November 21st, 2012
8:26 am
@bigdawg…… Dawgs done and your runt quaerterback finished!
Watch Tech take the ACC while Bama takes Dogs by 21 points.
NC_Dawg
November 21st, 2012
8:32 am
Buzz 2011 – I wasn’t aware you Tech Nerds smoked crack.
Is the ACC (Almost Competitive Conference) championship game even televised? They might put it on Raycom! Your conference is irrelevant!
Your team is irrelevant! Your coach is a dickwad! Your new honeycomb hideout uniforms are hilarious.
BD
November 21st, 2012
8:33 am
John — have fun in the chick fila bowl (and you will be lucky to get that one) after Clemson spanks that chickens butt this weekend.
MA English 75
November 21st, 2012
8:34 am
I like Murray, and I hope he stays another year. He is a great college quarterback. But I don’t think he’s physically big enough for NFL. I don’t see how he’s gotten back up after some hits in the SEC. He’ll be playing against even bigger & meaner guys in the NFL. On the other hand, if he goes pro, let’s hope a bigger and meaner offensive line will protect him 100% of the time!
RMikel58
November 21st, 2012
8:35 am
Murray should finish his obligations with Georgia another year and become the all time leader in college football. Win the Heisman and get drafted as the #1 pick.
The 17 Seniors have just 3 more games and all those games will be nationally televised and this is when they need to shine to showcase their talents.
Its make or break these next few games because Scouts will be watching those Seniors for the upcoming draft next season..
The seniors need to play balls to the wall the next 3 games.
ben t
November 21st, 2012
8:36 am
Love Murray…don’t see the arm strength necessary for the next level. Who knows though? We’ll need him at his very best the next three games…let’s see if he can deliver.
HunkerDown
November 21st, 2012
8:37 am
Buzz 2011…
Wow! Guess you spent too much time in the lab this year! Tech take the ACC?????? Haahahahaha!!! That’s hilarious man! You should be more worried about the curb stomp y’all are going to take this weekend. For all the talk that Tech does about UGA “backing” into championships and big games… aren’t y’all a 6-5 team that backed into the ACC Champ game this year?
old dog
November 21st, 2012
8:38 am
Hey stinger…WTF would you know about a quarterback? Tek should give that POS stadium of yours to the Varsity so they would have more room for parking. They would fill it with cars since you clowns can’t fill it with fans.
SickAndTired
November 21st, 2012
8:53 am
Murray has never won a big game. He’s so short it’s comical. He will have a lot of records, but the Alabama defeat will seal his legacy. He’s no better than some of those QB’s in the Big 12 that set all kinds of records with td’s and yards and never win anything. Murray should enjoy his time on the stage for the SECCG because that’s the last time he will ever be considered relevant.
Rainbow tide pride
November 21st, 2012
9:00 am
John who made you the fluffer for the day?
Fidlin1
November 21st, 2012
9:01 am
Thanks for a great year so far Aaron! You only get the College experience once. Let it ride another year and enjoy. Happy Thanksgiving.
NC_Dawg
November 21st, 2012
9:05 am
How tall are you SIckAnd Tired? I don’t think being 6 ft tall is comical. Yes, Murray is short by NFL standards. But that doesn’t mean he can’t play in the NFL. Is Drew Brees height comical? Is Arron Rodgers height comical? Michael Vick? Doug Flutie? Steve Young?
I agree, I do not think Murray will pan out in the NFL, but it’s not because of his height.
Rooney
November 21st, 2012
9:06 am
“But me, a person who’s dad went to South Carolina, I’d like to just so my dad doesn’t have the last laugh.”
Whose, not who’s
Rooney
November 21st, 2012
9:07 am
“I didn’t really think it was over. We had a lot of football left to play. There were six more regular-season games at the time. So I didn’t really think it was over then. Historically, South Carolina’s due to lose a few, so I wasn’t worried about it.”
– Senior flanker Tavarres King, on whether he thought Georgia’s SEC and BCS possibilities were over after losing to South Carolina 35-7 on Oct. 6.
Way to give Spurrier back a little of his own medicine
G-Dawg
November 21st, 2012
9:09 am
Murray has a ton to elite college level experience…runs pro system…all of which is transferable to the NFL systems. He will get consideration in the draft…but needs another year!!
hornblowermg
November 21st, 2012
9:10 am
HUTSON MASON is the best quarterback at Georgia by at least 20%. no question. it will be a dirty deal if he doesn’t get his chance next year, and Georgia should be ashamed, deeply ashamed, if he doesn’t.
DawgFan
November 21st, 2012
9:11 am
Aaron Murray is a DGD and if you watch the throws he makes he seems like he can make them all when his protection is good. His work habits at UGA have been great too. His and any NFL QB’s success hinges on how smart they make themselves at reading defenses to give themselves time throw. He has a good NFL shot but I hope he stays one more year.
DawgFan
November 21st, 2012
9:16 am
Consequences already seems bitter for the ass whipping his yellow turds will take this weekend. Murray will be a great hire for a company who has a lot of Tech Nerds working in cubicles. Help motivate those guys to put aside their Dungeons and Dragons fetish and try for a girlfriend or something. GO DAWGS
@John
November 21st, 2012
9:22 am
Yes, I realize SCe i desperate to become relevant. Georgia’s loss to SCe this year was ugly but at this point, from a practical perspective, totally irrelevant regarding Georgia’s potential outcomes. Georgia has to win out to become National Champion. That would be the case even if they had beaten SCe.
You do realize THIS is the zenith of SCe football, don’t you? It’s downhill for you guys from here on out, sport. Even your (former) recruits see the writing on the wall.
DawgFan
November 21st, 2012
9:24 am
Hornblowermg
What do you base this on? His success in garbage time against cupcake teams? Mason will get at least a year but to say he is better than AM has no foundation whatsoever. Do you really think the coaching staff would play the 2nd best QB when they could go 20% better with the other guy? Why?
Twilb Dawg
November 21st, 2012
9:24 am
TK nails it, “you can always count on USCjr to lose a couple or more.”
I love that their wins over us have basically been meaningless the last two years. I know it has to gnaw at HBC and their fans.
Texas Dawg
November 21st, 2012
9:27 am
@ Joey and Hairy Dawg…..
Act like I don’t have a point if you want but even at the national sport casters level it’s the same point I make! Other UGA fans on this blog make the same point!
Murry hasn’t got it done when it mattered in big games….he just hasn’t….he looks lost….int’s…fumbles……makes bads call at the line……..looks great and puts up great numbers against weak teams…………..
I would love nothing more than Murry leading or Dawgs to three more wins…..I really really really hope he does……….if he does then yes he should be considered…………….but at this point in his career at UGA he has great numbers against week teams……………………..
Joey…got ya…but……the fact still remains….FACT…….Murry has had a direct hand in the losses against teams in big games….it’s a fact…..I’m not the only one that understands this……………
collegedude
November 21st, 2012
9:29 am
Murray is a solid 3rd round NFL pick. He’s a good QB who tends to fade out in the biggest games. He’s had maybe an exception or two, but mostly he doesn’t show. And definitely don’t give me the UF game this year, we won inspite of him. This year he had 1 TD, 3 INTs and a 50% completion percentage in the UF game.
Given Murray’s inability to perform at a decent level in big games, I can’t see an NFL team investing heavily in him with an early pick. It wouldn’t make sense. Murray is a stat rat, building big numbers against inferior teams to cover his poor numbers when he plays teams that are on an equal level to his. UGA has many 1st round worthy players in this draft coming up, but Aaron Murray is NOT one of them.
My-Guy
November 21st, 2012
9:30 am
We need Aaron Murray badly next year with our *killer schedule*. We start the season @ Clemson, then he’ll get his last chance against SC, and meet Mettenberger again with LSU. I don’t understand why you people are thinking of taking him into the NFL 2013 draft, our schedule will be perfect for Murray getting ready for the NFL, we needs more footwork and practice against elite defenses, and we’ll still have Gurshall (RB), Arthur Lynch (TE), Malcolm Mitchell (WR), Michael Mennett (WR), and more will be back including our linemen, don’t worry our defense will rebuilt fast, Jordan Jenkins & Damian Swann will return as well. It’s the last year of the BCS, don’t replace a first-starter QB next year!
JB
November 21st, 2012
9:35 am
Murray has TWO reasons he’s having a better year. A much improved OL and two young talented Freshman running backs who have made a BIG difference in setting up the passing game.
Texas Dawg
November 21st, 2012
9:37 am
@ Joey and Hairy Dawg
Lot’s of folks on this board think the same thing I do!!!!!! It’s not that we don’t think Murry is a DGD and don’t want him to do well…………we do want him to do well
I want him to win the next three….win the Heisman…….and come back next year and do the same…………………He scares the you know what out of me in big games………
Dawgingatorville
November 21st, 2012
9:38 am
For everyone going to the game, PLEASE GET THERE EARLY TO CHEER FOR THE SENIORS!
GO DAWGS, BEAT TECH!
ugab
November 21st, 2012
9:39 am
Murray is a DGD!! I would love to Murray behing the ‘center’ for one more year. I can remember when we was recruiting him. I knew he was a baller. I believe Murray will stay in school.
JB
November 21st, 2012
9:40 am
Would like to see Murray back to give the kid from Camden County a year in the system.
JK
November 21st, 2012
9:44 am
If Murray were NFL material he wouldn’t play like a third string QB in big games. I just don’t see it happening.
GIVE ME A BREAK
November 21st, 2012
9:45 am
Please, don’t compare Murray to Vick. Two totally different men. Vick never was and never will be a pro QB. Murray has more class and character and will be very successful in life. I’m a GT fan but you have admire the guy.
CC
November 21st, 2012
9:45 am
GATA Murray!
bubba4dawgs
November 21st, 2012
9:45 am
I think the DAWGS will absolutely squash the bugs. They own the hedges! This is their house and no bugs are allowed to come in and smell up the place! It’s Senior Day and a statement has to be made…the last game they will be playing at home! Yeller Jackets will get some points (not many) but their “D” can’t hold down Gurshall, Murray and Company. DAWGS will prevail!! GATA!!
hmm
November 21st, 2012
9:49 am
I don’t get this short thing about Murray? He is 6′1. If he were just another inch taller at 6′2 then this would not even be a topic. I met Murray in an Athens restaurant and I am 6′5 and he didn’t seem short to me.
BIG MIKE
November 21st, 2012
9:51 am
If Murray doesn’t come back Hudson Mason is more than capable of handling the job. He also brings a little more to the table with his running abilities to go with a very accurate arm. Either way, your looking at a couple of years before the Camden Kid makes his debut.
ugab
November 21st, 2012
9:52 am
Murray will have a good OL and RBs next year. The Defense will be depleted. I think the “D” will be good, but young and unexperienced. Will all our Assistants stay is a good question? There are alot of job openings in the SEC.Murray is a DGD. If Murray chooses to go pro, he has my blessing. I would love to have Murray for one more season. Mason is next in line at QB. Mason has sat out this year to seperate himself from AM with the chance of playing one season. Shockley did good with one year. If Murray does go pro, Mason would be left with two seasons to play.
I want AM to win the next 3 games and bring a NC home to Athens. GT is next in line. Let’s see how it plays out. ONE GAME AT A TIME. GO DAWGS!! IT IS TIME TO HUNKER DOWN.
zbulldawg
November 21st, 2012
9:53 am
Education is big with the Murray family ! Don’t be surprised if Murray stays ! There is only once in your lifetime you can set records in college. Murray’s family dosen’t need the money. So that being said don’t be surprised if Murray stays !! But if he does choose to go UGA’s back up is off the chain !! He has a better arm & is a more rounded passer !! “short & long” I can’t image a QB not smiling about being in the same backfeild with Gurshall. This OL will be GREAT before they leave UGA !!! UGA’s QB’s are lining up REAL nice for the next 5 years or so !!! LET THE BIG DAWG EAT
Chris Mike
November 21st, 2012
9:54 am
When I look at Murray, I think of Dree Brees. Who is about the same height 6′1, but have about 10 more pounds of muscle. Murray could get to the level of a starting NFL quarterback. He will work hard and most of the times that do pay off. I’m a little worry about his mine state in big games, if he get rattle by Florida and SC defense what the hell he is going to do against Pittsburg. Murray need to show up big in his next two games expecially against Alabama. Beat them and his NFL stock would rise.
ugab
November 21st, 2012
9:55 am
Murray also is a student of the game. That goes a long way. DGD!!!!!!!!!!!!
DIT
November 21st, 2012
9:56 am
I know this comment will upset several of you, but I like Murray as UGA’s QB. However, I don’t believe he will do well in the NFL. Just my opinion. Let’s be honest, in big games going against a stout defense, he has not done well. He will be going against big defenses in the NFL every Sunday. We will see if he has learned anything when we are up against a very good Bama defense.
I hope the guy leaves and excels in the NFL. I just don’t see it happening.
baddawg
November 21st, 2012
9:57 am
Prediction – If UGA wins the NC this year then Murray’s draft stock goes up and he goes pro. If they somehow lose to tech and then lose to Bama Murray most likely stays to tray again next year.
DIT
November 21st, 2012
9:58 am
I would also like to add that yes, Murray is a DGD!
ugab
November 21st, 2012
9:58 am
Let’s get off the subject. The dawg nation needs to be worried about GT yeller Jackets.lol This is the state championship game. The NC is in reach. FINISH THE DRILL. THE GEORGIA WAY. OUR TEAM OUR TIME NO REGRETS.
ugab
November 21st, 2012
10:04 am
Murray was not protected in the SC game.
hahaha
November 21st, 2012
10:04 am
“Historically, South Carolina’s due to lose a few, so I wasn’t worried about it.” Love it!! TK gives smack talk right back to the ole ball coach. What is Spurrier going to whine about next year when UGA has LSU and Florida on its schedule and South Carolina still doesn’t make it to the SEC championship game?
Dog in Nam
November 21st, 2012
10:08 am
@ John 8:09am….Wow, you guys really need to let up. The vast majority of UGA folks always have respected USC…back when I was in school, 67 to 71, every year began with Sou. Carolina, and the loser would never feel like they could have a good season after the game….you and so many USC guys have the wrong idea….we get it…you are pointing out how Coach Spurrier has reversed a trend. Congratulations. It is quite an accomplishment. It really is. I know it hurts to lose and to lose out due to scheduling and etc., but the long term looking backward it is what it is also, and nothing will change that until more time has passed and y’all have won more…It has always been a competitive series with you guys giving up the edge a bit to us….but always, even in winning many years and times in a row, we always had battles on our hands…always did and always will….like I say, the vast majority of us realize the strength of the SC program now….but you need to realize that Coach S continues his jabs and barbs at UGA when he can get them….totally unprovoked…..that is just the way he is…and he loves to give a lot of shoot to UGA fans and folks, always has and always will, nothing to do with USC….but we are the Georgia Bulldogs and you know, Coach Spurrier knows and everybody else knows that we are a force to be reckoned with when you strap up against us…you guys are a big part of this recent surge of disrespect against UGA football among bloggers and people like you…people who appear to really be jealous of what we have…we know what you have and it is strong. Congratulations. But, don’t come along and brag about what has occurred in the last few years and even forget quickly about how y’all were vastly outplayed (agreed by Spurrier) in your victory in 2011.,…all that has gone, folded into your diatribe about the last four years….you have caught up with us…you have not passed us….if you had passed us, you would not still be losing 2 or 3 conference games per year….you talk like you should be respected as an LSU or Bama…..respected you should be as should we and several others, but you must win to be considered the winner….how come you guys are still misguided about all that….OK, you are hung up about UGA….many institutions are as they should be…we are the envy of the conference to many and that is why the poison that is spewed against us is so venomous….they are afraid of us….with all of the players and the level of HS football and HS coaching….I mean, Georgia has as good if not better athletes in state as any of our neighbors but we have a larger population than most and UGA is the only SEC school in state (like you in SC, just more population involved, similar athletic quality for sure)….so we have always have people fear the day that UGA wakes up from the nap of the sleeping giant and rolls everybody up into it’s activities, (I don’t think we’ve been asleep, but that is just a mythical theory about it)…..people really feel that way about our state, it is a point of pride for Auburn, Clemson, UT, Alabama, Kentucky, FSU and of course USC who always has and always will be dependent on our state to be competitive, a point of pride for all these schools to brag about the number of players they get from Georgia, and we understand that….It is a point of pride for all of us, particularly those of us who are also UGA alums and fans….We are awake and we are a place where great players want to come and play…not the only place, but certainly one of the very top, and we always will be….that is where you guys aspire to be and Coach S is bringing you in that direction….UGA people have always had tons of respect for USC football, way more so than the remainder of the SEC when you guys first came in….somehow, you guys have forgotten how much we have always respected you; but, that doesn’t give you just cause to start ripping us as some sort of upstart….you are the one with the misunderstanding here….it seems like you have been influenced by Lou Holtz even though you trashed his program with your comments….Please know that the vast majority of us UGA alums and fans have and always have had tremendous respect for South Carolina Football. Good luck and best wishes on continued success to you…There is plenty of good to go around, just don’t let those negative folks drag you into such a misunderstanding concerning the mutual respect between our programs…there really is a strong mutual respect there.