NG Kwame Geathers becomes UGA’s third junior to declare for NFL draft
Kwame Geathers had 40 tackles, five tackles for loss and a sack while starting four games for the Bulldogs this past season. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
On the day Georgia landed its new defensive line coach, the Bulldogs lost their most important defensive lineman.
Kwame Geathers, a 6-foot-6, 355-pound rising senior and four-game starter at noseguard, informed UGA coaches on Wednesday he intends to enter the NFL draft this year.
“That was the speculation since the bowl game, obviously, but nothing was in writing,” said Chris Wilson, who was officially announced as the Bulldogs’ defensive line coach Wednesday afternoon. “I didn’t get a chance to meet the young man but I know he was one heck of a player watching him from afar. I had yet to get a chance to sit down with him. But it’s one of those deals where you want what’s best for the young man. If him and his family feels that’s the best thing, you wish them the best of luck.”
Wilson had to deal with similar decisions while serving as Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator the past three years and while working at his alma mater, Oklahoma. The Maroon Bulldogs lost Fletcher Cox a year early to the NFL draft last year. Cox went to the Philadelphia Eagles with the 12th pick overall.
“It’s part of college football nowadays,” Wilson said. “If you get kids more than three or four years is rare and especially five years now.”
Geathers was redshirted, so he has already been at UGA four years. His departure is not unexpected as he comes from a football-playing family that rarely completed its college eligibility.
Geathers could not immediately be reached for comment. But but he first told the subscription-based website Dawgs247.com of his decision.
“I’m going to go ahead and leave,” Geathers told reporter Gentry Estes. “I felt like I was ready to go. I think I did everything at Georgia that I wanted to do. I felt like it was time to get a jump on the next step in my career.”
Geathers played in all 14 games for the Bulldogs (12-2) this past season. His primary role was to back up second-team, All-SEC starter John Jenkins. But after defensive end Abry Jones was lost to a season-ending ankle injury midseason, Geathers played primarily at noseguard while Jenkins moved outside to end. Geathers started in the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska and had three tackles. He finished the season with 40 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack and closes his career with 98 tackles, two sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
Geathers’ departure is not a surprise, especially considering his family’s history regarding the NFL. On Wednesday, Georgia announced it had hired Mississippi State defensive coordinator Chris White to replace Rodney Garner as the Bulldogs’ defensive line coach. Garner was extremely close to Kwame and the entire Geathers family, and his decision to leave UGA for Auburn was thought to galvanize Kwame’s decision to move on.
Georgia is hopeful that promising redshirt freshman John Taylor will be able to fill Geathers’ shoes next season. The Bulldogs also moved Garrison Smith inside to noseguard in the bowl game when Geathers had to leave the game due to fatigue. Rising junior Mike Thornton is also waiting in the wings and Georgia is hot on the recruiting trail for several other impact defensive line recruits, including junior college all-star Toby Johnson and high school blue-chipper Montravius Adams.
The Bulldogs had already lost star linebackers Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree to NFL early declarations.
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184 comments Add your comment
DawginLex
January 10th, 2013
11:59 am
LogicalUS
January 10th, 2013
11:30 am
“nose tackle of the future is being redshirted-J Taylor. That is why we are not desperately going after JUCO NG’s. We have 3 other young players ready to step up too. ”
Excuse the language, but horse pukey.
If the kid was he as great as people want to pretend now that the prior saviors are leaving then there is NO CHANCE that the coaching staff would have sat him when the UGA defense was having the huge problems it was having this season in slowing down the decent teams they played. Would not happened.
***************************************
Jenkins and Geathers were better than all of the others. That doesn’t mean that can’t step up when it is their turn
Geez
UGA grad
January 10th, 2013
12:07 pm
Every year, UGA just like all SEC schools has to wish our athletes a good bye and a good luck. These decisions are theirs to make.
As for 2013, I am excited about our new D line coach, he has a solid resume and his alma mater, U of Oklahoma, speak well of him.
Our newbies will be pumped and motivated. UGA should EASILY improve on D vs 2012 or recent past years. If not, UGA WILL never win the SEC.
Go Dogs
Class of 71&73
1eyedJack
January 10th, 2013
12:33 pm
The Geathers family should officially change their last name to Willeavearly.
Might have still been 2nd string next year behind Jonathan Taylor.
JB
January 10th, 2013
12:37 pm
Not really a big loss. For depth yes, but a game changer no. I’m trying to think of one explosive play……can’t………………Next…….and there are some ready……..Thanks for your service though.
Former Dawg Player Father
January 10th, 2013
12:38 pm
As the father of a former player who is now currently playing in the CFL with hopes of latching on to a NFL team, it is unfortunate that some people on these blogs have no( yes no) understanding of the dynamics it takes to play at UGA or any other premier program. The daily grind of school, tutoring, labs, film watching, football homework, practice, medical treatment , meetings, workouts and various other requirements from the university does to the student athlete.
When a student athlete like Geathers has nagging injuries, gets double teamed, crack backed, rolled up on and beat up during practice and games on top of all the items listed above it is not as easy to “comeback” like one of the smaller athletes and skill guys. Overall this is a decision he should have made because of the issues 99.9% of you have no clue about. I guarantee you one thing most of you will claim him as a “Georgia Bulldawg” if he does well in the NFL, the same guys will be on these blogs the day of the draft and count him toward the numbers of Georgia Bulldogs drafted and yell out loud of how UGA did good in the draft,
So before many of you keep trash talking, learn about what these young people go through and how many many of them are truly fighting for their personal existence and their livelyhood that many of them have had to fight for much of their lives.
Have a great day and Go Dawgs!
Dum-Bass
January 10th, 2013
12:42 pm
After these departures, and there will be more, I’m changing my top 5 prediction to maybe a top 10 finish. The offense will still be OK, but the defense will not be.
azdawg
January 10th, 2013
12:52 pm
With KG leaving just about wipes out most of the starting Defense for the dawgs. Well, most folks thought after losing 3 starters on the OL from 2011 team that would be a problem but actually the OL performed better this season then last. Having Gurshall as RB’s helped ease the transition. Maybe the same will happen to the D w/all the new faces next season. Hope so. Having most of the Offense returning next season will help D immensely. Hope so, again.
Bernie Matt
January 10th, 2013
1:04 pm
Since GA is a “red state”, I assume most Georgians do not believe in Welfare or “public assistance”. So why are the citizens of GA paying for the “welfare” for Mark Fox. He clearly is not working! He’s letting Richt offer basketball positions to football prospects and he can’t even muster a decent showing against an average to good UFL team!
bobby
January 10th, 2013
1:05 pm
Kwame is not ready for the NFL i think he needs one more year of seasoning. He still plays to high at times and i believe with an year of coaching, learning to play more low regularly and more consistent play he could’ve been a first round pick. he did play well here but not on a consistent basis. one more year would’ve helped him but the geathers family has a history of turning pro early.
MT
January 10th, 2013
1:09 pm
Geathers had to leave the game due to fatigue.
Geathers had to leave the game due to fatigue.
Geathers had to leave the game due to fatigue.
This is what bothers me. Had to leave the game because he was tired.
What is this coaching staff thinking?
This is the SEC, These guys should run sprints and be in shape like
a high school team that has to play both ways.
I still say conditioning is what cost us the game against Bama. Alabama’s backs
were not getting those big gains until the second half, it was obvious our defense was give out.This goes back to coaching.
Florida basketball
January 10th, 2013
1:20 pm
Bernie Matt: Florida is an “average to good” team. Wow! I am a UGA fan, but Florida is one of the top 10-15 teams in the nation easily.
DawginLex
January 10th, 2013
1:24 pm
We need to cut strings with Mark Fox and hire Orlando Antiqua from Kentucky.
Get it done with his agent behind the scenes right now Greg M!!!
To: father of Pro player
January 10th, 2013
1:31 pm
Sir, you hit the nailon the head. you opened my eyes and you are 200% correct.
Go Dogs
It starts with coaching that motivates
January 10th, 2013
1:38 pm
UGA’s O
Ine had a new coach entering his second year. I do not know why, the 2012 O lne played well and with experience, coaching communication and depth, will make us better.
The opposite is true with UGA’s D line, especially. In 2013, we will have a new D line coach, and new but healthy group of very physical players. I see major upward motion here. Look at the stats for 2012. why lament the exodus of the GA D for that year??
Go Dogs.
RedandBlackDAWG
January 10th, 2013
2:21 pm
On second thought, this guy was a reject. Thanks for coming out
James at Amelia Island , Florida
January 10th, 2013
2:30 pm
Good luck to you in the NFL. UGA will reload and will be fine on defense. I really like the new D-Line Coach. It’s time to bring in the new guys who love UGA and want to play. We must always recruit knowing some of the guys will turn pro in their 3rd year. Hard to turn down the $$ in the NFL.
Bring on the new guys who will work hard to play defense and who want to be at UGA.
Go Dawgs !
LawDawg
January 10th, 2013
2:45 pm
DawginLex: Well said WRT the run defense.
Hunkerdown: on what are you basing your assumption that Geathers is selfish?
Everyone hating on Geathers either doesn’t understand football or is a troll.
LawDawg
January 10th, 2013
2:48 pm
MT – is that just bad satire? How many DTs play every single game? The answer may surprise you (its none) and they all leave the game due to fatigue. Its a pretty tiring position to play. I’m assuming you have never played a game of football in your life. You know who else frequently leaves games to catch breath? Every defensive position (except DB, usually), as well as RB and WR. Not really unusual.
Former Dawg Player Father – well said.
LawDawg
January 10th, 2013
2:49 pm
I hate that my beloved team has such a vitriolic, arrogant, and ignorant fan base.
Seriously, where did all this hate for Kwame come from? I’ve never heard any real fan crap on a DGD like this. It is really, really strange.
RNB
January 10th, 2013
2:53 pm
The defense was going to struggle next year with or without Kwame.
RedandBlackDAWG
January 10th, 2013
3:04 pm
RedandBlackDAWG
January 10th, 2013
2:21 pm
I suppose I should somehow be flattered that some idiot on this blog, chose to use my nickname to post something stupid and contradictory, but I assure you I am not.
If you haven’t got the equipment needed to be a man, don’t try to mess with a person who does. It makes you look childish at best. Just a gutless wonder.
UGA Basketball
January 10th, 2013
4:40 pm
Georgia basketball has about hit an all time low. Some of hugh durhams terrible teams in the 1990’s would crush the current team. This year’s team does give effort but does not play with passion, caldwell pope is the only decent player the dawgs have this year. These other 2 and 3 star players are beyond pathethic. Never seen a team with lack of ball sense and scoring. I mean our guys can’t even finish off lay ups let alone jumpers or three’s. Fox needs to go ASAP…
MT
January 10th, 2013
5:33 pm
LawDawg
You assume wrong ,I played a down or two. Say what you want but the defense was tired out in the Bama game, even one of the commentor’s said something about it.Let me tell you something wise man, just because someone says something negative doesn’t mean their haters. Got it.
UGADawg97
January 10th, 2013
8:21 pm
Too bad AM didn’t go pro too. It is time for Mason to get a shot. Murray plays poorly in big games and is to the point where I just don’t see him getting any better.
UGADawg97
January 10th, 2013
8:22 pm
And yes our hoops team sucks but the Gators are legit final 4 contenders.
aarh
January 10th, 2013
8:57 pm
He did everything he wanted to do at UGA? I would think one thing he should want to do is start, & another is win a championship. He only started, what, 4 games. I mean, come on! I guess I’m not surprised though. People go pro all the time these days.
RED DOG 77
January 11th, 2013
12:34 am
HEY………..Red dawg…………..Leave my name alone dude !………..Try to be original how bout it…………..Sincerily………..RED
RED DOG 77
January 11th, 2013
12:39 am
Oh and by the way “Red dawg”…………I have been on this site for years as RED DOG…….you? I think mabe 6months……………..So back-off Bub…………….RED
Dawg Tired
January 11th, 2013
1:42 pm
I hope he does well in NFL. I am disappointed to read the following: “I think I did everything at Georgia that I wanted to do.” I would think that he would of at a minimum wanted to play on a team that was a SEC Champion (which, as we know, has usually resulted in a National Championship in recent years).
Dawg Tired
January 11th, 2013
1:44 pm
One question for the day to Dawg fans: Why is our AD “pleased with the direction CMF has the basketball program headed?”
flo-ri-duh
January 11th, 2013
2:04 pm
Good luck to Kwame…. hate to see you go but thanks for being a Dawg. Jonathan Taylor is the likely starter at NT in 2013. Clemson, S.C. and LSU – is there a more difficult schedule to start with any where in the nation? Signing day coming soon and UGA needs to close strong – Toby Johnson, Laremy Tunsil, Montravius Adams, Alvin Kamara, Reuben Foster.
flo-ri-duh
January 11th, 2013
2:06 pm
Don’t think UGA is pleased withe the basketball program…… recruiting in state recruits is key and so far has been a failure.
flo-ri-duh
January 11th, 2013
2:07 pm
In basketball you can leave any time – after one year if you wish and that makes recruiting priority #1. Florida and Kentucky have been successful – why not UGA?
flo-ri-duh
January 11th, 2013
2:10 pm
To get the in state recruits in Georgia they would have to be willing to invest the cash necessary to draw a top five college coach – probably won’t happen.