Well, the good news is UGA has another top 5 NFL draft pick, the bad news, he has to play for the Bengals, in what is one of the worst run frachises in all pro sports-for now at least. Of course Matt Stafford got drafted by the Lions which is not much above the Bengals, you have to say the Lions are looking up though as they have drafted well in recent years-they just happen to be in a VERY tough division with defending champs Green Bay and Chicago. As for AJ, the question now will become who is going to be throwing the ball to him.Whomever it is, that guy will become the 5th different QB to throw to AJ in the past 5 years, how many players can say that. Of course you go back to his SR in HS, then year one in Athens it was Stafford, year 2 Cox, year 3 Murray and now in the pros, maybe it is Carson Palmer, maybe not. As you might be aware, Palmer has threatened to retire rather than return to the Bengals. Course the Bengals will have a high draft pick in round 2 and there are still in my mind, two very strong QB's left on the board in Andy Dalton from TCU and Ryan Mallet of Arkansas. I would go with Dalton all the way, in fact I think he was more worthy of being a 1st rounder than several that were drafted in round one but what do I know.
The surprise to me was the Falcons indeed moving up to #6 and they TRIED to move up to #4-meaning they really wanted AJ but when Cincy wouldn't do a deal, they took #6 from Cleveland. I personally REALLY like Julio Jones, I have said before I think he very well could be a better pro than AJ because he is just a thicker/stronger more physical WR in my opinion. He is NOT as sure handed and does not run routes like AJ however. I still believe the Falcons gave up WAY WAY too much to get that pick though. Per reports, the Falcons gave up a No. 1, 2 and 4 this year and No. 1 and 4 next year. As I mentioned, the Falcons wanted to move up as far as #2 but couldnt' get that done-they wanted Green first. One thing I will say about the Falcons under Dimitroff, they formulate a plan and stick to it. I personally think adding defense is crucial to this team making that next step-and hopefully they will address a need on D with the pick in the 3rd round of this years draft. But, you have to think that part of the Falcons plan was to get a guy that could make an instant impact and this draft had very few of those type players to be honest. To me AJ, Julio, Peterson are three that really have star impact right out of the gate-and that is the area the Falcons moved to. Again, no one knows what will happen with the CBA, lockout etc, so the Falcons plan was to get the best player NOW and worry about tomorrow later. What I mean is, who knows what will happen with the draft for next year, and if Julio helps you win big this fall-you will be giving up a late 1st round pick in the draft next year. When all this CBA stuff is sorted out, if you feel you have a weakness on your D, you are more likely to find a free agent defensive player to fill your need. The Falcons do have some young D players that hopefully with another year of experience under their belt, will start to play better this upcoming season. That being said, if a good OLB/DE is availabe in the 3rd round that might be my choice-or a solid TE.
Baseball team has a BIG series this weekend against Arkansas in Athens. The Dogs are now 22-20, a series win here would help out in a big way. Suddenly your record moves to 24-21 and conference record improves to 13-8, after this weekend, only one remaining home series and that is against the #1 team or top 5 team in the nation, Vandy. So, in my opinion they must win the next three series and also the two non conference games coming up as well. I feel very confident that a UGA team with a winning overall and conference record, coupled with a very tough strength of schedule will make the regionals. Once in the regionals, this team sets up to do ok with two very solid pitchers. Ideally you would have 3 quality starters but having two that are very consistent is important because you have to think about the what ifs-what if you lose the first game, you have to have quality going in a game 2 losers bracket. Good luck to the Diamond Dogs.
Finally, congrats to coach Fox for getting a pay raise and contract extension. You can read more about it with the link I have provided below. I think it is a very good move and a smart move, show stability in our program and reward a coach for a job well done. I just hope the extra cash will motivate coach Fox to recruit, recruit and recruit more. I also hope he can work some magic with the team this year. Everyone expects us to be done but let me just say this, when Tubby Smith was our coach, he took over a roster that was full of seniors, took that team to the sweet 16. The next year, he had two returning guards that had not played a ton the year before-his son, GG and Ray Harrison and a few other role players and we earned a #3 seed I think it was, maybe #4-my memory stinks. Anyway, my point, no one expected us to have that good a year after losing Pertha Robinson, Carlos Strong, Terrell Bell etc from the year before. Everyone expects a big dip from us but to rule us out at this point is crazy. Coach Fox can coach the game so lets just wait and see.
http://dogbytesonline.com/fox-rewarded-with-raise-extension-45117/
Recruiting update, Dogs picked up another verbal, this one is probably the highest rated verbal to date for the class of 2012. Leonard Floyd is a sure fire 4 star prospect out of Dodge County. He is tall and lean right now but figures to grow into a good looking OLB or DE prospect. Speaking of DL, I ran into Robert Nkemdiche again last night at my sons baseball game, kid is HUGE in person out of pads but in the little interaction I had with him, very polite young man which is refreshing to see in a kid that in about 5 years time will be a millionaire 1st round draft pick (unless he suffers a bad injury).
http://dogbytesonline.com/floyd-sides-with-bulldogs-45123/
One closing note for the weekend, wow, Mark Richt is getting a little fiesty on the Bulldog club tour. Read this article to see how he responded to questioning in Macon. All I can say is, GREAT job coach. I appreciate the man you are in all aspects but I also like the fact that maybe you are coming out of your shell a little bit finally, showing people that under that calm you show at all times, there is a LOT of fire. Everyone have a great weekend and GO DOGS!
http://www.macon.com/2011/04/29/1542331/richt-gets-feisty-at-tour-stop.html
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
NFL draft starts tonight, my early predictions for starters against Boise
Well, tonight is the big night for AJ Green, and I guess potentially for Justin Houston. AJ is a certain top 5 or so pick. Of course most mock drafts have him headed to Cincy, let's hope someone in the top 10 maybe decides they want to move up and will work a deal so they can grab AJ. There is no way AJ sneaks out of the top 10 but let's just take a look at the top 10 and who they are likely to select-
As for other UGA players, you have to think Houston is a late 1st or early second round choice. Also, I expect Clint Boling to be picked anywhere from late 2nd to late 3rd. Beyond that, I hope Kris Durham gets a shot and feel sure he will. I also think Akeem Dent will be a possible steal in this draft in the later rounds-he could even sneak into the 3rd I believe. Darryl Gamble is also possible as is, believe it or not, Vance Cuff just based on his blazing speed. Also Shaun Chappas might get a look and big Josh Davis as well.
Ok, I have been reading a lot of people's opinions on the starter or projected starters for the Boise game. SO, based on what I have read and then my personal opinion, here is how I see game 1.
OFFENSE
LT-Cordy Glenn
LG-Kenarious Gates
C-Ben Jones
RG-Chris Burnette
RT-Justin Anderson
TE-Orson Charles
WR-Tavarres King
WR-Marlon Brown
FB-Bruce Figgins
TB-Isaiah Crowell
QB-Aaron Murray
DEFENSE
DE-Abry Jones
DE-DeAngelo Tyson
NT-John Jenkins
OLB-Jarvis Jones
OLB-Cornelius Washington
ILB-Christian Robinson
ILB-Alec Ogletree
CB-Brandon Boykin
CB-Branden Smith
S-Baccarri Rambo
S-Sanders Commings
I really don't think there is much debate about most of the starters. Some could say AJ Harmon will start at RT tackle over Anderson, some might say Anderson will play G and Burnette will back up Ben Jones and both guard spots. I guess there will be a lot of speculation about the TB position but honestly, I think there will be so much buzz about Crowell, he will get the nod UNLESS he gets injured. Reading about Ealey today, seems Richt is saying he has a long way to go to get his job back. King and Malcome had good springs but not great springs. Also, there could be another WR come in-Mitchell perhaps, that will take Brown's spot but for now I think it is his to lose.
Some could also agrue after the spring Kwame had, he will hold the NT spot. There will also be some debate as to whether Ray Drew can take the spot away from Washington. I think Commings will stay at S because he is just such a big kid, to me his future is at S and not corner. I am really excited about that starting group.
In the coming days I will try to update some recruiting information for the class of 2012. We all know it will be a smaller class but there are a LOT of top prospects in state that have us high on their lists. I think most will be waiting to see how this season goes. If we struggle, the fire Richt stuff will be so strong that it likely will scare most away. But, if we come out smoking to start the season, I think we will clean up yet again in state, with a few studs from out of state as icing on top.
One final note, today it is expected that Mark Fox will be getting a new contract. I say bravo to our AD for getting this done. But, I say to coach Fox, you had better be (and I am sure he is) recruiting your butt off because we need to continue to build this up and the only way that happens is increasing the talent level. Most have heard, 5star point guard from Marrietta, Ryan Harrow is leaving the NCST program, he is considering UGA but has already visited Kentucky. He will have to sit out this next year, but we could sure use and experience PG for 2012-2013 season considering both our starting guards will leave after this next season. Adding a kid of the potential of Harrow would be a huge pickup-the kid was probably a bit overrated out of HS but a year in our program with his obvious talent, it would be a really nice addition. If Kentucky is interested, I think you can say the kid must be very talented. I just hope maybe he sees more opportunity in Athens-time will tell but I hope Coach Fox and his staff can secure a great 2012 class, help earn that nice salary he has earned to this point.
| 1 (1) | Carolina Panthers A lot of folks say Cam Newton, while talented to me that is a big risk. |
| 2 (2) | Denver Broncos Marcell Darius seems to be the consensus for the Broncos-SEC farm team |
| 3 (3) | Buffalo Bills Von Miller LB from Texas A&M |
| 4 (4) | Cincinnati Bengals Unfortuntately, AJ here |
| 5 (5) | Arizona Cardinals Blaine Gabbert, Cards still looking to replace Warner so makes sense |
| 6 (6) | Cleveland Browns Julio Jones, they need a WR some say and Holmgren is now the GM |
| 7 (7) | San Francisco 49ers Patrick Peterson, this guy is a stud, could see him go earlier |
| 8 (8) | Tennessee Titans Nick the spear Fairley-punk is a solid choice |
| 9 (9) | Dallas Cowboys Most I see say it will be Tyron Smith an OT |
| 10 (10) | Washington Redskins Robert Quinn, DE from UNC that sat out last year. |
As for other UGA players, you have to think Houston is a late 1st or early second round choice. Also, I expect Clint Boling to be picked anywhere from late 2nd to late 3rd. Beyond that, I hope Kris Durham gets a shot and feel sure he will. I also think Akeem Dent will be a possible steal in this draft in the later rounds-he could even sneak into the 3rd I believe. Darryl Gamble is also possible as is, believe it or not, Vance Cuff just based on his blazing speed. Also Shaun Chappas might get a look and big Josh Davis as well.
Ok, I have been reading a lot of people's opinions on the starter or projected starters for the Boise game. SO, based on what I have read and then my personal opinion, here is how I see game 1.
OFFENSE
LT-Cordy Glenn
LG-Kenarious Gates
C-Ben Jones
RG-Chris Burnette
RT-Justin Anderson
TE-Orson Charles
WR-Tavarres King
WR-Marlon Brown
FB-Bruce Figgins
TB-Isaiah Crowell
QB-Aaron Murray
DEFENSE
DE-Abry Jones
DE-DeAngelo Tyson
NT-John Jenkins
OLB-Jarvis Jones
OLB-Cornelius Washington
ILB-Christian Robinson
ILB-Alec Ogletree
CB-Brandon Boykin
CB-Branden Smith
S-Baccarri Rambo
S-Sanders Commings
I really don't think there is much debate about most of the starters. Some could say AJ Harmon will start at RT tackle over Anderson, some might say Anderson will play G and Burnette will back up Ben Jones and both guard spots. I guess there will be a lot of speculation about the TB position but honestly, I think there will be so much buzz about Crowell, he will get the nod UNLESS he gets injured. Reading about Ealey today, seems Richt is saying he has a long way to go to get his job back. King and Malcome had good springs but not great springs. Also, there could be another WR come in-Mitchell perhaps, that will take Brown's spot but for now I think it is his to lose.
Some could also agrue after the spring Kwame had, he will hold the NT spot. There will also be some debate as to whether Ray Drew can take the spot away from Washington. I think Commings will stay at S because he is just such a big kid, to me his future is at S and not corner. I am really excited about that starting group.
In the coming days I will try to update some recruiting information for the class of 2012. We all know it will be a smaller class but there are a LOT of top prospects in state that have us high on their lists. I think most will be waiting to see how this season goes. If we struggle, the fire Richt stuff will be so strong that it likely will scare most away. But, if we come out smoking to start the season, I think we will clean up yet again in state, with a few studs from out of state as icing on top.
One final note, today it is expected that Mark Fox will be getting a new contract. I say bravo to our AD for getting this done. But, I say to coach Fox, you had better be (and I am sure he is) recruiting your butt off because we need to continue to build this up and the only way that happens is increasing the talent level. Most have heard, 5star point guard from Marrietta, Ryan Harrow is leaving the NCST program, he is considering UGA but has already visited Kentucky. He will have to sit out this next year, but we could sure use and experience PG for 2012-2013 season considering both our starting guards will leave after this next season. Adding a kid of the potential of Harrow would be a huge pickup-the kid was probably a bit overrated out of HS but a year in our program with his obvious talent, it would be a really nice addition. If Kentucky is interested, I think you can say the kid must be very talented. I just hope maybe he sees more opportunity in Athens-time will tell but I hope Coach Fox and his staff can secure a great 2012 class, help earn that nice salary he has earned to this point.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The good and the bad of yesterday
First, the good news. Finally a win against GTU in baseball. Just what the doctor ordered, a quality win and also a much needed win for our NCAA tourney hopes. Team is now 22-20, 11-7 in SEC play. Next up is a weekend series against Arkansas, the co leader the SECw btw. But for now, let's just enjoy the win over the Nerds-a team ranked as high at #9 in one college baseball poll, a team that he beat us 5 straight times over the past couple years. Also a team that we could very well face in the regional if we can make the tourney-getting a win against them can only do us good if that happens-knowing you can beat a team is a big thing as opposed to knowing that same team swept you the past two years. I did not get to watch the game or listen to it, for those like me, here is an AJC article about the game. Injured player Jonathan Taylor showed up and stayed at the game for 4 innings before going back to the Shepherd Center, where is rehabing his injury.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/uga-wins-prevents-tech-926092.html
This brings us to the bad news announced yestereday. Justin Houstin failed his drug test at the NFL combine. Ok, I love our players and always wish them well but sometimes you have to tell it like it is. HOW STUPID can you be to fail a drug test you KNOW is approaching? A player only gets one chance to make a first impression on a team-and from all accounts, Justin Houston had made a very favorable first impression with many NFL teams. Enough of a positive impression that he was nearly but not quite a lock for the first round. First round money is a LOT better than second round money. In fact, I have always said, if my son were in line to be drafted in the first round in any sport at any time-whether out of HS or college, I would advise him to go right away. This coming from someone that values education as much as anyone else but c'mon, I work in the real world where my salary for the year is made by these guys in probably one day of work-depending on their contracts or course. So, when you have a chance to be a 1st round pick, you do EVERYTHING in your power to make a positive impression on the NFL folks. The drug test announcement yesterday might very well cost Justin Houston a drop to the second round. If a player knows what he knew before the combine and still failed the test, how can you trust that this guy is going to make the right decisions on or off the field when he has a ton of money in his pocket. I still believe JH is a good kid and will be a very good pro football player but sometimes, you really have to question the intelligence of these kids. Here is an article also from the AJC that talks about how Houston was subjected to drug tests while in Athens-and if you remember, two years ago he had to sit out games due to being suspended for undisclosed team rule violations-which leads you to speculate that he failed a drug test. Remember, UGA has STRICT rules on drug testing, you lose 10% of your season with your first failed drug test, which equals two games. Guess how many games JH missed that particular season, 2 games.
http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2011/04/26/justin-houston-was-subjected-to-drug-testing-at-uga/?cxntfid=blogs_uga_sports_blog
Finally, this is an interesting read and I as much as I love AJ Green and his talent, just not sure this makes sense for the Falcons, a team that needs a LOT of help on the defensive side of the football. As Bradley points out, for the Falcons to move into the top 5 or so, they would have to give up more than their #27 and a number two pick this year. Likely they would have to throw in a talented player, probably have to throw in a #1 from 2012 etc, and to me AJ is not worth that-he is worth a lot but not that much. We shall see what happens but I just believe you can find quality WR's later in the draft. I still look at the guy in New Orleans, Marques Colston, 7th round draft pick in the 2006 draft from Hofstra. Guy has had two straight seasons over 1,000 yards receiving. My point, WR is a position where you can find a quality guy in later rounds that can contribute. I really like Randall Cobb from Kentucky, I can gurantee he will be available in round 2 or maybe even 3.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2011/04/26/from-peter-king-falcons-trying-to-trade-up-for-a-j-green/?cxntfid=blogs_mark_bradley_blog
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/uga-wins-prevents-tech-926092.html
This brings us to the bad news announced yestereday. Justin Houstin failed his drug test at the NFL combine. Ok, I love our players and always wish them well but sometimes you have to tell it like it is. HOW STUPID can you be to fail a drug test you KNOW is approaching? A player only gets one chance to make a first impression on a team-and from all accounts, Justin Houston had made a very favorable first impression with many NFL teams. Enough of a positive impression that he was nearly but not quite a lock for the first round. First round money is a LOT better than second round money. In fact, I have always said, if my son were in line to be drafted in the first round in any sport at any time-whether out of HS or college, I would advise him to go right away. This coming from someone that values education as much as anyone else but c'mon, I work in the real world where my salary for the year is made by these guys in probably one day of work-depending on their contracts or course. So, when you have a chance to be a 1st round pick, you do EVERYTHING in your power to make a positive impression on the NFL folks. The drug test announcement yesterday might very well cost Justin Houston a drop to the second round. If a player knows what he knew before the combine and still failed the test, how can you trust that this guy is going to make the right decisions on or off the field when he has a ton of money in his pocket. I still believe JH is a good kid and will be a very good pro football player but sometimes, you really have to question the intelligence of these kids. Here is an article also from the AJC that talks about how Houston was subjected to drug tests while in Athens-and if you remember, two years ago he had to sit out games due to being suspended for undisclosed team rule violations-which leads you to speculate that he failed a drug test. Remember, UGA has STRICT rules on drug testing, you lose 10% of your season with your first failed drug test, which equals two games. Guess how many games JH missed that particular season, 2 games.
http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2011/04/26/justin-houston-was-subjected-to-drug-testing-at-uga/?cxntfid=blogs_uga_sports_blog
Finally, this is an interesting read and I as much as I love AJ Green and his talent, just not sure this makes sense for the Falcons, a team that needs a LOT of help on the defensive side of the football. As Bradley points out, for the Falcons to move into the top 5 or so, they would have to give up more than their #27 and a number two pick this year. Likely they would have to throw in a talented player, probably have to throw in a #1 from 2012 etc, and to me AJ is not worth that-he is worth a lot but not that much. We shall see what happens but I just believe you can find quality WR's later in the draft. I still look at the guy in New Orleans, Marques Colston, 7th round draft pick in the 2006 draft from Hofstra. Guy has had two straight seasons over 1,000 yards receiving. My point, WR is a position where you can find a quality guy in later rounds that can contribute. I really like Randall Cobb from Kentucky, I can gurantee he will be available in round 2 or maybe even 3.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2011/04/26/from-peter-king-falcons-trying-to-trade-up-for-a-j-green/?cxntfid=blogs_mark_bradley_blog
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Final chance at GTU, in regular season that is...
Not much to blog about today except the baseball game at Turner Field tonight, 7pm, will also be on Fox sports south. Obviously you all know that Tech won all three games last year, and have taken the first two games this year. Tech is a good program, tough for me to admit but the truth hurts sometimes. That being said, we have enjoyed more post season success than the Nerds and yet we have also had some losing seasons sprinkled in. As I have mentioned before, I truly believe as much baseball talent as this state produces, there is ZERO reason for our program to ever have a losing season-course same goes for football and we are coming off a 6-7 season. I guess I just don't get why we can't have more consistency, Tech had Coach Morris back in the late 80's and early 90's, he left for Miami and they brought in Coach Hall-I think he was from Miami Ohio. He has continued on what Morris built and if you look at his record at Tech, he has only had two years where he didn't make the NCAA tourney, and both years he still had a winning record. He started at Tech in 1994 btw. Perno started at UGA in 2002, in 9 years he has led us to the NCAA tourney 5 times, if he can make it this year, it would be of course 6 in 10. But, 2007 we had a record of 23-33 and in 2010 a record of 16-37. He has had a couple other years where he was only 3 games over 500, one he made the NCAA regionals, the other he didn't. I am sorry but there is just no way I can understand why or how the GT program has become the consistent power it is while UGA will have a year of greatness but the next year might have a losing record. Yes, I am aware of the MLB draft-players can sign with a school out of HS only to get drafted out of HS and never set foot on campus. If you do get them on campus, they have to stay 3 years but then likely leave if they are very good players. Also, baseball does not get a large number of scholarships as well-this is where the HOPE has helped in state schools because some of the in state talent can qualify for that to help them out. Still, UGA is not the only school that loses talent to the MLB draft so I just don't buy that excuse.
Back to the game tonight, it would be really nice to beat GT tonight. They are ranked #12 and have had their way with us two times this year, although the last time we played it was a tight game. We are DUE to beat these guys so let's hope it happens. With our record at 21-20 overall, every win we get becomes HUGE for the post season. Our conference record and strength of schedule will get us in IF we have a winning record. So, this game really does mean a lot to us, much less meaning to GT except the fact it is Georgia and I am sure they want to continue to dominate the series. Here is an Athens Banner article about the improved UGA bullpen and a preview of the game tonight. Go Dogs!
http://dogbytesonline.com/bullpens-progress-breeds-optimism-44943/
Back to the game tonight, it would be really nice to beat GT tonight. They are ranked #12 and have had their way with us two times this year, although the last time we played it was a tight game. We are DUE to beat these guys so let's hope it happens. With our record at 21-20 overall, every win we get becomes HUGE for the post season. Our conference record and strength of schedule will get us in IF we have a winning record. So, this game really does mean a lot to us, much less meaning to GT except the fact it is Georgia and I am sure they want to continue to dominate the series. Here is an Athens Banner article about the improved UGA bullpen and a preview of the game tonight. Go Dogs!
http://dogbytesonline.com/bullpens-progress-breeds-optimism-44943/
Monday, April 25, 2011
Baseball team-mission accomplished, AJ about to become a rich man, etc
So the baseball team did just what they needed to do, win 2 of 3 from one of the worst teams in the conference this weekend-actually could have won all three but UT found a way to win on Friday night in extra innings. The team now sits at 21-20, 11-7 in SEC play. Up next is a game tomorrow against rival Georgia Tech at Turner field, as the Diamond Dogs try to avoid losing 6 straight to the Nerdy Insects. The next SEC series coming up will be Arkansas in Athens-Arkansas is a pretty decent club out in the west, right now they are tied for the lead in the west with a 9-9 conference record, along with the Barn and Ole Miss. Bama is one game behind at 8-10. Of course, we are 4th in the east but geez, we have 3 of the best teams in the nation in our division-UF, Vandy and SC are all 14-4 in conference. Vandy's record, 35-5, SC record, 31-8, UF's record, 31-10. We have played two close series with SC and UF, so I am hoping we can play Vandy close and at least get one victory there. But, the bottom line with this UGA team, we have to get our overall record above 500 so we can qualify for the NCAA tourney-do so and I think we get a #2 seed-my bet would be in the GT bracket, certainly has happened several times before so there is a track record there. To get over 500, winning these mid week games becomes more crucial in my opinion-it would be great to beat GT tomorrow night-we also have Mercer and Kennesaw State left. If you look at our remaining games, if you were to predict the outcomes based on our season to this point-which is to take 2 of three against teams we are equal or better than in SEC play, then lose to GT but beat Mercer and Kennesaw-remember they beat us once already this year but that was at their place, that would be a record of 9-6 in our last 15 which puts our overall record 30-26, breathing room going into the SEC tourney-we can only lose 2 possible games there. So, the way I look it, we must win 2 of 3 non conference games, we must win the series against Arkansas at home, Auburn and UK on the road and then get one of three against Vandy at home. If this team does not make the NCAA tourney this year, I honestly believe Perno will be shown the door-yes, this team has the toughest schedule in America but there is simply no reason a UGA team should fail to qualify for the tourney two years in a row. Let's just say I am 100% percent behind Coach Perno because I like the guy and think he is a good coach-I do get aggravated at our lack of consistency, but otherwise I like our coach.
Coming up Thursday night, AJ Green finally finds out where he will play next year. He will not get to sign the contract and get the money but he will at least know which team has his rights. Most mock drafts have him going unfortunately to Bengals with pick #4. The Bengals have a mess on their hands-they have an unhappy QB in Carson Palmer, two very talented but head case WR's in Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson-or is it back to Ocho Cinco??? Let's just hope that AJ goes to either Cleveland (where he can team back up with his mentor Mohamed Massaquoi or go to Arizona where he can pair up with one of his idols in Larry Fitzgerald. Of course I would love for the Falcons get move up to get him to pair with Roddy White but I don't want them to give away the future to get him and I would be willing to bet, they would have to give up quite a bit to move that far. Of course if the Falcons don't move to get AJ, maybe they can grab Justin Houston-they NEED another pass rusher opposite Abraham-course they will probably draft an OL-I do think the current folks running the Falcons are a LOT better than in the past but let's face it, other than Matt Ryan, they have not done great work in the first round-heck, considering that, if I were them I would trade down, maybe try to get 2 second round picks because this IS a deep draft so two #2's might be just as good at the #1 they have at 27. Speaking of the draft, I find it kind of funny how a lot of media folks think it is so crazy how college football fans get so excited about national signing day but then don't think a thing about NFL fans being crazy about the draft-how are they that much different. Sure, in the college game you sign about 20-25 guys, and they pick you as opposed you the team picking them and only having around 6 picks. Otherwise, you are talking about looking at your team/program and filling needs-and hoping the 1st round pick will live up to the hype-or hoping the 5 star will live up to the hype. 1st round picks are almost penciled to start, 5 star recruits are many times expected to come right in and start. Of course some lower picks end up being better than the high picks-Tom Brady for example. Just like in recruiting, some 2-3 stars end up being All American's, David Pollack for example. To me, the two events are much the same but it just amazes me how some folks-John Kincade for example, are such idiots when it comes to respecting the recruiting process. I think a lot of guys that come down here from the north, Kincade is just one of the many on the ATL sports scene, don't understand all the fuss over recruiting. Thankfully, Kincade has been working with Buck all these years and now I do think he does understand it more. Obviously ESPN has discovered how much folks following recruiting as well, a TON of coverage for it now. I know I HATE putting these young kids on a pedestal-and they call press conferences to rip off a shirt or pick a cap, but the fact remains, talent wins football games so it is a big deal.
As for UGA players in this years draft, AJ and Justin most likely land in round 1 I believe. You also have Clint Boling, a kid that reported to UGA as TE out of high school and was also known to be a very good hoops player at Chattahoochee HS (3 star prospect btw). No one expected that he would come in and play as a true FR but the kid has far exceeded expectations. Here is a good article about him in the Athens paper today. He could become the highest drafted lineman for UGA since 2003 (Boling is projected a 2nd or 3rd round pick)-obviously that is a LONG drought for UGA OL-something that hopefully will change in the near future.
http://dogbytesonline.com/boling-could-end-bulldogs-early-draft-drought-for-o-lineman-44920/
I will close with this article-Ray Drew made a name for himself with his play on the field during his HS football career. Course his recruitment was a big deal, he toyed with fans (included yours truly), his press conference to select UGA drew out former greats in Pollack and Randall Godfrey (of course that was also a secondary recruiting violation), he is also now scheduled to not only play football but throw the discuss when he arrives in Athens. Bottom line, this kid seems to be a great one in the making and I found this article in the AJC very nice.
http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/04/25/uga-5-star-football-recruit-ray-drew-and-the-charlie-daniels-band/?cxntfid=blogs_recruiting
All for today, hope you all had a nice Easter.
Coming up Thursday night, AJ Green finally finds out where he will play next year. He will not get to sign the contract and get the money but he will at least know which team has his rights. Most mock drafts have him going unfortunately to Bengals with pick #4. The Bengals have a mess on their hands-they have an unhappy QB in Carson Palmer, two very talented but head case WR's in Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson-or is it back to Ocho Cinco??? Let's just hope that AJ goes to either Cleveland (where he can team back up with his mentor Mohamed Massaquoi or go to Arizona where he can pair up with one of his idols in Larry Fitzgerald. Of course I would love for the Falcons get move up to get him to pair with Roddy White but I don't want them to give away the future to get him and I would be willing to bet, they would have to give up quite a bit to move that far. Of course if the Falcons don't move to get AJ, maybe they can grab Justin Houston-they NEED another pass rusher opposite Abraham-course they will probably draft an OL-I do think the current folks running the Falcons are a LOT better than in the past but let's face it, other than Matt Ryan, they have not done great work in the first round-heck, considering that, if I were them I would trade down, maybe try to get 2 second round picks because this IS a deep draft so two #2's might be just as good at the #1 they have at 27. Speaking of the draft, I find it kind of funny how a lot of media folks think it is so crazy how college football fans get so excited about national signing day but then don't think a thing about NFL fans being crazy about the draft-how are they that much different. Sure, in the college game you sign about 20-25 guys, and they pick you as opposed you the team picking them and only having around 6 picks. Otherwise, you are talking about looking at your team/program and filling needs-and hoping the 1st round pick will live up to the hype-or hoping the 5 star will live up to the hype. 1st round picks are almost penciled to start, 5 star recruits are many times expected to come right in and start. Of course some lower picks end up being better than the high picks-Tom Brady for example. Just like in recruiting, some 2-3 stars end up being All American's, David Pollack for example. To me, the two events are much the same but it just amazes me how some folks-John Kincade for example, are such idiots when it comes to respecting the recruiting process. I think a lot of guys that come down here from the north, Kincade is just one of the many on the ATL sports scene, don't understand all the fuss over recruiting. Thankfully, Kincade has been working with Buck all these years and now I do think he does understand it more. Obviously ESPN has discovered how much folks following recruiting as well, a TON of coverage for it now. I know I HATE putting these young kids on a pedestal-and they call press conferences to rip off a shirt or pick a cap, but the fact remains, talent wins football games so it is a big deal.
As for UGA players in this years draft, AJ and Justin most likely land in round 1 I believe. You also have Clint Boling, a kid that reported to UGA as TE out of high school and was also known to be a very good hoops player at Chattahoochee HS (3 star prospect btw). No one expected that he would come in and play as a true FR but the kid has far exceeded expectations. Here is a good article about him in the Athens paper today. He could become the highest drafted lineman for UGA since 2003 (Boling is projected a 2nd or 3rd round pick)-obviously that is a LONG drought for UGA OL-something that hopefully will change in the near future.
http://dogbytesonline.com/boling-could-end-bulldogs-early-draft-drought-for-o-lineman-44920/
I will close with this article-Ray Drew made a name for himself with his play on the field during his HS football career. Course his recruitment was a big deal, he toyed with fans (included yours truly), his press conference to select UGA drew out former greats in Pollack and Randall Godfrey (of course that was also a secondary recruiting violation), he is also now scheduled to not only play football but throw the discuss when he arrives in Athens. Bottom line, this kid seems to be a great one in the making and I found this article in the AJC very nice.
http://blogs.ajc.com/recruiting/2011/04/25/uga-5-star-football-recruit-ray-drew-and-the-charlie-daniels-band/?cxntfid=blogs_recruiting
All for today, hope you all had a nice Easter.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Happy Easter
Not much to blog about today, unless you want to discuss the T day game-how appropriate the Tech spring game is the T game, considering their uniform color resembles the color of urine (as a kid my Mom used to say do you need to Tee Tee)!! Speaking of GTU, notice they had Charlie Sheen to visit the baseball team yesterday. Now, I think the guy is HILARIOUS to listen to as he is a train wreck waiting to happen but NOT exactly the type guy I want hanging with my players-still, not like he could rub off on any of those guys spending 3 hours with them so I don't really see the big deal in it all. I did think it funny that during Sheen's show last night at the Fox, he put on a Matt Ryan jersery, a Brave jersey and the put on a GT shirt/jersey and got BOOO's from the crowd. VERY NICE, even in the ATL GT gets boo'd, gee, I wonder why that is-I will not go there because it is Easter weekend and I want to be nice as this is Good Friday after all.
Our baseball team takes on the ugly orange this weekend, let's hope they can win 2 of 3 against the Vols, a team that has struggled in conference this year. You have to like our chances in the first two games, those two starters have done very well so far this year. The Sunday starter, well, he has been like a yo yo so considering he had a bad performance last Sunday against the Gators, he should be due for a good one this week. Speaking of the baseball team, I am starting to feel the same way about Coach Perno as I do about Coach Richt. Great guy, has had great success-really in both cases have been the most successful coaches we have ever had at our school. But, both are now at a crossroads-Perno lead us to within a game of winning a title two years ago, last year was HORRIBLE, this year is yet to be determined. Richt, well, everyone that reads this blog knows the great job he has done, until the past two years-and actually, I still don't think 2009 was a bad year considering the number of turnovers we had vs how many we forced, the loss of our starting OT in game one of the season, AJ Green missing a couple games, we were 8-5 that year and easily could have won a game or two we lost, that even with having the much maligned Joe Cox at QB-I mean the Okie State game that year was there for the taking but Cox played with the flu and we could not score-and of course that was about the only game Dez Bryant played that year for OSU-that would have REALLY helped our cause if he didn't play considered he killed us that day. Against UK, we had a TWO TD lead but managed to turn the ball over time and time again in the second half. The LSU game, that HORRIBLE call on AJ cost us that game. Obviously UT and UF killed us that year but I still don't consider that a horrible year-last year WAS a horrible year because with or without AJ we had no business losing to Miss State (I know they were much improved but the Ealey fumble was the play of that game), Colorado, or UCF. We had way too much talent to lose those games and if we had won them, we go 9-4. I still say the Arkansas game was another we should have won, tie game and we have the ball at midfield with under 2 minutes to play, a GREAT kicker waiting to get a try to win the game and we can't make a first down after our first down play picks up 8 yards!!
My point is, both our baseball and football programs have outstanding coaches BUT how long can you stay with them and allow them to turn the program around. The fact remains, we lost 7 games in football last year and had no business doing that. Our baseball team was dreadful last year, and with as much baseball talent as this state produces, our team should always be good-if GT baseball can stay consistently good year in and year out, despite the talent they lose every year to MLB, NO EXCUSE why UGA shouldn't be just as consistently good. So, I think McGarity has some tough decisions ahead of him IF both Perno and Richt don't turn things around. I think Perno is on the clock right now. If this team fails to make the NCAA tourney this year, I think he is fired. UF fired their baseball coach while McGarity was there for missing the NCAA tourney ONE year. I remember when that happened and thought, WOW, they have high expectations there-we should have them at UGA as well for baseball. As for football, I think it is well documented that Richt is coaching for his job this year. I have stated numerous times, I think he MUST win 9 games during the regular season to save his job. It is possible he can save it going 8-4 but if you look at our schedule, I find it hard to believe there are 4 teams that should beat us. Are there 4 teams that can beat us, without a doubt yes. The first two games are huge because of this. An 0-2 start to me almost assures Richt loses 4 games because you have to figure we will lose to UF again-just based on the percentages, we can't beat them. You then have to figure someone else finds a way to beat us, the trip to Knoxville has not been pleasant the last two visits. Lexington can be dangerous, Oxford-you never know there, even GT has a shot at us because not like we are blowing them out these days and rarely do we ever blow them out. We win the game about 80% of the time but the games are always close. I personally believe that if we start the season 0-2, it will get ugly fast. The negative folks will double or triple in numbers and then every decision/play will become nitpicked. Recruiting will suffer, the program will suffer as well. Still, the way our schedule sets up this year, if we can win both those early games, our ranking will climb quickly as those games give us a chance for immediate respect. No doubt that kick off classic is going to have huge ratings across the SE, UGA faithful of course but our SEC neighbors will be watching in full force-seeing if UGA is back or if we are down for the count. I think it will be interesting to get the pulse of our SEC foes on that game-do they cheer for UGA because of the conference and not wanting the mighty SEC to go down to Boise, or do they hope UGA loses to further bring the demise of Richt and company-there is no doubt our home state is LOADED with talent. UGA in turmoil does a lot of our neighbors good.
Well, hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend. I can't believe it is almost May, the football preseason magazines are just around the corner. Take care and I will blog again next week. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Our baseball team takes on the ugly orange this weekend, let's hope they can win 2 of 3 against the Vols, a team that has struggled in conference this year. You have to like our chances in the first two games, those two starters have done very well so far this year. The Sunday starter, well, he has been like a yo yo so considering he had a bad performance last Sunday against the Gators, he should be due for a good one this week. Speaking of the baseball team, I am starting to feel the same way about Coach Perno as I do about Coach Richt. Great guy, has had great success-really in both cases have been the most successful coaches we have ever had at our school. But, both are now at a crossroads-Perno lead us to within a game of winning a title two years ago, last year was HORRIBLE, this year is yet to be determined. Richt, well, everyone that reads this blog knows the great job he has done, until the past two years-and actually, I still don't think 2009 was a bad year considering the number of turnovers we had vs how many we forced, the loss of our starting OT in game one of the season, AJ Green missing a couple games, we were 8-5 that year and easily could have won a game or two we lost, that even with having the much maligned Joe Cox at QB-I mean the Okie State game that year was there for the taking but Cox played with the flu and we could not score-and of course that was about the only game Dez Bryant played that year for OSU-that would have REALLY helped our cause if he didn't play considered he killed us that day. Against UK, we had a TWO TD lead but managed to turn the ball over time and time again in the second half. The LSU game, that HORRIBLE call on AJ cost us that game. Obviously UT and UF killed us that year but I still don't consider that a horrible year-last year WAS a horrible year because with or without AJ we had no business losing to Miss State (I know they were much improved but the Ealey fumble was the play of that game), Colorado, or UCF. We had way too much talent to lose those games and if we had won them, we go 9-4. I still say the Arkansas game was another we should have won, tie game and we have the ball at midfield with under 2 minutes to play, a GREAT kicker waiting to get a try to win the game and we can't make a first down after our first down play picks up 8 yards!!
My point is, both our baseball and football programs have outstanding coaches BUT how long can you stay with them and allow them to turn the program around. The fact remains, we lost 7 games in football last year and had no business doing that. Our baseball team was dreadful last year, and with as much baseball talent as this state produces, our team should always be good-if GT baseball can stay consistently good year in and year out, despite the talent they lose every year to MLB, NO EXCUSE why UGA shouldn't be just as consistently good. So, I think McGarity has some tough decisions ahead of him IF both Perno and Richt don't turn things around. I think Perno is on the clock right now. If this team fails to make the NCAA tourney this year, I think he is fired. UF fired their baseball coach while McGarity was there for missing the NCAA tourney ONE year. I remember when that happened and thought, WOW, they have high expectations there-we should have them at UGA as well for baseball. As for football, I think it is well documented that Richt is coaching for his job this year. I have stated numerous times, I think he MUST win 9 games during the regular season to save his job. It is possible he can save it going 8-4 but if you look at our schedule, I find it hard to believe there are 4 teams that should beat us. Are there 4 teams that can beat us, without a doubt yes. The first two games are huge because of this. An 0-2 start to me almost assures Richt loses 4 games because you have to figure we will lose to UF again-just based on the percentages, we can't beat them. You then have to figure someone else finds a way to beat us, the trip to Knoxville has not been pleasant the last two visits. Lexington can be dangerous, Oxford-you never know there, even GT has a shot at us because not like we are blowing them out these days and rarely do we ever blow them out. We win the game about 80% of the time but the games are always close. I personally believe that if we start the season 0-2, it will get ugly fast. The negative folks will double or triple in numbers and then every decision/play will become nitpicked. Recruiting will suffer, the program will suffer as well. Still, the way our schedule sets up this year, if we can win both those early games, our ranking will climb quickly as those games give us a chance for immediate respect. No doubt that kick off classic is going to have huge ratings across the SE, UGA faithful of course but our SEC neighbors will be watching in full force-seeing if UGA is back or if we are down for the count. I think it will be interesting to get the pulse of our SEC foes on that game-do they cheer for UGA because of the conference and not wanting the mighty SEC to go down to Boise, or do they hope UGA loses to further bring the demise of Richt and company-there is no doubt our home state is LOADED with talent. UGA in turmoil does a lot of our neighbors good.
Well, hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend. I can't believe it is almost May, the football preseason magazines are just around the corner. Take care and I will blog again next week. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Another mid week loss to the ACC-YUCK
I am tired of losing to the ACC in mid week games, this time a 5-2 loss to Clemson, who now has won 4 straight against us, two consecutive years they have swept us. IF GT beats us at Turner field in the next week, they will have swept us two years in a row. What is KILLING this team right now is walks from the pitchers and lack of clutch hitting-or should I say being able to string hits together. The last two games, our pitchers have walked a ton of guys, then given up big homers, then on offense, we get the same number of hits as our opponents but score half the runs. The Dogs now sit at 19-19 on the season, yet they have a good SEC record. I almost equate the baseball team to the basketball team, a good team at times but not consistent, a team that can win some SEC games but struggles to beat the quality opponents, yet scheduling the quality opponents, ouf of conference, ends up helping their strength of schedule and overall resume. So, the key going forward is to continue to win SEC series. I put the SEC standings up yesterday, no doubt we need to take 2 of 3 from UT and Kentucky, then also hope to do that with AU. If we can win 1 of 3 against Vandy/Arky, we would finish with a conference record of 17-13 which is REALLY good. Let's just hope they can go back on a winning streak and make it happen.
Not much else out there today, a couple of football related articles I will provide links for, good reads about our defense and Mark Richt out on the road talking to the Savannah Bulldog club. You know the road trips in the spring/summer and the call in show might be some of the toughest things a coach has to do but are under contract to do both. Of course, if the program is running smoothly, those two are much easier to take part in. When the program is in decline, as is ours, I can imagine it get tougher to do even for a person of faith like Mark Richt. As for our D, I am really excited about what we can do this year because I think the addition of Geathers/Jenkins in the middle is going to allow Ogletree, Jarvis Jones, Samuel, Washington, Drew etc to make a lot of plays. I think having two corners like Smith and Boykin-guys that are upperclassmen that if nothing else have great speed/recovery ability, along with Rambo/Commings at safety, well, let's just say I look forward to seeing what happens. And the good news is, unlike some years where you play a cupcake in week one-which is essentially like a Gday type game where you can't really tell how good or bad you are, we will be tested game one. In that game, we likely will face without question the best QB we will face all year-against an offense that is very balanced. That should be a great test to see what Grantham and company can do, we have all summer to prepare and we have a team that SHOULD be hungry for respect.
So, first article is about Richard Samuel, a kid that is somewhat forgotten after redshirting last year but the kid is going to be a great linebacker for us-he had a good spring and I think LB is his natural position. He is FAST, big, strong and can really strike you. He also is a very bright kid and very humble-he is determined to prove we didn't make a mistake in recruiting him. Not many kids will ever say that. This article is old but I had not read it until this morning.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/heralded-tailback-tries-to-912803.html
Second is an article in today's AJC about our D, talking a lot about "Tree" and the impact he along with Jarvis Jones can make at a position many thought we drop way off after we lost Dent, Gamble and Houston.
http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2011/04/20/tree-turns-lb-from-position-of-weakness-to-one-of-strength-for-dogs/?cxntfid=blogs_uga_sports_blog
Finally the Athens article about Richt in Savannah.
http://dogbytesonline.com/richt-talks-football-in-savannah-44795/
Why folks continue to ask him if UGA will recruit Deion Bonner is beyond me. He has said no comment and so leave it at that. I believe if something changes, Richt will be sure to let the media know. I hope his answer will eventually be, "we love Deion and wish him the best, unfortunately his future will not be in Athens."
Not much else out there today, a couple of football related articles I will provide links for, good reads about our defense and Mark Richt out on the road talking to the Savannah Bulldog club. You know the road trips in the spring/summer and the call in show might be some of the toughest things a coach has to do but are under contract to do both. Of course, if the program is running smoothly, those two are much easier to take part in. When the program is in decline, as is ours, I can imagine it get tougher to do even for a person of faith like Mark Richt. As for our D, I am really excited about what we can do this year because I think the addition of Geathers/Jenkins in the middle is going to allow Ogletree, Jarvis Jones, Samuel, Washington, Drew etc to make a lot of plays. I think having two corners like Smith and Boykin-guys that are upperclassmen that if nothing else have great speed/recovery ability, along with Rambo/Commings at safety, well, let's just say I look forward to seeing what happens. And the good news is, unlike some years where you play a cupcake in week one-which is essentially like a Gday type game where you can't really tell how good or bad you are, we will be tested game one. In that game, we likely will face without question the best QB we will face all year-against an offense that is very balanced. That should be a great test to see what Grantham and company can do, we have all summer to prepare and we have a team that SHOULD be hungry for respect.
So, first article is about Richard Samuel, a kid that is somewhat forgotten after redshirting last year but the kid is going to be a great linebacker for us-he had a good spring and I think LB is his natural position. He is FAST, big, strong and can really strike you. He also is a very bright kid and very humble-he is determined to prove we didn't make a mistake in recruiting him. Not many kids will ever say that. This article is old but I had not read it until this morning.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/heralded-tailback-tries-to-912803.html
Second is an article in today's AJC about our D, talking a lot about "Tree" and the impact he along with Jarvis Jones can make at a position many thought we drop way off after we lost Dent, Gamble and Houston.
http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/2011/04/20/tree-turns-lb-from-position-of-weakness-to-one-of-strength-for-dogs/?cxntfid=blogs_uga_sports_blog
Finally the Athens article about Richt in Savannah.
http://dogbytesonline.com/richt-talks-football-in-savannah-44795/
Why folks continue to ask him if UGA will recruit Deion Bonner is beyond me. He has said no comment and so leave it at that. I believe if something changes, Richt will be sure to let the media know. I hope his answer will eventually be, "we love Deion and wish him the best, unfortunately his future will not be in Athens."
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Baseball tonight vs. Clemson, a few good reads
Tonight the baseball team will host Clemson at Foley Field at 7pm. For those that have CSS, it will be on TV. I don't know about you all but I am ready for the baseball team to beat a decent mid week opponent as we have dropped 2 games to GT and one to Clemson recently. Course as I have been saying, one thing you can say about Coach Perno in regards to his schedule, he is not afraid to play quality opponents. Assuming the team can qualify for the SEC tourney, I think the strength of schedule will get them in the NCAA tourney. After Clemson, they will travel to Knoxville to play UT, a team behind them in the SECe. Matter of fact, since baseball is not a sport that gets a lot of pub, I will put the current SEC standings below so you will know how it stands at just past the midway point in the SEC schedule. Below that you will see an article about the game tonight with Clemson from the Athens paper.
EASTERN DIVISION
EASTERN DIVISION
SEC Pct. GB All Pct.
South Carolina 12-3 .800 -- 28-7 .800
Florida 11-4 .733 1.0 28-9 .757
South Carolina 12-3 .800 -- 28-7 .800
Florida 11-4 .733 1.0 28-9 .757
Vanderbilt 11-4 .733 1.0 32-5 .865
Georgia 9-6 .600 3.0 19-18 .514
Tennessee 4-11 .267 8.0 21-15 .583
Kentucky 2-13 .133 10.0 17-20
WESTERN DIVISION
SEC Pct. GB All Pct.
SEC Pct. GB All Pct.
Alabama 8-7 .533 -- 24-15 .615
Arkansas 8-7 .533 -- 26-9 .743
Ole Miss 8-7 .533 -- 23-14 .622
Auburn 7-8 .467 1.0 20-15 .571
Mississippi State 6-9 .400 2.0 22-14 .611
LSU 4-11 .267 4.0 23-14 .622
In case you were wondering, UGA still has series left with UT, UK, Auburn, Arkansas and Vandy. Series against Vandy and Arkansas are at home, all others on the road. So, the best two teams left on the schedule come to Athens which is good I guess-seems we have played better on the road.
Ok, so not much more today, I wanted to link you a couple good reads from the Athens paper today so you will see those below. First one is about Mark Richt's spring/summer Bulldog club meeting schedule. He will be speaking to 11 groups this year, already finished one up yesterday matter of fact.
Last up is an article about the strength and conditioning program-more specifically that AD McGarity plans to hire a nutrition specialist to help work with the players on diet. Something that was done down at UF during his stay there and he wants to continue in Athens. Good idea I say.
Off the football subject for a minute, per this article the Gymdogs are moving in the right direction even if this season ended with disappointment. As I pointed out recently, I am no expert on women's gymnastics but to me our gymnasts are not less talented than they were two years ago when Coach Yoculan won a national title, I just think she was a GREAT coach and got the girls to perform at a higher level than the current coach-but again, what do I know.
Finally, I am guessing Hines Ward is doing well on Dancing with the Stars, from what I have heard, he is the top dancer on the show-getting some high scores and fan support at least. Also heard fans in Baltimore are voting AGAINST him because of their hatred for the Steelers!! Pretty funny. But, last night when I tuned in, I have to admit it sure looked strange seeing Hines decked out in the Naval officer uniform. He does have a VERY nice looking dance partner and there are rumors of them getting romatically involved-I thought Hines was married? Have to check up on that.
Have a great day.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Finally a minute to blog, Carver situation and hoops recruiting AGAIN
OK, so by now everyone is aware that a top UGA recruit was involved in the theft of various items at the Butts-Mehre building a couple weeks ago. Deion Bonner was a top recruit in the 2012 class, was charged and arrested on one count of theft by taking. As many also know this is kid is from Carver-Columbus, a program with some highly talented and targeted D1 athletes, including Isaiah Crowell and Jarvis Jones. It is also the school that made national headlines for banning all football coaches from recruiting at the school due a miscommunication with another football player that wanted to commit but was told he didn't have a spot. Obviously the fences were mended with Jarvis deciding to head back to Athens after being told he could no longer play at Southern Cal due to a neck injury, and then of course Crowell and Harrow signing in Feb. Deion Bonner had gone on the record as saying UGA was his leader, most considered him a lock. Now, after his probably last visit to Athens as a potential recruit (just my speculation) you have to wonder how that relationship between high school and UGA stands today. I tend to believe, considering the circumstances, Carver folks-most notably the head coach Dell McGee will understand why UGA can no longer recruit this young man. I know kids make mistakes but his was a HUGE one-and then to get on facebook to boot, just not a bright idea, I would call it STUPID matter of fact. So, I am of the belief this kid should no longer be considered a prospect for us. Coach Richt has said nothing publicly and I think that a wise decision. Either way he goes, it is best not to say anything before the ink dries on the stories about what happened. Let Carver officials make all the public comments for now. What we do know is the Carver has suspended the football players involved for at minimum 5 games, kids will also do a lot of community service. I know this kid probably deserves a second chance and I am sure he will get one-I just don't think it should be at UGA. If this damages the relationship UGA has built back up at the school, so be it. You have to do what is right and to me not allowing him the privilege to play at UGA is what is right in this situation.
Kevin Ware has decided to attend.....UCF??? What the ****??? I love the Orlando area and enjoy Disney World but would I want to go play hoops there instead of Louisville or UGA?? Uh, no. Something is really fishy here to me-not recruiting violations, but either this kid didn't want to have to face the school he truly loves-UT, or he is not confident in his abilities enough that he though he could get a lot of PT in Athens. With Louisville, I think they were really going to have to make things work to add him as they were already full. UGA had a spot and tried to get a visit but he visited UCF and committed-they must have sold him on starting right away is what I am thinking. Also, many have said they believe Fox's triangle offense is holding kids back because it takes a while to learn the offense. I have to disagree with that, a lot of teams in the NBA run versions of the triangle-it makes sense to learn and perfect it in college to me. Kind of like a FB recruit saying he didn't want to play in the "pro" style offense because it takes too long to learn. Sure, if you are good enough you can get drafted and play pro ball and learn the system but I refuse to believe our offensive system is what is holding us back. The latest recruit we are going after is a center out of North Carolina, John Cannon. He is 6'11" 240lbs, averaged 22pts, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks a game as a SR. Great stats, sounds good but he will consider UGA, Northwestern and Old Dominion??? Also has offers from UNC-Asheville, Applachian State, UNC-Wilmington, Princeton and Richmond. I know nearly 7 footers don't grow on trees but do we really need this guy IF the JUCO guy is coming in at basically the same size and I might add, with about the same type offers before he signed with us? I am really trying to hold out hope for the 2012 class but I will be honest here, Coach Fox to me heading clearly up the Dennis Felton tree with recruiting. This kid might end up developing into a NBA caliber player but to me he is basically like Daniel Miller-now at Tech but had signed with UGA and we let him go when Fox was hired. He was not ready for ACC or SEC play and GT redshirted him, last year he started and while not great was not horrible. I just don't know, I don't expect us to get a top 5 recruiting class but I do expect that he should be getting more than he has and this 2012 class is so crucial. We still have a legit shot to land some great in state players for 2012 but certainly 2011 has NOT been a great recruiting effort for Fox and his assistants. We now have 4 players committed, 2 from the state, if we add Cannon, it will be 2 of the 5 from in state.....ugh.
One last note to pass along, a kid I have been plugging here since about the time I started the blog just blew up at the last NIKE combine in Athens. Robert Nkemdiche of Grayson HS simply dominated the camp and left with folks saying he will most likely be the #1 player in the state, class of 2013 and could be nationally the top ranked player. The kid lives what, 40-50 minutes from Athens-out in my neck of the woods. If you see him in person, you are amazed at just how solid he is put together-mammoth kid at 6'5 260 and only a sophomore-he also runs very well-plays some running back on the football team at times. Well, unfortunately, I don't think we will land him. I have NO IDEA how long this arrangement will last but for the time being, I have heard that he is living with Grayson head coach Mickey Conn. Mickey is a nice guy, does a great job coaching the Grayson Rams but one thing is clearly obvious about Mickey, he LOVES the University of Alabama. He was a walkon with that program under Gene Stallings, played on the team that won the national title in the early 90's, I think it was '91 or '92. The last time I saw this kid at the local ball fields, he was decked out in Bama hat and shirt. Every interview you hear from him, he immediately mentions Bama. Really the only HIGH rated recruit to come out of the school since it opened back up (the school was around back in the early 1900's, burned down I believe and was never built again-don't ask me all the specifics) Lorenzo Washington played for the Crimson Tide recently-was a starter on the national title team a couple years ago I believe. He was down to UGA/Bama....hmmmm.
I know UGA can't get them all but I am telling you right now, unless this kid gets a serious injury, he will be a 1st round draft pick in the NFL in 5 years if my elementary math is correct (2 years of HS+3 years of college=NFL 1st rounder). It was thought that he would follow is brother, who currently plans to go to Gulf Coast JUCO-same place John Jenkins played, and they would play together in college but I am not sure that will happen. Needless to say, his brother (Denzel) is a good player and certainly worthy of an offer-I would be offering him ASAP. Ok, enough on that just found it interesting if what I have heard is indeed correct, you can no doubt believe the kid is hearing a lot of positive about Bama in that household. Like I say, this is not 100% confirmed so don't take it to the bank but I have heard it and believe it to be true-and I have no idea why he needed a place to stay either. If I hear more, I will surely update but certainly Mickey is not going to do anything illegal in his recruitment, I don't think that for a minute but when you take on the roll of mentor, you carry a lot of respect and admiration from the kid you mentor-in most cases that is.
Kevin Ware has decided to attend.....UCF??? What the ****??? I love the Orlando area and enjoy Disney World but would I want to go play hoops there instead of Louisville or UGA?? Uh, no. Something is really fishy here to me-not recruiting violations, but either this kid didn't want to have to face the school he truly loves-UT, or he is not confident in his abilities enough that he though he could get a lot of PT in Athens. With Louisville, I think they were really going to have to make things work to add him as they were already full. UGA had a spot and tried to get a visit but he visited UCF and committed-they must have sold him on starting right away is what I am thinking. Also, many have said they believe Fox's triangle offense is holding kids back because it takes a while to learn the offense. I have to disagree with that, a lot of teams in the NBA run versions of the triangle-it makes sense to learn and perfect it in college to me. Kind of like a FB recruit saying he didn't want to play in the "pro" style offense because it takes too long to learn. Sure, if you are good enough you can get drafted and play pro ball and learn the system but I refuse to believe our offensive system is what is holding us back. The latest recruit we are going after is a center out of North Carolina, John Cannon. He is 6'11" 240lbs, averaged 22pts, 12 rebounds and 7 blocks a game as a SR. Great stats, sounds good but he will consider UGA, Northwestern and Old Dominion??? Also has offers from UNC-Asheville, Applachian State, UNC-Wilmington, Princeton and Richmond. I know nearly 7 footers don't grow on trees but do we really need this guy IF the JUCO guy is coming in at basically the same size and I might add, with about the same type offers before he signed with us? I am really trying to hold out hope for the 2012 class but I will be honest here, Coach Fox to me heading clearly up the Dennis Felton tree with recruiting. This kid might end up developing into a NBA caliber player but to me he is basically like Daniel Miller-now at Tech but had signed with UGA and we let him go when Fox was hired. He was not ready for ACC or SEC play and GT redshirted him, last year he started and while not great was not horrible. I just don't know, I don't expect us to get a top 5 recruiting class but I do expect that he should be getting more than he has and this 2012 class is so crucial. We still have a legit shot to land some great in state players for 2012 but certainly 2011 has NOT been a great recruiting effort for Fox and his assistants. We now have 4 players committed, 2 from the state, if we add Cannon, it will be 2 of the 5 from in state.....ugh.
One last note to pass along, a kid I have been plugging here since about the time I started the blog just blew up at the last NIKE combine in Athens. Robert Nkemdiche of Grayson HS simply dominated the camp and left with folks saying he will most likely be the #1 player in the state, class of 2013 and could be nationally the top ranked player. The kid lives what, 40-50 minutes from Athens-out in my neck of the woods. If you see him in person, you are amazed at just how solid he is put together-mammoth kid at 6'5 260 and only a sophomore-he also runs very well-plays some running back on the football team at times. Well, unfortunately, I don't think we will land him. I have NO IDEA how long this arrangement will last but for the time being, I have heard that he is living with Grayson head coach Mickey Conn. Mickey is a nice guy, does a great job coaching the Grayson Rams but one thing is clearly obvious about Mickey, he LOVES the University of Alabama. He was a walkon with that program under Gene Stallings, played on the team that won the national title in the early 90's, I think it was '91 or '92. The last time I saw this kid at the local ball fields, he was decked out in Bama hat and shirt. Every interview you hear from him, he immediately mentions Bama. Really the only HIGH rated recruit to come out of the school since it opened back up (the school was around back in the early 1900's, burned down I believe and was never built again-don't ask me all the specifics) Lorenzo Washington played for the Crimson Tide recently-was a starter on the national title team a couple years ago I believe. He was down to UGA/Bama....hmmmm.
I know UGA can't get them all but I am telling you right now, unless this kid gets a serious injury, he will be a 1st round draft pick in the NFL in 5 years if my elementary math is correct (2 years of HS+3 years of college=NFL 1st rounder). It was thought that he would follow is brother, who currently plans to go to Gulf Coast JUCO-same place John Jenkins played, and they would play together in college but I am not sure that will happen. Needless to say, his brother (Denzel) is a good player and certainly worthy of an offer-I would be offering him ASAP. Ok, enough on that just found it interesting if what I have heard is indeed correct, you can no doubt believe the kid is hearing a lot of positive about Bama in that household. Like I say, this is not 100% confirmed so don't take it to the bank but I have heard it and believe it to be true-and I have no idea why he needed a place to stay either. If I hear more, I will surely update but certainly Mickey is not going to do anything illegal in his recruitment, I don't think that for a minute but when you take on the roll of mentor, you carry a lot of respect and admiration from the kid you mentor-in most cases that is.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Gday thoughts, tough luck against Gators yet again-in baseball this time and more
First of all, before I get to Gday, again, the baseball team couldn't rely on pitching to help them win the series against the Gators. They started in an 4-0 hole before even coming to bat yesterday, battled back to take a 7-6 lead only to see the bullpen implode and lost 14-7. I think what we are finding out about the baseball team this year, we have two pretty good starters and the rest, well, as Forrest Gump would say about a box of chocolates, "you never know what you are going to get" and that would describe the rest of our pitching staff. The offense is not like it has been in previous Omaha years but that being said, they are fiesty and capable of scrapping away at some good pitchers. But, our pitchers have to do a better job-especially in throwing strikes. I am surprised Coach Perno is not solid white hair or bald, sitting in that dugout watching his pitchers walk batter after batter. Anyway, UF is a very good team, ranked #4 and while we didn't win the series, other than yesterday all games were close late, we lost one close one and won a close one. Next up, Clemson in Athens Wed night, followed by a weekend series in Knoxville.
The Gym Dogs didn't make the Super 6, which would have allowed them to compete for the national title. Say what you want about Suzanne Yoculan but I think we are all seeing that she was a great coach. Nothing against Jay Clark but he has been coach for two years and the results have NOT been good. Last year didn't even qualify for the national title event, this year, lost out in day one so didn't even have a shot at it. The caliber of gymnast is still high so you have to look at the coaching I am afraid. Check this stat out-
Georgia had qualified for the Super Six 17 straight times before failing to reach nationals last season.
At least there was one good story on the gymnastics front, junior Kat Ding would the individual national title on the uneven bars.
The men and women's tennis teams both lost to Tennessee, while the softball team swept Ole Miss over the weekend. Ok, enough on the others sports, lets get back to Gday.
As is usually the case, I thought the game was pretty bland overall. I did however like the 4th quarter, that seemed to be when they started really playing-like the game really did matter to them and both sides really did want to win. Let's start with who I thought impressed. First of all, I would have to say Aaron Murray looked very sharp, listed as 12-17 for about 120 so yards. He also threw a beauty of a pass that our young receiver Conley let go through his hands-perfectly thrown ball. So, Murray looked really sharp and comfortable. I also though Hutson Mason played well for the most part. Completed about half his passes for just over 100 yards but really looked composed under center. If not for the last drive of the game by LeMay, I think it would have been 100% cystal clear that Mason is our solid #2 QB. I have since read that Mason is not sure if he will be headed for a redshirt year or not-that would give him a year of class seperation from Murray. I guess my thought process is this, if the coaches think LeMay is indeed the QB of the future, is it not better for LeMay to have TWO years of seperation and then Mason essentially becomes a career backup-of course that could lead to him leaving the program if he is not happy accepting that role. I am sure this is something the coaches are going to give a lot of thought to over the coming months. As for the play of the RB's, I like Malcome the best because he had some nice size/power about him. King did ok at times but was playing behind the #2 line. Carlton Thomas was the leading rusher but I continue to say, he is NOT an SEC caliber back and needs to find himself as maybe captain of the special teams. Nothing against Carlton at all, I have just seen enough of him to know he is not the answer at TB. It needs to be Crowell, King, Ealey and Malcome fighting for carries period. As for the WR's, TKing looks great, we really need someone to step up there and I think the best looking WR not named King on Saturday was named Smith-I have been saying I think he should move to offense and he backed my thought process up in Gday. He looked a lot bigger to me on Saturday-arm wise as he had a nice stiff arm on his TD run in which he just simply caught a flat pass and outran everyone to the endzone. Of course from all accounts he is playing a much better corner this spring as well but he is such a weapon with the ball in his hands-but the #1 is going to cause some issues since Crowell will also be wearing #1 in the fall. Would be nice if we could talk one of those guys into wearing a different number so we could have both on the field at the same time. I thought Marlon Brown looked pretty good as did Michael Bennett-both as possession receivers although I still think both have enough speed to run the field. Of course Charles looked great as usual and I truly suspect he will split out a lot as a hybrid TE. Lynch-wow, dude has OL type arms-HUGE. He looks like a very good football player to me, Aron White also, if we do NOT use a double TE set a lot this year, and actually use these guys, we are crazy. I also liked Zander Ogletree at FB-I think he will be a player there. As for the OL, I think our starting 5 or 6 will be solid, after that I am a little concerned. However, I do think they will do better than our group last year-I honestly do.
As for the D, what can you say about Kwame Geathers except-WOW, he had a great game and Mr. Jenkins better come ready to work or he will not be starting. We all know the Geathers name and how the other two brothers have been very good college players, looks like baby brother is going to end up being a force himself. Remember, he was on the black team, which means he was going against the bulk of the starting OL. Also, I thought Derrick Lott, Faloughi, Jarvis Jones, Richard Samuel, Chase Vasser and TREE-wow, he was cracking heads out there on Saturday. I thought the walkon safety-Connor Norman from Peachtree Ridge HS, looks to be a real help on special teams and as a reserve DB-that INT was spectacular. Bottom line, I am really encouraged about our front 7 this year, and considering a lot of our secondary didn't play in the game, I can say that I also think the secondary should be much improved-but of course it all starts with the DL and I that is where I think we will see the most drastic improvement because of the NG-Geathers and Jenkins being able to clog the middle-our DE's and all LB's are so fast/athletic and strong, I think they will really benefit from those two big guys in the middle making life tough on the C and G's.
Overall I take away from spring that our current players are fighting hard and hopefully they will stay united this summer, stay out of trouble and then our recruiting class will come in and push the current players even harder. I think our days of feeling entitled are over, 8-5 and 6-7 should get that out of your system but if not, a group of very talented kids that don't know any better than to think they can come in and start day 1 will get your attention-no way does an upperclass player want a young kid to come in and take their spot so it is going to make those guys focus and work even harder. I can't begin to predict how the season will go, those first two games will be huge in determining just how far we can go this season but let's just say, there is no way I will believe that Boise State or South Carolina has as much football talent as we have in Athens. If our coaches and players can get that talent to shine on the playing field, I firmly believe we start the season 2-0 and probably would then move into the top 10-15.
One last note, it appears arrest warrants have been issued for three kids involved in theft at the Butts-Mehre building a couple weeks back. Unfortunately, the three are from Carver-Columbus, the pipeline school in the making for UGA-same school as Jarvis Jones and Crowell, and one of the three is a talented DB that we were in the lead for the class of 2012. Here is a little more on it from the Athens paper-
Three students from Carver High School in Columbus that were “guests” of the Georgia football program were named in arrest warrants issued last week for thefts of property from the team’s locker room.
Deion Jay Bonner, Marquise T. Hawkins and an unnamed juvenile are identified in the warrants, according to information provided this morning by University of Georgia police.
Bonner,18, is a recruit named to the Rivals 250 watch list. He has offers from Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina and others.
Hawkins, 17, is listed as a quarterback on his Scout.com profile. He is being charged as an adult. The third person accused is listed as 16 years old.
UGA police chief Jimmy Williamson wasn’t certain this morning if the accused had already been arrested. He said they were “over here visiting. They were down in the football area and they were guests of football operations.”
Seven Georgia football players said they had iPhones, IPods and other devices valued at $1,330 stolen from their locker in the Butts-Mehre building on April 7 during an open house at the renovated building. Search warrants were served in Muscogee County and some of the stolen property was able to recovered.
“I understand that we recovered all the iPods, but we didn’t recover the iPhones,” Williamson said. “They had already been sold and changed hands several times.”
What a shame but unfortunately, these three kids can be crossed off the list of UGA recruits now. They might still go to another school and have success but as far as I am concerned, they need to do it at another school and not UGA.
The Gym Dogs didn't make the Super 6, which would have allowed them to compete for the national title. Say what you want about Suzanne Yoculan but I think we are all seeing that she was a great coach. Nothing against Jay Clark but he has been coach for two years and the results have NOT been good. Last year didn't even qualify for the national title event, this year, lost out in day one so didn't even have a shot at it. The caliber of gymnast is still high so you have to look at the coaching I am afraid. Check this stat out-
Georgia had qualified for the Super Six 17 straight times before failing to reach nationals last season.
At least there was one good story on the gymnastics front, junior Kat Ding would the individual national title on the uneven bars.
The men and women's tennis teams both lost to Tennessee, while the softball team swept Ole Miss over the weekend. Ok, enough on the others sports, lets get back to Gday.
As is usually the case, I thought the game was pretty bland overall. I did however like the 4th quarter, that seemed to be when they started really playing-like the game really did matter to them and both sides really did want to win. Let's start with who I thought impressed. First of all, I would have to say Aaron Murray looked very sharp, listed as 12-17 for about 120 so yards. He also threw a beauty of a pass that our young receiver Conley let go through his hands-perfectly thrown ball. So, Murray looked really sharp and comfortable. I also though Hutson Mason played well for the most part. Completed about half his passes for just over 100 yards but really looked composed under center. If not for the last drive of the game by LeMay, I think it would have been 100% cystal clear that Mason is our solid #2 QB. I have since read that Mason is not sure if he will be headed for a redshirt year or not-that would give him a year of class seperation from Murray. I guess my thought process is this, if the coaches think LeMay is indeed the QB of the future, is it not better for LeMay to have TWO years of seperation and then Mason essentially becomes a career backup-of course that could lead to him leaving the program if he is not happy accepting that role. I am sure this is something the coaches are going to give a lot of thought to over the coming months. As for the play of the RB's, I like Malcome the best because he had some nice size/power about him. King did ok at times but was playing behind the #2 line. Carlton Thomas was the leading rusher but I continue to say, he is NOT an SEC caliber back and needs to find himself as maybe captain of the special teams. Nothing against Carlton at all, I have just seen enough of him to know he is not the answer at TB. It needs to be Crowell, King, Ealey and Malcome fighting for carries period. As for the WR's, TKing looks great, we really need someone to step up there and I think the best looking WR not named King on Saturday was named Smith-I have been saying I think he should move to offense and he backed my thought process up in Gday. He looked a lot bigger to me on Saturday-arm wise as he had a nice stiff arm on his TD run in which he just simply caught a flat pass and outran everyone to the endzone. Of course from all accounts he is playing a much better corner this spring as well but he is such a weapon with the ball in his hands-but the #1 is going to cause some issues since Crowell will also be wearing #1 in the fall. Would be nice if we could talk one of those guys into wearing a different number so we could have both on the field at the same time. I thought Marlon Brown looked pretty good as did Michael Bennett-both as possession receivers although I still think both have enough speed to run the field. Of course Charles looked great as usual and I truly suspect he will split out a lot as a hybrid TE. Lynch-wow, dude has OL type arms-HUGE. He looks like a very good football player to me, Aron White also, if we do NOT use a double TE set a lot this year, and actually use these guys, we are crazy. I also liked Zander Ogletree at FB-I think he will be a player there. As for the OL, I think our starting 5 or 6 will be solid, after that I am a little concerned. However, I do think they will do better than our group last year-I honestly do.
As for the D, what can you say about Kwame Geathers except-WOW, he had a great game and Mr. Jenkins better come ready to work or he will not be starting. We all know the Geathers name and how the other two brothers have been very good college players, looks like baby brother is going to end up being a force himself. Remember, he was on the black team, which means he was going against the bulk of the starting OL. Also, I thought Derrick Lott, Faloughi, Jarvis Jones, Richard Samuel, Chase Vasser and TREE-wow, he was cracking heads out there on Saturday. I thought the walkon safety-Connor Norman from Peachtree Ridge HS, looks to be a real help on special teams and as a reserve DB-that INT was spectacular. Bottom line, I am really encouraged about our front 7 this year, and considering a lot of our secondary didn't play in the game, I can say that I also think the secondary should be much improved-but of course it all starts with the DL and I that is where I think we will see the most drastic improvement because of the NG-Geathers and Jenkins being able to clog the middle-our DE's and all LB's are so fast/athletic and strong, I think they will really benefit from those two big guys in the middle making life tough on the C and G's.
Overall I take away from spring that our current players are fighting hard and hopefully they will stay united this summer, stay out of trouble and then our recruiting class will come in and push the current players even harder. I think our days of feeling entitled are over, 8-5 and 6-7 should get that out of your system but if not, a group of very talented kids that don't know any better than to think they can come in and start day 1 will get your attention-no way does an upperclass player want a young kid to come in and take their spot so it is going to make those guys focus and work even harder. I can't begin to predict how the season will go, those first two games will be huge in determining just how far we can go this season but let's just say, there is no way I will believe that Boise State or South Carolina has as much football talent as we have in Athens. If our coaches and players can get that talent to shine on the playing field, I firmly believe we start the season 2-0 and probably would then move into the top 10-15.
One last note, it appears arrest warrants have been issued for three kids involved in theft at the Butts-Mehre building a couple weeks back. Unfortunately, the three are from Carver-Columbus, the pipeline school in the making for UGA-same school as Jarvis Jones and Crowell, and one of the three is a talented DB that we were in the lead for the class of 2012. Here is a little more on it from the Athens paper-
Three students from Carver High School in Columbus that were “guests” of the Georgia football program were named in arrest warrants issued last week for thefts of property from the team’s locker room.
Deion Jay Bonner, Marquise T. Hawkins and an unnamed juvenile are identified in the warrants, according to information provided this morning by University of Georgia police.
Bonner,18, is a recruit named to the Rivals 250 watch list. He has offers from Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina and others.
Hawkins, 17, is listed as a quarterback on his Scout.com profile. He is being charged as an adult. The third person accused is listed as 16 years old.
UGA police chief Jimmy Williamson wasn’t certain this morning if the accused had already been arrested. He said they were “over here visiting. They were down in the football area and they were guests of football operations.”
Seven Georgia football players said they had iPhones, IPods and other devices valued at $1,330 stolen from their locker in the Butts-Mehre building on April 7 during an open house at the renovated building. Search warrants were served in Muscogee County and some of the stolen property was able to recovered.
“I understand that we recovered all the iPods, but we didn’t recover the iPhones,” Williamson said. “They had already been sold and changed hands several times.”
What a shame but unfortunately, these three kids can be crossed off the list of UGA recruits now. They might still go to another school and have success but as far as I am concerned, they need to do it at another school and not UGA.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Big weekend in Athens, baseball vs. Gators, Gday, Men's tennis, softball
Wow, talk about a weekend to be in Athens, this would be one of them. I will not be there but hopefully a lot of fans will be. Gday game at 1pm on Saturday, Men's tennis against Tennessee at 3:30, baseball vs. UF at 5pm, also women's softball, against Ole Miss at 2:30-this all on Saturday, let's hope the weather moves in earlier than expected so all those events can go on without any problems. Of course tonight the baseball team opens the 3 game set with the Gators at 7p, also softball goes tonight at 6:30p. I am just plain tired today so I am not going to do a lot of typing-first week back after vacation, just tired of it all. So, instead I will post some links of some good articles about UGA sports I have found this morning.
First one is about Jonathan Taylor, the baseball player that was injured when he collided with OF Zach Cone back in March against Florida State. While doctors are saying most with his injury never walk again, I have a strong feeling this young man WILL walk again. Regardless, he is doing much better now and you can read more below. Also must mention, Zach Cone continues to struggle this season dealing with this injury-there is no way he should blame himself but let's be honest, you run into someone and that person is in a wheel chair, there is no doubt is scars you for quite some time.
http://dogbytesonline.com/paralyzed-outfielder-still-may-walk-again-44652/
I think most everyone was really excited when John Jenkins signed with us a week after signing day, because he gave us the missing link on the DL, a NG that will clog the middle and help the DE's and LB's make plays. As it turns out, someone already on campus has really stepped up his game and because Jenkins will not be in Athens until June, used this spring to put himself in great position to get a lot of snaps this fall. It really comes as no surprise though, considering the Geathers family history on the football field. I believe it was just a matter of Kwame getting is better physical condition and then growing up. He looks to really help us on the DL this fall and this is a very encouraging article to read.
http://dogbytesonline.com/grantham-has-a-couple-of-different-packages-for-both-jenkins-and-geathers-44625/
Another interesting topic to think about is how will UGA replace two top receivers in AJ Green and Kris Durham. Everyone of course knows how incredible a talent AJ was for us, but the we can't forget how valuable Durham was for us last year, he really stepped up when AJ was out and even when AJ was back, he still made catch after catch-ran great routes, was tough as nails and great hands. I think it is assumed Tavarres King will be our #1 wideout this upcoming season but TKing is not used to being the #1 guy. I like his talent a lot but there is a big difference in being the #1 as opposed to #2 or 3. There was a good post on the Dawgpost yesterday about flexing out Orson Charles, which I think is a great idea. Not all the time but I think Orson has the speed and ability to do it and I think we MUST utilize his talent more than we did last year. As is stands now, we really need Marlon Brown, Wooten and Troupe to step to the plate-badly. I also continue to read good things about Michael Bennett, and the Gday game will give us a chance to see both Bennett and early enrollee Chris Conley. Then of course Malcolm Mitchell figures to get a serious look when fall camp rolls around.
http://dogbytesonline.com/wideouts-battling-for-position-44641/
Here is a good article about a player I am excited to watch play this year, USCw transfer Jarvis Jones. I think the kid is going to be a star, also I think him coming back home REALLY helped us sign Crowell.
http://www.macon.com/2011/04/14/1526202/jones-finds-home-with-bulldogs.html
It looks like about 10 players will be out for Gday, and Alec Olgetree has been flipped from the black team to the red team where he can pair up with Christian Robinson at ILB-both project to be the starters. Washaun Ealey headlines the players out for the game.
The number of players held out of G-Day due to injury is expected to be at least 10, according to Richt.
Also expected to be sidelined: defensive back Sanders Commings (concussion), safeties Jakar Hamilton (concussion) and Bacarri Rambo (sprained MCL), cornerback Jordan Love (hamstring) and defensive end Garrison Smith (strained neck).
Cornerback Brandon Boykin (concussion) may also sit out.
"That one is kind of iffy," Richt said. "We’re leaning towards him not going right now."
Linebacker Alec Ogletree (strained groin) practiced Thursday and will play. Christian Robinson (concussion) is likely to play.
Finally, yestereday was all about can Coach Fox recruit, well, since he did add another to the class of 2011 earlier this week, here is a little more about the latest hoop Dog. I am not sure how excited to be about this kid to be honest but if he can contribute some points in the paint and/or rebounds, that will be fine. I still hope we can land Kevin Ware, watching some highlights of him yesterday, he had some Travis Leslie type dunks-he could fill that role for us NEXT year. Louisville is thought to be his front runner but they are pretty much full right now so we seem to at least have more space for him currently-we shall see.
http://dogbytesonline.com/bulldogs-add-4th-signee-to-class-44600/
Ok, all for today. Hope you all have a great weekend, looking forward to watching Gday, also all baseball games are all on TV-check your local listings as I believe tonight is on CSS if you have Comcast cable (Gday is also on CSS at 1pm on Saturday). Saturday I think the game might be on FoxSS, and Sunday maybe back to CSS?? Again, check your TV guides, should be a very good series as the Gators are ranked #4 in the nation and UGA is one game behind them in the SECe.
First one is about Jonathan Taylor, the baseball player that was injured when he collided with OF Zach Cone back in March against Florida State. While doctors are saying most with his injury never walk again, I have a strong feeling this young man WILL walk again. Regardless, he is doing much better now and you can read more below. Also must mention, Zach Cone continues to struggle this season dealing with this injury-there is no way he should blame himself but let's be honest, you run into someone and that person is in a wheel chair, there is no doubt is scars you for quite some time.
http://dogbytesonline.com/paralyzed-outfielder-still-may-walk-again-44652/
I think most everyone was really excited when John Jenkins signed with us a week after signing day, because he gave us the missing link on the DL, a NG that will clog the middle and help the DE's and LB's make plays. As it turns out, someone already on campus has really stepped up his game and because Jenkins will not be in Athens until June, used this spring to put himself in great position to get a lot of snaps this fall. It really comes as no surprise though, considering the Geathers family history on the football field. I believe it was just a matter of Kwame getting is better physical condition and then growing up. He looks to really help us on the DL this fall and this is a very encouraging article to read.
http://dogbytesonline.com/grantham-has-a-couple-of-different-packages-for-both-jenkins-and-geathers-44625/
Another interesting topic to think about is how will UGA replace two top receivers in AJ Green and Kris Durham. Everyone of course knows how incredible a talent AJ was for us, but the we can't forget how valuable Durham was for us last year, he really stepped up when AJ was out and even when AJ was back, he still made catch after catch-ran great routes, was tough as nails and great hands. I think it is assumed Tavarres King will be our #1 wideout this upcoming season but TKing is not used to being the #1 guy. I like his talent a lot but there is a big difference in being the #1 as opposed to #2 or 3. There was a good post on the Dawgpost yesterday about flexing out Orson Charles, which I think is a great idea. Not all the time but I think Orson has the speed and ability to do it and I think we MUST utilize his talent more than we did last year. As is stands now, we really need Marlon Brown, Wooten and Troupe to step to the plate-badly. I also continue to read good things about Michael Bennett, and the Gday game will give us a chance to see both Bennett and early enrollee Chris Conley. Then of course Malcolm Mitchell figures to get a serious look when fall camp rolls around.
http://dogbytesonline.com/wideouts-battling-for-position-44641/
Here is a good article about a player I am excited to watch play this year, USCw transfer Jarvis Jones. I think the kid is going to be a star, also I think him coming back home REALLY helped us sign Crowell.
http://www.macon.com/2011/04/14/1526202/jones-finds-home-with-bulldogs.html
It looks like about 10 players will be out for Gday, and Alec Olgetree has been flipped from the black team to the red team where he can pair up with Christian Robinson at ILB-both project to be the starters. Washaun Ealey headlines the players out for the game.
The number of players held out of G-Day due to injury is expected to be at least 10, according to Richt.
Also expected to be sidelined: defensive back Sanders Commings (concussion), safeties Jakar Hamilton (concussion) and Bacarri Rambo (sprained MCL), cornerback Jordan Love (hamstring) and defensive end Garrison Smith (strained neck).
Cornerback Brandon Boykin (concussion) may also sit out.
"That one is kind of iffy," Richt said. "We’re leaning towards him not going right now."
Linebacker Alec Ogletree (strained groin) practiced Thursday and will play. Christian Robinson (concussion) is likely to play.
Finally, yestereday was all about can Coach Fox recruit, well, since he did add another to the class of 2011 earlier this week, here is a little more about the latest hoop Dog. I am not sure how excited to be about this kid to be honest but if he can contribute some points in the paint and/or rebounds, that will be fine. I still hope we can land Kevin Ware, watching some highlights of him yesterday, he had some Travis Leslie type dunks-he could fill that role for us NEXT year. Louisville is thought to be his front runner but they are pretty much full right now so we seem to at least have more space for him currently-we shall see.
http://dogbytesonline.com/bulldogs-add-4th-signee-to-class-44600/
Ok, all for today. Hope you all have a great weekend, looking forward to watching Gday, also all baseball games are all on TV-check your local listings as I believe tonight is on CSS if you have Comcast cable (Gday is also on CSS at 1pm on Saturday). Saturday I think the game might be on FoxSS, and Sunday maybe back to CSS?? Again, check your TV guides, should be a very good series as the Gators are ranked #4 in the nation and UGA is one game behind them in the SECe.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Can Fox recruit? My question when hired, still a question today
When Damon Evans introduced Mark Fox as head coach, coming from Nevada, I immediately thought, can this guy recruit. Not like Nevada is a big name program from out west. I knew of Fox because I follow the NCAA tourney each year and had heard of him because he won a tournament game or two. But, when Felton was fired I immediately began thinking, the next guy in needs be a great recruiter of IN STATE talent. You could agrue that Felton did his best work late in his tenure-some of his early highly recruited guys were from out of state and the kids from instate had issues-Lou Williams never enrolled, Mercer and Humphrey had some good but also bad times. But, he did bring in 5 of our best 6 players from the team that just made the tourney-all from in state. That being said, the guys Mark Fox has brought in so far, not so impressive except for the transfer of Gerald Robinson. Vincent Williams-not so much. Donte' Williams and Marcus Thornton showed this year they have some potential but they were not ready to be prime time as true FR. Sherrod Brantley showed flashes of being a good shooter and playing some solid D but again, not a superstar-he also from the state of Ga. Now this class, with Dixon, Florveus, Djurisic, and then of course the headliner in Caldwell-Pope, not horrible but not the greatest as of now-and only 2 of the 4 are from Ga as Dixon is Georgia native as well even though he played this past season in Florida. So, after his first two recruiting classes, Fox has brought in Vincent Williams, Donte' Williams, Marcus Thornton and Sherrod Brantley. This class I named above-you would have to say, other than Thornton and Caldwell-Pope, the rest are Felton or less caliber recruits. This brings us to the VERY important and very loaded class of 2012. Everyone knows that basketball recruiting is much different than football recruiting-first big difference of course the early signing period. Because of that alone, the recruiting process gets serious earlier. So, a coach really starts to identify and offer kids as sophomores, certainly by their junior year. Of course another huge difference is that basketball has the summer leagues-AAU ball is HUGE in our area and really nationally. This gives players a chance to play against elite competition all summer long, it also gives college coaches more time to evaluate/scout potential recruiting targets and begin to build relationships-but, in basketball recruiting, a coach not only has to build relationships with kid, parents, and high school coach, but maybe more important, the AAU or summer league coach. These guys play a vital role in the recruiting game for college basketball. Unfortunately, from what I could gather, Felton never had a great relationship there and although I think Fox has built some relationships, I am not sure he still is well accepted in those circles-despite his success this year. Many UGA basketball faithful, myself included, have thought, the 2012 class will make or break Coach Fox in Athens. Reason being, he has proven he can win here now, and he has had time to build better relationships. Now the question remains, can he actually take those relationships and build them into kids signing on the dotted line. Early indications are not as promising as I had hoped for. Already a top target in Evan Nolte announced he would sign with Virginia. I had hoped with his brother at UGA, we might lock him down. Let's take a look at the top talent in 2012 and then I will put a few words on what direction I hear they are leaning. This list is from UGA Rivals site.
So, as you can see, we do have a shot to get a great class but the top dogs might be leaving. What would be great would be to get one of these top targets to commit to us early, that might help us with others. Jordan Adams had said he would announce June 1st and like I said, UGA is in strong position but now he is saying he is waiting to announce. On the rivals top 150 national recruits, there are 16 kids from Ga on the list by my count, meaning every single one of the kids listed on the above list are NATIONAL recruits. So, if Coach Fox can't sign 4 of 16, or 1/4 of the talented class of 2012, I will really begin to have my doubts. We all know that this state produces more talent than UGA or GT both can sign but if our coach can start signing 4 of the top 10 players in state on a yearly basis, UGA can be a major player in not only the SEC but in the national scene. I think we have the right guy when it comes to X's and O's, let's just hope he can combine his coaching with top rated recruiting. If so, then our next worry will be giving him enough cash to keep him locked up for years to come. But, again, this class is VERY important and honestly, the early signing period for us could contain the key. Because our program is likely to go down a notch or two-I mean c'mon, without Trey, Travis and Jeremy, it is going to be hard to be as good this upcoming season, getting the kids signed and sealed before our season plays out will be key. The good news is, MOST of the big name kids in basketball DO indeed sign early so they don't have to worry about it during their senior season. Last note, we still have a shot at Kevin Ware, he is listed as the 56th best prospect in the class of 2011, Caldwell-Pope is #11 on the list btw. MAYBE Leslie leaving for the pros might convince him that he could get some major minutes for us next year-he has stated he really likes the idea of playing with Caldwell-Pope. But, for the time being, it appears he really like Pitino and L'ville. It would be a great coup for Fox to grab him, a year after getting Marcus Thornton.
1 | C | Lithonia, GAMiller Grove | 4 stars | 6'9" | 250 | list UNC, OSU, Duke, UGA, appears headed out of state | |
#2 | F | Decatur, GASouthwest Dekalb | 5 stars | 6'8" | 230 | list UGA has a legit shot but Memphis is a real contender-also could be a football player | |
#3 | F | Thomasville, GAThomasville | 4 stars | 6'8" | 245 | list Hearing we are on the outside looking in, Florida schools in lead. | |
#4 | G | Mouth of Wilson, VAOak Hill Academy | 4 stars | 6'5" | 215 | list We have a legit shot here. | |
#5 | F | Lithonia, GAMiller Grove | 3 stars | 6'7" | 195 | list Not sure about our chances with this one but like Parker, attends same school as Donte' Williams. | |
#6 | G | Mableton, GAWhitefield Academy | 6'4" | 190 | list Speaks highly of Mark Fox, visited for the UK game and loved it. | ||
#7 | F | Mouth of Wilson, VAOak Hill Academy | 4 stars | 6'6" | 198 | list If we get Adams, could have a very strong shot with Wilson as well. | |
#8 | F | Alpharetta, GAMilton | 4 stars | 6'8" | 200 | ||
#9 | F | College Park, GANorth Clayton | 3 stars | 6'6" | 214 | ||
#10 | G | Norcross, GANorcross | 4 stars | 6'3" | 195 | ||
#11 | F | Alpharetta, GAMilton | 3 stars | 6'5" | 195 | ||
#12 | F | Decatur, GAColumbia | 4 stars | 6'7" | 225 | list Step-brother of former player Jeremy Price. I think we stand a great shot to get him. | |
#13 | F | Hampton, GALovejoy | 4 stars | 6'8" | 205 | ||
#14 | F | Marietta, GAWheeler | 4 stars | 6'7" | 220 | ||
#15 | F | Alpharetta, GAChattahoochee | 3 stars | 6'7" | 200 | ||
#16 | F | Conyers, GARockdale County | 6'7" | 230 | |||
#17 | G | Lithonia, GASouthwest Dekalb | 6'5" | 215 | list Really seems to like UGA, we have a legit shot to get him. | ||
#18 | G | Smyrna, GACampbell | 6'3" | 195 | |||
#19 | G | McDonough, GAUnion Grove | 3 stars | 6'4" | 190 | ||
#20 | C | Alpharetta, GANorthview | 3 stars | 6'9" | 220 | ||
#21 | F | Norcross, GAMeadowcreek | 3 stars | 6'8" | 190 | ||
#22 | F | Fairburn, GALandmark Christian | 6'8" | 210 | |||
#23 | F | Thomasville, GAThomasville | 6'8" | 225 | |||
#24 | C | Kennesaw, GAHarrison | 6'10" | 210 | |||
#25 | F | Marietta, GAOsborne | 6'7" | 192 |
So, as you can see, we do have a shot to get a great class but the top dogs might be leaving. What would be great would be to get one of these top targets to commit to us early, that might help us with others. Jordan Adams had said he would announce June 1st and like I said, UGA is in strong position but now he is saying he is waiting to announce. On the rivals top 150 national recruits, there are 16 kids from Ga on the list by my count, meaning every single one of the kids listed on the above list are NATIONAL recruits. So, if Coach Fox can't sign 4 of 16, or 1/4 of the talented class of 2012, I will really begin to have my doubts. We all know that this state produces more talent than UGA or GT both can sign but if our coach can start signing 4 of the top 10 players in state on a yearly basis, UGA can be a major player in not only the SEC but in the national scene. I think we have the right guy when it comes to X's and O's, let's just hope he can combine his coaching with top rated recruiting. If so, then our next worry will be giving him enough cash to keep him locked up for years to come. But, again, this class is VERY important and honestly, the early signing period for us could contain the key. Because our program is likely to go down a notch or two-I mean c'mon, without Trey, Travis and Jeremy, it is going to be hard to be as good this upcoming season, getting the kids signed and sealed before our season plays out will be key. The good news is, MOST of the big name kids in basketball DO indeed sign early so they don't have to worry about it during their senior season. Last note, we still have a shot at Kevin Ware, he is listed as the 56th best prospect in the class of 2011, Caldwell-Pope is #11 on the list btw. MAYBE Leslie leaving for the pros might convince him that he could get some major minutes for us next year-he has stated he really likes the idea of playing with Caldwell-Pope. But, for the time being, it appears he really like Pitino and L'ville. It would be a great coup for Fox to grab him, a year after getting Marcus Thornton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)