Since my last blog entry, a lot has happened. First of course, the baseball team collapsed down the stretch, losing two of three to last place Bama, then dropping two straight in the SEC tourney and thus missing the NCAA tourney for the second time in three years, with a team that was picked to be MUCH better. Granted, Perno lost his closer-and we did seem to lose some tight games late. But still, and I have said this before and will say it again, there is NO EXCUSE in UGA baseball not making a regional NCAA tourney EVERY YEAR. Ok, maybe one year out of 10 you might slip up but otherwise, just no excuse with the talent base in place, Hope, etc. All that being said, AD McGarity said Perno is back next year, and also recently proposed upgrades for Foley field-needed regardless of who the baseball coach is. So, Perno is coming back, he has a very solid recruiting class coming in and a lot of kids coming back it would appear at the moment-pending draft decisions. Next year is vital for him and I just hope he either tanks and make McGarity's decision easy, or has a magical year that again makes his decision easy. Thing is though, if he has just a good season and makes the NCAA regional-as was the case in 2011, does McGarity fire him them?? Look, I like Coach Perno-played at UGA, assistant coach and head coach in Athens, I understand that his Mom is very ill, that he lost his closer for the entire season-I get all that. BUT, I was VERY disappointed he was allowed to stick around. This reminds me of the Jim Donnan situation-Dooley wanted him to stay, Adams insisted he be fired. Well, of course Dooley and Adams probably couldn't agree that the moon is white and the sun is yellow. Adams hired McGarity and let's him run the show, and Adams is retiring next year so again, this is all on McGarity. I hope for his sake, and for Perno's sake this was the right call-on the surface I totally disagree with it but it is not my decision. For now I have to trust that GM did the right thing.
UGA has picked up several commitments since I last blogged, and now lost perhaps their top commitment in Derrick Henry. Let's start with Henry-he has visited UT and Bama recently and the kid has decided he wants to look around and thus is decommitted. What do I think-FINE by me. I think a kid if not sure, should do exactly what Henry is doing. Tramel Terry did it early, he came back to UGA and firmed it up later. Henry might do the same or might go elsewhere but this is a BIG KID that seems to insist on playing RB even though at 17 years old, he is already bigger than any running back we have on our roster-except maybe Richard Samuel. What does that mean, well, typically when a kid hits college-and the food provided by the athletic association, the kid puts on weight for sure. SO, is Henry really going to play RB in college-he says for sure yes but I think most folks probably believe there is no way it happens. But, you tell him sure son, you can play RB here when in reality you pencil him in as a LB or DE after he arrives on campus.
To recap the recent commitments-again, non binding so we could have more Derrick Henry's but since I late posted in the middle of May, here are the kids we have received pledges from recently-
Josh Cardiello OL from Buford-6'2 280, looks like a nice guard or C prospect to me
Brandon Kublanow OL from Marrietta (Walton) 6'3 283, a great guard prospect
Uriah LeMay WR from Mathews, NC (Butler HS) 6-2 188, little brother of Christian, polished WR
Reggie Davis WR from Tallahassee, Fl (Lincoln HS) 5-11 180 smaller WR but with great speed.
Naim Mustafaa-DE from Alpharetta, 6-4 235, son of former GTU player Reggie Rutland (who also played in the NFL for 7 years).
From what I have gathered, this weekend figures to be a big recruiting weekend in Athens as a few elite level prospects plan to be on campus-
2013 ClassLaremy Tunsil- 5 Star OL
Reuben Foster- 5 Star LB
Jordan Davis- 4 Star TE from Thomas, GA
Trey Matthews- UGA COMMIT
Alvin Kamara- 4 Star RB, Norcross, GA
2014 ClassMilan Richard- Tightend from Calvary Day, GA
Raekwon McMillan- LB from Liberty County
Ok, so Tunsil would be a huge pickup since we seem pretty set on our recruiting of interior OL, we need a couple of solid OT's, we have only Bynum at OT so far and he is headed for a redshirt without question, being he is 6-5 and 250 right now. With a class of 30 as we expect, I think we need to sign at LEAST 6 OL maybe 7. There are a few other OT's we are going after and have legit shots to get, including Richard Seymour's nephew (or is it his son??) who is a big kid playing OT at North Gwinnett. Foster of course is a stud at LB but now is playing his senior year at Auburn HS, after leaving Troup, he is already committed to Bama-he would be a huge get if we could flip him-not betting on that happening. Kamara might be insurance policy #1 in case Henry does go somewhere else. Kamara is good friends with many current UGA pledges and is a nice back with electric speed, he would be a great get. The McMillan kid for class of 2014, well, lets just say he might not be Nkemdiche or Foster, #1 and #2 players in the nation for class of 2013, but most expect him in the top 10. Would be great to make progress on his early recruitment.
So, not much else going on for now. Just enjoying the lighter traffic with school out, my kids are not doing any sports at the moment except for camps/classes a few days a week. Just back from a week at the beach (Thanks again Mom and Dad) and soon will make a trip to the Bahamas with just the wife (20 years of marriage)-this day and age is quite the accomplishment! I hope to blog again in the next couple weeks and then as football gets closer and closer, hopefully at least once a week. Hope for those that actually do read my blog, you are doing well and having a nice summer. GO DOGS!
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