Mark Richt Can’t Win
Mark Richt announced today that Caleb King will be suspended for the next two games for his Monday morning arrest for failure to appear in court. Fan reaction ranged from “not strong enough” to “way too harsh”. Let me be the first to say, “It’s perfect”! You may ask why? Well, I’m glad you asked. Let me explain.
First, let me go back to when Washaun Ealey was in a bit of a pinch(click here). Washaun was guilty of the hit and run of a parked car while driving with a suspended license. The discussion on Atlanta sports talk radio was varied. My boys Buck and Ole Kincade couldn’t come to a meeting of the minds.
Surprise! Surprise!
While John Kincade wanted heads to roll, Buck kept saying Coach Mark Richt had to be consistent in his choice of punishment. I actually disagreed with both. My take on this growing issue of mostly irresponsible behavior with some downright appalling criminal behavior is this. The only type of consistency I want to see is the heat consistently turned up on these players until they get the message. To me, that’s what happened today.
As I stated yesterday, an expulsion from the team would have been too harsh. A one game suspension for similar offenses had not yet worked had it? It reminds me of when my two sons were coming along. Neither were bad kids but we had the occasional issue to resolve. My philosophy was to find where their pain was. If it was a couple of smacks on the backside, fine. If it was taking the Nintendo away, great, but I was committed to finding what hurt the most and worked the best.
For most players, that means playing time.
Once again, I believe that CMR has pressed the right button, the perfect balance. The heat has been turned up, but we haven’t lost our player. It’s not just a different verse of the same old song. It’s a new song. He is definitely on a roll in the last eight days.
I hope he can keep it up.
Irresponsible vs. Criminal
The Georgia Bulldog fans who were experiencing the relative joy of a much needed victory Saturday got derailed by the news that RB Caleb King was behind bars this morning. There were rumblings over the weekend that something might be going on with Caleb, but today’s happenings were different.
It seems Caleb got a speeding ticket in Walton County back in the summer. He failed to either pay the ticket or show up for his court date. A bench warrant was issued and when Caleb went to help a brother out, literally, he was arrested. His brother Brandon had been stopped early this morning and was driving without a valid driver’s license. The vehicle in question belongs to team mate Brandon Woods. Although Woods went along to pick up his vehicle, Caleb was going to be the one driving it home. I’m not sure why that would be, but it prompted the ACC police to check both Woods and Caleb’s licenses and that’s when the warrant for failure to appear was discovered.
Many people both in and outside the Dawg Nation are outraged that yet another player has been arrested. I understand that completely, but unless Caleb has done other things that we don’t even know about, this particular transgression does not rise to the level of him getting kicked off the team. It’s irresponsible, not criminal.
I see fans refer to these players as men, just because they are 18-22 years old. How does a number translate into true maturity and responsibility? The young people that make up any team are not only diverse racially and socio-economically, but in maturity as well.
Mark Richt can only do so much. He lives his life openly, as an example of what these players could and maybe should consider for themselves. Many will follow a similar path based on the comments I see from players I follow on Twitter, but not all of them will, obviously.
I had a conversation with one of my old team mates Saturday before the game. Neither of us could imagine how difficult it must be to even attempt to keep track of all these guys. It was tough enough when we were all under one roof at McWhorter Hall. When the NCAA did away with athletic dorms, the intent was for athletes to have a more well rounded college experience. That would be great if it were not for the fact that the expectations are so much greater for the athlete than the regular student.
We had curfews and a coach(Kasay) that lived on the same property and although stuff happened from time to time, it can in no way compare to living at another dorm or especially off campus in an apartment or house. I don’t know how they do it.
The bottom line is Caleb was irresponsible in this matter, but in no way deserves the consequences of an offense where he could have endangered lives like a DUI. Again, I say this with no real knowledge of any other extentuating circumstances or prior offenses.
Somewhere along the way, there has been a disconnect between the Athletic Department and the surrounding law enforcement agencies. There is obviously no attempt to handle things discreetly and still have consequences. How many people in Walton County with knowledge of this situation watched Caleb King and the Dawgs all year long and no attempt was made to resolve the issue. It’s not like Caleb is some secretive figure that no one knows where to find him. There knew how to find him.
Resurrection Day
The Georgia Bulldogs did not walk, they ran out of their tomb yesterday. Led on to the field by their Head Coach for the first time ever, the Dawgs responded with an energy not seen in Sanford Stadium in quite a while. It was great to see.
Mark Richt seemingly pressed all the right buttons(Click here), from tougher practices to getting off the bus dressed and ready to play, to the aforementioned run through the Redcoats, it was a great game for the Dawgs. There were many great calls on Saturday, but the best may have been Honorary Captain Boss Bailey’s pre-game speech. It sounds like Boss’s passion for Georgia Football shone through in a way some of the player’s had never, ever seen.(Click here)
Awesome!
If there was a theme for this game it’s “Where preparation met opportunity”. Tennessee did plenty to help the Dawgs Saturday, but the fact that we were in position to take advantage makes all the difference.
Aaron Murray continues to lead the way, distributing the ball 17 times to 7 different receivers. That’s a very important development. It’s only going to create problems for defenses down the road. We do however need to be able to run more effectively and not expect Aaron to carry so much of that load. We don’t need him hit as often as he’s being hit.
He’s a tough nut though!
Now it’s time to turn the page. Vanderbilt is next and I hope the CMR magic continues. Thanks to Bernie and Nama for the tickets and for the other offers to help an old Dawg see this great game! We’ll see you in Athens sometime soon.
A.J. always looks good, even wearing orange!
Righting This Ship
If the USS Bulldog is to right itself, it will be a process. This is a rather large vessel, not some Sea-Doo that can turn on a dime. It didn’t get to this shallow water with growing concern of running aground, overnight. This ship seemingly went off course several years ago and will not be righted in one or two games.
You may say that nothing less than a Georgia victory will show that we are on the right course again. Wes Durham on 790theZone has repeatedly said that this will be the most important 60 minutes of the Mark Richt Era. I don’t disagree, but all I want to see is if the hard right turn that Coach Richt took this week. If the days of practicing in full pads, with an intensity that has been so seldom seen in any Georgia team in recent memory, is evident tomorrow, I’ll be satisfied.
I want to see these guys respond. Whether to the balls to the wall practices or the fact that Coach Richt will be leading the team on to the field for the first time ever.
I hope he doesn’t pull a hammy!
I want to win tomorrow, but more than anything, I want a recognize a mid-course correction and a team that behaves like a Georgia team should. I want Derek Dooley and every stinking piece of orange in Sanford Stadium to rue the day that they ever come back to OUR HOUSE!
Make it so, Coach Richt! Make it so!
Need 2 to Stand in the Gap
If you have read much of Roughing the Kicker, you may know I only get over to Athens a few times a year to watch a game. I have fallen in to the routine of watching all the games I can possibly watch on any given Saturday. Tonight, I asked Mrs. RTK if she wanted to go to Athens and see the Tennessee game. Without hesitation she said YES!
That wouldn’t be that big a deal, but you see, she’s a yankee from Michigan. She received her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan(yes we went to that BIG DAWG beat down) and loves all thing Michigan…Big Blue, Sparty and of course, the Chippewas.
It didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the Classic City and UGA. She even looks for teaching positions in the greater Athens area, but I have really digressed.
I want to go to Athens this weekend because of the threat of no-shows. I want to “stand in the gap” as it were. The idea of standing in the gap is a biblical concept.
Because the Lord God did not find anyone to “stand in the gap,” to intercede for the land, He was requited to pour out the judgment due its disobedience.
Ezekiel 22:30-31
Now, I know it’s a stretch, but I want to encourage all of you that have considered NOT showing up as a means of protest, to reconsider. Abandoning this group of young men is beneath you as a true Dawg fan. They need us more now than ever.
But, if you can’t go for any other reason, I need two tickets for my wife and I. Sunday is her birthday and it will be part of her present. I want to see this thing turned around, not burned to the ground.
Email me at rexrobinson5@gmail.com.
Go Dawgs!
A Few Good Fans
“Hey Fan, we live in a world that has footballs, and those balls have to be kicked and passed by men with heart. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Lieutenant Dawgvent?
I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for another coach and you curse the Dawgs. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that losing to Mississppi State, while tragic, didn’t cost lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives.
You don’t want the truth because, deep down in places you don’t talk about at tailgates, you want me on that sideline, you need me on that sideline.
We say things like Go Dawgs and Finish The Drill. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent pursuing a dream. You use them as a punchline.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a fan who rises and sleeps under the banner of the very success that I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said “thank you” and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a helmet and hit somebody. Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to.”
Coach Mark Richt
Been There, Done That…Got The Ring
Any true Georgia Bulldog fan is hurting today. A third SEC loss and a 1-3 record is uncharted territory for Mark Richt and his staff. It is painful to watch because at times I think I am experiencing an acid flashback, and I never did drugs. The flashbacks I have are from 1977 and 1979, the years when turnovers were not just for breakfast anymore, but were available pretty much 24/7.
I was critical of Coach Mark Richt at times last year. Some of my comments were ill-timed and worded less than perfectly. Eloquence goes on vacation too, sometimes. I came in to this season cautiously optimistic, but not overly so. But now, we are at a new low for this regime. CMR knows it. His staff knows it and I’m sure the players know it. So feel free to NOT rip the players a new one on Twitter and/or Facebook. It might make you feel better, but you’re not helping solve the problem, believe me.
Being a part of a mediocre or worse team like ’77 and ’79 sticks with you as a player as it should. I think of it just as much as I do 1980, because without the adversity of those earlier seasons, the desire to overcome and never, ever feel THAT feeling again, would not be possible.
They don’t call it the “agony of defeat” for nothing.
Now, here’s the deal. This is a different scenario than 2007 when CMR ignited a team through perceived gimmickry. The “celebration” and “the blackout” worked as a short term “patch”, but was not a long term solution to whatever is ailing the program. I’m not claiming to know what that is, but obviously something is amiss.
I’m not going to get into things like play-calling because the loss to Mississippi State was not about play-calling. The passes to Washaun Ealey that ended in a fumble and touchdown to Chris Durham were both great play calls because they took advantage of MSU’s aggressiveness and hurt them with it. It just so happened that an un-necceasary holding penalty killed that TD.
Georgia fans have continually taken shots at the coaching staff in recent years, and sometimes it’s been understandable. Now is not that time, in my opinion. One of the things I uttered last season that got me in hot water was that the coaches were not in complete control. Well, that is a two edged sword. There comes a time when pride and resolve has to come to the fore and the players decide themselves that they will not be denied. That kind of effort will be evident. When I watch other games on TV, the difference if obvious to me. From how we tackle to how our running backs run the ball.
I can’t tell you the number of times I have told young athletes that if you are waiting for your coach to make you great, then greatness is not your destiny.
Greatness comes from inside each player. It cannot be imposed, it is exposed.
I pray that the seeds are now being planted for future greatness. The PLAYERS must decide, with their effort, their focus and their priorities in life. There is nothing wrong with having a good time in college, but it has to be with the big picture in mind.
That “big picture” should include the “TEAM me” ideal.
Go Dawgs and GATA!
NOW!
That’s The Fact Jack!
The incomparable Georgia Bulldog artist Jack Davis has a made a much needed proclamation in his latest print. In support of the 2010 Dawgs, he boldly states that “It ain’t over yet”!
I agree!
Goooo Dawgs!
Dawgs Victims of Micro-FANagement
I’m not sure what the typical Georgia Bulldogs fan’s expectations for 2010 were exactly. I for one had no delusions of either SEC or National Championships dancing in the back of my mind this summer. I basically took the summer off from RTK and I am somewhat loathe to jump back in to the deep end this early in the season.
After three games, the Dawgs are 1-2, having suffered a last minute loss to Arkansas this past weekend. If I had been asked, I would have predicted 2-1 at this point. The loss to South Carolina was a surprise, but only because of lethal combination of the running of Marcus Lattimore and the Dawgs thinking it was two hand touch.
While many Dawg fans lament the less than stellar play the last two weeks, and I don’t disagree completely, I do think there is another point of view to consider.
I have seen several blog posts with in-depth analysis and somewhat reasonable characterizations of the coaches and players alike. I have also witnessed Tweet-crazy folks who have no perspective on this team, this season or life itself. I now call this micro-FANagement. It’s way too early to try and build the case for keeping or firing anyone.
I want to share the way I look at coaches and coaching.
One, do the players under their tutelage get better over time. Second, does the TEAM get better over the course of a season(of course, the very best teams start strong). Third, are the players fundamentally sound and/or disciplined. Some of these questions are being answered and some have yet to be answered.
I will try and wait to see the season in it’s entirety, before I assess the ultimate success or failure of individual players, coaches or this team as a whole.
I said I will try.
Dawgs Back on Track
I really hate it when so much negativity is swirling around the Classic City. I want to stay positive as much as possible, so I’m going to take a deep breath and blow off some steam, in a minute.
My impressions of the Dawg’s first game was very positive. We looked good in all phases, offense, defense and special teams. We beat an over-matched Louisiana-LaFayette team and save a blown coverage by Baccari Rambo, we pitch a rare shut-out.
We beat La-La soundly, the way we should have. But how long has it been since that happened? For several years we won these kind of games in a somewhat ugly fashion.
Coach Richt and Company have righted the ship and we’re on the way. South Carolina is alway tough, but we have the right attitude to go with the talent. It’s going to be fun this year(on the field).
SEE NEXT POST FOR STEAM BLOWING!
TEAM me…One More Time
The motto TEAM me started with Coach Erskine Russell of course, but the meaning and attitude lives on in Roswell, Georgia. Two weeks ago I attended a fundraiser for Roswell Youth Football and Cheer Associations. Coach Vince Dooley spoke to the group of kids and their parents.
You may remember the names Matt McCormick and Heather Stepp McCormick. Both are DGD’s from way back. Matt played football and Heather a gymnast. Heather put the fundraiser together and was responsible for Coach Dooley being there. I don’t know how often Coach Dooley invokes the TEAM me as one of the catalysts for our 1980 success, but with Jim Broadway and I in attendance he referred to many of our fondest memories. TEAM me being one of the greatest.
The story was not lost on the 3rd grade Green Hornets and they called me to see if history could repeat itself. I delivered 22 TEAM me shirts in time for the first game today and the picture is below. By the way, the Green Hornets won 32-0!
What an awesome lesson in sports and in life…just one more time.
Thanks Coach Russell!
Coutu Redo
Georgia Bulldogs everywhere remember Brandon Coutu. He’s the one that made Dawg fans feel a little better about losing Billy Bennett. I just hope NFL personnel departments have not forgotten him. They can have extremely short memories. Brandon is one of the best kickers in recent years and a hip condition prevented him from performing at the highest level when drafted by Seattle a couple of years ago.
Now he is rehabbing from a second surgery on his hip(click here) and is hoping to get just one more shot. There is no doubt he has the ability. As always, he just has to be at the right place at the right time.
I wish him well.
Down 20 and Logan’s Run
Last week was a definite plateau week for me, but broke through this weekend. I have lost 20 lbs. in four weeks. I feel good about that but I’m not quite half way to my initial goal of losing 55 lbs.
I have seen a few of you and you have been gracious to comment on my efforts. I appreciate that. Now, on to more important issues, like Georgia football.
The most pressing issue of the day seems to be Logan Gray and the possibility of him transferring. Reader Tyler T. wants to know what’s up.
I don’t know any more than the regular fan, but I think I understand where he is. If Aaron Murray is indeed the guy, Logan could be relegated to a repeat of 2009. Now, I’m not sure if Logan could contribute at receiver as has been bandied about, but I do know this. There are no accolades being doled out for fair catch specialists. Almost every time he entered a game last year, every person in the zip code knew what was coming. It was not fair. He was never put in a position to succeed, which is part of a coach’s job.
If Logan is frustrated, last season had to be the genesis. Being passed on the depth chart by a red-shirt freshman surely adds fuel to that fire. The coaching staff had their opportunity to see Logan’s work. The implication was he is a great athlete. But even the best athlete can’t perform with handcuffs and shackles on.
Who could blame him for wanting to break free?
Doing The Right Thing
The last few days have reminded me of how important doing the right thing really is. I played in yesterday’s Boy’s and Girl’s Club fundraising golf tournament which is obviously fun but a more than worthwhile group to support. I was tempted at one point though, to do the wrong thing.
A group ahead of us, included an Auburn fan who left his ball marker on the green. As a Dawg, my first impulse was to skip it across a nearby lake. I did resist and as it turns out, one of my playing partners works with said “Tiger” and introduced us after the round. Based on some preliminary discussion, I may be able to do some business with them.
The right thing was rewarded.
My son recently wrote an interesting post about how video games can be a reflection of your innermost self. As they say, character is what you do when no one is watching. Click here.
Which brings me to Zach Mettenberger. I don’t know any more details than any other fan. My Blackberry was blowing up with questions, but all I can say is this. It must be pretty bad. Between being a leading candidate to be our quarterback to having a mom working at UGA, this could not be something borderline. Mark Richt does not do anything rashly. His decisions are always thoughtful and balanced. So my thoughts could be summed up this way.
Mark Richt chose to do the right thing because Zach Mettenberger refused to. Period.
Gem City to Classic City and Back
The next few days in the Dawg Nation will be ones to remember. I can’t remember a stretch over a weekend with such promise. The Rotary Club of Marietta Park to Park Fun Run is the first of what I hope will be many race tee shirts for me. The starting line is at the First United Methodist Church in Marietta and begins at 8:00 AM.
After that, we’ll head to Athens to meet Chris Troxel of the Retractable Awning Canopy Company to see a great product that I hope to at least promote if not sell through Total Team Sports. Chris will be at the Tate Center Parking lot before the game and East Campus after.
Look for him!
We may have to stop by Glory Glory in Lawrenceville on the way to see the Lewis’. I can never drive that close to such a great selection of Dawg Stuff and not stop in. We may try and run by The Blind Pig Tavern to see the DawgVent folk. They kinda scare me so that is subject to change.
Oh yeah, then the G-Day Game!
After the game, I need to run by and see some old team mates at the Lettermen’s Bar-B-Que, but I want to go see the baseball game. Tomorrow, Chance Veazey is throwing out the first pitch. You should all come support the Diamond Dawgs and Chance. I know a lot of you are planning to anyway.
As Ole Lady Luck would have it, both of my sons will be in Athens tomorrow. Ryan lives in Athens and works for UGA, Sean will be coming up from Milledgeville(Georgia College and State University). I may get the see them as well.
How’s that for a Saturday.
Sunday, I will be out with some kickers in the afternoon. I start with a new kid from Wheeler HS. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.
Monday, I will be playing in The Boy’s and Girl’s Club Golf Tournament at The Marietta Country Club. You may want to avoid the vicinity. My old room/team mate, Frank Ros is playing this year.
Have a great weekend Dawgs! As the kids say, it could be epic!
Death By Ego, The Mike Leach Story
Another chapter in the Mike Leach story was written yesterday. He was deposed for five hours in his lawsuit against Texas Tech (click). Bernie beat me to the punch(click), but I still want to share some of my own thoughts. While there is no disputing his track record on the field, Mike Leach was given just enough rope to hang himself in the end. His ego, like a Toyota Prius was out of control.
It’s the only explanation to his “taped” profanity laced…no wait profanity filled…no…profanity engorged tirade following a game last fall. It’s one thing to recognize complacency and identify it for what it is. It’s another thing to drop F and MF Bombs like a Hall’s mentho-liptis. It may make you feel better, but it doesn’t cure anything.
The fact that he allowed such a tirade to be video-taped proves to me that he thought he was above reproof, untouchable. Well he was touched by an angel, Adam James and he may never coach D-1 football again. The more that is revealed, the worse his PR becomes. Can a University President and AD hire such a nightmare? Maybe, but very few.
I have witnessed many tongue lashings and have received a couple as well. It’s a part of being a part of a football program with expectations. But my Lord, try and count the number of bombs he dropped in this six minute and thirty nine second video(Rated R)(click). There is no doubt that a football locker room is no place for the timid, or weak of heart. Getting a group of 80 young men to act as one takes fortitude and tremendous force of will. Even the Georgia locker room with a Christian coach like Mark Richt cannot be devoid of passion and reality checks.
But remember this. Keep all the dirty laundry in the family and don’t allow any videotaping.
Divorces can be a ______!
Mettenberger Sacked
I hate to see it, but apparently Zach Mettenberger was arrested over the weekend for underage drinking among other things. His bid to become the man come September may have taken a serious hit, and might also give Aaron Murray the opportunity to solidify his place as the team’s starter. Most people thought it would end up like this anyway, but as a coach you want that true open competition to ensure all the contenders are working their hardest.
If Zach misses one or two games, it might be too much to overcome. At the same time, I hope he doesn’t let this derail him long term, we may need him down the road.
Quarterback Controversy Averted
As of this writing 138 Georgia Bulldogs fans have voted on the RTK poll regarding the 2010 quarterback situation. I am happy to report that all is well. Aaron Murray has won in a landslide receiving 78% of the vote. Zach Mettenberger was second with 10%, Logan Gray had 7% and true freshman Hutson Mason just 4%.
The official tally has been hermetically sealed and sent to Funk and Wagnall for verification. You old Georgia Dawgs will know what I’m talking about. Once approved, the results will be forwarded to Coach Mark Richt so he can make the necessary adjustments to the practice schedule.
Since we have had such an over-whelming response, there will be no need for QB’s to split reps evenly. Thanks to all who voted.
New Poll on RTK…Who will…
Who will be the quarterback in Athens this fall?
Vote in the RTK Poll to the right.
Spring is In The Air, Sort of
What’s that noise Georgia fans? I hear there are Georgia Bulldogs stirring in the deep recesses of the Big BM. That’s the Butts-Mehre building for those of you in Phenix City. Mat drills are over. Optimism abounds. Willie is free. Life is good.
Spring football is starting in Athens and the Dawg Nation searches for signs that the upgrades continue. New blood on the staff should equate to a new attitude, not just on defense, but across the board. After all, it was the offense that ranked near the bottom in the NCAA in turnovers and penalties.
I think I am ready for the Aaron Murray watch. Many assume he’s the man. I wonder what Zach Mettenberger thinks about that? I’m going to put my considerable weight behind Zach.
Zach is the Cinco Grande, the future of the Georgia 5′s.
I am implementing the new “Vick logic”. He wants to go to Carolina because he like the uniforms. My heart is in the number 5. Seriously, I hope that one of these red-shirt freshman is ready by fall. Our season depends on it.
College Football and Social Media
There are quite a few Georgia Bulldogs who jumped in the deep end of social media in 2009. From Facebook to Twitter, and probably some Myspace thrown in for good measure, being “social” with friends we don’t know has become all the rage. Although, I can see some positive aspects to this phenomenon, the negatives keep piling up in my mind’s eye.
Going back to last year when I jumped in the pool myself, it was interesting to connect with so many Dawg fans of all ages. As a former player, it was fun and a little bit of an ego boost to be perfectly honest. I can’t even imagine how crazy it could get for a present day player….wait, yes I can.
I have followed Jeff Owens and Mike Moore from the beginning of the 2009 season. I added Darryl Gamble, Tavarres King, Neland Ball, Bacarri Rambo, Drew Butler and AJ Green. Along the way I picked up on some players from other teams as well. I’m going to hold off on their names, you’ll understand shortly.
On the surface one would think it would be great to follow and understand the day to day routine of a college football player. At times it was true, but there were other times it was disappointing. When the season did not go according to plan, it gave over zealous fans the ammo they needed to criticize some players. It was ugly.
One in particular was Jeff Owens, who tweeted early and often about his daily grind, never missing an opportunity to let his followers know when he got his grub on. Jeff received some some serious heat after the Florida game, I believe it was. In addition, none other than David Pollack was relentless in in the fall, telling #95 to try a salad from time to time. Sometimes brutal, sometimes funny, but #47 was really just trying to help I think.
This has been a bad week for college players and social media. Elijay Fields of the Pitt Panthers was dismissed for pictures he posted on Twitter (click and also see picture below). If thats not enough, try Oregon’s Jamere Holland, upset because he thought,(mistakenly) that one of his boys had been kicked off the team for a DUI. He let loose on Facebook and now he’s the goner(click).
Like I mentioned earlier, I have been following some players from other schools besides Georgia and I have seen Tweets about partying, getting high and even one guy watching his room mate having sex in the room. It’s crazy. It’s like these kids think the only ones reading it are their friends and or team mates.
Another example is the fan pressure exerted on Facebook pages during recruiting season. Da’Rick Rogers was supposedly bombarded by Georgia and Tennessee fans. Now Rogers and Baccari Rambo have had a verbal sparring match online. It seems to have subsided for now, but I have a feeling it’s not over(click).
All in all, as a fan I think social media is cool. It gives you an unequaled access to players and their thoughts day to day. But the abuses are so numerous, if I were a coach, I would want my players to steer clear. I think any player willing to risk exposing himself to the fringe that exists out there, better be thicked skinned, because people will put you on blast in a hurry. And by all means watch the “Twitpics” and keep your mouth shut!
My own personal time on Twitter and Facebook has been dwindling because of having to devote more time to my business, but I feel sure when the season gets here, I will be among those barking…
Gooo #Dawgs!
New Series – Old School/New School
Hey you Georgia Bulldog fans, I am considering a series called Old School/New School where I will travel around Georgia and meet the 2010 signees, at least as many as possible. I want to try and approach it differently than most “reporters” might. If you think you would like this idea, what questions would you want answered? I am open for suggestions.
From Rivals.com:
| SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT | Pos | Stars | Ht | Wt | 40 | RR | Video | Enrolled | Hometown |
| Demetre Baker | LB |  |
6-0 | 200 | 4.45 | 5.7 |  |
Orange Park, FL | |
| Brent Benedict | OL | |
6-4 | 278 | 5.07 | 5.9 | |
Jacksonville, FL | |
| Michael Bennett | WR | |
6-3 | 186 | 4.55 | 5.7 | |
Alpharetta, GA | |
| Brandon Burrows | DE | |
6-3 | 240 | 4.7 | 5.7 | |
Marietta, GA | |
| Marc Deas | DB | |
6-0 | 185 | - | 5.6 | |
Kissimmee, FL | |
| Jalen Fields | DE | |
6-5 | 250 | 4.65 | 5.8 | |
Dalton, GA | |
| Kenarious Gates | OL | |
6-5 | 300 | 4.9 | 5.5 | |
Greenville, GA | |
| Jakar Hamilton | DB | |
6-2 | 196 | 4.4 | 6.0 | |
 |
Milledgeville, GA |
| Kolton Houston | OL | |
6-5 | 270 | - | 5.7 | |
|
Buford, GA |
| Ken Malcome | RB | |
6-0 | 213 | 4.54 | 5.8 | |
Decatur, GA | |
| Hutson Mason | QB | |
6-2 | 190 | 4.89 | 5.6 | |
Marietta, GA | |
| Dexter Morant | DE | |
6-7 | 240 | 4.9 | 5.8 | Manning, SC | ||
| Alec Ogletree | DB | |
6-3 | 210 | 4.55 | 6.0 | |
Newnan, GA | |
| Alexander Ogletree | RB | |
5-9 | 205 | 4.55 | 5.6 | |
Newnan, GA | |
| Lonnie Outlaw | WR | |
6-6 | 200 | - | 5.2 | Rochelle, GA | ||
| Derek Owens | DB | |
5-11 | 180 | 4.45 | 5.7 | |
Jacksonville, FL | |
| Garrison Smith | DT | |
6-4 | 250 | - | 5.9 | |
Atlanta, GA | |
| T.J. Stripling | DE | |
6-6 | 215 | 4.64 | 6.0 | |
Decatur, GA | |
| Mike Thornton | DT | |
6-2 | 280 | 4.8 | 5.8 | |
Stone Mountain, GA |
Dawg Food For Thought
The recent controversy related to the last minute “change of heart” by a few commits, has had me thinking. I know, I know, I’m trying not to hurt myself. That’s why it has taken this long to put it in a post. A fairly common theme has been, “well if a kid doesn’t want to be a Dawg, we don’t want him”. I have even echoed that sentiment myself, but here’s the rub(click).
While the Nance family influence on one defector, Da’Rick Rogers was primary, I’m not convinced that the Tennessee staff didn’t have another ace in the hole. Charlie Baggett was named to the new staff in Knoxville on January 18th, just in time to become a factor in the Rogers Saga (click). Baggett had been an NFL assistant for 11 years and has coached the likes of Cris Carter, Randy Moss, Andre Rison, Plaxico Burress, Muhsin Muhammad, Derrick Mason, and Chris Chambers. Wow.
Now here is Tony Ball’s bio from www.georgiadogs.com
Ball is credited with coaching some of the school’s(Virginia Tech) greatest receivers including Ernest Wilford (2002-03), the school’s all-time receptions leader, the first player in school history to post two 50-catch seasons, and a fourth round choice in the 2004 NFL draft. In addition, Ball coached Andre Davis, one of the Virginia Tech’s top three receivers in career catches, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions. Davis was a 2002 second round NFL selection of the Cleveland Browns.
Okay, you tell me which seems more impressive to a young, 5-star athlete who wants to play in the NFL someday. Hell, even if that’s not in the forefront of a recruits mind, a coach can plant that seed and make it grow.
As a old school Georgia fan and former player, I don’t think the letters N-F-L should carry the weight they do in “college” recruiting, but that’s the reality. Our hiring of Todd Grantham is in the same vein, so why do we rip a kid to shreds when we as a program are not always fostering a true “Red and Black” allegiance? We’re playing the same game. Sometimes we will win and sometimes we will lose.
But by all means, as the kids say, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game”.
What do you think?
Tell me what you really think!