Georgia Bulldogs: Former LB, Demetre Baker, Didn't Feel The Love

Demetre Baker, the former four-star linebacker who was kicked off the Georgia football team following a DUI incident, is now at South Alabama—playing running back—according to Tommy Hicks of al.com.

Baker, who admits that Richt kept his word in helping him to find a school that best fit him, also had this to say about his time at Georgia, "I felt like this school [South Alabama] offered a lot of things and a lot of love and a lot of family, and that's what I was looking for. I didn't get that at Georgia."

The statement is a curious one given the amount of prospects who often state those very things as the reason they choose to play at Georgia in the first place.

Perhaps there is still some bitterness held by Baker because of the swiftness Richt took in dismissing him—which, at the time, was necessary given the atmosphere at Georgia

Whatever the case, it looks like Baker is happy with his current position at South Alabama. Hopefully he doesn't squander another opportunity to maximize his talents.

Georgia Bulldogs: What Does Isaiah Crowell Need To Be Successful?

Photo Credit: JASON GETZ/AJC

Isaiah Crowell's announcement did more than relieve months of tension and worry among the Bulldog faithful, it gave them a reason to believe that the running game would again have the star it so desperately needs in the backfield—the perfect compliment to Aaron Murray.

Well, it was only six-months ago that fans were satisfied that the Washaun Ealey/Caleb King combo was everything Georgia needed to "run this state" too, and that didn't exactly work out as planned now did it?

Now, before you start thinking this article is meant to rain on the "dream team" parade, please step away from the keyboard and think about this for a moment: As unimpressive, underwhelming, and downright disappointing as Ealey and King both proved to be last season, there can be no doubt that they have talent and have, at some point, been serviceable during their careers at Georgia.

After all, in 2010, many predicted the duo could be one of the best 1-2 combos in the SEC.

Was that a mistake? Did the two generate too much hype for their own good last year, or was something bigger at hand in their collective freefalls from grace?

The only reason this question is worth asking today is because as studly as Isaiah Crowell may turn out to be, no one wishes to see him fall flat, under the weight of enormous expectations, simply because Georgia hasn't done all it can to prepare the way for him.

Before Crowell can be envisioned "running that rock" in any part of Georgia's offense, a few points need to be considered. Points that could have a major impact on his productivity from day one.

For one, A.J. Green's departure means the run game will get a lot more attention.

Without, at least presently, a player of Green's caliber to stretch the field and give defensive coordinator's fits, Bobo will need to do a much better job game planning each week because "throw it to A.J." is no longer an option.

Furthermore, once Richt decides who will be coordinating the run game, Bobo needs to improve the way he uses each running backs particular skills. Last season he, far too often in my opinion, placed them in situations where they were not going to succeed—let's be honest, it's never a good idea to send 5'8", sub-190 lb running back, Carlton Thomas up the gut on a third down.

Lastly, the new offensive line coach—whoever he turns out to be—will have his work cut out for him. The offensive line has talent, but years of poor conditioning cannot be undone in a handful of months, expect some growing pains as each player is reassessed and re-evaluated to see how he can best be used during both pass and run plays.

Can Georgia return to prominence in the running game? Absolutely, but it's going to take some time. The issues which contributed to the overall decline of the run game will have to be addressed quickly—before Crowell can shine—then, hopefully, we'll see him become the player we all hope he can.

Georgia Bulldogs: Mark Richt Shares His Thoughts On Signing Day (VIDEO)

Georgia closed out strong on February 2 and the Bulldogs will enter the 2011 season with significantly higher hopes—particularly on defense—for a better outcome than the one they had in 2010.

Coach Richt expects to see Isaiah Crowell come in and compete for playing time early and, hopefully, we'll see him "running that rock against Boise State" in the season opener at the Georgia Dome.

ESPN rated Georgia's class No. 6 in the nation behind Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, USC, and Texas—in that order.

Mark Richt Has "Dream Team" Class. Watch more top selected videos about: NCF, ESPN

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• There's nothing wrong with dreaming. (blutarsky.wordpress.com)

Isaiah Crowell's Signing Day Moment Was One For The Dawgs (VIDEO)

The little pup at the end was a nice move by Crowell. Let's hope he's got more tricks up his sleeve once he gets on the football field next season.



Not to be completely outdone, his Carver-Columbus teammate, Gabe Wright, caused a stir as well when he revealed Auburn as his school of choice by putting on a hat that said "Nick Who?"...he clarified that he meant Fairley, not Saban—nice save there, Gabe.

Georgia Bulldogs: Live Coverage of National Signing Day 2011

Georgia Bulldogs: The New Football Facility Already Earning Its Weight (VIDEO)

If a recruiting prospect is seriously considering signing with Georgia for the next four-to-five years, the new Butts-Mehre Expansion project has to be a nice selling point.

It looks amazing (the steel steps with the trademark 'G' inserted into the face is a nice touch) and the great technological touches will be a major plus as the staff tries to make 2011 a banner year—already talking BCS trophies in Butts-Mehre (well, at least they're doing it tongue-in cheek)—for Mark Richt's football program.

Below is a video tour, put together by Dean Legge of DawgPost.com, and it gives you a little taste of what the future prospects on Georgia's target list will see when they visit the campus and what the current commits and roster players have to look forward to next season.

Recruiting: Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell Verbally Commit To UGA

Photo Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

When Xzavier Dickson pledged his allegiance to Alabama at the Under-Armour All-American game a mere two weeks ago, a feeling of dejection came over many a Bulldog fan as their dream of an in-state all-star team seemed to look more like a nightmare.

What a difference a few weeks and a couple of decisions can make.

While nothing is ever "official" until the ink is on the paper, the verbal commitments of both Jay Rome (TE) and Malcolm Mitchell (DB/WR) certainly helped rekindle the dream of a great class and, for once, made the Georgia faithful feel like a turnaround could indeed be in store for 2011.

What each player offers is likely obvious by now.

Jay Rome is rated the No. 1 tight end in the country and, playing alongside other great talents like Orson Charles and Aron White,  he adds yet another big weapon for the Bulldogs on offense.

He has good size, great speed, and excellent play making ability.

As for Malcolm Mitchell, no doubt he was a surprise for Georgia fans as Alabama was thought to be his school of choice for quite a while. Fortunately for Georgia, Mitchell's desire to remain in-state swayed him towards the red and black at the last minute.

At 6'1", 190, Mitchell has the size to play both receiver and defensive back at the next level. And, it has already been hinted that he just might.

Georgia could definitely use his services on both sides of the ball—particularly with Boykin likely gone after 2011 and Branden Smith suffering through his share of injuries. 

Both prospects should play well for Georgia provided they are given the proper coaching.

All in all, it's been a good day to be a Georgia Bulldog.

Jay Rome video:




Malcolm Mitchell video:

Georgia Bulldogs: What Would Searles' Departure Mean For Recruiting?

It is being reported tonight, by multiple news outlets, that Georgia offensive line coach, Stacey Searles has accepted the same position on Mack Brown's coaching staff at the University of Texas.

Searles has been the target of much finger-pointing over his last two seasons at Georgia due to the disappointment of his offensive line units. To be fair, however,  it is uncertain how much of their problems were due to conditioning as opposed to coaching.

Either way, he appears to be on his way to Austin to begin anew and, less than two weeks until signing day, Georgia is labored with the task of starting a new coaching search. While possible replacements have only been mildly kicked about—Hugh Nall, Mac McWhorter, and former Vanderbilt head coach, Robbie Caldwell, have all been mentioned—the real concern is what will become of Georgia's 2011 offensive line prospects?

Well, the biggest fish of the group, Watts Dantzler, has already spoken via his Twitter account and he looks to be solid:

Dantzler was close to coach Searles, and his commitment became a concern the moment news of a possible departure hit the airwaves.

Dantzler was highly recruited by a number of schools, but his decision ultimately came down to two—Auburn and Georgia. Georgia won out and any chance the Tigers might have had to swoop back into the picture was seemingly killed long ago.

Reportedly, Dantzler is "done with Auburn" after the way he was treated during the football game against Georgia. Said Dantzler, "I left with about 10 minutes left in the game...I got treated very poorly while I was there. A lot of the fans were getting on me, saying they didn’t want me there. I even wore blue and everything. It wasn’t a very good day for me over there."

For now, it appears safe to say that Dantzler will remain a Bulldog.

Dean Legge of Scout.com reportedly has the same feelings about both Hunter Long and David Andrews.  He doesn't get the feeling that either is a threat to be lost by Georgia if Searles is indeed gone—particularly not Hunter whose brother is already enrolled at Georgia.

As for DeBell, there is no word on him as of yet, but there is little reason to believe he won't remain committed to Georgia. Just as a side note, Debell is projecting out as a tight end or fullback at the next level and it's possible that Georgia has other plans for him—just putting that out there.

In the meantime, it doesn't appear that a Searles' departure would spell doom for the 2011 class.