That said, the first question many were asking after hearing about this hire was "why"?
Richt's future at Georgia is teetering on the brink to start the 2011 season—despite a stellar recruiting class—and this hire needed to be money. So, why on earth would he bring in a guy who is 1) unknown, and 2) relatively unproven?
Well, to be quite honest, who Will Friend is doesn't matter. No one knew much about Brian Van Gorder before he arrived at Georgia, from Western Illinois, in 2000 either, and he turned out just fine? If nothing else, trust that Richt understands the security of his job rests on the success of the 2011 season. Everyone on his staff knows that, so he's not going to bring in a guy unless he has faith that he will be a success—sooner rather than later.
That said, there are only two questions any fan needs the answer too, where Will Friend is concerned, A) can he coach, and B) can he recruit. The rest is just message board chatter. So, let's answer those two questions now, shall we?
1. Can he coach?
While no one is likely to mistake an SEC schedule for a Conference USA one, it is interesting to note a few major points when comparing the production of UAB's offensive line versus that of Georgia's last season.
Georgia made 64 rushing attempts on third down last year and those attempts totaled 91-yards of offense. What that means is Georgia averaged a mind-boggling 1.42 yards per carry on all third downs attempted last season—deplorable is the only word for that stat.
By contrast, UAB's rushing attack totaled 245 yards on 74 attempts (that's better than 3.3 yards per carry). Even more, the teams rushing averaged was even more impressive when better than 10 yards was needed to convert the first down (6.54 yards per carry in those situations).
So, again, say what you will about the quality of competition, and the offensive scheme UAB runs, good offensive line play is good offensiveline play and, in Georgia's case, it would be nice to see that kind of production from their stable of talent in 2011.
As far as pass protection is concerned, UAB allowed only 12 sacks last season, good enough for 14th in the nation. Georgia's rank—trotting out what was touted to be one of the best offensive line units in the country—was 66th.
Despite the above points, it would be short-sighted not to point out that the lack of consistent production from the offensive line could have had as much to do with conditioning as it did coaching, so it will be interesting to see how the addition of Friend—coupled with a more fine-tuned S&C program—will translate onto the football field next season.
That said, there should be no doubt that Friend is qualified to coach.
2. Can he recruit?
UAB isn't Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, or Mississippi. Quite frankly, they aren't even the true class of their own conference—that distinction goes to UCF, Houston, and Southern Miss—but Friend still managed to bring quality two and three-star prospects to their university.
That says a lot about the effectiveness of his sales pitch.
Friend has solid footing in both Mississippi and Alabama, as well as relationships with some of the more well-known junior colleges in the south.
He knows what he's doing and if he can sell UAB, he can sell Georgia. Recruiting is about building relationships, and Friend has honed his skills in that area well over the last several years.
Conclusion
The proof will be in the pudding as far as how far Friend's coaching abilities can lead the Bulldogs in 2011 but, for now, let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
What say you?
