Washaun Ealey: "...I probably need to go somewhere I can focus."

Photo Credit: Josh D. Weiss

In case you hadn't heard, former standout Georgia Bulldog running back, Washaun Ealey, has been granted his unconditional release by the University of Georgia football team. And, from the looks of it, that's precisely what needed to happen in order for the team to truly move forward in a more postive, team-focused, direction.

Now, I am never one who likes to bash a kid, but Ealey has grated my nerves for quite some time with his poor attitude and inability to place the team (not his jersey number) first. So, when I peeped some of the comments he made this afternoon in regards to his departure from the program, I can't say that I was surprised he said them, but I was disappointed that he said them out loud.

Here are just a few of the gems he dropped:

On his time at Georgia:

"I probably would have stayed out of a little more trouble than I did, but I feel like everything happens for a reason. So I probably wouldn't change anything." 

Is this kid for real? I completely get the whole idea behind not having regrets, but his actions at Georgia would have bordered on insubordination if he were employed.

On why he decided to transfer:

"...I just felt like I want to be able to stay focused. For me to be successful, I probably need to go somewhere I can focus." 

Ummmm, okay. I only have one question for him on that one: what the heck were you focusing on before—if not the game of football and being a student at the University of Georgia?

On his diminishing role as a tailback:

"I'm a person where I want to be a premier back, if I was to play here, I would have had to share the backfield with Caleb (King) and Carlton (Thomas) also. Then they were going to try to give the freshman Isaiah his chance... I just felt like I didn't want to be in that mix of things anymore."

It's called COMPETITION, Washaun and, if you're a good, quality, back then you relish the opportunity to show why you're still the best option.  You were never entitled to have the role of starter and you certainly did not prove yourself worthy of consideration with your shenanigans....just wow. 

It seems to me that Washaun Ealey was looking for a place where his ego could be coddled and his skill level unquestioned. Georgia might suffer on the depth chart because of his departure but, as a fan, does he really sound like the type of player you want on your team?

Read the entirety of the interview (conducted by Gentry Estes of Dawgs 24/7) here ($$$).  

Related articles

• The rise and fall of Washaun Ealey (blutarsky.wordpress.com)
• RB Ealey transferring after problems at Georgia (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Tough Break for Trinton, What's Next for Georgia?

Photo Credit: DAVID MANNING

Trinton Sturdivant is out for the 2011season. He tore the anterior crucial ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Saturday's scrimmage and will spend the next year rehabbing.

Because Sturdivant took a medical redshirt in 2008—a player who uses his redshirt season for medical reasons is eligible to apply for a medical hardship year—he could possibly receive a sixth year of eligibilty from the NCAA based on his circumstances.

Medical Hardship Waivers

In order to be eligible for a medical hardship waiver, a student-athlete must have competed in at least one contest in the first half of the season, but no more than three contests or 30%, whichever is greater (14.2.4). The total number of contests is calculated by the schedule on the first date of competition. Participation in Conference postseason is counted as one competition.

If a student-athlete is unable to compete at all during an entire season because of an injury or illness, the student-athlete may not file for a medical hardship waiver. In this case, the season would be considered a medical redshirt season.

If the student-athlete has two or more seasons of medical redshirt because of an injury or illness (or one season of medical redshirt and one season of medical hardship), the Compliance Office can file for an extension of the five-year clock (a sixth year) only after the student-athlete has reached the end of the existing five-year clock [emphasis added].

However, much of this seems unlikely given Sturdivant's flirtation with the NFL this past season. He may want to take this opportunity to get strong and apply for next year's draft in hopes of having a ahot at playing in the pros.

We'll have to wait and see what happens here, but it's most likely Sturdivant has played his last game at the University of Georgia.

That said, the next question is what will Georgia do at left tackle?

Cordy Glenn appears to be the best option as he has experience playing the position, but if he moves from right tackle—a position he is admittedly more comfortable playing—Georgia will have to find someone to take his place. Some choices, according to Anthony Dasher of UGASports.com, would be Austin Long, Kolton Houston, and Justin Anderson.

Kolton Houston is a redshirt freshman with plenty of talent, but he seems best built to play offensive guard due to his average pass-blocking skills. He has impressed offensive line coach, Will Friend, in practices thus far, but it seems doubtful he would be ready to play right tackle this season. That said, he has gotten some looks all across the line this spring and remains a legitimate option—even if only as a reserve.

Justin Anderson has moved back to the offensive line after one season of trying his wares on defense, and while he's adjusted well to being back in his natural element, he's practiced solely at guard this spring. Add to that, Anderson has a lengthy injury history—he missed a majority of 2010 with a turf toe—and may not be physically ready for the rigors of playing on the outside.

Austin Long is the wild card of this bunch. He was highly touted when he arrived at Georgia, but has been besieged by injuries and hasn't contributed much. This is his first spring of really giving it a go and he's already had to miss some time with a sore shoulder.

Those are Georgia's best options for the moment, but there is still the possibility they could find their solution when the 2011 signees enroll—Watts Dantzler, Zach DeBell, and Xzavier Ward among them.

Looks like coach Friend has a lot more work yet to do this spring.

Related articles

• Gerogia Bulldogs OT Trinton Sturdivant has torn right ACL, will miss season (sports.espn.go.com)
• Heartbreak v3.0: UGA lineman suffers another ACL tear (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)

A.J. Green: "I'm Tall, I'm Big, I'm Physical"

Ya know, as much as I enjoyed watching A.J. Green play football for the University of Georgia, I have to say it was disappointing to see how poorly he scored on the Wonderlic. In case you haven't heard, he only answered 10 of the 50 questions correctly.

If you're an NFL scout, you have to be a little concerned about how that will translate into his ability to play at the next level—some already have.

However, it seems to me that, unlike at quarterback, the position of wide receiver is not nearly as cerebral. Green has the ability to get open, catch the ball, and maintain body control in almost any situation. He's especially good at making the difficult catches near the sideline and in traffic—the Wonderlic doesn't test for those types of intangibles.

My guess is that Green will still be a very enticing pick for any team in need of a No. 1 receiver. Some may pass him by for reasons unspecified, but his Wonderlic score isn't likely to be one of those reasons.

As Green says, he's tall, he's big, and he's physical—he can get the job done.

(h/t sanfrancisco49ers)

Related articles

• 2011 NFL Mock Draft: McShay Has A.J. Green Touch Down in Cincinnati (bleacherreport.com)
• 2011 NFL Wonderlic Test Results Leaked: McElroy, Newton Scores (nowpublic.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Waiting on Marlon Brown To Become "Marlon Brown"

Photo Credit:UGA Sports Communications

When Marlon Brown announced he was heading to the University of Georgia, there was a lot of excitement about the talented receiver from Harding Academy in Memphis, TN.

Many expected him to immediately step onto the field and become an impact player—catching footballs alongside A.J. Green. However the opposite has proven true as Brown has not only not been an impact player, but has hardly made much of a contribution at all.

So, what's the problem?

Popular opinion seems to be that the young man simply wasn't ready for the SEC. He certainly had the size and speed, but his domination came easier when he was playing in Memphis—against the lesser competition in his league. He simply wasn't challenged enough at the high school level and, to some extent, coach Richt's staff understood that when they signed him, said Richt, at that time,  "...the league he played in certainly made you question just a little bit, is this just a big man in a league where he's dominant, or can he really play with the big boys."

That said, the potential for Brown still seemed limitless in terms of what he could do once he became better acclimated to SEC play. However, he has been plagued with a series of unfortunate setbacks, mostly injury-based, that have translated into Georgia Bulldog fans seeing a player who doesn't look like he will ever become what they imagined.

To be fair to Brown, it seems only right to mention that the wasted redshirt season of 2009 is as much a factor in Brown's overall lack of development than anything. The young man was targeted less than a dozen times during his true freshman season (2009) and, essentially, wasted a year of possible tutelage.

The mentality behind that decision not to redshirt him is a source of ongoing debate, but is neither here nor there as he enters his third season at Georgia—you know what they say about hindsight.

With A.J. Green gone and Kris Durham graduated, Brown has a better than average opportunity to begin to showcase what he can do at Georgia. He is no longer playing in the shadows of a superstar wide receiver, nor is he likely to be short-changed on the football field if he can play consistent football throughout the spring and summer.

The sky can still be the limit for Brown—if he can remember how to fly.

What say you, is Marlon Brown finally ready or are his best days behind him?

Georgia Bulldogs: John Jenkins Signs With Georgia, Fills Key Need (VIDEO)

The Georgia Bulldogs finally have the main piece to the 3-4 puzzle in nose guard John Jenkins, the 6'4" 353-pound JUCO prospect from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College chose Georgia over Florida because, in the end he "...felt they [Georgia] really needed me. Everybody else said they needed me, too, but at Georgia it just felt right. It felt like home."

And need him they did.

Todd Grantham has long looked for a player to fill-in the spot known only as the "nose"—a player who could both eat up space and create rushing lanes off the edge for the defensive ends to run through. If Jenkins is anything like advertised, he fits that bill and then some. 

Here's some video of Big John—the 26th and final commitment for 2011:

Jenkins is No. 95 in the video, but is expected to wear No. 6 (yes, that's not a typo) for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2011. 

Related articles

• JUCO defensive tackle Jenkins picks Georgia (sportingnews.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Former QB Prospect, Logan Gray, Will Transfer

Logan Gray will no longer play for the University of Georgia.

The former quarterback prospect who began the 2010 campaign as a possible candidate for the starting QB position, only to be moved to wide receiver/flanker once Aaron Murray was named, has decided to take his degree (which he will be awarded in May) and seek out another school at which to use his remaining eligibility (he has one year remaining).

According to DawgPost.com, Gray wants to play his final season at a school closer to his home of Columbia, MO so that his family can come to his games.

I'll admit that I am uncertain if the same loophole that allowed Jeremiah Masoli to play at Ole Miss in 2010 will apply to Gray but, if it does, the NCAA waiver would come with the caveat that the University of Georgia doesn't offer an advanced degree in whatever field he hopes to obtain his Masters.

Would that open the door for him to play for the University of Missouri who, coincidentally, just lost their starting quarterback? Just an idea, nothing confirmed or heard about that possibility as it is just as likely that Gray could go the Division-II route.

Either way, you have to wish the kid nothing but the best. He gave his all at Georgia and it's too bad the coaching staff could never find a spot for him.

He finished last season with 105 receiving yards and things appeared to be looking up in 2011, especially with both A.J. Green and Kris Durham moving on, but his departure will leave Georgia even thinner at receiver, and will put a lot more pressure on guys like Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten to, finally, live up to their potential.

Georgia Football: Fans Want Less Tailgating Restrictions In 2011

Last season, the University of Georgia introduced new tailgating guidelines to North Campus.

The restrictions were a response to the massive trashing of the historic area, and many of them placed a big damper on the gameday experience. The imposed new guidelines were as follows:

• No tailgating until four hours prior to kickoff. 
• No tents, kegs, generators, household chairs, amplified music, tables longer than 4 ft., or grills are allowed. 

Essentially, you were allowed to stand around, with a soft drink cosi, and an ipod and that's not exactly the type of fan experience you want—particulary if you're a student of the university.

So, the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Georgia is lobbying for a repeal of some of those restrictions—specifically the "no tents and four-hour time ban". Their hope is to have the restraints liften in time for the 2011 football season. However, as of now, it doesn't look like the university will be biting on their suggestions. 

According to George Stafford, vice president in charge of gameday activities, the tailgating experience didn't get the test-run it needed last season due to Georgia's early kickoff times. Most people simply didn't have time to enjoy the atmosphere because the games were often at, or shortly after, noon.

He feels that another year is needed to truly gauge the effect of the restrictions on the gameday experience.

That said, the university is considering enacting more restrictions on other parts of campus—Myers Quad received significant damages during last season.

Either way, for the moment, it doesn't look like the SGA will be receiving any leniency from the university as far as tailgating is concerned.

Georgia Football: S&C Is A Lot More Than Just Strength & Conditioning

BEAU CABELL/The Macon Telegraph

The Leather Helmet (a great blog that, it must be said again, should be bookmarked by every UGA fan) posted some comments coach Richt made regarding changes in the strength program.  It was clear from his statements that he understood the need for a change and felt that Georgia had to make some adjustments in their approach. 

Said Richt:

"...I think there are different ways to skin a cat in strength, different philosophies. We aren’t saying that Coach Van isn’t a good strength coach, I’m not saying that at all, but I think there are different ways to do things, and I want to go a little bit more old school I guess. We’ll get after it a little bit differently. Like something I mentioned before, and by no means am I saying it’s just the strength area that we need to improve on when it comes to winning the fourth quarter and finishing, because coaching has to do with a lot of things. I’m sure that will be a big emphasis in our program is to make sure we truly finish the drill. We say finish the drill but are we really doing it? Did we do it this year? We did not."

Clearly, coach Richt wasn't blind to the lack of execution displayed on the football field this year. The team did not play up to their potential in 2010 and every one knows it.

Now, no one is saying that the hiring of Joe Tereshinski fixes all of those issues. However, the prevailing sentiment—amongst those who doubt the importance of the S&C program's impact on the overall product on the football field—is that the move doesn't matter much for next season's prospects. 

For those who believe that, no disrespect, but you are missing the overall point. S&C is as much about mental toughness, and a fighting mentality, as it is about lifting weights and running laps.

Heck, just read the mission statement:

The mission of the Strength & Conditioning program at the University of Georgia is to provide each student-athlete with the opportunity to perform at the highest level possible throughout his or her career. This is accomplished by helping the athletes become as physically and mentally competitive as possible...

...From a mental aspect, the athletes learn the importance of hard work and dedication. Each athlete is held accountable for not only their own work, but for that of their teammates as well. Each athlete is expected to be on time for all workouts, and work their hardest to get as much from his or her opportunity as possible. [emphasis added]

How many games were lost in the fourth quarter this season because Georgia failed to execute? How many defensive plays were blown due to poor focus? How many times did you watch Georgia's line play and think to yourself, "these guys look tired and defeated by halftime"?

One of the most telling quotes about the team came from Justin Houston after the Auburn Loss, "There were just blown assignments. People weren’t where they were supposed to be and they capitalized on our mistakes. … Some guys weren’t as focused as they need to be and it hurt us. It’s been hurting us all season" [emphasis added].

Does that sound like a guy playing on a team that is Prepared? Communicating with each other? Mentally strong in the clutch?

No one here professes to be a coach, a player, or an expert, but here's what is known: Georgia players were not always accountable, they weren't always physically prepared, and they certainly did not perform at the highest level—at all times—and those things are all about strength and conditioning.

Should Richt escape criticism for not making a move quicker? No, absolutely not, I have been amongst a few that have pointed the finger at Richt and stated as much. That said, if Richt wasn't going to be the man to go, then a change in the culture of Georgia football had to start somewhere and there was no place better than the S&C program—period.

Will this change translate into a 10 or 11 win season next year? That remains to be seen, as Richt stated "...the proof will be in the pudding..."

However, if nothing else, we can be assured the status quo will no longer be tolerated and, no matter your personal opinion on the issue, you have to agree that's a good place to start.

Dunta Robinson: "I Grew Up A Bulldog Fan..."

Falcon's defensive back, Dunta Robinson attended the University of South Carolina, had a better than average college football career (he was taken 10th overall in the 2004 NFL Draft), and is now a starter on the 11-2 Atlanta Falcons.
He was recently interviewed by The Post and Courier and one of the first things he was asked was how he, an Athens, GA native (Robinson was a three-sport start at Clarke Central High School) ends up playing football at South Carolina.

Said Robinson:

"The University of Georgia never offered me a scholarship. That's how. I grew up a Bulldogs fan. It was the first college team I fell in love with and had they offered me a scholarship, I would have gone there. But coach (Jim) Donnan didn't think I was good enough to play at Georgia. My senior year, they had a player I knew, not even a coach, ask me if I was interested in playing wide receiver. When I said, 'no' I never heard from them again."

Wow, hopefully, the Georgia Bulldogs are a lot better at scouting the local talent now, than they were under Jim Donnan's watch.

CFB Rumor Mill: Kill The Noise, Mark Richt Isn't Headed to Miami Either

Here we go again, more rumors surrounding the head coach at the University of Georgia. You know, for a guy who no one really likes all that much, Mark Richt sure seems to be on a lot of "wish lists" lately.

First he was tabbed as a possibility at Colorado. However, his big salary at Georgia nipped that rumor quickly in the bud.

Now, his name is being floated about for the, newly vacated, Miami Hurricanes coaching position. Randy Shannon was fired late yesterday—shortly after the Canes' lost to South Florida in overtime.

Richt is a Miami alumnus. He played quarterback there from 1979-82, backing up future NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Kelly.

Some feel he is the perfect guy to get Miami back to it's winning ways, but someone needs to let Georgia AD, Greg McGarity, in on the conversation because, as far as he's concerned, Richt will be calling Athens home through, at least, the 2011 football season.

These rumors are just that—rumors. Mark Richt is still the coach at Georgia, and he isn't assumed to be going anywhere. He's planning on being in Athens for as long as the university will have him and he's made it very clear that Georgia is his "home".

So, why all the speculation and rumor-mongering about him being lured to go elsewhere? Well, that's easy, teams will try to go after the best out there, regardless of their current situation. Tommy Tuberville's name has also surfaced as a possibility, and he's only been at Texas Tech for one season.

This is a lot less about Richt's job at Georgia being in jeopardy, than it is about a school (Miami) planning for its future.

Don't believe the hype, folks, there's simply not much to it. 

*Photo courtesy of webshots.com/canesunited—click photo for more info.

Georgia Bulldogs Football: Either You're With Richt or You're Against Him—It's That Simple

At this point, the Georgia Bulldog faithful are drawing a line in the sand and, quite frankly, it's coming down to one question: Are you a Mark Richt supporter or a Mark Richt detractor? Period. There is no gray area, there are no compromises, and there is no room for further discussion.

If you listen to the media, Richt should be gone yesterday. People like Mark Bradley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC)  have all but laid out a simple plan for why Richt should accept his fate and move on.

But, Bradley is just looking for blog hits. Don't think for one minute he actually cares about the state of the Georgia football program. The longer Mark Richt stays around, the more material

Bradley has to produce for the contingent that are looking for a reason to believe their feelings towards Richt are valid.

A pot-stirrer is a pot-stirrer—it doesn't matter what kitchen he/she is standing in.

That said, at some point, you have to decide, as a fan, what you feel is best for your beloved program. If you love Georgia football, then you are no more right if you want Richt to stay, than you are wrong if you want him to leave. It's a matter of personal opinion and, both sides, have legitimate arguments.

The pro-Richt side will point to the last ten-years, the change in coaching, the lack of A.J. Green to start the season, the bad defensive playcalling of the previous regime, etc. The anti-Richt side will point to the SEC record of the last three-years, the poor recruiting class of 2009, the perceived refusal of Richt to hire/fire based on performance not personal relationships, etc.

There is no winning no matter what side of the fence you stand on, yet, the argument still rages on.

However, it must be said, the parallel that so many want to draw with Phillip Fulmer seems irrelevant. No offense to the Vols, but, is that what you want as a Georgia fan? Seriously? Because, last check, Tennessee hasn't been that much better without Fulmer than they were with him.

Tennessee might get back to being a power in another year or two, but, do Bulldog fans really want to follow the Vol's trajectory? Is that, in your mind, the better option?

Or, more disturbingly, those same fans are now pointing to what Gene Chizik is doing at Auburn in just his second full season. Well, should we point out the obvious? Let's do for the heck of it: Cam Newton is the difference.

Gene Chizik got the best player in the nation to play in Gus Malzahn's high-powered offense.
Take Newton out of the equation and Auburn isn't undefeated.  Those close wins against Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina, and LSU are nulled.

Don't bother second-guessing it, Newton made those wins happen—no question.

Mark Richt has become a divisive figure within the Bulldog nation and that's a pity because, if not for all his early success, there wouldn't be the thinking that Georgia could do better. He's as much a victim of his prior success as he is his recent failures—go figure.

In the end, Mark Richt is the head coach at the University of Georgia until further notice and, personally, I stand behind him.

Why?...Well, because until he's fired or resigns—in my opinion—he's Georgia and, quite frankly, so am  I.

Does that mean you are wrong for wanting him gone—if you do? No, it simply means we'd have to agree to disagree and, honestly, that shouldn't be a problem.

Georgia Bulldogs Football: The Mark Richt to Colorado Reports Are Complete Nonsense

Apparently, Georgia head coach, Mark Richt, along with current ESPN analyst (and former Oregon Duck head coach) Mike Belloti, are considered front-runners for the vacant head coach position at Colorado.

CBSSports' Dennis Dodd, as well as the "Insider" page at ESPN (which, to be honest, is just a glorified message board for anything that a troll can come up with) are both running with the possibility.

However, even the Colorado press is taking the story with a grain of sand.

According to John Henderson of The Denver Post, "Richt isn't believed to be in danger of losing his job, but a source said he may be tired of the SEC's pressure cooker and could seek a change in scenery. Richt lived in Broomfield for part of his youth."

Read more: Bellotti, Richt get early looks for CU coaching job - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/cu/ci_16600621#ixzz15Bkb3Dmr

The article goes on to say that Colorado isn't willing to go over $2 million per season, no matter who they hire—Richt makes $2.8 million in salary (not to mention the compensation he receives for his endeavors outside of coaching). 

Unless Richt loses his final two games this year—particularly the one to Georgia Tech (who is likely to be without star quarterback, Josh Nesbitt, when the two teams meet on Thanksgiving weekend)—there is little reason to believe that he will be fired at the end of the 2010 season. 

Even more, if Colorado has any designs on Richt, they certainly haven't let the University of Georgia's AD, Greg McGarity, know anything about it. McGarity said the interest was news to him and, as late as this posting, no one in his office has been contacted about the possibility of speaking to coach Richt about the position—go figure.

Mark Richt isn't going anywhere—yet. And, honestly, Colorado is likely looking to lock down a head coach much sooner than Richt would be able to commit (assuming he were even interested, which is doubtful). 

Related articles

• Bellotti, Richt get early looks for CU coaching job (denverpost.com)

Is Reggie Bush Kidding or Delusional—The Lady's Friday Links (9/17)

Reggie Bush returned his 2005 Heisman trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust on yesterday. The former USC running back stated that: “It’s definitely not an admission of guilt. It’s me showing my respect to the Heisman Trophy and to the people who come before me and the people who come after me. You’re going to keep hearing the same thing because that’s what it is. It’s not an admission of guilt it’s me feeling like this is the best thing for me and the Heisman Trust right now.” Awww, isn't that special, Reggie is finally thinking of someone other than himself. Seriously, if he doesn't think he did anything wrong, why bother returning the trophy in the first place? Not inclined to buy that he's suddenly become enlightened about the situation, despite what he says.

Are Alabama and Oregon heading for disappointment in week three?...Doubtful, but I guess the story makes for good copy. On the other hand, that Tennessee over Florida pick makes perfect sense—just saying.

Isaiah Crowell is skipping his visit to the University of Georgia football game this Saturday, but the AJC assures that this is nothing to be worried about, if you're a Georgia Bulldog fan.

Speaking of the Georgia Bulldogs, wide receiver A.J. Green will be heard by the NCAA at some point today. The junior is currently serving a four-game suspension for selling his bowl game jersey. UGA hopes that his suspension is reduced and he will be allowed to play with the team on tomorrow—don't hold your breath.

After a few stellar performances, Michigan phenom, Denard Robinson, is already being analyzed as a future NFL prospect. It may be a little too early for the Michael Vick comparisons, but I guess the college football world needs something to hang onto right now.

Florida hasn't been impressive this season, thus far, so I suppose that gives writers an opportunity to turn their attention to the other things about Urban Meyer's program that is worthy of mention...like whether or not he's running a "dirty program" in Gainesville. Wow. what a difference a Tebow-less team makes. 

If you have been impressed by the performance of the Kentucky Wildcats, under new coach Joker Phillps, so far this season, then this writer has a little bit of reality to impart about just how good the Wildcats really are—don't get your hopes up. 

Tulane head coach isn't saying it's okay that his team lost to Ole Miss last weekend, but he is able to find the silver-lining—it wasn't like they were blown out by the Rebels (they lost 27-13). Said Bob Toledo, "“That’s the first time I’ve seen our offensive line run off the ball and knock people back...we were more physical in that game than we’ve been in four years since I’ve been here. Our physicality on both sides of the line impressed me.” No offense to the Green Wave but, Ole Miss is looking less and less impressive by the day.

This writer thinks the SEC East is the weaker of the two divisions this season (due mostly to Florida's offensive losses). Hmmm, that's funny, I don't recall one of the Eastern Division teams losing to it's I-AA opponent—just saying.

Middle Tennessee State will get their prized quarterback/running back, Dwight Dasher back in time to play conference power, Troy, on October 5th. Dasher was suspended for four-games due to accepting an impermissible loan of $1500.

I'll tell you this much, Bruce Pearl (Head Basketball Coach at Tennessee) has one hell of an agent. Despite his recent admission of guilt, Tennessee may not be able to terminate his contract. Man, that AD over in Knoxville has a way of getting screwed by his head coaches—didn't Kiffin get away free as a bird with a menial buyout? I think they need a new overseer in that department because the current one is not exactly top-notch.

Cool videos of the week—the SEC is well-represented.



That Beano Cook cracks me up! Do they actually pay him for his analysis or what?



Georgia has turnover issues?...What games has this guy been watching?

Vince Dooley on the Georgia Bulldogs' 1980 Championship Team: "Herschel Was That Missing Piece" (VIDEO)

Former Georgia Bulldogs football coach, Vince Dooley, took a moment to sit down for an interview with the University of Georgia's student newspaper, the Red and Black, just prior to the start of Georgia's 2010 football season. In this taped interview, Dooley discusses not only the 1980 National Championship won by his team, but also what he feels is the future of the football program at Georgia.

The interview is in two parts: (h/t to wrbrown4):



Part 2...Vince Dooley on why Georgia hasn't won a national championship since 1980:

James Wilder Picks FSU, But Georgia Still Has A Shot With Isaiah Crowell

Count me among the skeptical who didn't read too much into the report that James Wilder Jr., the freakishly talented LB/RB from Plant High School, was on his way to play for the University of Georgia in 2011.

For the last several weeks, the message boards and chatter surrounding this young man from Tampa was that he was much more likely to end up in Tallahassee than Athens.

Sure, he had the ties (former Plant alumni Aaron Murray and Orson Charles are currently on the team) and plenty reason (Georgia's use of the big back intrigued him) to offer his commitment to Georgia, but it wasn't meant to be—life goes on. 

Still, it speaks well of the staff that they were able to make a run at him—even if they missed out.

So, now the attention has to be focused on RB recruit, Isaiah Crowell. He is the guy that the Bulldogs have coveted from day one and he has to be the guy that Georgia hopes to see signing on the dotted line come next February. Crowell is one of the must-have prospects for the Georgia Bulldogs in 2011 and everyone who follows the program closely knows it.

The decision of Wilder to go to FSU might have been slightly disappointing but the bright side has to be that Wilder's decision to go elsewhere should make Georgia that much more attractive to Crowell, a true talent at the running back position and an in-state kid, who has already made it clear that Georgia is on his mind—right along with Alabama.

No word yet on when Crowell will make up his mind, but as of now, the Under-Armour Game which will be held on January 29, 2011 in Mobil, AL, seems to be the likely place for his decision.

Either way, this is one prospect that Georgia would like to make sure is in the fold come signing day and, at least for the moment, there is still a reason to believe that's possible.

Georgia Bulldog 2011 Commit, Christian LeMay, Won't Play in 2010

The final word is in and the decision is final, Christian LeMay, the highly-touted QB recruit out of North Carolina, will not play his senior season of high school football for the Butler Bulldogs.

LeMay, suspended back in June for committing a violation of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School's (CMS) code of conduct rule, appealed the decision of the disciplinary board on July 26th—hoping for some leniency on what LeMay's father described as a "youthful infraction" which did not involve violence or weapons.

LeMay was given a 40-day suspension (total) for the act, and was told that he could return to Butler after his suspension was served. However, by doing so, LeMay would have all but forfeited his senior season as the starting quarterback for his high school football team.

The senior LeMay introduced the possibility of his son finishing out his career at a private school, but was hopeful that the situation would not come to that end.

However, after their appeal was denied, the family felt the best route for Christian to take would be to complete his studies in a "private setting" and enroll at the University of Georgia in December—as initially planned.

He will continue to work independently with a trainer and QB coache until that time so that he can remain in football shape.


His commitment to Georgia remains solid, as evidenced by the statement below, and also gives the impression that the  touches Georgia Bulldogs are still high on him as well.

No word yet on how this might affect his overall recruiting ranking, or if there is any reason to believe that this will affect his standing with the UGA admissions committee—currently the latter is not thought to be a concern, but one never knows in situations like these.

The full statement, given by LeMay's father, read as follows:

We first want to thank all of those who have supported our family during this time. The e-mails, letters, text and words of encouragement have been life fueling from supporters of Christian both locally and nationwide. We specifically want to thank (incoming Georgia recruits) Christian Conley and Ray Drew for standing with our son and contacting him daily, Panthers wide receiver Kenny Moore and QB training coach Steve Calhoun for working him out over the summer. Also, Sporting News and all the other recruiting networks that maintained Christian’s National Ranking on their boards.

As a result of Christian’s youthful infraction (that does not involve drugs, weapons or any form of violence), Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools imposed a severe punishment on our son ... which we appealed to their highest form of due process.

On July 26th the CMS board maintained the merciless ruling of a 40-day reassignment to an alternative school “to possibly be reviewed in 30 days”. (This was) in addition to a four-day suspension already served. The ruling also states that after completing the reassignment days, he could “possibly” return to Butler, meaning it is “possible” that he could not return to Butler.

Adhering to such a severe ruling would not only prevent Christian from playing until November due to the 10-day conditioning rule (if he returned to Butler HS), but it would also hinder him academically as the alternative school does not provide the required classes needed for him to finish in the fall of 2010 and move on to the University of Georgia in January.

Given the unwillingness of CMS to apply a more reasonable consequence for such a youthful infraction, as disheartening as it is, we must make the decision to move on and focus Christian’s attention to preparing for enrollment at the University of Georgia in January. Although, rumors suggest that Christian would likely transfer to one of the excellent programs such as (Duncan) Byrnes (S.C.), (Rock Hill) South Pointe, Greensboro Dudley and even Victory Christian Center, Christian could not imagine playing his senior season at any place other than with his brother Uriah and his teammates at Butler High School.

Therefore, having come to resolve that following the CMS consequence would not accomplish “student achievement” for Christian, we as a family have concluded that he will forgo his senior football season and focus on his preparation to attend the University of Georgia.

We are quite honored that other colleges continue to show strong interest in Christian attending their school. However, we have continued healthy communications with (Georgia) coaches and the commitment remains the same on both ends.

Christian will now prepare himself for the next season of his life as he takes this time to become stronger, spiritually, academically and physically. With the help of fitness trainer Andy Hendel of Cross fit Charlotte and QB coach Steve Calhoun of Armed and Dangerous, Christian will certainly be prepared to arrive in Georgia this spring ready to compete. We are fully confident that his best days are still yet to come. GO BULLDOGS!!!

The LeMay Family

So, what say you? Are you concerned that LeMay won't have any on-field action this season?

UGA Set To Name Greg McGarity As Next Athletic Director (AD)

It didn't take nearly as long as most Georgia Bulldog fans anticipated, and the choice, at least from the outset, appears to be the one that most fans are more than willing to accept. Greg McGarity, the longtime associate athletic director for the Florida Gators, has reportedly been hired by Michael Adams.

Initially, the search for the next athletic director (AD) was thought to be one that could take up to six months or more. It seemed conceivable that the sports programs would endure an entire season without anyone serving in that capacity—save interim AD, Frank Crumley.

But, as daunting as that sounded, most fans were willing to wait—they didn't want another quick decision.

There were many who felt that former AD, Damon Evans, was hired too quickly in 2004. McGarity was a candidate back then as well, and had more experience, but Michael Adams wanted a guy that he felt comfortable with, who wasn't necessarily a Vince Dooley guy, and who he could say he hand-picked—in short, Adams wanted this hire to be his own.

He got his wish and Evans was hired. However, once Evans resigned after his DUI arrest, it became clear that the next individual to take over the slot would need to be chosen a bit more carefully and, preferably, come into the position with more experience than Evans did back in 2004.

It was at that time that many fans and followers of the Georgia Bulldog football program started rehashing the name of Greg McGarity. He was not only an Athens native, but an alumnus of the University of Georgia and a former friend/colleague of Vince Dooley—the Georgia coaching legend who served as the AD for more than two-decades before being unceremoniously let go by Michael Adams.

It was the latter point about McGarity that made some feel that he would, again, not get a serious look for the job. Adams has long been criticized for his penchant for hiring people who aren't as likely to challenge his authority.

However, after the Evans debacle, Adams may have seen the writing on the wall and might have thought it best to hire a person that the athletic association board members were comfortable with as well—something he didn't necessarily consider when both Damon Evans and Jim Harrick (former mens basketball coach) were hired.

Whatever the reason (because clearly the above is up for some debate), Greg McGarity will bring years of experience and class back to the position.

He has been a key member of Jeremy Foley's staff at the University of Florida over the last decade and played a prominent role in turning the athletic department, particularly the basketball and football programs at Florida, into SEC powers.

Georgia Bulldog fans will probably hear a lot of good-natured ribbing about stealing away a Gator to try and find success, but they'll take the teasing if it means that Georgia can get back to the business of winning big in the SEC.

To read a short bio of McGarity's skills and experience, click here, but expect more to come as the official announcement of his hire is slated for tomorrow.

Why Did Dexter Morant Return to the Georgia Bulldogs?

Last Tuesday, Dexter Morant, the lanky linebacking prospect from the small town of Manning, SC, decided to leave the Georgia Bulldogs. He had, according to many, "lost the desire to play". It was expected that his decision was final and Mark Richt and company would go about the business of finding another player to step in and make an impact at an already thin position (OLB).

However, if you are a Georgia fan, you know all of this and are honestly just wondering what happened to make him come back? Furthermore, will he do this again? After all, this isn't the first time the young kid from Manning has flip-flopped on his decision to stay or go.

The first hint of uncertainty came during the recruiting process. Shortly after the firing of Willie Martinez and his staff, Morant began to have some second thoughts about signing with Georgia—mostly due to its location. It was 5-hours from home and both South Carolina and Clemson were shorter in distance to his home in Manning.

Manning, for those who may not know, is a very small community (about 4,000 people). It's located about 45-minutes south of Florence, SC and about an hour east of Charleston—it's tiny. I should know, my grandmother currently lives there and my mother and father, coincidentally, both were born and raised in Manning.

This is the place that Dexter Morant calls home. Coming out of high school, everyone knew his name and rooted for him to go out and “make something of his life”. The fact that Division-I schools like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina were knocking on his door made him into somewhat of a celebrity in Manning and he found the attention flattering. However, he never allowed it to go to his head—he was still the small-town kid who relished hanging out with friends and spending time with family.

I heard from a close friend of his, in late May, that he was considering leaving. The sheer size and atmosphere of the University of Georgia was intimidating. He felt out of place and lonely being so far away from his friends and family and the transition into college life wasn't going the way he had hoped.

He missed home—period.

That feeling of longing persisted through June and July. Then, in late July, he took a trip home to visit with a few of those close friends—his boys—and he was reminded of just how comfortable and easy things were for him there. He spent most of that weekend reminiscing and hanging out with the people who played a major part in his life and it felt good.

By the time he left, he was certain that he needed to leave Athens and go back home to Manning.  He flirted with the idea of transferring to a smaller school, South Carolina State, which is located in Florence, because he could commute daily if he wanted to and he would have the benefit of being able to see his friends and family whenever he wanted.

The decision felt like the right one—at the time.

However, once he returned home to Manning, he remembered exactly what he was giving up. His mother and many of the friends he so loved and valued the opinions of, were disappointed with his decision to "quit" without giving it a fair shot. They felt he made a rash decision about his future and most did not support his choice to forego a shot at something big in order to stay where things are familiar.

They implored him to reconsider his choice and rethink how leaving this opportunity on the table, not just to play football but to get an education, would effect him in the long term.

Morant got the point and decided that he may very well have made a mistake in leaving the way he did. He contacted coach Richt and jumped at the chance to be admitted back.

For those who wonder why let him back when there can be no guarantees about his level of focus, commitment, and desire to play football, I say, cut him a little slack for the moment. Making the transition from small-town living to big-time university football player is a big jump. It’s not easy for everyone and many guys consider leaving in their first year—Morant is not an anomaly in that respect.

As for how he'll pan out at Georgia, it's anybody's guess, but if he can live up to his potential and develop into the force that many hope he can be, then this episode will become a distant memory soon enough and the Georgia football program will be made a better one for it.

What say you?

Suspended Georgia Bulldog RB, Dontavius Jackson, Will Transfer

Dontavius Jackson won't serve his six-game suspension this season for the Georgia Bulldogs. He has decided to transfer from the University of Georgia—effective at the end of the summer semester.

This isn't a surprising decision by Jackson given the charges he faced following his DUI arrest over the weekend. However, his departure means that Georgia will be looking to both Carlton Thomas and incoming freshman tailback, Ken Malcome, for quality minutes this season.

Jackson exited the spring listed third on the depth chart at running back and, it was thought, that he might finally gain the reps needed to make an impact on the field for the Bulldogs. In 2009, he tallied four carries for 38-yards—he got lost in the shuffle last season as Georgia played musical chairs with their tailbacks early in the year.

The season began with Richard Samuel starting, who has moved to linebacker for 2010, and ended with Washaun Ealey and Caleb King.

The speedy Carlton Thomas had his shot as well but didn't have the build to run between the tackles—limiting his value to screens and quick passes out into the flat. Thomas will get some looks again in 2010 but all eyes will be on Ken Malcome this summer as he has the best collection of skills to make a sudden impact in Georgia's ground game.

Malcome is a bruising back who has good power and above average vision. He knows how to find the holes and take a pounding. He is built for a north-south brand of football—which could work out to Georgia's advantage as they look to run the ball early and often in 2010.

As for Jackson's future, it remains unclear if he already has researched schools or if his DUI charges will keep him out of football for a while or not. What is clear is he will no longer be playing for the Georgia Bulldogs and, for many, that seemed inevitable given the circumstances.

Below is video of Ken Malcome (No. 34) of Southwest Dekalb:

A Quick Update on Georgia DB Jordan Love

According to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, the misdemeanor obstruction charges lodged against Georgia defensive back, Jordan Love, will be upheld.

Judge Charles Auslander determined that Love "did obstruct Officer [Kevin] Thompson, a law enforcement officer, in the lawful discharge of his official duties by refusing several requests to provide his date of birth and a correct spelling of his middle name". 

Love's attorney, William Stiles, states that he feels he has a strong defense and he and the Love family are prepared to take the matter to court—a hearing has been set for September 14th.

No word yet on how this most recent development will effect Love's standing with the football team.