Mark Richt: "I've Never Accused Anybody of Anything"

Photo Credit: Dave Martin, AP

Poor Mark Richt, he makes a few disparaging remarks on the issue of over-signing and suddenly he's the poster boy for changing the SEC's laws regarding "roster management". Well, in Richt's defense, at the time he let his opinion be known, he wasn't looking to start any trouble. He was simply stating his opinion.

I'm positive that he wasn't trying to be the voice of reason amongst this sea of underhanded SEC head coaches and their like-minded staff.

Oh, was that last bit too harsh? Sorry, I meant SEC coaches with little to no scruples where screwing prospects over is concerned.

Come on, people, let's stop beating around the bush. If you are over-signing every season in an attempt to offset the losses you will incur from guys who don't pan out, don't qualify, or who are destined to spend the better part of their existence holding a clipboard or a towel, then you're kind of a dirtbag.

Quite frankly, I think anytime you tell a prospect he will make your roster—even when you know full well that he more than likely won't—you're a bit of a dirt bag.

So, at least for me, it was refreshing to see Mark Richt say that he was against doing such things.

That said, Richt also clarified that he was not against the act of grey-shirting, but rather just the deception that often accompanies it on the front-end. Today, in comments made to Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he reiterated that position yet again saying "I’ve never accused anybody of anything. First of all, I think everybody should have a right to manage their own numbers. All I’ve said is if you sign 25 guys and there’s only room for 20 and after summer you have to tell two or three of them they have to wait until January and they’re shocked about it, I don’t think that’s right..."

I think that's pretty clear, don't you?

In basic English, for those who still aren't clear, Richt was saying that you can oversign all you like, but don't be a prick about it. Let the kid know your plans so he can make a few of his own. Why anyone would make a big deal out of him saying as much is beyond me.

Related articles

• Mark Richt tackles 'winning at all costs' issue in college football (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
• Mark Richt's shades of grey (blutarsky.wordpress.com)
• Does Mark Richt know something about oversigning we don't know? (blutarsky.wordpress.com)

Isaiah Crowell Says He "Can Be A Starter" At Georgia This Year

Photo Credit: Jason Getz

In an interview by Gentry Estes of Dawgs247.com, Georgia 2011 signee Isaiah Crowell speaks on his goals coming into this season as one of the most heralded tailbacks the Bulldog Nation has seen in a good while. And it's clear, from the tone of their conversation, that Crowell is ready to make good on his hype, saying, "I know they're depending on me, so I've got to work hard. I've got a point to prove."

And you can best believe all eyes will be on this young man, as well as others in his signing class, as they arrive on campus to debut just how much of a dream team they have the potential to become.

For Crowell, the main competition will be with his own expectations as the guys currently on Georgia's roster seem to already be playing second-fiddle to the five-star phenom out of Carver-Columbus High School. But, to be clear, those stars won't amount to much if Crowell can't block and pick up blitzes for Aaron Murray—arguably the most important player on the field for the Bulldogs last year.

That last point is one of the main reasons why former Georgia running back, Washaun Ealey, wasn't as popular with coach Richt as he was with a lot of the fans in his short career.

It's no secret that Richt values blocking ability as much as running ability where his tailbacks are concerned, and you can bet your red and black glasses if Crowell can't pick up on pass-blocking schemes and blitzes, he will definitely find his reps limited no matter how well he runs.

Even so, his overall work ethic, drive, and desire to prove that he's more than just hype could very well be the difference in him finding immediate success on the field.

One things is certain, he will have plenty of chances to make his mark this summer as the starting tailback job is wide open. Crowell knows that and says his main goal is to prove that "... I can be a starter. That’s the main thing.", he wants his shot and he feels good about his chances to make his mark for the program he loves.

Many are hoping that is indeed the case as the young man could become the spark that Georgia needs in the running game this season—one of the most critical in Mark Richt's career—and possibly the key to making the offense really come together for offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. If nothing else, it would take some of the pressure off Aaron Murray.

June 6th will mark the beginning of Crowell's tenure at Georgia and many are hoping it starts with a bang.

Related articles

• Mark Richt: Caleb King Has "Become...a very dependable football player" (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)
• Georgia Bulldogs: Are The Running Backs Man Enough? (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)
• Reset (blutarsky.wordpress.com)

Mark Ingram Hits Homerun In Saints' Debut

In what he can only hope will be a foreshadowing of a long, successful, career in New Orleans, former Alabama running back, Mark Ingram belted a home run in a charity softball event hosted by fellow Saint, Heath Evans. Ingram tweeted the following after the big hit:

The Charlie Sheen "winning" reference aside, it seems like the affable back is off to a good start with his new team.

As for the other former Heisman winner the Saints once loved so dearly—Reggie Bush—he struck out in his at-bat.

Coincidence?

Georgia Bulldogs Offer 2012 Prospect Dillon Lee

Whenever you mention the Georgia Bulldogs and Dillon Lee in the same sentence, most people only have one thought: why hasn't Georgia offered him yet?

Well, finally, after it seemed Georgia would let this top in-state product get away, they extended an offer to the stud linebacker prospect from Buford High School in Buford, GA.

Lee is 6'4", 220, and seems tailor made for the 3-4 defense. He moves well, has great presence in space, and uses his hands well—he's played tight end and could play there at the next level depending on his college choice. Personally, I feel he'll make his living on defense as an outside linebacker as he has too much defensive upside.

He's a big hitter who knows how to get into the backfield and lay out a guy.

With such a late offer by the Bulldogs, most would assume that Mark Richt's bunch are well out of the race, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Lee is reportedly adding Georgia to his list of finalists and will be considering them as a possible destination in 2012—although most still feel he could land in Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide (FSU is also a real possibility).

One thing is certain, Lee looks like he's ready to be a big time ball player at the next level.

Georgia Bulldogs: 2012 DE Prospect Leonard Floyd Chooses Dawgs

Leonard Floyd has given his verbal commitment to the Georgia Bulldogs for 2012. The defensive end from Dodge County made his announcement this morning and cited a desire to focus on school and football as his reason for getting it done this early in the game.

Floyd's announcement comes less than 24-hours after Markuss Eligwe—one of the state's top linebacking prospects—selected FSU over both Georgia and Florida.

Floyd has the reputation as one of the Georgia's best pass-rushing prospects in this season's class and will be a nice addition to the 3-4—whether he plays OLB or DE has yet to be determined. Coach Grantham has already expressed a desire to place him at outside linebacker, but there is admittedly some work to be done with Floyd, technique wise, before he will be ready to assume that role.

Floyd is Georgia's sixth commitment and he chose the Bulldogs over both Alabama and Florida.

Georgia Bulldogs: 2012 QB Prospect Greyson Lambert

Last year, all anyone could talk about was the quarterback position at Georgia. This season, with Aaron Murray firmly cemented as the starter, and Hutson Mason and Christian LeMay battling for the No. 2 spot, no one is sweating how things will pan out in 2011—at least not as much.

However, Georgia is always looking towards the future, and Greyson Lambert is a key target for 2012.

The Bulldogs extended an offer to the young man from Jesup, GA last November and, at that time, he was very excited to be extended the opportunity. Since then, his popularity has grown exponentially as Division I programs from all over the country have him on their radar.

Lambert is 6'5, 200, with a long, lean build. He's not quick on his feet—clocking in at just better than a 5.0 forty—but he has a strong pocket presence, a nice arm, and better than average field vision. When you couple all of those things with his towering 6'5" frame, you've got the makings of a potential star on your hands.

Wayne County High School is implementing a new offensive system this year in hopes of capitalizing on Lambert's passing ability, so he will be tossing the ball around a lot more in 2011—that should do a lot for him in terms of building up his stamina and overall accuracy. Last season he only averaged 8-10 passes per contest—his team's base offense was the 'Wing T'—so his arm didn't get much work.

That said, he still took a good bit of snaps from under center so he does have a fairly decent feel for making reads and going through progressions. His main focus this season will be on getting stronger, faster, and more accurate (as a junior, he completed 52 percent of his passes for 21 touchdowns and 1,991 yards).

Lambert expressed an early interest in the University of Alabama—both his parents were born there and he's familiar with the campus and the football program—but with interests from Auburn (his parent's alma mater), Clemson, and Georgia, he's keeping his options open.

According to his coach, Jody Grooms, Lambert would like to make a decision prior to the start of their team's season, but who knows if that will remain the case.

Here's some video on Lambert:

(h/t RustyMansell)

Related articles

• Aaron Murray Vs. Hutson Mason: Who's Got The Intangibles? (sbnation.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Wherefore Art Thou, Rantavious Wooten?

Rantavious Wooten, the sleeper prospect of 2009, has been on the cusp of becoming something special since his arrival at Georgia. He didn't sign under as much fanfare as others in his signing day class—a group that included the likes of  Marlon Brown, Aaron Murray and Orson Charles—but he appeared to have as much, if not more, potential to break out early and make a big impact.

Coming out of Glades Central High School in Belle Glades, FL, Wooten did a little bit of everything. He rushed, he received, he passed, and he returned kicks. He was the type of player whom many felt could be a tremendous offensive weapon—if used in the right formations—as he offered enough versatility to be plugged and played just about anywhere on the football field.

He was going to be a welcome addition to a team which, at that time, was saying goodbye to two of it's biggest offensive weapons—Knowshon Moreno and Mohammed Massaquoi. The team needed a spark on offense and Wooten had the makings of being that guy—and, early on, he seemed poised to live up to his hype.

In Georgia's game against Arizona State, Wooten came down with two very nice catches, both of which were in key third down situations, showing a level of maturity that belied his true freshman status.  He went on to complete a modest season of 10 catches, 197 yards, and two touchdowns, but flashed enough brilliance to make 2010 look like a potentially huge season for him.

However, 2010 proved, instead, to be lackluster—both for him and the team—as his offensive numbers took a hit (7 catches, 41 yards, and 1 touchdown) due to a lack of playing time and a plethora of injuries ranging from a nagging hamstring—prior to the start of the year—to his knee and leg as the season wore on.

Even so, the time for this junior to make his move is now and at least one former Georgia player thinks he could be ready to make something happen. That said, a lot of how Wooten fairs this season will depend on what offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, does with the playbook, and whether or not he chooses to, finally, start using the wealth of talent he's accumulated at the tight end position.

Ideally, Wooten's size and speed make him a perfect candidate as a third receiving option—slot him in and let him rip—that is where he is likely to do the most damage on the field. But, again, it's anyone's guess what Georgia's plan for Wooten will be at this stage, if any.

We'll all just have to wait and see if this former sleeper finally wakes up and becomes the player that many always thought he could be. 

Georgia Bulldogs Recruiting: 2012 DE Prospect Leonard Floyd

Leonard Floyd is 6'5", 220, and he's been on Georgia's radar for quite some time. He has an offer from coach Richt—secured after his participation in 2010's Dawg Night—as well as several other SEC powerhouses.

Floyd, considered by many to be one of the best pass-rushers in the state, is as gifted an athlete as they come, and he could be solid at the next level. As a "rover" (Floyd has played linebacker, defensive end, safety, wingback, and tight end) at Hawkinsville High School, Floyd has amassed quite the resume. However, it's most likely he'll settle into either a linebacking or tight end position in the college ranks.

While Georgia defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham, has already locked Floyd in as an outside linebacker, coach Richt has also mentioned the possibility of Floyd contributing on offense—if he were to choose Georgia as his destination.

Said Floyd, last October, "I like playing defense, but I like playing tight end/wide receiver about the same. No one had talked to me about playing on offense before, but Mark Richt said he had heard about my numbers catching the ball and said I would have a chance to play there as well. That made me feel good because that was the first time anyone had said I could play offense at the next level as well..." (Kipp Adams, UGASports.com, 10/17/10).

Floyd has long arms and quick feet, but will need to add more muscle to his frame if he expects to be effective in the Division I ranks.

His main strength is rushing the passer, but he's mostly played defensive end in high school, so he would need some practice if he were to play in Grantham's 3-4 as an outside linebacker—he would need more work standing up as opposed to playing with one hand on the ground.

Floyd is a strong Georgia lean at this time.

Georgia Bulldogs Recruiting: 2012 ATH Prospect Josh Harvey-Clemons

Josh Harvey-Clemons is a 6'5", 205 lb, ATH (athlete) prospect out of Valdosta, GA. He has split time between both the wide receiver and outside linebacker positions at Lowndes County High School.

His speed, size, and ability to get to the ball make him an intriguing option for either offense or defense, but Georgia is looking to make him a defensive weapon, specifically at linebacker—where the Bulldogs are hoping to add more depth in 2012.

Harvey-Clemons is a dynamic edge rusher who uses his speed, size, and great instincts to get into the backfield and disrupt quarterback play. He plays with focus and discipline on the football field and has the ability to lay down those bone-jarring hits when given the opportunity. He's a force to be reckoned with on either side of the ball and should be very good at the next level—with the right coaching.

Currently, depending on what you read, Georgia is in the lead race for Harvey-Clemons as he has, apparently, developed a close relationship with Todd Grantham. That said, it's a long way to February, and Harvey-Clemons could just as likely end up at FSU—a school that has built up a very strong relationship with the Lowndes County coaches over the years (landing such players as Greg Reid and Telvin Smith)—or Florida (the first school to offer him)

Both the Seminoles and the Gators want to make Harvey-Clemons a wide receiver at the college level.

Either way, Harvey- Clemons is an exciting player to keep on your radar as the march towards Signing Day 2012' continues.

Georgia Bulldogs: Wherefore Art Thou, Branden Smith?

Branden Smith hasn't made much noise at Georgia since his freshman year when he burst onto the scene in with one very big play against the South Carolina Gamecocks. A play that happened so long ago that you've likely forgotten how spectacular it was—see it again below:



That one still leaves me shaking my head in awe—his speed is amazing—but what happened to Mr. Smith? Where has he gone and when the hell will he be back? All indications point to a 2011 return—whether it comes more on offense than defense is yet to be seen—as Smith was observed fielding kicks and punts over the weekend.

Is that where Georgia hopes to see him do the most damage this season, particularly given Smith's injury history? After all, it's well-known that Smith suffered through multiple concussions in 2011, and if he continues to play defense, collisions with opponents who outweigh him by better than 40-50 pounds is likely. Of course there are those who would point out that defensive back Brandon Boykin doesn't dwarf Smith by very much, size wise, yet he's been able to achieve success.

While the latter is true, it's premature to place Smith and Boykin in the same category where skill or development is concerned. Smith is not yet the caliber of player—at least not defensively—that Brandon Boykin is, and Boykin makes up for in ball skills and mental play what he lacks in overall size.

Overall, however, the biggest challenge Smith will have—if he does intend to succeed on defense—is grasping Todd Grantham's defense.

Recall that when Smith signed with Georgia in 2009, Martinez was still running the defense, and the soft-zone scheme Georgia's defense operated under was meant for guys like Smith and Boykin who could use their speed to catch up to a play if they missed a read (although, to be honest, we all remember how well that worked out).

With Grantham at the helm, defensive backs have to take a more proactive role in how they play their position. They have to both read and react—not just react—and not every player has proven that they can do this with ease.

If Smith is going to get back on the field fast, I suspect it will be in a special teams capacity—for the most part—with some gadget plays thrown in for good measure. I don't know that he has a future on defense at the corner spot, at least not now, but his speed and talent are simply too valuable a commodity to not find a home on the football field in 2011. 

Duval County: The $7 Million Decision That Nobody Wanted To See

Duval County, located in Jacksonville, FL, has decided to cut all high school sports programs from their budget in order to cover a $97 million shortfall. The decision means, effective immediately, there will be no basketball, no baseball, no football, or any other sports programs in any school located in Duval County—indefinitely.

While Duval is not the only district dealing with the problem of a busted budget, they are the only ones that have decided to do so by cutting all extra-curricular activities—including band. According to Paul Pinkham of jacksonville.com, the Duval County School Board Chairman, W.C. Gentry, stated that Duval County is "...trying to be proactive, start process early, look at impact on district then going to community..." 


That said, how did it get to this point in the first place? 


Many blame the politics of the of Florida's Governor, Rick Scott. Some feel he has brought a questionable agenda to the table in regards to many of the state's most pressing issues—including that of education—and that has meant a shift in the way the state approaches the operations of the public school system. In a nutshell, Scott favors finding profit in everything and is a proponent of expanding Florida's small-school voucher program. And it is that desire that, some feel, fuels Scott's desire to run the state "like a business". This decision has resulted in more wealth for the wealthy, but little for everyone else. 

Whether that theory is true or not is unknown, but that is one of the overwhelming theories on the matter. 

No matter what your politics, it has to be disturbing to see a district come to such a decision—moreso for the opportunities and doors it closes for the athletes than anything else. Where will these prospects go now that they are no longer able to play within their own communities? What are they supposed to do if they either cannot afford or do not have the option of playing elsewhere?


Here's one coach's opinion on the consequences of such an act:

"You take away sports and watch how low the FCAT scores drop. I had a lot of guys who had marginal [grade point averages], but the threat of losing their eligibility got them into the classroom and got their GPA over a 2.0 because they wanted to play sports. You take sports away, and you’ll lose those kids. They won’t have the motivation to get the GPAs up. We’ll lose them to the streets."

For the sake of Duval County, let's hope this decision doesn't trigger a community apocalypse but, on a broader scale, let's hope Duval County's decision doesn't signal the beginning of a trend either. That would be quite a mess indeed.

What say you?

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.

PHOTO: It's Nice To See Aaron Murray Off His Crutches

Ahhhhhh...what a great site, no crutches for Georgia Bulldog starting quarterback, Aaron Murray. He's happy, smiling, and getting around just fine with just a walking boot. No doubt he'll be ripping it up again come spring.

How long before G-Day, again?

Related articles

• No break, merely a sprain for UGA QB Murray (collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com)

Forbes Writer Calls For Removal of College Football From ALL Universities

Let me be the first to say that I am an avid college football fan and I wouldn't trade my Saturday afternoons between August and December for anything. I love the sport and see no inherent issue in that fact.

However, Steven Salzberg (a contributing blogger for Forbes) feels college football is driving academia to its death:

"...The culture of football in American universities is completely out of control. It is undermining our education system and hurting our competitiveness in technology, science, and engineering. If we keep it up, the U.S. will eventually be little more than the big, dumb jock on the world stage—good for entertainment on the weekend, but not taken seriously otherwise.

Too harsh? I don’t think so. I think we need to eliminate football entirely from our universities if we want to maintain our pre-eminent position as the world’s scientific and technological leader."

Oh boy, where to begin? Let's state the obvious here, first: playing, watching, attending, or following college football is a choice. No one is forced to pledge their allegiance to any one team and the mere notion that the sports' presence at a university plays a significant role in the dumbing down of our society is, at best, an irresponsible inference.

The educational system is a wreck all by itself—what with the standardized testing models made necessary by the presence of "No Child Left Behind—and removing college football won't change that one bit.

Quite honestly, if Salzberg's hope is to see the United States "...maintain our pre-eminent position as the world’s scientific and technological leader" then his efforts to make that change should start much earlier than college. He should encourage more reform at the elementary, middle, and high school levels first—as that is where his message is likely to be the most useful.

Mr. Salzberg goes on to imply that,

"...If football disappeared, we could get our entertainment from another sport, as we do every year after the football season ends. But if we stop producing scientists, other countries will make the discoveries that solve the technological, medical, and engineering problems of the future, and that form the basis for great civilizations."

Let me just say that there's a certain amount of ignorance that goes into such a statement because it seems to suggest that sports fans are not unlike drones—sitting around waiting to be entertained by whatever option is presented them.

As a college football fan I say, with confidence, that I don't enjoy all sports with the same passion as I do college football. So, to say that eliminating it is okay because, well, I (and countless others) could just find some other sport to follow is a touch insulting.

Even more, who's to say that simply by ridding society of college football, more scientists would be produced? That seems like a big jump to make. Is he really willing to stand behind the notion that the only reason college students aren't able to reach their maximum potential is because college football exists?

If that's his aim, he's reaching.

Quite honestly, the more I read his points, the more his rant seemed aimed at his current employer—the University of Maryland, than anything else,

"The football-industrial complex has too much power over our universities. Nothing else can explain how we spend so much money and time on football, which contributes almost nothing to students’ education, while academic departments are cutting faculty and staff. The culture of football worship has gotten so out of control that I think the only solution is to get rid of it entirely."

College football is the cash cow at many universities and, regrettably, that means that some academic departments are forced to play second-fiddle to the athletic department. Is that wrong? Perhaps, but those same dollars are often used to upgrade facilities, build better buildings, and pay for programs meant to enhance the academic experience of the student body (via study abroad programs, guest professors, etc.) as well—whether those individuals follow football or not.

Are all universities using their money in an even-handed way? Of course not, but the college football fan isn't writing or cashing those checks, and it's up to each university's president to advocate that the monies earned be divvied up in  such a way that it both sustains their athletic programs and uplifts the academic ones.

If that fails to happen, that's not the fault of college football, it's fans, or the athletes that play the sport.

In the end, Mr. Salzberg's ire and concern are coming from a good place, but his anger is misdirected and his message needs tweaking.

You can read his entire article here.

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.

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:

WATCH: Tucker Carlson Thinks Michael Vick Should Have Been "Executed"

Okay, let me go on the record and say that I am not a Michael Vick supporter. As a Falcons fan, I feel he let his team and the City of Atlanta down by supporting the heinous act of dog fighting and allowing himself to get caught up in such a disgusting and dirty business.

That said, he served the time the government felt was fair for him to serve and, as such, is entitled to pursue his professional career in the NFL.

However, there are still some who harbor ill will towards Michael Vick and they wish him nothing but failure—no matter how many times he apologizes. Case in point, Tucker Carlson—sitting in for Sean Hannity—offered the following opinion:



Uh-huh.

Listen, no matter what your feelings are about cruelty to animals—dogs in particular—it seems a bit much to suggest that Vick's crimes were worthy of execution.

After all, this is the same society that allows multiple DUI offenders to roam the streets and endanger the lives of innocent citizens, and presents enough loopholes in federal hiring practices that a sex offender can find work as a volunteer—at an elementary school.

Just putting that out there.

Vick isn't supported by everyone—obviously—but how many would agree that he should have been executed for his crimes?...Honestly?

Urban Meyer Says He "Had Oregon Ranked No. 1 For Quite Some Time"

There was a collective head-scratch when people found out that Urban Meyer was the ONLY SEC head coach who did not rank the Auburn Tigers No. 1. Some perceived it as sour grapes—Meyer was just mad that Auburn was winning with his cast-off quarterback.

While others didn't feel Urban needed to make any explanation at all. He had his vote, he used it on Oregon—it is what it is.

Well, Urban Meyer finally let the world know exactly why he dismissed Auburn in favor of Oregon, here's what Meyer had to say about his decision not to vote Auburn No. 1:

"It could have been 1A, 1B,'' Meyer said. "I watched that SEC Championship game and to say they are not the best team in America would be incorrect. I have not watched Oregon as much, earlier in the year I did. I've had Oregon ranked No. 1 for quite some time now. And it's just like when we were up there in the rankings _ unless you deserve to lose that ranking _ that's no disrespect to Auburn obviously. But it's 1A, 1B in my mind. I just had Oregon No. 1 for a longer period of time.''

Okay, Urban...whatever you say, buddy.

Georgia Bulldogs: Richt Makes Staff Change, But Is It Enough?

Coach Richt finally made the step that throngs of Bulldog devotees were hoping he would; he removed Dave Van Halanger from his position as Georgia's Director of Strength and Conditioning.

Okay, great! But why did he then turn around and hire/promote his replacement from within?

Joe Tereshinski, Georgia's newest director, was Van Halangers assistant/video coordinator. He's definitely not the splashy hire that Georgia fans were hoping to see when they called for this change. Many expected to see more time and care taken in selecting a qualified candidate.

The quickness of it all just seems, excuse the license, a bit sloppy and uninspired.

That's why it's not hard to believe this theory offered by Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution—Richt wasn't the impetus behind the decision.  Schultz speculates that the under-whelming nature of the hire could be because it was made at McGarity's insistence.

Richt has stated, on numerous occasions, that McGarity is clear about the direction he feels the football program needs to go if it is to become a force on the national stage. And, it's very possible, that he took one look at the S&C program and suggested maybe Richt should start with letting Van Halanger go.

Richt might have felt pressured to give McGarity what he wanted but, perhaps, wasn't willing to go all-in with the decision once it was made. Hence, he simply promoted Tereshinski.

Even still, setting his friendship with Van Halanger aside, one would think that Richt might be more careful in making such a choice. If nothing else the failure of former defensive coordinator, Willie Martinez, and the struggles of offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo—both in-house hires— should have given him the impetus to say, "maybe I should think outside the box on this one".

The S&C program is the one place where, it was clear, Georgia needed new blood and, no offense, but  Tereshinski doesn't exactly offer the excitement and change that so many were hoping to see.

Either way, it is what it is and, until this season is officially over, none of us will know what the "reorganization" will entail. 

Now, to be fair, Joe Tereshinski could, in the long run, be the solution that we were all waiting to see.

Perhaps he will bring an open-minded approach to the program which will allow him to make the necessary changes that Van Halanger didn't seem as willing to undertake—in which case he should be thought of as a considerable upgrade already.

However, if all Tereshinski manages to do is carry on the outdated traditions of Van Halanger, then, honestly, this whole business is much ado about nothing.

College Football: Was Bret Bielema "Wrong" for 2-Point Try Against Minnesota?

The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Minnesota Gophers by a final score of 41-23. However, the final score won't be what anyone focuses on come Sunday morning. No, much of the chatter will center around the ethical nature of Bret Bielema's play calling with his team up by more than three scores.

Leading 41-16 in the fourth quarter, with less than seven minutes to play in the contest, Bielema called for a two-point conversion after a Wisconsin touchdown. The conversion ended up being no good, but it was clear that Minnesota coach, Tim Brewster, took some exception to Bielema's decision to go for two with the game so well in hand.

Bielema defended the call, saying that it was the proper one, given the circumstance and the score, but Brewster obviously felt it showed a serious lack of class on Bielema's part—calling the move "wrong".
It's easy to understand why Bielema's actions could be classified as bush league but, then again, we've also seen teams go on big run inside of ten minutes—diminishing a big lead within a matter of minutes.

Hard to say for sure who is wrong here, but, what say you? Was Bielema bush league or just playing it safe?