It’s that time again…Signing Day is Wednesday. While many of you probably already know most of this stuff, just look at it as an overview of the guys we look set to sign on Wednesday. Richt has taken most of the drama out of the whole recruiting thing by having the majority of his class committed well before the end of the football season.
The end result is that the classes never seem to get
the respect they deserve in the end of season rankings. While the class might
lack some of the star appeal that last year’s possessed, it met every need
we had and (like last year’s haul) is a very balanced class with players
at every level, making it easier on class separation down the road. We had our
misses in this class, but that could be said of every class. This is an excellent
class, right at top 10 nationally. It might not match up to some of the classes
our competitors are assembling, but it’s still loaded and could end up being
every bit as good as last year’s more highly thought of group…on to
the kids…I listed their stars from the Rivals website because frankly they’re
as good as any and to be consistent, they’re the ones I’ve always
used.
QB – We’ve got 3 really good ones on campus already
and two will only be sophomores including one (Stafford) that is the clear starter.
Not the ideal situation to recruit under, but you like to add a good QB every
year if possible.
Logan Gray (6-2, 185) ¶¶¶¶:
very good athlete, smart, good enough arm to be invited to Elite 11, good
enough speed and athleticism that his HS coach said he could see him playing
WR in college until the QB position opens up. Given that we already have Stafford
and Cox on campus, getting a QB of this level was a major, major deal. He’ll
redshirt and be the heir apparent to #7.
Reminds me of: Troy Smith (the non-BCS championship game version)
RB – Ware’s departure puts somewhat of a strain
on the depth chart given the questionable status of Thomas Brown’s knee
injury. Lumpkin will be the man in his senior year. Brown would be a very solid
two if he’s healthy. Everything I’ve heard points to Moreno being
an absolute star. We needed at least one solid RB in this class and got that.
Next year (assuming Brown doesn’t redshirt) will be a huge need year for
the RB spot.
Caleb King (5-11, 186) ¶¶¶¶:
widely regarded as the state’s top prospect (and one of the nation’s
best) going into his senior season before switching schools and getting injured.
He’s an explosive RB, quick, fast, strong for his size, he can take
it the distance any time he touches the ball. Ran for a state record for yards
as a junior playing in GA’s highest classification when he went for
somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,800 yards. Will line up in the slot, return
punts and kicks, whatever. He’s a gamebreaker. Considering our depth
at RB with Brown and Lumpkin returning and rumblings of Moreno’s impressiveness,
King coming in is really impressive. Originally considered a LONG shot to
qualify, apparently he’s made tremendous progress lately and could make
it. He’s probably the star of the class.
Reminds me of: LaDanian Tomlinson comes to mind
WR – Raley moves on and Sean Bailey and TJ Gartrell
both return from injury. The depth chart is deep and littered with lots of potential,
but no position was more frustrating through the bulk of the season than WR.
Lots of potential but several guys who have yet to live up to expectations be
it hands, system or inability to get on the field. Add the potential of a Tony
Wilson to the group and we already have several solid options (although don’t
forget that Goodman is out for the year with an ACL injury). AJ Bryant, Sean
Bailey, TJ Gartrell and Henderson will all be seniors so despite our current
WR numbers, we’ll need to replenish and appear to have done so nicely.
Isreal Troupe (6-0, 200)¶¶¶¶
: smooth athlete that could be a high pick in the MLB draft but insists
that he’s going to play football in Athens. Already has good size and
could play early, excellent body control and can go up in traffic. Florida
wanted him bad and given their propensity to sign top WRs, we should be flattered.
ESPN was really high on him, ranking him in their top 30 players nationally
and saying things like “Overall, Troupe is a big play waiting to happen
as a total football player. He has the measurables and production every coach
would love to have in a top flight wideout. He is a guy who could play right
away given the right situation.”…wow
Reminds me of: Torry Holt (I hope)
Walter Hill (6-5, 200)¶¶¶
: was a UGA basketball commit before switching over to football.
Not highly regarded in recruiting circles because most thought he was set
for BB. Amazing athlete with great height that plays WR now but will be a
lethal WR in college. Doesn’t have blazing speed but has excellent body
control and is super smooth after the catch. A real sleeper. He’ll likely
redshirt, but I think this kid could really be special down the road, excellent
redzone threat.
Reminds me of: a heavier Fred Gibson
Aron White (6-4, 213) ¶¶¶¶:
freakish athlete that plays on the same team as Gray, he’ll
likely bulk up to play TE (his HS position) although he could play right away
at WR (the position we recruited him for). Genetically he might not have a
choice as he’ll likely bulk up to 250 or so once he hits a college weight
room. Very fluid for a guy his size, he’ll cause matchup problems all
over the place. Listed as Rivals.com’s #1 TE in the country
Reminds me of: Kellen Winslow (athletically speaking)
TE – We lost the enigma that was Martrez Milner and
Holden decided to graduate early. Tripp Chandler is the favorite to start and
has shown glimpses of potential but didn’t really wow anyone with his
play. Coleman Watosn will provide depth, but NaDerris Ward (redshirt) appears
set to be the guy who continues the UGA TE legacy that predates the Richt legacy.
Not an immediate need position, but Chandler and Watson will both be upperclassmen
so it’s probably time to get someone else in the pipeline and we added
a really good one in addition to the intriguing White.
Bruce Figgins (6-4, 238)¶¶¶
: classic big athlete. Already carries enough weight to play TE in
college now and it ain’t fat. Really solid athlete who should provide
depth at TE. Showed great blocking abilities in post-season All-Star Games…he
also looks really, really mean.
Reminds me of: Ben Watson (only not quite as freakishly put together)
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