Dogs land juco offensive lineman
By CARTER STRICKLAND
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/28/06
Athens — After searching the junior college ranks for linemen, Georgia finally secured one Monday.
Joe Blaes, a 6-foot-2, 290-pound guard from Kansas' Coffeyville Community College, became the 20th prospect to commit to the Bulldogs for the class of 2007.
"He's very athletic, can run, has a lot of strength, and he's a grinder," Coffeyville coach Jeff Leiker said. "He's just one of those type of offensive line guys that when he has a job to do, he is going to get it done."
Blaes turned down offers from Baylor and Ole Miss. He is scheduled to enroll at Georgia in January and expected to offer immediate help for a line that will return only seven scholarship players.
"If they didn't feel he could come right in and contribute, they would have just gone with a high school kid," Leiker said.
"He is physically ready right now," Rivals.com recruiting analyst Jeremy Crabtree said. "I know he is not the tallest guy, but he is going to play inside, and he is definitely strong enough to step in and play."
Monday's commitment doesn't signal the end of Georgia's foray into the junior college ranks. The Bulldogs are still recruiting Georgia Military College tackle Vince Vance.
ADDENDUM: Confidence is rather high than VV verbally committed this morning and an announcement will be forthcoming....Stay tuned!!!!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!
"My advice to you is to start drinking heavily." - Bluto