Stacey Searels OUT

BulldogShannon . . . .

BINGO!!!

The single biggest concern of mine has been the offensive line. Most on here want special backs, quarterbacks, AJ receivers, and then it moves over to the defensive side of the ball. Some of the (first time I have used this phrase) "Sunshine Pumpers" never, ever mention the offensive line other than to say, they missed a block.

I was going to save this comment for further down the line, but I feel compelled to toss it in your direction. I know that you stay as close to UGA football as anyone on this board.

Remember a short time back when we were playing the "Powerhouse" UCF in Memphis?

There was a situation inside the five yard line that would require the big uglies to perform, what did our esteemed coach do . . . guess those that are "Sunshine Pumpers" know and agree with the very "important" decision that Richt made. In my opinion that is when Coach Searels agreed with his players and said to HEll WITH THIS. I believe that with all of my heart.

I have much more, would like to hear what this thread has to offer, both pro and con.

Buc, I'm 43 years old. Remember the old Falcons back in the Bartkowski days? remember the 1980 12-4 team? They had Mike Kenn, RC Thielmann, and a couple years later Bill Fralic--all 1st round picks.

Look at the Steelers and Eagles and Ravens-all teams that manage to stay good each year-they always take OLmen early in the draft.

Guess my point is, football is won on the line of scrimmage , barring turnovers, 85% of the time.

Your responses got me to thinking. maybe I'm missing someone, but wasn't Max Gean Gilles the last 5 star OLmen we recruited????????

Tell you what I would prefer. If I had the chance to take two 5 stars OTackles and a 3 star QB, or a 5 star QB and two 3 star OTackles, I'll take the OTackles each time.

Remember Andre Smith at bama?

I may be wrong, and if anyone knows, please correct me, but do we have a true 4 star OL commit? I know one who is a 3/4 star depending on which service you ho to. I know we don't have any 5 stars.




So, if that UCF game was the reason, what does that say about us?

Agree shannon and buc

games are usually won "in the trenches"

I'm still hoping we get that ward guy out of moultrie - can never have too many "big uglys"

Allow me to start this way. The UCF game was not the only reason for me feeling as I do.

Our recruiting for more than 5 years or whatever number anyone wishes for the downfall, falls on the lack of focus on the offensive line. Said in another thread that is currently running, you can recruit all of the 5 star athletes on the offensive side of the ball that you want, meaning backs and football "handlers". It is those guys with their hands in the dirt that will determine whether or not the "handlers" get those thousand yard seasons and huge NFL paychecks.

I was a Falcon fan up until 1981. Before that I was in Atlanta Fulton County Stadium probably more than most on this board. I used to hang out at "The Tree on Peachtree" back then. Tipping a few with many in the football world. Could pass many names and happenings along about those days, and at some point I might.

Mike Kenn was as good as there has ever been, another unnoticed, great football player, great person.

Let me say this, Florida scares the hell out of me now. They are putting the "package" together and there are several offensive lineman that I am aware of in this part of the state that are incredible. If some of these young players commit to UF, we may never beat them again until . . . . . .

I wish him well.

I say good riddance. This was/is not the greatest group of linemen I have ever seen but they are a group with plenty of reps with each other and many did come with three and four stars. They seemed to lack that fight that you want out of your O line.
A quick run down since 2007:
(These represent ratings by Scout)

2007
Chris Little 4*
Scott Haverkamp 2*
Justin Anderson 4*
Ben Harden 2*
Clint Boling 3*
Trinton Sturdivant 4*
Tanner Strickland 3*

2008
A.J. Harmon 4*
Cordy Glenn 4*
Ben Jones 3*
Jonathan Owens 3*

2009
Austin Long 4*
Dallas Lee 3*
Chris Burnette 3*

2010
Kenarious Gates 3*
Brent Benedict 4*
Kolton Houston 4*

I think the most disappointing part is that it seems like there has been no improvement in the line, to going backwards. As an offensive line works with one another they typically show improvement. There never seemed to be that chemistry with our line. Maybe some fresh ideas and a different mindset can push the line a little more.