Here is a list that I look over often, feel sure some of you folks do also. When I look at the list, sometimes scratch my head wondering about this upcoming season.
First off, there is a lot of talent, we all agree with that statement. Secondly I see depth, more so than in previous years. Looking over the starting eleven (of which can change prior to Clemson) I don't have a lot of fears. If some players that are slotted as a number one, get replaced by another player prior to Clemson . . . . I say great. That is what championship football teams are made of.
Can our defensive coaches bring these young pups around when we cross the South Carolina line? I say yes. Heard so much about the "heavy guys" on the defensive line leaving after last season. Truthfully speaking, there were some ailments and there was one player in particular that was totally out of shape. He was capable of some things, but overall, he had a dismal season in my estimation. He did not play his position the way that Grantham wanted it played. Fact.
One thing for sure . . . . soon we will see if someone weighing 370 pounds was a better college football player than someone between 300 and 330. Some might call this dissing a player, from where I sit, I think that particular player dissed us. His first remark after being chosen in the NFL draft was . . . . I have dropped 30 pounds or numbers close to that. Don't want him on my professional team with that kind of attitude.
Whether or not Lamont Gaillard decides to wear the Red and Black or not, he made a statement in one piece of video I watched that made me feel real good about our coaches. Being interviewed, Lamont said he liked Mark Richt. Lamont also said that Chris Wilson made an impression on him. That means a lot to me. Have been squawking about Garner's lack of total commitment for some time. Check our nose tackle from last season, his weight and conditioning and his inability to put his nose in the books. Not being allowed to play in the bowl game in Orlando. Looked like a "lost soul" in Atlanta. Might pp some of you off, but facts are facts. He cared about himself, team player . . . . NOT.
One of the best things that ever happened at Georgia was the dismissal of Willie Martinez, Oklahoma and Auburn agree with that. Now Willie Martinez coaches on the defensive side for Tennessee. Know who the defensive coordinator is? John Jancek. Jancek served at Georgia under Martinez. What is it about this picture that I cannot figure out?
Realize that I am "sounding off" again. Hear so many say that they want us to reach the top. Only way to do that is have our game plan in order. By that I mean, our coaching staff.
Whether or not you agree or disagree, when Todd Grantham came on board as the fifth or fourth or whatever choice to run the defensive side of the Georgia Football Team, our team has been changing. Maybe too slow for many, but think about this . . . .
Alabama is sitting on the top of the SEC, and Nationally. Look back, prior to Nick Saban, what do you see? What changed Alabama football to be the most successful college football team in America? Was it coaching? Just trying to make a simple point. Alabama continues to be the best in the nation. Name one better since and including Nick Saban's arrival in Tuscaloosa.
It comes down to coaching. When Nick Saban has the right coaching personnel, yes, like Kirby Smart. They don't leave an accomplished coach to return to the univeristy that they played for, why . . . . Nick Saban has proven methods over a long period of time. Mark Richt is trying to get there. Mark Richt has a strong wind in his face, that wind in Nick Saban. Mark Richt has changed, and I give "thanks" for that. Mark Richt became a head football coach when he realized that friends don't make for championships. Don't need to hear about SEC Championships or Eastern Division Championships. Good if that is all you are after. Nick Saban is after much more, and the proof is in the pudding.
Just a couple of things on my mind. Some of you act like you want to talk Georgia football, guess that starts with wins and losses once the season starts. Real easy to explain why we lost, or why we won. Just saying, throwing some things out there that don't necessarily happen in 12 or so football games.
Go Dawgs, Coach Them Up! Talent is there and growing . . . .
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