Allow me this . . . . Have mentioned this a couple of times.
The changeover of coaches, more than one. There were players that were not fully on board with the change. Some decided not to remain in Athens or go to Athens for their freshman year. Understandable. Young men no different than FANS . . . . become attached to certain coaches.
Every player on our football team, not recruited by Smart and Company. I believe that some players remained for good reason(s). Not leaving and sitting for a period of time. Goes back to coaches can leave but players do not have the same set of rules.
Hard for me to look over our 2016 roster and understand how we can be kicked from pillar to post. There is a lot of talent in Athens. Maybe not enough talent to beat a very talented team like Ole Miss, and could name others. But the shameful display in Mississippi goes deeper than talent alone.
Little bit like asking folks at the race track oval or drag strip which car manufacturer they prefer. That has been and will always be a running battle of words and sometimes more than than.
Watching game film as much as I do, having the time of course, I see some players that are not performing to their highest level. Why? Could be a lot of reasons. I think one reason in 2016 is some of our top players have not bought into some or much of the change with the firing/hiring.
Kirby Smart knows this. He however did not witness the same in Tuscaloosa that he is witnessing in Athens. Most of the players that sign their LOI to play for Alabama and its coaching staff come committed. Stability and leadership in the Crimson Tide program was built and has been maintained ever since Nick Saban arrived.
After the next two years of recruiting, not the leave a National Championship and catch a plane to Washington State and other moves made before the ink was dry on Smarts contract, we will see what Kirby Smart is all about.
Have often said on this board that patience is a virtue. My patience ran out after 15 years with the last head coach. Now I hear the “whimpers” beginning to grow from those that “liked a good man, too much”.
There are a lot of young men wearing the Red and Black that have a lot of time left in Athens. Right now Georgia is ranked third in the nation in the recruiting area. Smart and Company are not having to catch a quick hop to Washington State or anywhere else. This group of coaches now have “time on their side”. Looking over the recruits that say they are coming to Athens . . . . see a lot of changes in body sizes and other things that Kirby mentioned upon arrival.
Saturday I will pay particular attention to “attitudes”. Jones has laid the ground work for a particular type of game. Works both ways "Butchie". Trying to be nice on the name calling.
Go Dawgs