Everybody can recite who’s the all-time winningest coach in the SEC.
Bear Bryant won 232 career games at Alabama and became one of the most iconic figures in college football along the way.
To this day, Bryant’s name is mentioned with reverence around the Capstone.
But even if you take his 232 career wins out of the equation, the Crimson Tide would still have 582 wins.
So while the guy with the Houndstooth hat carved out a legendary career at Alabama, the Crimson Tide’s success on the football field hasn’t been defined solely by the Bryant years.
Frank Thomas won 115 games. Gene Stallings won 62 games. Wallace Wade won 61 games. Nick Saban -- in just five seasons -- has already won 55 games.
All five men, including Bryant, have also won national championships at Alabama.
In surveying the winningest coaches at all 14 SEC schools, some of what you find, especially when you take away each school's all-time wins leader, is telling.
For instance, Bryant is actually the winningest coach at two different SEC schools. He was 60-23-5 at Kentucky from 1946-53, and led the Wildcats to eight consecutive winning seasons.
Bear Bryant won 232 career games at Alabama and became one of the most iconic figures in college football along the way.
To this day, Bryant’s name is mentioned with reverence around the Capstone.
But even if you take his 232 career wins out of the equation, the Crimson Tide would still have 582 wins.
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Bernard Troncale/US PresswireBear Bryant won 232 career games at Alabama.
Bernard Troncale/US PresswireBear Bryant won 232 career games at Alabama.Frank Thomas won 115 games. Gene Stallings won 62 games. Wallace Wade won 61 games. Nick Saban -- in just five seasons -- has already won 55 games.
All five men, including Bryant, have also won national championships at Alabama.
In surveying the winningest coaches at all 14 SEC schools, some of what you find, especially when you take away each school's all-time wins leader, is telling.
For instance, Bryant is actually the winningest coach at two different SEC schools. He was 60-23-5 at Kentucky from 1946-53, and led the Wildcats to eight consecutive winning seasons.
Video: The worst part of recruiting
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
9:00
AM ET
By HornsNation staff | ESPN.com
Players at The Opening talk about some of the bad things about the recruiting process.
Washington visit impresses Reuben Foster 
July, 9, 2012
7/09/12
10:20
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By
Mason Kelley | ESPN.com
Reuben Foster admitted he was impressed.
After taking an unofficial visit to Washington, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound inside linebacker (Auburn, Ala./Auburn) likes where the Huskies are headed.
“With the stuff they’re building now, it has yet to come,” said Foster, who is rated the nation’s No. 2 prospect in the ESPN 150. “They’re building a program. They’re building a good program. And I’ve seen it. There’s a difference when you see it.”
After taking an unofficial visit to Washington, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound inside linebacker (Auburn, Ala./Auburn) likes where the Huskies are headed.
“With the stuff they’re building now, it has yet to come,” said Foster, who is rated the nation’s No. 2 prospect in the ESPN 150. “They’re building a program. They’re building a good program. And I’ve seen it. There’s a difference when you see it.”
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Georgia redshirt sophomore inside linebacker Brandon Burrows has decided to return to the Bulldogs after leaving the team last Thursday.
“I had the opportunity when I was away to look at it from the outside,” Burrows said. “I prayed about it a lot today. Then Coach [Rodney] Garner gave me a call and we talked about things. I realized I had not given myself a chance to compete. This will be the first year that I will be healthy and not redshirting.”
After talking to Garner, Burrows then called the Bulldogs’ head coach.
“I called Coach [Mark] Richt and I am inexplicably thankful for him taking me back because he could have just as easily said no,” Burrows said. “I really am thankful and that is a huge part of this.”
According to a statement issued by the school last Thursday, Burrows had decided to leave in an attempt to find playing time elsewhere.
“I came out of high school playing the defensive end position in a 4-3 defense which is what I truly love,” said Burrows. “The coaching change here led to a 3-4 defense. I have worked with that transition but decided that I want to get back to playing defensive end.”
His change of heart will help Georgia since the team is down to 75 players on scholarship.
“I had the opportunity when I was away to look at it from the outside,” Burrows said. “I prayed about it a lot today. Then Coach [Rodney] Garner gave me a call and we talked about things. I realized I had not given myself a chance to compete. This will be the first year that I will be healthy and not redshirting.”
After talking to Garner, Burrows then called the Bulldogs’ head coach.
“I called Coach [Mark] Richt and I am inexplicably thankful for him taking me back because he could have just as easily said no,” Burrows said. “I really am thankful and that is a huge part of this.”
According to a statement issued by the school last Thursday, Burrows had decided to leave in an attempt to find playing time elsewhere.
“I came out of high school playing the defensive end position in a 4-3 defense which is what I truly love,” said Burrows. “The coaching change here led to a 3-4 defense. I have worked with that transition but decided that I want to get back to playing defensive end.”
His change of heart will help Georgia since the team is down to 75 players on scholarship.
While participating at The Opening, ESPN 150 defensive back Shaq Wiggins (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek) planned to hold a meeting with several prospects in hopes of getting all of them to go to the same program.
And while the meeting had a few hiccups overall, Wiggins was pleased by the progress.
"We probably didn't hang out for as long as we could have but Reuben [Foster] left early so we had to deal with that," Wiggins said. "Still it was a good meeting and I think everyone knows what's up."
And while the meeting had a few hiccups overall, Wiggins was pleased by the progress.
"We probably didn't hang out for as long as we could have but Reuben [Foster] left early so we had to deal with that," Wiggins said. "Still it was a good meeting and I think everyone knows what's up."
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Players at The Opening talk about some of the crazy things they have heard from fans during the recruiting process.
Early in his recruitment, ESPN 150 prospect Kelsey Griffin (Hoschton, Ga./Mill Creek) had no ties to the University of Georgia. In fact, the 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive lineman admitted that, as a sophomore, he was basically starting out with an empty slate. Griffin has done his due diligence, and he narrowed down his 20 offers to five programs.
“I never had a college team growing up, but I have narrowed it down to Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, FSU and Auburn, in order,” said Griffin, who through the last two years has established himself as an active interior defender, making 178 tackles.
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Around the Hedges in 80 Days: K. Geathers
July, 9, 2012
7/09/12
8:14
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Fifty-four days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
54. Kwame Geathers
Fall forecast: Although he is listed as John Jenkins’ backup at nose guard, Geathers should see substantial playing time as he shares time with Jenkins in the middle. Jenkins took the lead role at nose last season, but Geathers still played a complementary role in transforming the center of Georgia’s defensive line. The Bulldogs were much more difficult to run up the middle against largely because of Jenkins’ and Geathers’ presence. Expect that trend to continue in 2012.
54. Kwame Geathers
Junior, Nose guard
6-foot-6, 350 pounds
Fall forecast: Although he is listed as John Jenkins’ backup at nose guard, Geathers should see substantial playing time as he shares time with Jenkins in the middle. Jenkins took the lead role at nose last season, but Geathers still played a complementary role in transforming the center of Georgia’s defensive line. The Bulldogs were much more difficult to run up the middle against largely because of Jenkins’ and Geathers’ presence. Expect that trend to continue in 2012.
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The Opening: Day 3, OL-DL 1-on-1s, Part 3
July, 8, 2012
7/08/12
10:16
PM ET
By ESPN.com Staff | ESPN.com
Fifty-five days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
55. Kenarious Gates
Fall forecast: Offensive line coach Will Friend complimented Gates’ performance this spring more than perhaps any other Bulldogs lineman. Gates enters the preseason as the Georgia's starting left tackle, ahead of Austin Long and Xzavier Ward, and is probably the offensive lineman who is most likely to contribute heavily this fall.
55. Kenarious Gates
Junior, Offensive line
6-foot-5, 328 pounds
Fall forecast: Offensive line coach Will Friend complimented Gates’ performance this spring more than perhaps any other Bulldogs lineman. Gates enters the preseason as the Georgia's starting left tackle, ahead of Austin Long and Xzavier Ward, and is probably the offensive lineman who is most likely to contribute heavily this fall.
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Fifty-six days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
56. Ty Frix
Fall forecast: A three-year starter as the Bulldogs’ snapper, Frix figures to retain the position for his final season of eligibility although redshirt freshman Nathan Theus could challenge for playing time. Frix, however, completed spring practice as the first-team snapper ahead of Theus and Wright Gazaway.
56. Ty Frix
Senior, Long snapper
6-foot-0, 213 pounds
Fall forecast: A three-year starter as the Bulldogs’ snapper, Frix figures to retain the position for his final season of eligibility although redshirt freshman Nathan Theus could challenge for playing time. Frix, however, completed spring practice as the first-team snapper ahead of Theus and Wright Gazaway.
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Many of the nation's top prospects are camping at The Opening in Beaverton, Ore this weekend. Here are the Day 2 stories from ESPN's Recruiting Nation:
Tom Hauck/ESPNHSTight end Josh McNeil at the Nike Football Training Camp in Charlotte , N.C.Damon Sayles: Tight end Josh McNeil is a game changer
Josh McNeil’s decision to give up basketball and try football has turned out to be a pretty gone one as he’s gone from unknown prospect to one of the nation’s most coveted tight ends. He was expected to announce his decision at The Opening, but pushed his announcement date back. Now he says he will eventually choose between Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Miami and Washington State.
Corey Long: Day 2 notebook
News and notes from The Opening, including why Georgia QB commit Brice Ramsey can’t pass the ball enough and updates on safety Priest Willis, athlete Alvin Bailey and linebacker Matthew Thomas.
Video: Are Girls a Factor in Recruiting?
As the top recruits across the county assemble in Beaverton, Ore., RecruitingNation asked them how much of a factor are the girls when it comes to picking a school.
Video: The players the players want to see
RecruitingNation asked the participants which players they are looking forward to seeing out on the field.
Tom Hauck/ESPNHSTight end Josh McNeil at the Nike Football Training Camp in Charlotte , N.C.Josh McNeil’s decision to give up basketball and try football has turned out to be a pretty gone one as he’s gone from unknown prospect to one of the nation’s most coveted tight ends. He was expected to announce his decision at The Opening, but pushed his announcement date back. Now he says he will eventually choose between Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Miami and Washington State.
Corey Long: Day 2 notebook
News and notes from The Opening, including why Georgia QB commit Brice Ramsey can’t pass the ball enough and updates on safety Priest Willis, athlete Alvin Bailey and linebacker Matthew Thomas.
Video: Are Girls a Factor in Recruiting?
As the top recruits across the county assemble in Beaverton, Ore., RecruitingNation asked them how much of a factor are the girls when it comes to picking a school.
Video: The players the players want to see
RecruitingNation asked the participants which players they are looking forward to seeing out on the field.
ESPN 300 cornerback Reggie Wilkerson (Citra, Fla./North Marion) admits there was a little back-and-forth chatter between he and Gator commits Nick Washington (Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian) and Ahmad Fulwood (Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny) during the flight to The Opening in Oregon.
"I sat next to Tramel Terry and we sat in front of Nick Washington and Ahmad Fulwood," Wilkerson said. "You know there was plenty of talk going on. Those guys love to get things started."
The Opening is the start of a busy month for Wilkerson. He will be visiting Athens for Dawg Night and staying through the weekend. He is also scheduled to participate in Gridiron Kings at the end of the month.
"I sat next to Tramel Terry and we sat in front of Nick Washington and Ahmad Fulwood," Wilkerson said. "You know there was plenty of talk going on. Those guys love to get things started."
The Opening is the start of a busy month for Wilkerson. He will be visiting Athens for Dawg Night and staying through the weekend. He is also scheduled to participate in Gridiron Kings at the end of the month.
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Georgia won the Eastern Division last season and South Carolina the year before. The East crown is again expected to go through Athens, Ga., or Columbia, S.C.
The East's impact game: Georgia at South Carolina, Oct. 6.
The first item of note is that the game will be played later this season rather than the second week as in past years. And, yes, we know Steve Spurrier sort of liked playing the Bulldogs that second game every year, because as he so famously quipped this spring, "You could always count on them having two or three key players suspended."
The East's impact game: Georgia at South Carolina, Oct. 6.
The first item of note is that the game will be played later this season rather than the second week as in past years. And, yes, we know Steve Spurrier sort of liked playing the Bulldogs that second game every year, because as he so famously quipped this spring, "You could always count on them having two or three key players suspended."
Fifty-seven days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
57. Leonard Floyd
Fall forecast: Floyd’s enrollment has been delayed by academic issues, which prevented him from gaining valuable college experience (and work in Georgia’s strength and conditioning program) this summer. Floyd is rangy and athletic, but he likely needs to add size before contributing in college.
57. Leonard Floyd
Freshman, Outside linebacker
6-foot-4, 215 pounds
Fall forecast: Floyd’s enrollment has been delayed by academic issues, which prevented him from gaining valuable college experience (and work in Georgia’s strength and conditioning program) this summer. Floyd is rangy and athletic, but he likely needs to add size before contributing in college.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ching
David Ching came to ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering UGA for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer and Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens. Email him at davidchingespn@gmail.com.
Radi Nabulsi
Radi Nabulsi joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Rivals.com for four years and for the UGA Athletic Association since 1993. Nabulsi is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and lives in Athens. He can be reached at radinabulsiespn@gmail.com.
Kipp Adams
Kipp Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.