ESPN's Tim Keown, in the wake of No. 1 prospect and Clemson commit Robert Nkemdiche reportedly pushing for the Tigers to recruit a friend of his: You can't create a system that exalts the athlete at an ever younger age and then clutch the rosary beads when the athlete in question decides to see how elastic your exaltation really is. Read more here.
ESPN.com RecruitingNation's Mitch Sherman: Prospects who participated in last weekend's The Opening know that being recruited is the one time they have leverage. So is it wrong to try to get as much as they can now? Depends on who you ask. Read more here.
Around the Hedges in 80 Days: M. Gilliard 
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
12:10
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Fifty-three 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.
53. Mike Gilliard
Fall forecast: Gilliard was a backup inside linebacker when the 2011 season started, but both of Georgia’s starters -- Alec Ogletree and Christian Robinson -- suffered foot injuries by the end of Game 2, creating an opportunity for Gilliard to see regular playing time. He took advantage of the chance, providing steady play while Ogletree and Robinson were out and starting 11 consecutive games.
53. Mike Gilliard
Senior, Linebacker
6-foot-2, 220 pounds
Fall forecast: Gilliard was a backup inside linebacker when the 2011 season started, but both of Georgia’s starters -- Alec Ogletree and Christian Robinson -- suffered foot injuries by the end of Game 2, creating an opportunity for Gilliard to see regular playing time. He took advantage of the chance, providing steady play while Ogletree and Robinson were out and starting 11 consecutive games.
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SUWANEE, Ga. -- While much of the anticipation of the annual Dawg Night camp at the University of Georgia will be focused on 2013 prospects, one defensive lineman for the 2014 class is trying to impress the Bulldogs coaching staff. Dante Sawyer (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett) has been to Athens once this summer, and he looks forward to the return trip.
“I went to Georgia for the Mark Richt camp,” Sawyer said. “It went very well. They invited me back on Friday for Dawg Night.”
The invitation to the exclusive camp came from Georgia’s defensive line coach, who saw potential in the young prospect.
“I went to Georgia for the Mark Richt camp,” Sawyer said. “It went very well. They invited me back on Friday for Dawg Night.”
The invitation to the exclusive camp came from Georgia’s defensive line coach, who saw potential in the young prospect.
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2014 standouts to catch up at Dawg Night
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
11:09
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
This Friday’s Dawg Night figures to be one of the biggest recruiting events of the year for the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs staff will direct much of their attention to the 2014 and 2015 talent set to come together between the hedges. The coaches are hoping that two rising juniors, who have grown close in the past few months, decide to play together in Athens. One of them is already planning on it.
Nick Glass (Atlanta/St. Pius X) has been committed to Georgia for several months, and the 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back has become one of the strongest recruiters for the defending SEC East Champions. He is excited about his first Dawg Night.
“I am looking forward to bonding with the other commits and talking to a few targets that UGA has their sights on,” Glass said. “I want to sell the school that I feel is best, so I tell them the positives -- and even the negatives, but mostly positives -- and then they end up falling in love with it after I tell them everything.”
Nick Glass (Atlanta/St. Pius X) has been committed to Georgia for several months, and the 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back has become one of the strongest recruiters for the defending SEC East Champions. He is excited about his first Dawg Night.
“I am looking forward to bonding with the other commits and talking to a few targets that UGA has their sights on,” Glass said. “I want to sell the school that I feel is best, so I tell them the positives -- and even the negatives, but mostly positives -- and then they end up falling in love with it after I tell them everything.”
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Ranking the SEC quarterbacks
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
10:44
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Earlier, we ranked all 14 quarterback groups in the SEC. Now, it's time to rank the top 10 SEC quarterbacks heading into the 2012 season.
Again, we are looking at overall talent, game-changing ability and experience. We also looked at past performances and projections for 2012.
Here are our top 10 SEC quarterbacks:
1. Tyler Wilson, Sr., Arkansas: He could have easily left for the NFL after passing for more than 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns last season. His big-time arm and incredible toughness weren't too shabby either. While his decision-making came into question sometimes last season, Wilson made tremendous strides this spring and should be an even smarter passer this fall.
2. Aaron Murray, RJr., Georgia: Murray has a chance to own a few more school and SEC records before his time at Georgia is up, but he does have to get over his turnover issues. Murray has some of the best technique and mechanics around, and when he's on and focused, he is one of the most talented passers out there.
Again, we are looking at overall talent, game-changing ability and experience. We also looked at past performances and projections for 2012.
Here are our top 10 SEC quarterbacks:
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/David QuinnArkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson passed for more than 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.
2. Aaron Murray, RJr., Georgia: Murray has a chance to own a few more school and SEC records before his time at Georgia is up, but he does have to get over his turnover issues. Murray has some of the best technique and mechanics around, and when he's on and focused, he is one of the most talented passers out there.
The SEC has the reputation of being the toughest conference to play/coach in. But what is it like to be in charge of one of these high-profile programs?
That's where we come in. As we take a deeper look into programs around the country this week, we're looking at how each program stacks up in every conference. In the SEC, there's always a fierce arms race going on, and getting left behind can be dangerous.
Today, we're ranking each coaching job in the SEC. We considered a lot of factors, including location, tradition, support, fan bases, facilities and recruiting access.
Here's how we ranked all 14 SEC jobs.
1. Florida: For starters, Florida is all about location, location, location. It's in a state that produces some of the country's top talent and it's a state that players around the country will flock to. Thanks to Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, Florida has become a national brand like Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame and Texas. Recent significant facility upgrades and a tremendous fan base have only helped this be the top job in the SEC.
That's where we come in. As we take a deeper look into programs around the country this week, we're looking at how each program stacks up in every conference. In the SEC, there's always a fierce arms race going on, and getting left behind can be dangerous.
Today, we're ranking each coaching job in the SEC. We considered a lot of factors, including location, tradition, support, fan bases, facilities and recruiting access.
Here's how we ranked all 14 SEC jobs.
1. Florida: For starters, Florida is all about location, location, location. It's in a state that produces some of the country's top talent and it's a state that players around the country will flock to. Thanks to Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer, Florida has become a national brand like Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame and Texas. Recent significant facility upgrades and a tremendous fan base have only helped this be the top job in the SEC.
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.
[+] Enlarge
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
PM ET
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
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.