ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia showcased one of the most talented wideouts in the last few years in A.J. Green. So why are the Bulldogs not stacked three deep with elite receivers trying to be the next big star? And is an early college signing period good for college football? ESPNDawgNation answers these questions and more in this week’s recruiting mailbag.
Dawgontap: By my count, in the 300 kids being evaluated for the top 150 ... 33 are designated as WR (doesn't count the ATH that might play WR), 8 of these guys have committed verbally. It seems that even with Tramel Terry probably being a WR for us (although an ATH) that this is a position that the Dawgs tend to have the most trouble really attracting true interest from the top players. Other positions, we seemingly get quite a few top-5 guys in the country at most other positions. While we have had a few -- A.J. Green comes immediately to mind -- why is WR a position we don't tend to get as many top guys as most others?
KA: I think Georgia has done a solid job bringing in top local talent at wide receiver, and supplementing it with out of state guys when possible or needed. That has been the Bulldogs’ formula for success over the last decade with guys like Green, Mohammad Massaquoi and recently Marlon Brown. As far as elite wideouts go, there are really only a few each year, and in Green’s case, possibly less than 10 a decade. When you look at local talent, the state of Georgia has produced just six top-10 wideouts in the last five years -- Malcolm Mitchell, Da’Rick Rogers, Markeith Ambles, Tai-ler Jones, Brce Butler and Joshua Jarboe. Two of those years there were no receivers listed among the top-10 wide receiver rankings. Georgia signed Malcolm Mitchell, lost Rogers at the last minute, did not target Ambles or Jarboe, and did not really push for Jones and Butler. A case could be made that most of those are wise decisions based on production to date.
Dawgontap: By my count, in the 300 kids being evaluated for the top 150 ... 33 are designated as WR (doesn't count the ATH that might play WR), 8 of these guys have committed verbally. It seems that even with Tramel Terry probably being a WR for us (although an ATH) that this is a position that the Dawgs tend to have the most trouble really attracting true interest from the top players. Other positions, we seemingly get quite a few top-5 guys in the country at most other positions. While we have had a few -- A.J. Green comes immediately to mind -- why is WR a position we don't tend to get as many top guys as most others?
KA: I think Georgia has done a solid job bringing in top local talent at wide receiver, and supplementing it with out of state guys when possible or needed. That has been the Bulldogs’ formula for success over the last decade with guys like Green, Mohammad Massaquoi and recently Marlon Brown. As far as elite wideouts go, there are really only a few each year, and in Green’s case, possibly less than 10 a decade. When you look at local talent, the state of Georgia has produced just six top-10 wideouts in the last five years -- Malcolm Mitchell, Da’Rick Rogers, Markeith Ambles, Tai-ler Jones, Brce Butler and Joshua Jarboe. Two of those years there were no receivers listed among the top-10 wide receiver rankings. Georgia signed Malcolm Mitchell, lost Rogers at the last minute, did not target Ambles or Jarboe, and did not really push for Jones and Butler. A case could be made that most of those are wise decisions based on production to date.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ATHENS, Ga. -- Perhaps no position coach on Georgia’s staff is starting from scratch this spring moreso than tight ends coach John Lilly.
Lilly had one of the nation’s most productive tight ends last season in Orson Charles -- who opted to leave UGA after his junior year to enter the NFL draft -- and also had a solid second option in 2011 senior Aron White, who tied Charles for the school’s tight end career record with 10 touchdowns.
With Charles and White out of the picture, Lilly is left with rising junior Arthur Lynch and redshirt freshman Jay Rome to play a much more active role this season. Lynch has two career receptions and played mostly as a blocker and on special teams last year, while Rome -- ESPN’s top-rated tight end prospect in 2011 -- is trying to catch up after spending the winter with Georgia’s basketball team as a walk-on forward.
Lilly had one of the nation’s most productive tight ends last season in Orson Charles -- who opted to leave UGA after his junior year to enter the NFL draft -- and also had a solid second option in 2011 senior Aron White, who tied Charles for the school’s tight end career record with 10 touchdowns.
With Charles and White out of the picture, Lilly is left with rising junior Arthur Lynch and redshirt freshman Jay Rome to play a much more active role this season. Lynch has two career receptions and played mostly as a blocker and on special teams last year, while Rome -- ESPN’s top-rated tight end prospect in 2011 -- is trying to catch up after spending the winter with Georgia’s basketball team as a walk-on forward.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Spring Day 6: Mitchell works on offense 
March, 30, 2012
3/30/12
12:39
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Mark Richt drew headlines after Thursday’s practice over a subject he mostly refused to discuss: reports concerning the ensuing suspensions of safety Bacarri Rambo and linebacker Alec Ogletree for failed drug tests.
Richt would not confirm anything related to those reports, but when responding to football-related questions, Georgia’s coach revealed a handful of interesting details.
* First of all, he said receiver-turned-cornerback Malcolm Mitchell chipped in on offense a bit in Thursday’s sixth practice of the spring. To this point, Mitchell had played exclusively on defense, where he will provide much-needed depth at cornerback while also trying to continue playing receiver.
Richt would not confirm anything related to those reports, but when responding to football-related questions, Georgia’s coach revealed a handful of interesting details.
* First of all, he said receiver-turned-cornerback Malcolm Mitchell chipped in on offense a bit in Thursday’s sixth practice of the spring. To this point, Mitchell had played exclusively on defense, where he will provide much-needed depth at cornerback while also trying to continue playing receiver.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Richt refuses to comment on suspensions
March, 29, 2012
3/29/12
9:18
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia coach Mark Richt refused to comment Thursday on reports that All-American safety Bacarri Rambo and linebacker Alec Ogletree will be suspended to start the season after failing drug tests.
Before Richt entered Thursday’s post-practice press conference, UGA sports information assistants distributed a statement from Richt saying that, “There is a process we follow regarding team guidelines and policies. I cannot make any comment until that process has run its course.”
Richt referred to that statement as soon as he entered the room and answered questions related to possible suspensions in only the vaguest possible terms.
Before Richt entered Thursday’s post-practice press conference, UGA sports information assistants distributed a statement from Richt saying that, “There is a process we follow regarding team guidelines and policies. I cannot make any comment until that process has run its course.”
Richt referred to that statement as soon as he entered the room and answered questions related to possible suspensions in only the vaguest possible terms.
Foster might transfer to attend UA early
March, 29, 2012
3/29/12
6:31
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
LaGRANGE, Ga. -- Life’s supposed to come easy for the top high school football players in the country.
That’s not been the case for Georgia linebacker Reuben Foster, an Alabama commitment who has had to deal with a lot in the past couple of months.
Charlie Flowers, Foster’s head coach and father figure, was fired from Troup County High School in February over an apparent improper transfer of at least one football player into the school district, an act Foster believes his coach didn’t commit.
That’s not been the case for Georgia linebacker Reuben Foster, an Alabama commitment who has had to deal with a lot in the past couple of months.
Charlie Flowers, Foster’s head coach and father figure, was fired from Troup County High School in February over an apparent improper transfer of at least one football player into the school district, an act Foster believes his coach didn’t commit.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Georgia All-American safety Bacarri Rambo has been suspended for four games for failing a drug test, his high school coach said Thursday.
A source close to the situation also confirmed for ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach that Rambo's suspension was drug-related.
Alan Ingram, Rambo's coach at Seminole County High School in Donalsonville, Ga., said he believes Rambo was a victim of circumstance.
Read the complete story here.
A source close to the situation also confirmed for ESPN.com's Mark Schlabach that Rambo's suspension was drug-related.
Alan Ingram, Rambo's coach at Seminole County High School in Donalsonville, Ga., said he believes Rambo was a victim of circumstance.
Read the complete story here.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Bobo insists there is an open competition to become the team’s starting quarterback, but it’s difficult to envision anyone supplanting Aaron Murray atop the depth chart.
That said, there is plenty of competition within the group as the rest begin to establish a pecking order for the fall. Barring unforeseen circumstances with Murray, rising junior Hutson Mason intends to redshirt, leaving redshirt freshman Christian LeMay and recent freshman signee Faton Bauta to jockey for the opportunity to play as Murray’s backup.
That competition will carry over into preseason practice -- and possibly the fall as well -- but only now is it truly beginning, as the Bulldogs have nearly finished installing their offensive package this spring.
As the competition hits its stride, here is a look at the four scholarship contenders in the Bulldogs’ quarterback derby:
Player: Aaron Murray
Class: Rising junior
Last season: Started all 14 games and completed 238 of 403 passes for 3,149 yards, 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The 35 touchdowns established a new single-season school record.
Spring goal: Ball security is perhaps Bobo’s No. 1 point of emphasis with Murray this spring. Not only were his 14 interceptions too many, they were often costly -- as opponents returned four for touchdowns. If any issue ever jeopardized Murray’s position atop the depth chart, it would be his occasional turnover trouble.
Comments: Bulldogs fans occasionally clamored for Mason to get more of a shot last season, but it is clear that Murray is the coaches’ guy. He is a team leader and ranks among the Bulldogs’ hardest workers. Now as he enters his third season as the starter, the team needs him to show improved consistency that will help UGA compete against the highest caliber of competition.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Donn JonesAaron Murray is firmly established atop the Georgia quarterback depth chart.
That competition will carry over into preseason practice -- and possibly the fall as well -- but only now is it truly beginning, as the Bulldogs have nearly finished installing their offensive package this spring.
As the competition hits its stride, here is a look at the four scholarship contenders in the Bulldogs’ quarterback derby:
Player: Aaron Murray
Class: Rising junior
Last season: Started all 14 games and completed 238 of 403 passes for 3,149 yards, 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The 35 touchdowns established a new single-season school record.
Spring goal: Ball security is perhaps Bobo’s No. 1 point of emphasis with Murray this spring. Not only were his 14 interceptions too many, they were often costly -- as opponents returned four for touchdowns. If any issue ever jeopardized Murray’s position atop the depth chart, it would be his occasional turnover trouble.
Comments: Bulldogs fans occasionally clamored for Mason to get more of a shot last season, but it is clear that Murray is the coaches’ guy. He is a team leader and ranks among the Bulldogs’ hardest workers. Now as he enters his third season as the starter, the team needs him to show improved consistency that will help UGA compete against the highest caliber of competition.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Hutson Mason might not play a down this season but says he is completely at peace with his decision to return to Georgia after admitting last year that the decision over whether to transfer often kept him up at night.
“Sleeping 100 percent better,” Mason said with a laugh. “In bed every night by 11, just sleeping all the way through.”
The rising junior quarterback will likely redshirt this fall to gain a year of class separation between himself and fellow junior Aaron Murray. But while Mason’s general plan is to sit out the season, he continues to prepare as if he will play -- just in case.
“Sleeping 100 percent better,” Mason said with a laugh. “In bed every night by 11, just sleeping all the way through.”
The rising junior quarterback will likely redshirt this fall to gain a year of class separation between himself and fellow junior Aaron Murray. But while Mason’s general plan is to sit out the season, he continues to prepare as if he will play -- just in case.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Source: Rambo, Ogletree suspended
March, 28, 2012
3/28/12
9:38
PM ET
By
David Ching and
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- A source at the University of Georgia confirmed Wednesday that Bulldogs safety Bacarri Rambo and linebacker Alec Ogletree will be suspended to start the season, following a report that both players had broken unnamed team rules.
Georgia’s Scout.com site, dawgpost.com, published a story Wednesday night reporting that the two defensive starters “will miss at least two games, but up to as many as four games” while serving their suspensions.
Georgia sports information director Claude Felton said via text message late Wednesday that he could not confirm either player had been suspended.
Read the complete story here.
Georgia’s Scout.com site, dawgpost.com, published a story Wednesday night reporting that the two defensive starters “will miss at least two games, but up to as many as four games” while serving their suspensions.
Georgia sports information director Claude Felton said via text message late Wednesday that he could not confirm either player had been suspended.
Read the complete story here.
Linebacker Ben Boulware (Anderson, S.C./T.L. Hanna) has made his decision.
“I'm committing to Clemson,” said Boulware. "I have been playing phone tag with the coaches. I talked with coach [Chad] Morris and he said I had to talk with coach [Dabo] Swinney. I have not been able to reach him but I will tonight."
In the end, Boulware said he was just more comfortable with the Tigers.
“I'm committing to Clemson,” said Boulware. "I have been playing phone tag with the coaches. I talked with coach [Chad] Morris and he said I had to talk with coach [Dabo] Swinney. I have not been able to reach him but I will tonight."
In the end, Boulware said he was just more comfortable with the Tigers.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
ATHENS, Ga. -- Will Friend cautioned reporters Tuesday against reading too much into any of the offensive line combinations they observe him testing in practice. After losing three senior starters, the Bulldogs are rebuilding their line this spring and their offensive line coach is nowhere close to settling on a lineup.
“There are more numbers. There needs to be some guys that kind of separate themselves,” Friend said. “That’s kind of what we want to happen in the spring and I think sometimes when one or two guys are playing a lot better than the rest of the group, sometimes it makes you think you don’t have as much depth because those guys are doing so well. We need some guys really to come through for us.”
Friend and Georgia’s other assistant coaches were collectively available for media interviews Tuesday for the first time since national signing day and Friend updated what he’s seeing from his linemen.
“There are more numbers. There needs to be some guys that kind of separate themselves,” Friend said. “That’s kind of what we want to happen in the spring and I think sometimes when one or two guys are playing a lot better than the rest of the group, sometimes it makes you think you don’t have as much depth because those guys are doing so well. We need some guys really to come through for us.”
Friend and Georgia’s other assistant coaches were collectively available for media interviews Tuesday for the first time since national signing day and Friend updated what he’s seeing from his linemen.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
There is no hiding the fact that athlete Reggie Wilkerson (Citron, Fla/North Marion) has long hoped for an offer from the University of Florida. But as the 5-foot-11, 176-pound Wilkerson waits on the Gators to pull the trigger, some intriguing offers came rolling in, including one from the University of Georgia while visiting Athens earlier this month.
As Wilkerson prepares to lead his team to a coveted state championship, he is not sure of what where or even what position he will play at in college -- a question his high school coaches have yet to answer. As Florida recruiting writer Corey Long writes, it is all part of the quest of an emerging athlete trying to improve on the field.
As Wilkerson prepares to lead his team to a coveted state championship, he is not sure of what where or even what position he will play at in college -- a question his high school coaches have yet to answer. As Florida recruiting writer Corey Long writes, it is all part of the quest of an emerging athlete trying to improve on the field.
Defensive back Nick Glass (Atlanta/St. Pius X) visited Athens for the Georgia junior day and left with an offer to play for the Bulldogs. DawgNation caught up to him moments after he received his offer to get his reaction.Aaron Murray has options at wide receiver
March, 28, 2012
3/28/12
12:33
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Aaron Murray would prefer to throw the ball to Malcolm Mitchell rather than by him. But he doesn’t have much of a choice this spring.
Mitchell, who shined during his freshman season at wide receiver with Georgia last year, was moved to cornerback this spring in order to help out with the lack of depth at the position.
“Obviously, it’d be great to have Malcolm play offense and defense, but I don’t think that’s humanly possible to be in that great of shape,” Murray said. “His main goal is to do what’s best for the team, and everyone supports him.”
The move certainly helps the defense, but it takes one of the SEC’s best receiving weapons from one of the SEC’s best passers. Losing Mitchell stings, but Murray thinks the Bulldogs are equipped with the talent to replace Mitchell if he stays on defense this fall.
For starters, Murray will have senior-to-be Tavarres King back on the field. King was expected to be the go-to guy in Georgia’s passing game last season, until Mitchell burst onto the scene. King caught 47 passes for 705 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and had a monster game in Georgia’s bowl loss to Michigan State. King grabbed six catches for 205 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown reception.
Mitchell, who shined during his freshman season at wide receiver with Georgia last year, was moved to cornerback this spring in order to help out with the lack of depth at the position.
“Obviously, it’d be great to have Malcolm play offense and defense, but I don’t think that’s humanly possible to be in that great of shape,” Murray said. “His main goal is to do what’s best for the team, and everyone supports him.”
The move certainly helps the defense, but it takes one of the SEC’s best receiving weapons from one of the SEC’s best passers. Losing Mitchell stings, but Murray thinks the Bulldogs are equipped with the talent to replace Mitchell if he stays on defense this fall.
For starters, Murray will have senior-to-be Tavarres King back on the field. King was expected to be the go-to guy in Georgia’s passing game last season, until Mitchell burst onto the scene. King caught 47 passes for 705 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and had a monster game in Georgia’s bowl loss to Michigan State. King grabbed six catches for 205 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown reception.
Carter wanted to get on the field in Athens
March, 28, 2012
3/28/12
11:51
AM ET
By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Last month, University of Georgia director of sports medicine Ron Courson took a look at linebacker Reginald Carter (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett) to see how well he had progressed since tearing his ACL five months ago. He then went to head Coach Mark Richt and gave his opinion. Shortly after, Richt gave Carter his first post-injury scholarship offer, which came as a tremendous relief to the 6-foot-2, 215-pound rising senior
“After getting hurt, I felt that with the work I put in to get strong, something good would come out of it,” Carter said. "So it felt great to get an offer from UGA.'
Last weekend, Carter was back in Athens to check out the Bulldogs in practice as they prepare to compete for a chance to return to the Southeastern Conference Championship.
“After getting hurt, I felt that with the work I put in to get strong, something good would come out of it,” Carter said. "So it felt great to get an offer from UGA.'
Last weekend, Carter was back in Athens to check out the Bulldogs in practice as they prepare to compete for a chance to return to the Southeastern Conference Championship.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.