The University of Georgia is set to host four official visitors this weekend, and will have a target on campus Monday as well. DawgNation takes a quick look at who will be on campus in Athens over the next few days.
The top prospect in Georgia, linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes), will arrive today for his second official visit, with the Gators getting the first last month. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound ESPNU 150 target is also considering visiting Florida State and Louisville, but Florida and Georgia, the first two programs to offer Harvey-Clemons, are currently considered the frontrunners for the highly touted outside linebacker.
Harvey-Clemons, the No. 23 player in the nation, finished the season with 105 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions on defense. If the Bulldogs are able to reel in Harvey-Clemons, it would give defensive coordinator Todd Grantham a pair of All-American outside linebackers to feature in his 3-4 scheme, with Under Armour All-American Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County) committing to Georgia earlier this week. Harvey-Clemons was an Army All-American Bowl selection. Look for Harvey-Clemons to make his decision on signing day.
The top prospect in Georgia, linebacker Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes), will arrive today for his second official visit, with the Gators getting the first last month. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound ESPNU 150 target is also considering visiting Florida State and Louisville, but Florida and Georgia, the first two programs to offer Harvey-Clemons, are currently considered the frontrunners for the highly touted outside linebacker.
Harvey-Clemons, the No. 23 player in the nation, finished the season with 105 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions on defense. If the Bulldogs are able to reel in Harvey-Clemons, it would give defensive coordinator Todd Grantham a pair of All-American outside linebackers to feature in his 3-4 scheme, with Under Armour All-American Jordan Jenkins (Hamilton, Ga./Harris County) committing to Georgia earlier this week. Harvey-Clemons was an Army All-American Bowl selection. Look for Harvey-Clemons to make his decision on signing day.
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Best and worst from the SEC bowl season
January, 12, 2012
1/12/12
6:05
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Let’s review some of the highs and lows of the bowl season:
Best performance: Even in a loss, there was no topping Georgia’s Brandon Boykin. The senior cornerback certainly did his part in the Bulldogs’ 33-30 triple-overtime setback to Michigan State in the Outback Bowl. He scored three different ways, starting with a safety when he tackled Keshawn Martin in the end zone. He then returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter and caught a 13-yard touchdown pass to give Georgia a 27-20 lead with 6:44 remaining in regulation.
Best defensive performance: This one goes out to the entire Alabama defense, which saved its best for last. The Crimson Tide pitched the first shutout in BCS National Championship Game history and held LSU to 92 total yards. Let’s face it. They could have played 10 more quarters and LSU wouldn’t have scored a touchdown against Alabama on Monday night. It was like watching one giant crimson swarm all night.
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Jeff Griffith/US PresswireGeorgia's Brandon Boykin had a huge game against Michigan State, including this punt return for a TD.
Jeff Griffith/US PresswireGeorgia's Brandon Boykin had a huge game against Michigan State, including this punt return for a TD.Best defensive performance: This one goes out to the entire Alabama defense, which saved its best for last. The Crimson Tide pitched the first shutout in BCS National Championship Game history and held LSU to 92 total yards. Let’s face it. They could have played 10 more quarters and LSU wouldn’t have scored a touchdown against Alabama on Monday night. It was like watching one giant crimson swarm all night.
Read Georgia RB target Todd Gurley's latest entry in his ESPNHS diary.
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Shamire Devine of East Point (Ga.) Tri-Cities High is an ESPNU 150 Watch List offensive tackle who played in last month's Georgia Junior Bowl in Atlanta. Devine gives DawgNation updates on his recruitment, with his top three, and explains why he is the next Steve Jobs.
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UGA's 'Ring Team' now a top-five class 
January, 12, 2012
1/12/12
1:49
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
When all was said and done last year, Georgia’s heralded “Dream Team” of 2011 recruits landed the Bulldogs at No. 6 in ESPN’s team recruiting rankings. With SEC Freshman of the Year Isaiah Crowell and fellow five-star and defensive end Ray Drew, Georgia bounced back from a somewhat disappointing 12th-place ranking from the year before.
Few expected Georgia to be able to replicate 2011’s success so soon, what with all the early talk of Mark Richt being on the hot seat and an 0-2 start to the season.
Funny what an SEC East title, a top-rated defense and a 10-game win streak can do for a program.
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RecruitingNation airs at 3 p.m. ET today on ESPNU, and national analyst Craig Haubert and senior national analyst Tom Luginbill will discuss the new No. 1 team in the class rankings.
That team?
The Alabama Crimson Tide.
After landing five-star safety Landon Collins and four-star athlete Cyrus Jones at the Under Armour All-America Game last week, the Tide leaped ahead of Texas to become the nation’s No. 1 class.
Haubert and Luginbill will discuss other movers and shakers in the top 25 and reflect on recent commitments from players like Channing Ward, Barry Sanders Jr. and Jordan Jenkins. The analysts will also take a look at players whose stock increased after the recent national and regional all-star games.
RecruitingNation writers will contribute with a look at what's still on the board at Michigan and how USC is dealing with sanctions.
That team?
The Alabama Crimson Tide.
After landing five-star safety Landon Collins and four-star athlete Cyrus Jones at the Under Armour All-America Game last week, the Tide leaped ahead of Texas to become the nation’s No. 1 class.
Haubert and Luginbill will discuss other movers and shakers in the top 25 and reflect on recent commitments from players like Channing Ward, Barry Sanders Jr. and Jordan Jenkins. The analysts will also take a look at players whose stock increased after the recent national and regional all-star games.
RecruitingNation writers will contribute with a look at what's still on the board at Michigan and how USC is dealing with sanctions.
As the Georgia Bulldogs await Friday’s decision of four star running back Todd Gurley (Tarboro, N.C./Tarboro), another tailback target will be taking his third official visit, this time to South Carolina. Four-star prospect Mike Davis (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) will be in Columbia this weekend, followed by planned trips to Georgia on Jan. 20 and Clemson on Jan. 27. Davis has set his decision date, and nothing has changed as far as his thoughts on where he intends to play at the next level.
“I am going to announce on signing day,” Davis said. “I still have a decision in mind.”
With his phone ringing so often lately he has lost count. Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Tennessee are all still in the hunt according to Davis, who ran for 1921 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Jaguars this year. While he has seemingly chosen a school already, Davis is trying to pull back the curtain a little during his official visits to see how each set of potential teammates feel about what goes on behind the scenes.
“I am going to announce on signing day,” Davis said. “I still have a decision in mind.”
With his phone ringing so often lately he has lost count. Clemson, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, South Carolina and Tennessee are all still in the hunt according to Davis, who ran for 1921 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Jaguars this year. While he has seemingly chosen a school already, Davis is trying to pull back the curtain a little during his official visits to see how each set of potential teammates feel about what goes on behind the scenes.
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Gurley's decision seems like Marshall's
January, 12, 2012
1/12/12
10:55
AM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Call it Georgia-Clemson II.
The final days of Todd Gurley's recruitment seem to feel a lot like what his good friend Keith Marshall (Raleigh, N.C./Millbrook) went through before him.
Gurley is thought to be torn between Georgia and Clemson, according to a source close to his recruitment. North Carolina State has made a strong push and is still in play, but the Bulldogs and Tigers appear to have the lead for the four-star athlete from Tarboro (N.C.) High School, who is expected to play tailback in college.
The final days of Todd Gurley's recruitment seem to feel a lot like what his good friend Keith Marshall (Raleigh, N.C./Millbrook) went through before him.
Gurley is thought to be torn between Georgia and Clemson, according to a source close to his recruitment. North Carolina State has made a strong push and is still in play, but the Bulldogs and Tigers appear to have the lead for the four-star athlete from Tarboro (N.C.) High School, who is expected to play tailback in college.
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Eligwe could visit two Pac-12 schools
January, 12, 2012
1/12/12
10:52
AM ET
By
Jamie Newberg | ESPN.com
Florida State might not be the only visit for four-star linebacker prospect Ukeme Eligwe (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stone Mountain). He’s scheduled to visit the Seminoles this weekend, but the ESPNU 150 member could take two trips out west before signing day.
“He was mentioning something about visiting Cal yesterday,” Stone Mountain coach Dante Ferguson said. “He may also visit Oregon. I know he will visit FSU this weekend and he’s just trying to set up those others. I know he would like to check out some other schools and take some trips.”
Eligwe, 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, made an official visit to Georgia last month. He’s the nation’s No. 3 linebacker and the No. 10 recruit from the state of Georgia.
“He was mentioning something about visiting Cal yesterday,” Stone Mountain coach Dante Ferguson said. “He may also visit Oregon. I know he will visit FSU this weekend and he’s just trying to set up those others. I know he would like to check out some other schools and take some trips.”
Eligwe, 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, made an official visit to Georgia last month. He’s the nation’s No. 3 linebacker and the No. 10 recruit from the state of Georgia.
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Grantham wants to stay 'very long time'
January, 11, 2012
1/11/12
6:44
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has recently been rumored as a possible candidate for several open positions in college and in the NFL -- including the recently vacated defensive coordinator position with the Atlanta Falcons.
Grantham issued a statement Wednesday evening that addressed his interest in other jobs:
"This time of year there are a lot of rumors involving coaching openings," Grantham said. "Because of the terrific recruiting class we are assembling and the juniors that have communicated to me their desire to come back to Georgia, I felt it important to address some of these current and any future rumors. I’ve had discussions with Coach [Mark] Richt and [AD] Greg McGarity and we are on track to finalizing details on a contract extension.
"My family enjoys Athens very much. I love the passion and excitement of our fans. We have the program headed in the right direction and I want to be a part of bringing Georgia a championship. My desire is to be at UGA for a very long time. Go Dawgs!"
After All-American safety Bacarri Rambo announced Wednesday that he will return for his senior season, the Bulldogs could return as many as 10 starters from their Outback Bowl lineup -- losing only senior cornerback Brandon Boykin.
Grantham's defense ranked fifth in the nation in total defense in 2011, allowing 277.21 yards per game, 10th in passing defense (176 ypg) and 11th in rushing defense (101.21 ypg).
Grantham issued a statement Wednesday evening that addressed his interest in other jobs:
"This time of year there are a lot of rumors involving coaching openings," Grantham said. "Because of the terrific recruiting class we are assembling and the juniors that have communicated to me their desire to come back to Georgia, I felt it important to address some of these current and any future rumors. I’ve had discussions with Coach [Mark] Richt and [AD] Greg McGarity and we are on track to finalizing details on a contract extension.
"My family enjoys Athens very much. I love the passion and excitement of our fans. We have the program headed in the right direction and I want to be a part of bringing Georgia a championship. My desire is to be at UGA for a very long time. Go Dawgs!"
After All-American safety Bacarri Rambo announced Wednesday that he will return for his senior season, the Bulldogs could return as many as 10 starters from their Outback Bowl lineup -- losing only senior cornerback Brandon Boykin.
Grantham's defense ranked fifth in the nation in total defense in 2011, allowing 277.21 yards per game, 10th in passing defense (176 ypg) and 11th in rushing defense (101.21 ypg).
Rambo, Williams will return for 2012
January, 11, 2012
1/11/12
6:15
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham has been all smiles today as both of his starting junior safeties have decided to stay for their senior season, while Grantham himself put to rest any notion that he is considering jobs elsewhere.
On the heels of the news that junior tight end Orson Charles was leaving for the NFL, officials at the University of Georgia announced that safety Bacarri Rambo will return for his senior year. Moments later, DawgNation spoke to safety Shawn Williams, who confirmed that he, too, will be back.
“I am going to come back,” Williams told DawgNation on Wednesday night. “I want to play with Coach Grantham again and try to be an All-American. That is my goal.”
Rambo was named a first-team All-American by The Associated Press after leading the SEC with eight interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His 157 return yards in a season ranks him third all-time in the Georgia record books.
The Donalsonville, Ga., native has 152 career tackles and ranks third at Georgia in career interceptions with 13. Trailing only Jake Scott (16), Jeff Hipp and Terry Hoage (14 each) for the school’s all-time record, in his return Rambo could become the all-time record-holder for the Bulldogs.
Williams indicated that they would not be alone in returning for their senior season.
“Nobody else [is leaving]; we will have our whole defense back,” Williams said. “So we are going to set some records and do some things this year.”
Grantham said himself Wednesday that he plans for his stay at Georgia to be a lengthy one.
Georgia looks to be returning nine of the 11 starters on a defense that finished third this past season in the SEC in total defense (268 yards/game), rushing defense (103.4) and pass defense (165.1).
On the heels of the news that junior tight end Orson Charles was leaving for the NFL, officials at the University of Georgia announced that safety Bacarri Rambo will return for his senior year. Moments later, DawgNation spoke to safety Shawn Williams, who confirmed that he, too, will be back.
“I am going to come back,” Williams told DawgNation on Wednesday night. “I want to play with Coach Grantham again and try to be an All-American. That is my goal.”
Rambo was named a first-team All-American by The Associated Press after leading the SEC with eight interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. His 157 return yards in a season ranks him third all-time in the Georgia record books.
The Donalsonville, Ga., native has 152 career tackles and ranks third at Georgia in career interceptions with 13. Trailing only Jake Scott (16), Jeff Hipp and Terry Hoage (14 each) for the school’s all-time record, in his return Rambo could become the all-time record-holder for the Bulldogs.
Williams indicated that they would not be alone in returning for their senior season.
“Nobody else [is leaving]; we will have our whole defense back,” Williams said. “So we are going to set some records and do some things this year.”
Grantham said himself Wednesday that he plans for his stay at Georgia to be a lengthy one.
Georgia looks to be returning nine of the 11 starters on a defense that finished third this past season in the SEC in total defense (268 yards/game), rushing defense (103.4) and pass defense (165.1).
Dungy, former Dawgs counselled Charles
January, 11, 2012
1/11/12
3:52
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Junior tight end Orson Charles told reporters in a conference call Wednesday that he would forgo his senior season with the Georgia Bulldogs and declare himself eligible for the 2012 NFL draft.
“I will be entering the draft,” Charles said. “I just felt like I met the majority of all my goals. I felt like I have grown spiritually. Like Coach [Mark] Richt says, that is the first thing you have to do. I felt like I have grown as a player. And just praying about it, I felt like, with my family situation, I was read to enter the draft.”
With the Jan. 15 deadline for declaring just days away, Charles rather recently made his choice.
“I will be entering the draft,” Charles said. “I just felt like I met the majority of all my goals. I felt like I have grown spiritually. Like Coach [Mark] Richt says, that is the first thing you have to do. I felt like I have grown as a player. And just praying about it, I felt like, with my family situation, I was read to enter the draft.”
With the Jan. 15 deadline for declaring just days away, Charles rather recently made his choice.
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Under Armour All-America tight end Sean Price (Citra, Fla./North Marion) has received an offer from Georgia.
Last week the 6-foot-3, 230-pound senior said his top three were South Florida, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He had scheduled visits to all three schools. Oklahoma, however, already has commits from two tight ends in the class.
Earlier today Georgia junior tight end Orson Charles decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.
Price will announce his final decision on national signing day.
Last week the 6-foot-3, 230-pound senior said his top three were South Florida, Oklahoma and Arkansas. He had scheduled visits to all three schools. Oklahoma, however, already has commits from two tight ends in the class.
Earlier today Georgia junior tight end Orson Charles decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the NFL draft.
Price will announce his final decision on national signing day.
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Tyshon Dye (Elberton, Ga./Elbert County) has heard the speculation that he will play linebacker in college. He is not overly excited about that prospect.
“I would prefer running back all day, every day,” Dye said. “If it was my only option I would take it.”
Such a scenario is unlikely since Dye already has offers from Georgia and Clemson, two programs known for having great running backs. Last season Dye picked up 1,561 yards and 21 touchdowns on 212 carries. So why all the linebacker talk? Well, quite simply, he is good at it.
“I would prefer running back all day, every day,” Dye said. “If it was my only option I would take it.”
Such a scenario is unlikely since Dye already has offers from Georgia and Clemson, two programs known for having great running backs. Last season Dye picked up 1,561 yards and 21 touchdowns on 212 carries. So why all the linebacker talk? Well, quite simply, he is good at it.
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We officially said goodbye to the 2011 season Monday night and crowned the Alabama Crimson Tide as college football's new champions. Now, it's time to shift our focus to 2012. Here's to hoping the Mayans were wrong:
1. Alabama: The defense will get hit the hardest by graduation and the NFL draft, but Alabama's offense should be better. While it's almost a forgone conclusion that junior running back Trent Richardson will declare for the NFL draft, Alabama returns a veteran offensive line, has a good set of up-and-coming receivers and has some pretty talented running backs to work with, including pounder Eddie Lacy. Oh, and that quarterback ain't too bad, either.
2. LSU: The Tigers might have come up short in the big one, but it's not like LSU is going anywhere. That defense that ranked second nationally was made up by a slew of youngsters. LSU returns double-digit starters next year, including most of its front seven. A major bright spot for this team is that former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger will now get his chance, and has skill that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee lacked.
1. Alabama: The defense will get hit the hardest by graduation and the NFL draft, but Alabama's offense should be better. While it's almost a forgone conclusion that junior running back Trent Richardson will declare for the NFL draft, Alabama returns a veteran offensive line, has a good set of up-and-coming receivers and has some pretty talented running backs to work with, including pounder Eddie Lacy. Oh, and that quarterback ain't too bad, either.
2. LSU: The Tigers might have come up short in the big one, but it's not like LSU is going anywhere. That defense that ranked second nationally was made up by a slew of youngsters. LSU returns double-digit starters next year, including most of its front seven. A major bright spot for this team is that former Georgia quarterback Zach Mettenberger will now get his chance, and has skill that Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee lacked.
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.