Georgia Bulldogs: Davin Bellamy
Editor’s note: Our DawgNation post-spring positional analysis continues this week after focusing on the offense last week. Today we examine the outside linebackers:
Returning players/stats: Jordan Jenkins, So. (Six starts in 2012, 31 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery); Chase Vasser, Sr. (Two starts, 19 tackles, four TFL, 1 FF); T.J. Stripling, Sr. (Eight tackles, one TFL, one sack, one FF); Brandon Burrows, Jr. (No tackles); Josh Dawson, So. (five tackles, 1.5 TFL); James DeLoach, So. (four tackles)
Newcomers: Davin Bellamy, Fr. (ESPN’s No. 299 overall prospect, No. 25 defensive end. Expected to enroll this summer); Leonard Floyd, Fr. (The four-star prospect had no position rating as a player from Hargrave Military Academy. Expected to enroll this summer); Shaun McGee (No. 43 DE. Expected to enroll this summer.)
Returning players/stats: Jordan Jenkins, So. (Six starts in 2012, 31 tackles, eight tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery); Chase Vasser, Sr. (Two starts, 19 tackles, four TFL, 1 FF); T.J. Stripling, Sr. (Eight tackles, one TFL, one sack, one FF); Brandon Burrows, Jr. (No tackles); Josh Dawson, So. (five tackles, 1.5 TFL); James DeLoach, So. (four tackles)
Newcomers: Davin Bellamy, Fr. (ESPN’s No. 299 overall prospect, No. 25 defensive end. Expected to enroll this summer); Leonard Floyd, Fr. (The four-star prospect had no position rating as a player from Hargrave Military Academy. Expected to enroll this summer); Shaun McGee (No. 43 DE. Expected to enroll this summer.)
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Mailbag: What's behind Garner stories? 
February, 22, 2013
Feb 22
9:00
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By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- With signing day in the rear-view mirror and spring practice just a few weeks away, we have decided to bring back our mailbag feature where we can address the topics our readers want addressed. Each week we will take submitted questions from either our premium message board, The Pound, or from Twitter or Facebook.
GAbread: I am curious about your thoughts on Rodney Garner. Quotes coming out lately from recruits have not put him in the best light. Did you hear these rumblings before? Or is this just recent? And how would you summarize his time at Georgia?
GAbread: I am curious about your thoughts on Rodney Garner. Quotes coming out lately from recruits have not put him in the best light. Did you hear these rumblings before? Or is this just recent? And how would you summarize his time at Georgia?
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Bellamy on his decision, Grantham rumors
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
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By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Georgia picked up commitment No. 32 for the Class of 2013 just after 11 a.m. ET Wednesday, which put the finishing touch on one of the largest recruiting classes in coach Mark Richt’s tenure. And while it appeared that ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee) chose Georgia over Tennessee and Oregon on signing day, in actuality Bellamy had secretly been committed for a while.
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Daniel Shirey/US PresswireWill he or won't he? UGA D-coordinator Todd Grantham isn't saying much about NFL teams courting him, though he did indicate that some conversations, however insignificant, have occurred.Grantham’s message: He hadn’t spoken to Bulldogs coach Mark Richt or athletic director Greg McGarity about specific job openings, as required by terms in his contract, because there was nothing to discuss. Not yet, anyway.
“If I feel like I need to discuss something, I have a great relationship with Coach Richt and Greg and I would definitely do that from that standpoint,” Grantham said. “For me, the most important thing is doing a great job at Georgia because I like my job here. At the same time, as you move forward, if opportunities came up, I don’t think it’s fair to comment on every particular one because then all I’d be doing is talking about the rumors and innuendos and those kind of things, and then I couldn’t do my job.”
ESPN 300 DE Bellamy joins Dogs
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
11:37
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By
David Ching and
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee) became the 14th ESPN 300 member to join Georgia’s 2013 recruiting class Wednesday, following through on recent interest in the Bulldogs after checking out Tennessee and Oregon.
The former Florida State commitment was defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s top target at outside linebacker, particularly after Naim Mustafaa switched his commitment to Oklahoma State after the season. The 6-foot-5 Bellamy is ESPN’s No. 299 overall prospect and No. 25 defensive end.
Georgia believes the athletic Bellamy can eventually fill a similar role to that of former Bulldogs All-America outside linebacker Jarvis Jones as his career progresses.
What is the impact of Bellamy's decision?
The former Florida State commitment was defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s top target at outside linebacker, particularly after Naim Mustafaa switched his commitment to Oklahoma State after the season. The 6-foot-5 Bellamy is ESPN’s No. 299 overall prospect and No. 25 defensive end.
Georgia believes the athletic Bellamy can eventually fill a similar role to that of former Bulldogs All-America outside linebacker Jarvis Jones as his career progresses.
What is the impact of Bellamy's decision?
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ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee) is one day away from announcing where he will attend college. He recently returned from an official visit to Oregon after having taken visits to Tennessee and Georgia. After visiting the Bulldogs, Bellamy decommitted from Florida State and named Georgia his leader. On Monday night, he consented to answer some questions that were submitted by people on Twitter. Be sure to follow him at @DavinBellamy17.
Nick @godawgs924: What time is your decision coming on Wednesday?
Davin Bellamy: Probably around 12:00 p.m. We always do something in the library. Four other kids and I are signing and I will probably go last.
Nick @godawgs924: What time is your decision coming on Wednesday?
Davin Bellamy: Probably around 12:00 p.m. We always do something in the library. Four other kids and I are signing and I will probably go last.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia’s coaching staff proved in the last two seasons that it is more than willing to play a newcomer in order to address glaring needs. And as they prepare to put the finishing touches on their 2013 signing class, the coaches can only hope that the newest Bulldogs can be as effective as their predecessors from that last two years at addressing Georgia’s depth concerns.
Mark Richt’s critics might once have had a point when they observed that his coaching staff gave veterans too much of a benefit of the doubt when it came to playing them over talented young players. The last two seasons have neutralized those criticisms, as it’s hard to imagine Georgia having won the last two SEC East titles without extensive contributions from brand new Bulldogs.
Think back to 2011, when John Jenkins’ emergence at nose guard was one of the leading factors in Georgia’s defensive resurgence that carried the Bulldogs to their first division title since 2005. Or how tailback Isaiah Crowell led the team with 850 rushing yards en route to SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Or how Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley both made their share of big plays at receiver, as did Amarlo Herrera at linebacker.
Mark Richt’s critics might once have had a point when they observed that his coaching staff gave veterans too much of a benefit of the doubt when it came to playing them over talented young players. The last two seasons have neutralized those criticisms, as it’s hard to imagine Georgia having won the last two SEC East titles without extensive contributions from brand new Bulldogs.
Think back to 2011, when John Jenkins’ emergence at nose guard was one of the leading factors in Georgia’s defensive resurgence that carried the Bulldogs to their first division title since 2005. Or how tailback Isaiah Crowell led the team with 850 rushing yards en route to SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Or how Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley both made their share of big plays at receiver, as did Amarlo Herrera at linebacker.
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Possibilities and predictions: Georgia
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
9:00
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By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Last Friday demonstrated the reason why the recruiting hotboard in the Georgia coaches’ meeting room is kept on a dry erase board. As the day started, the Bulldogs had 10 targets in mind for signing day. By midnight, the erasers had been worked hard. Let’s review what happened so we can gauge the possible commits on signing day.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia’s football program seemed to be on the ropes with two weeks remaining until signing day 2011. Three seasons of declining results, capped by the program’s first losing record under Mark Richt in 2010, left the Bulldogs in an uncertain position.
But when Malcolm Mitchell and Jay Rome elected to join the Bulldogs’ “Dream Team” recruiting class on Jan. 20, 2011, an impressive finishing push for Richt’s coaching staff leading up to signing day was launched. That was a big step toward the on-field resurgence that allowed the Bulldogs to win back-to-back SEC East titles over the last two years.
Another strong signing class followed the “Dream Team” in 2012 and played a role in the Bulldogs’ division championship. And as Richt’s staff attempts to reel in a final batch of blue-chip prospects before national signing day on Wednesday, we can review the successes of the past two seasons and point to that mid-January day -- 13 days before signing day 2011 -- that Valdosta (Ga.) teammates Mitchell and Rome publicly committed to the Bulldogs as the jumping-off point for Richt’s staff to restock their roster with a flood of talent.
But when Malcolm Mitchell and Jay Rome elected to join the Bulldogs’ “Dream Team” recruiting class on Jan. 20, 2011, an impressive finishing push for Richt’s coaching staff leading up to signing day was launched. That was a big step toward the on-field resurgence that allowed the Bulldogs to win back-to-back SEC East titles over the last two years.
Another strong signing class followed the “Dream Team” in 2012 and played a role in the Bulldogs’ division championship. And as Richt’s staff attempts to reel in a final batch of blue-chip prospects before national signing day on Wednesday, we can review the successes of the past two seasons and point to that mid-January day -- 13 days before signing day 2011 -- that Valdosta (Ga.) teammates Mitchell and Rome publicly committed to the Bulldogs as the jumping-off point for Richt’s staff to restock their roster with a flood of talent.
The official visits are over for ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee). The 6-foot-4, 235-pound pass-rusher has taken trips to Florida State, Tennessee, Georgia and Oregon, with the Ducks sneaking in for his last official over the weekend. The former Seminoles commitment said the trip to Oregon went well, besides one small mishap.
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Heading in to the last weekend before signing day, the news is coming fast and furious, as Georgia chases after its top targets and prepares for a breakneck end to the 2013 recruiting cycle. Here is a quick recap of news that has broken on The Pound in the last 24 hours.
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Leader solidified for FSU decommit Bellamy
January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
11:50
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Just a few days ago, ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee) had a good idea of where he might want to go. Tuesday night, things had changed for the 6-foot-4, 235-pound pass-rusher.
Late Tuesday, Bellamy announced his decision to decommit from Florida State, where he had been committed since last August.
“I felt like I did not need any more on my plate, because I already have a tough decision,” Bellamy said. “I think we mutually parted ways some time ago, because I could not build that same relationship like I had with Dameyune Craig. It just got to a point where I did not want Florida State to not be able to go out and find another defensive end.”
Late Tuesday, Bellamy announced his decision to decommit from Florida State, where he had been committed since last August.
“I felt like I did not need any more on my plate, because I already have a tough decision,” Bellamy said. “I think we mutually parted ways some time ago, because I could not build that same relationship like I had with Dameyune Craig. It just got to a point where I did not want Florida State to not be able to go out and find another defensive end.”
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Florida State has lost its second commitment in as many nights.
Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee) has become the next prospect no longer listed on the commitment list following Austin Golson's (Prattville, Ala./Prattville) decision on Monday.
"Yes, I did," confirmed Bellamy.
Davin Bellamy (Chamblee, Ga./Chamblee) has become the next prospect no longer listed on the commitment list following Austin Golson's (Prattville, Ala./Prattville) decision on Monday.
"Yes, I did," confirmed Bellamy.
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Editor’s note: Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve taken a look at Georgia’s depth chart and its recruiting efforts by position. We’ll wrap up today by discussing who we’ll be watching this season and the areas Georgia must address between now and signing day, plus over the next couple of years:
2012 depth chart: Georgia returns 15 players who started the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska -- 10 on offense, three on defense and both kickers -- led by quarterback Aaron Murray, tailback Todd Gurley and the entire offensive line. The Bulldogs lost three defensive underclassmen -- All-America outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, inside linebacker Alec Ogletree and nose guard Kwame Geathers -- to the NFL draft and a total of 12 key defensive contributors.
Who’s ready to move up for more playing time?: The defense obviously must reload this season, but defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is quick to point out that the group might lack experience, but it has plenty of talent. Nose guard will be one of the key positions to watch this spring, with Jonathan Taylor, John Atkins (Thomson, Ga./Hargrave Military) and Chris Mayes (Griffin, Ga./Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) all competing for playing time. Inside linebacker -- where early enrollees Ryne Rankin (Orlando, Fla./East River) and Reggie Carter (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett) are already in the fold -- and defensive back are also positions of interest. We’ll be interested to see whether rising sophomores Sheldon Dawson and Josh Harvey-Clemons can step into leading roles during the spring.
2012 depth chart: Georgia returns 15 players who started the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska -- 10 on offense, three on defense and both kickers -- led by quarterback Aaron Murray, tailback Todd Gurley and the entire offensive line. The Bulldogs lost three defensive underclassmen -- All-America outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, inside linebacker Alec Ogletree and nose guard Kwame Geathers -- to the NFL draft and a total of 12 key defensive contributors.
Who’s ready to move up for more playing time?: The defense obviously must reload this season, but defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is quick to point out that the group might lack experience, but it has plenty of talent. Nose guard will be one of the key positions to watch this spring, with Jonathan Taylor, John Atkins (Thomson, Ga./Hargrave Military) and Chris Mayes (Griffin, Ga./Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) all competing for playing time. Inside linebacker -- where early enrollees Ryne Rankin (Orlando, Fla./East River) and Reggie Carter (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett) are already in the fold -- and defensive back are also positions of interest. We’ll be interested to see whether rising sophomores Sheldon Dawson and Josh Harvey-Clemons can step into leading roles during the spring.
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Georgia had 29 commits entering what likely was its biggest recruiting weekend of the year. The Bulldogs have only a few spots left in the Class of 2013, and four of those scholarships are reserved for Alvin Kamara, Reuben Foster, Montravius Adams and Davin Bellamy.
Georgia is battling the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Auburn and FSU for the signatures of those highly ranked prospects, and the success or failure of this past weekend will be felt for years to come. Luckily for our readers and those of us here at DawgNation, three of these top recruits agreed to tweet about their visits so we essentially could tag along for the ride.
Here is what Kamara (@A_kamara6), Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) and Bellamy (@DavinBellamy17) were thinking during their visits -- plus a couple of others who were with them:
Georgia is battling the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Auburn and FSU for the signatures of those highly ranked prospects, and the success or failure of this past weekend will be felt for years to come. Luckily for our readers and those of us here at DawgNation, three of these top recruits agreed to tweet about their visits so we essentially could tag along for the ride.
Here is what Kamara (@A_kamara6), Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) and Bellamy (@DavinBellamy17) were thinking during their visits -- plus a couple of others who were with them:
Friday Arrival
On the way to Athens!
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 25, 2013
Headed to UGA
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 25, 2013
Just got to the hotel nap time
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 25, 2013
Over here chillin wit Todd and Keith till later tonight!
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 26, 2013
S\O ta @richhomiequan fa showin some love. Now I'm sittin here at his concert. #Athens #Salute
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 26, 2013
My role dawg Comin up tonight.Gotta show him this Uga life. @reubenfoster_fg
— TriggaTray_28 (@Trigga_Tray28) January 25, 2013
@trigga_tray28 You already know bro Bash Brothers
— Reuben Foster (@reubenfoster_FG) January 25, 2013
Taking in Georgia
Up eatin breakfast wit Bmac and coach Ball. #GoDawgs
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 26, 2013
Been on a nice lil schedule.. #Dawgs twitter.com/A_kamara6/stat…
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 27, 2013
#UGA training room twitter.com/DavinBellamy17…
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 26, 2013
Loving UGA so far #DawgNation
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 26, 2013
Coach Grantham thinks im the best OLB in the country
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 26, 2013
In Sanford Stadium watchin these cut ups coach BoBo made for me. twitter.com/A_kamara6/stat…
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 26, 2013
Spades wit @coachbmacuga Coach BoBo and @coachk44 ```` twitter.com/A_kamara6/stat…
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 27, 2013
After party
Uh oh!! @reubenfoster_fg @davinbellamy17 and montravius. twitter.com/A_kamara6/stat…
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 27, 2013
sooooo. Downtown tanite! Who showin me some love!
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 27, 2013
Headed to downtown Athens in a few. Loook out
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 27, 2013
In Athens fans showing me hella love
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 27, 2013
Late nights early mornings.
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 27, 2013
Me, my brother @tg3ii & my youngin @a_kamara6 instagr.am/p/U-uBqZtFZS/
— Keith Marshall(@Truthh4) January 27, 2013
Everybody is bothering me.
— Davin Bellamy" (@DavinBellamy17) January 28, 2013
I haven't committed anywhere.?? What is everybody talkin bout.
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) January 28, 2013
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.