Georgia Bulldogs: Kirk Olivadotti
Editor’s note: Our DawgNation post-spring positional analysis continues this week after focusing on the offense last week. Today we examine the inside linebackers:
Returning players/stats: Amarlo Herrera, Jr. (Nine starts in 2012. 70 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one interception); Ramik Wilson, Jr. (6 tackles, one TFL); Kosta Vavlas, Jr. (9 tackles)
Newcomers: Johnny O’Neal, Fr. (ESPN’s No. 153 overall prospect in the 2013 class, No. 5 ILB. Expected to enroll this summer); Tim Kimbrough, Fr. (No. 289 overall, No. 11 ILB. Expected to enroll this summer); Ryne Rankin, Fr. (No. 296, No. 13 ILB. Enrolled in January); Reggie Carter, Fr. (No. 32 ILB. Enrolled in January).
Returning players/stats: Amarlo Herrera, Jr. (Nine starts in 2012. 70 tackles, three tackles for a loss, one interception); Ramik Wilson, Jr. (6 tackles, one TFL); Kosta Vavlas, Jr. (9 tackles)
Newcomers: Johnny O’Neal, Fr. (ESPN’s No. 153 overall prospect in the 2013 class, No. 5 ILB. Expected to enroll this summer); Tim Kimbrough, Fr. (No. 289 overall, No. 11 ILB. Expected to enroll this summer); Ryne Rankin, Fr. (No. 296, No. 13 ILB. Enrolled in January); Reggie Carter, Fr. (No. 32 ILB. Enrolled in January).
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ATHENS, Ga. -- As valuable as this spring will be for early enrollees Reggie Carter and Ryne Rankin, it will be just as important for Ramik Wilson.
Radi Nabulsi/ESPN.comAfter appearing in 10 games in 2012, Ramik Wilson, left, has worked his way into a starting job at inside linebacker this spring.The rising junior has finally settled at inside linebacker -- after shuffling between inside and outside over the past two seasons -- and believes he is making rapid progress at the Mike position, where he is responsible for making defensive calls.
“It helps me out a lot,” Wilson said after leading the defense with seven tackles in Tuesday’s scrimmage at Sanford Stadium. “I can just learn one position and just keep going from there. I haven’t got to keep doing double duty and just focus on my time at mike. It’s coming real good.”
So good, in fact, that he has established himself as an early favorite to start alongside fellow junior Amarlo Herrera this fall.
“I’d be thrilled if Ramik continued to improve like he has,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “He’s playing inside now. He was playing outside before. I think he’s comfortable in there. I think that’s probably more of a natural position for him. Hopefully he’ll keep coming on.”
Wilson, Carter and Rankin all have a valuable opportunity this spring to earn playing time before two more inside linebacker signees, Johnny O’Neal and Tim Kimbrough, arrive this summer. With 2012 regulars Alec Ogletree, Christian Robinson and Michael Gilliard now pursuing their dreams of playing professional football, only Herrera remains from last season’s rotation -- so position coach Kirk Olivadotti knew this spring would involve major turnover.
Radi Nabulsi/ESPN.comAfter appearing in 10 games in 2012, Ramik Wilson, left, has worked his way into a starting job at inside linebacker this spring.“It helps me out a lot,” Wilson said after leading the defense with seven tackles in Tuesday’s scrimmage at Sanford Stadium. “I can just learn one position and just keep going from there. I haven’t got to keep doing double duty and just focus on my time at mike. It’s coming real good.”
So good, in fact, that he has established himself as an early favorite to start alongside fellow junior Amarlo Herrera this fall.
“I’d be thrilled if Ramik continued to improve like he has,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “He’s playing inside now. He was playing outside before. I think he’s comfortable in there. I think that’s probably more of a natural position for him. Hopefully he’ll keep coming on.”
Wilson, Carter and Rankin all have a valuable opportunity this spring to earn playing time before two more inside linebacker signees, Johnny O’Neal and Tim Kimbrough, arrive this summer. With 2012 regulars Alec Ogletree, Christian Robinson and Michael Gilliard now pursuing their dreams of playing professional football, only Herrera remains from last season’s rotation -- so position coach Kirk Olivadotti knew this spring would involve major turnover.
ATHENS, Ga. -- After his 2012 offense set several school records, Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo received a three-year contract that includes a $240,000 raise, pushing his guaranteed salary to $575,000 annually.
“I think he deserved a three-year deal because that’s really what’s happening out there in this league,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said before Thursday’s practice. “And his salary’s very competitive with his peers and I think he’s earned that.”
Jeff Vest/Icon SMIGeorgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo received a three-year contract that included a $240,000 raise.Bobo and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham now both are operating on three-year deals. Bobo had been coaching on renewable one-year contracts since joining Richt’s first UGA staff in 2001.
According to salary figures that UGA released to ESPN.com on Thursday, Bobo and each of Richt’s nine assistant coaches received salary increases following a 2012 campaign when the Bulldogs fell just short of an appearance in the BCS championship game.
“I think we’ve got a great staff and I want to keep them,” Richt said. “But it’s a very competitive league in a lot of areas. There’s the competition on the field, there’s the competition in recruiting and then sometimes there’s a competition to hang on to your assistant coaches.”
Offensive line coach Will Friend received a $90,000 raise, pushing his annual salary to $300,000 per year. Friend also added the title of running game coordinator to his resume.
Meanwhile, wide receivers coach Tony Ball received a $50,000 increase to $260,000.
Each of Georgia’s remaining assistants received $25,000 raises: Grantham (to $850,000), inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti (to $285,000), defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos (to $235,000), tight ends coach John Lilly (to $235,000) and running backs coach Bryan McClendon (to $235,000).
New defensive line coach Chris Wilson is scheduled to make $250,000 in 2013.
“It was good for them, but it was good for me as well because I really think these guys are tremendous,” Richt said of the staff raises. “I think every one of them are and over time, I want to continue to try to bless them the best we can financially and stay as competitive as we can in that area.”
“I think he deserved a three-year deal because that’s really what’s happening out there in this league,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said before Thursday’s practice. “And his salary’s very competitive with his peers and I think he’s earned that.”
Jeff Vest/Icon SMIGeorgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo received a three-year contract that included a $240,000 raise.According to salary figures that UGA released to ESPN.com on Thursday, Bobo and each of Richt’s nine assistant coaches received salary increases following a 2012 campaign when the Bulldogs fell just short of an appearance in the BCS championship game.
“I think we’ve got a great staff and I want to keep them,” Richt said. “But it’s a very competitive league in a lot of areas. There’s the competition on the field, there’s the competition in recruiting and then sometimes there’s a competition to hang on to your assistant coaches.”
Offensive line coach Will Friend received a $90,000 raise, pushing his annual salary to $300,000 per year. Friend also added the title of running game coordinator to his resume.
Meanwhile, wide receivers coach Tony Ball received a $50,000 increase to $260,000.
Each of Georgia’s remaining assistants received $25,000 raises: Grantham (to $850,000), inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti (to $285,000), defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos (to $235,000), tight ends coach John Lilly (to $235,000) and running backs coach Bryan McClendon (to $235,000).
New defensive line coach Chris Wilson is scheduled to make $250,000 in 2013.
“It was good for them, but it was good for me as well because I really think these guys are tremendous,” Richt said of the staff raises. “I think every one of them are and over time, I want to continue to try to bless them the best we can financially and stay as competitive as we can in that area.”
ATHENS, Ga. -- There were obvious benefits to Ryne Rankin becoming the rare Georgia early enrollee to participate in the Bulldogs’ pre-Christmas bowl practices, but there were drawbacks, as well.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia coaching staff was on the road Friday, as usual, checking in on commits and targets alike. In what had to the most fortuitous turn of events of the day, tight ends coach John Lilly and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti just happened to be stopping by Auburn (Ala.) High School right after the nation’s No. 1 inside linebacker, Reuben Foster, decommitted from Auburn University. Both coaches met with Foster, who reopened his recruitment, citing reports that his mentor Trooper Taylor had been let go at Auburn.
Later that night, another coach would also prove lucky as defensive line coach Rodney Garner was on hand to congratulate Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) after the top-ranked defensive tackle won the chance to play for the Georgia Class A championship.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and running backs coach Bryan McClendon were on hand to see the Bulldogs’ top tailback target, Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross), win his semifinal game as well. Alabama’s Kirby Smart was also there, and the battle for Kamara is still neck and neck.
Later that night, another coach would also prove lucky as defensive line coach Rodney Garner was on hand to congratulate Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) after the top-ranked defensive tackle won the chance to play for the Georgia Class A championship.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and running backs coach Bryan McClendon were on hand to see the Bulldogs’ top tailback target, Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross), win his semifinal game as well. Alabama’s Kirby Smart was also there, and the battle for Kamara is still neck and neck.
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What if ... assistants leave UGA program? 
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
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David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Mark Richt has consistently credited his coaching staff for its ability to work together and produce outstanding results.
It’s inevitable, however, that members of the staff will leave for other opportunities. After all, both coordinators -- Mike Bobo and Todd Grantham -- are starting to see their names mentioned as potential head coaches. And plenty of other UGA assistants would be in demand if they opted to seek employment elsewhere.
So the big question is how Richt and the Bulldogs will fare once the group dynamic changes within his staff.
It’s inevitable, however, that members of the staff will leave for other opportunities. After all, both coordinators -- Mike Bobo and Todd Grantham -- are starting to see their names mentioned as potential head coaches. And plenty of other UGA assistants would be in demand if they opted to seek employment elsewhere.
So the big question is how Richt and the Bulldogs will fare once the group dynamic changes within his staff.
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Demarre Kitt's popularity on the rise
December, 5, 2012
12/05/12
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Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
TYRONE, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List wide receiver Demarre Kitt has been popular over the last 10 days. A number of college coaches have stopped by Sandy Creek (Ga.) High School to check in on the 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior who sports offers from 11 major programs such as USC, Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson.
Kitt was verbally committed to Georgia for a few months before reopening his recruitment. The Bulldogs had three coaches, Rodney Garner, Kirk Olivadotti and Scott Lakos, at his game Friday night. While their attention was focused mainly on Georgia commit cornerback Shaq Wiggins, Kitt was happy to see them.
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TYRONE, Ga. -- Less than 24 hours before the SEC championship game, three members of the Georgia Bulldogs’ coaching staff were in Tyrone, Ga. Assistant head coach Rodney Garner, secondary coach Scott Lakatos and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti were at Sandy Creek High School watching the Patriots host a playoff game against Burke County (Ga.) High School. On the field was Georgia’s top-rated verbal commitment, cornerback Shaq Wiggins.
The fact that the coaches would be playing Alabama for a chance at the national title was not lost on the ESPN 150 four-star recruit.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- After coming within 5 yards of playing for a national championship on Saturday, the Georgia Bulldogs really needed some good news on Sunday. To make matters worse, one of their top targets, wide receiver Ja’Quay Williams chose Texas A&M over Georgia on Sunday night. Missing out on a BCS bowl game did not help the mood in Athens, either.
Just when it seemed the Bulldogs could not catch a break on the field or on the recruiting trail, coach Mark Richt received a phone call. One of Georgia’s top targets, ESPN 150 athlete Tramel Terry (Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek) was on the line. Terry had gone quiet after a visit to Clemson, deciding to mull over how he would fit with the in-state Tigers. He had already decommitted from Georgia once and the pressure to remain in South Carolina weighed on him. Terry was torn between the two programs. But during the call to Richt, Terry revealed he had made a decision.
Just when it seemed the Bulldogs could not catch a break on the field or on the recruiting trail, coach Mark Richt received a phone call. One of Georgia’s top targets, ESPN 150 athlete Tramel Terry (Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek) was on the line. Terry had gone quiet after a visit to Clemson, deciding to mull over how he would fit with the in-state Tigers. He had already decommitted from Georgia once and the pressure to remain in South Carolina weighed on him. Terry was torn between the two programs. But during the call to Richt, Terry revealed he had made a decision.
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ESPN Watch List LB has best visit at UGA
September, 30, 2012
9/30/12
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Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
ESPN Watch List linebacker Raekwon McMillan (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty Co.) is not new to recruiting. The junior has been a top target since his sophomore year. He has seen a long list of coaches come by his high school to check on him and let him know that he is a wanted man. He has returned the favor, visiting several of the 15 schools that have offered.
But one recent visit stands out -- the one he took to Georgia just one day ago.
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THOMSON, Ga. -- Running back Chris Jordan (Thomson, Ga./Thomson) was not exactly on the radar of a lot of schools going into this season. In fact, he had no offers and was not hearing from any schools except for a few random bits of mail from Georgia and Georgia Tech. His coach, Milan Turner, understood the lack of interest but knew that would change once the season began.
“We are expecting great things from him this year,” Turner said. “He just got better and better last season as the year went on. He has turned into big-time back but he just didn’t have the numbers to show for it.”
He does now. Through three games, Jordan has 544 yards and five touchdowns. On Sept. 7 against Lakeside (Ga.), Jordan piled up 328 yards on 25 carries. On Friday, against one of the top defenses in the Peach State, St. Pius X, Jordan took his first handoff 58 yards for a touchdown on his way to a 130-yard night.
“We are expecting great things from him this year,” Turner said. “He just got better and better last season as the year went on. He has turned into big-time back but he just didn’t have the numbers to show for it.”
He does now. Through three games, Jordan has 544 yards and five touchdowns. On Sept. 7 against Lakeside (Ga.), Jordan piled up 328 yards on 25 carries. On Friday, against one of the top defenses in the Peach State, St. Pius X, Jordan took his first handoff 58 yards for a touchdown on his way to a 130-yard night.
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Notebook: Richt intrigued by kickers, TBs
August, 29, 2012
8/29/12
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David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Count Mark Richt among those who are curious about how Georgia’s kicking situation will shake out in Saturday’s opener against Buffalo.
The Bulldogs’ head coach said after Wednesday’s practice that freshman kicker Marshall Morgan and punter Collin Barber’s readiness to perform is what he will be most interested to evaluate this weekend.
“Kickers and punters,” Richt said, “I’m very interested to see how that goes.”
Richt added that he is intrigued to watch how the Bulldogs’ tailbacks -- including freshman newcomers Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall -- acquit themselves in their first college game.
“It’s going to be fun to watch our backs,” he said. “Those would probably be the top two right now for me.”
The Bulldogs’ head coach said after Wednesday’s practice that freshman kicker Marshall Morgan and punter Collin Barber’s readiness to perform is what he will be most interested to evaluate this weekend.
“Kickers and punters,” Richt said, “I’m very interested to see how that goes.”
Richt added that he is intrigued to watch how the Bulldogs’ tailbacks -- including freshman newcomers Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall -- acquit themselves in their first college game.
“It’s going to be fun to watch our backs,” he said. “Those would probably be the top two right now for me.”
On Monday two University of Georgia commitments began the next stage in their journey to Athens. While four-star prospects John Atkins (Thomson, Ga./Thomson) and Leonard Floyd (Eastman, Ga./Dodge County) graduated high school this year, neither was able to meet the qualification requirements. They will enroll today at Hargrave Military Academy in an attempt to avoid going to junior college.
Atkins, an ESPN 150 prospect and Under Armour All-America Game selection last season, is a 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive lineman who was considered one of the most athletic big men in the 2013 class. Because of the talent returning this fall, Atkins was likely to redshirt this season anyway, but now he will have a chance to arrive in January and prepare for next fall.
“I plan to keep my head on straight, get my grades up, and get to Athens in January,” Atkins said.
Atkins, an ESPN 150 prospect and Under Armour All-America Game selection last season, is a 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive lineman who was considered one of the most athletic big men in the 2013 class. Because of the talent returning this fall, Atkins was likely to redshirt this season anyway, but now he will have a chance to arrive in January and prepare for next fall.
“I plan to keep my head on straight, get my grades up, and get to Athens in January,” Atkins said.
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Five-star linebacker Reuben Foster (Auburn, Ala./Auburn) might not be in attendance at Friday's Dawg Night in Athens, Ga., but the University of Georgia has a chance to take a big step in restocking its inside linebacker corps as ESPN 300 prospect Tim Kimbrough Jr. (Indianapolis/Warren Central) will be back in town.
As a junior, Kimbrough made 176 tackles, 27 tackles for loss 7.5 sacks, as well as two forced fumbles.
More than 20 programs have offered the linebacker, who first visited Athens in March. The Bulldogs offered Kimbrough (6-foot-1, 227 pounds) on the spot. With a return trip just days away, the No. 11 inside linebacker prospect in the country has UGA high on his list.
As a junior, Kimbrough made 176 tackles, 27 tackles for loss 7.5 sacks, as well as two forced fumbles.
More than 20 programs have offered the linebacker, who first visited Athens in March. The Bulldogs offered Kimbrough (6-foot-1, 227 pounds) on the spot. With a return trip just days away, the No. 11 inside linebacker prospect in the country has UGA high on his list.
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2014 standouts to catch up at Dawg Night
July, 10, 2012
7/10/12
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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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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.