Quarterback:We needed one, and Richt signed his fifth Elite 11 quarterback in seven classes. Logan Gray joins Matt Stafford, Joe Cox, AJ Bryant and DJ Shockley as grads from the top QB camp. The staff filled their needs in a big way here.
Grade vs Need: A
Running Back:
We only have three running backs currently on campus for next year in Lumpkin, Thomas Brown and Knowshown Moreno. We need to sign a big time alpha male running back, and we beat out Auburn, LSU and Southern Cal to land Caleb King. If King qualifies, we filled our needs here with a difference maker recruit. If he doesn't qualify, we'll probably be fine for 2007. However, we'll desperately need to resign King and ink several other RBs for next year.
Grade if he qualifies: A
Grade if he doesn't qualify, but resigns next year: D
Grade if he doesn't qualify, and never signs: F-
Caleb King video
Fullback:
Last year we signed Fred Munzenmaier and Shaun Chapas (both of whom redshirted). Brannan Southerland is entering his junior year, and he looks to be one of the best FBs in the country next year. Even with the medical hardship/retirement of Des Williams, we're still deep at fullback. We didn't need to use another scholarship on a FB, and we didn't.
Grade vs. Need: A
Wide Receiver:Georgia returns Sean Bailey (SR), Mohamed Massaquoi (JR), Mike Moore (So), TJ Gartrell (RSr), Demiko Goodman (JR), AJ Bryant (SR), Kenneth Harris (JR), Kris Durham (So) and Tony Wilson (RFr). With nine WRs already on scholarship for 2007, we weren't going to sign many guys at this position this year. The good news is we added Israel Troupe -- great speed, hands and size. We also signed Walter Hill (6'5" and 200 lbs). Hill is one of the state's top overall athletes, but he's still learning the WR position.
Additionally, we have the ability to try Aron White at WR or TE after a likely redshirt year. The bad news - Troupe is a very strong Major League Baseball prospect. We'll probably know by July 1 on Troupe because the draft is in early June. Video of Troupe in football and baseball. (Image: Israel Troupe)
Grade vs. Need if Troupe enrolls): A-
Grade vs. Need if Troupe fails to enroll: C-
Tight End:
Can you do better than signing the #1 player at his position? Aron White may be able to help us at WR or TE. His body looks more like Randy McMichaels. Whereas Bruce Figgins (6'4" and 240 lbs) looks like a Ben Watson starter kit. Last year, we signed the #3 TE in the country in Na Derris Ward (RFr) of California. These three guys combine to give us an exceptional base of talent for the future.
Grade vs. Need: A
Bottom line on the skill positions. If Caleb King and Isreal Troupe enroll, this group meets our needs. If not, this group looks solid, but far from "marquee".
Who Redshirts:
I expect every skill position player except for Caleb King to redshirt.
PWD
12 comments:
Now, if our WRs could catch the ball...I could see all of the skill guys redshirting. But, IMO, Aron White, Isreal Troupe, & Walter Hill will have an excellant chance of seeing playing time next year.
It really all depends on Mike Moore, TJ Gartrell, Demiko Goodman, & AJ Bryant...are these guys going to step up and be the big time players we all thought they were...or will they cont. to drift off into obscurity.
I read where Logan Gray has a 36 inch vertical leap. Watch out Teabow! Gray will show what a jump pass should look like!
Logan Gray is in no way shape or form similar to Tim Tebow from a body type standpoint. His body looks more like Terrence Edwards right now than Tebow.
This is Logan Gray from his local paper.. As Logan has said, he needs some serious time in the weight room and dining hall.
Great upside, but he looks nothing at all like Tebow.
PWD
IMO - Walter Hill is the perfect kid to redshirt. He's big and athletic, and there's no telling what he'll grow into becoming.
PWD
I agree with all your points. With our WR I have seen one trend with these guys. Either they are great there freshman year and good the rest of the years....Fred Gibson, or they don't really explode onto the scene until their junior/senior year=Michael Johnson/Reggie Brown/Edwards. The only other guy we had starting during there time here was Sean Bailey as a fourth or slot receiver. I think these guys are still developing. I really think these guys can be great receivers. Oh yeah, can I ask you guys a question...how come every recruiting service has us in the TOP 10 except Scout...the main site the AJC uses for their recruiting news. We are TOP 10 on ESPN, TOP 10 by Lemming, TOP 10 by Rivals, but 17 on Scout. I know it doesn't matter but I'm just saying. Anyway, looking forward to spring game and next season.
Ok, I guess PWD has read anything I said about Troupe on rivals. Anyways, he isn't going to skip early anywhere. This is about a good a source you can get.
uga31768 - I don't subscribe to Rivals.
If you want elaborate, I'd love to learn more. Thanks for posting.
I think both White and Hill have frames that could possibly stay outside as a big WR, or add enough weight to put their hand down at TE. Just have to wait and see how they respond to Van Halanger, Grey & Assoc. But if all goes well healthwise, I'd agree that the only non-OL or defensive player that plays as a true freshman is Caleb. It's nice when you can let exceptionally talented players like Troupe, Grey, Hill, and Figgins take their time getting acclimated to Athens, schoolwork, and the increased level of play with a redshirt year.
Far be it from me to question the quality of a source, but I'm not sure who is in a position to state authoritatively that (a) some major league organization isn't going to fall in love with a super athletic prospect's first four tools, and decide they'll teach him to hit later and (b) what a family will decide to do when presented with a multi-hundred thousand dollar offer.
I'm with dawgwillbite.I want to see our receivers,young or old,start catching the ball.I don't want to get too greedy but it would also be nice to see them hold onto it for a second or two.
The receiver play has been pretty average for a few years now.Richt and staff must be going a little crazy because passing was a given while Richt was at FSU.We have some receivers that might not play a minute on other SEC teams.
Yeah, I hear you Stick.
I've been looking for someone to fall in love with my tool for quite some time.
rim shot
PWD
That is the trick, Paul. It surely is the trick.
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