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
