Reshad Jones declared for the NFL draft today. Although fans are sometimes quick to criticize a player turning pro early, whether because they think it a bad decision or are simply dismayed that a player would choose to move on to the NFL, you can't really blame Reshad. He's already graduated and reportedly got a good enough evaluation from the NFL advisory committee. Safeties with his size and speed usually do get good reviews from the pros. With rumors of a salary cap in the NFL soon, I'd expect a lot of underclassmen to jump to the pros with Reshad.
Jones came to UGA as the No. 1 safety recruit in the country. He redshirted a year and started all but one game from 2008 to the Independence Bowl. Many will remember him solely for the nudge he delivered to Roddy Jones as he tightroped the sideline for a game clinching TD for Tech in 2008. That is not entirely fair. Jones played well this year, although not good enough to automatically assume he would be going pro. He was second on the team in tackles and led the team with four INTs. He also had a fantastic pick against Tech this year in what might have been his best game as a Bulldog. We wish him well.
Bacarri Rambo has to be the odds on favorite to replace Jones next year based on his play this season. The oft-injured Quintin Banks will likely back Rambo up if he gets healthy. Yes, we also have a commitment from the No. 3 safety in the country this year, Alec Ogletree, but I'm not relying on a true freshman to come in and beat out Rambo for a starting slot, no matter how many stars are beside his name.
Quinton
11 comments:
Roddy White? LoL
Best wishes, Reshad!
Number 9, Number 9, Number 9.
You were and always will be a DGD Reshad! The Tech game this year was awesome. And the Hoop Dawgs are finishing where you left off right now! GO DAWGS, GO HAWKEYES!!
When Jones was on, boy was he on. He is one of the few safeties with "catch up" speed to be able to make plays on the ball in the air, good and sometimes fierce tackler. Unfortunately he also had a flaw, he would take plays off now and again. When you do that at safety, people notice....
He'll be good in the NFL with a demanding coaching staff.
Rambo is a near lock at one safety spot.
But who plays the other?
I mean...there's two safety positions that are up for grabs. Rambo will lock up one of them and the other seems to be up for open competition. A competition that I am rooting for 'Tree' to win.
His game against Tech this year was without a doubt his best game as a bulldog. He played outstanding, and I wish him well in the NFL.
Has anyone else seen the Alec Ogletree highlight on Youtube? Maybe we can get him in on kickoff duties as well :) I really feel for Banks, he just cant stay off the injury list.
Is the popular thought that Rambo and Hamilton will start at safety next year? Are we finally ready to say that commings will play nickel as well as pugh? I thought commings looked good in the Indy bowl. His size is a refreshing change.
I blasted #9 as hard as anyone after the defensive collapse toward the end of last season, but he stepped his game up immensely this season, and I don't blame him for deciding now is a good time to roll the dice with the NFL. Good luck, Reshad -- hope you get picked up by a good team and put together a great pro career. GATA.
Jakar Hamilton, Makiri Pugh, Ogletree... there are options.
Mr. Bulldawg-
I had that up for about 10 minutes, before correcting myself. I thought I had gotten away with it, but knew someone would be lurking. Guess I had the Falcons on my mind.
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