Why was DE so important in this class?
2006 signing day saw the Dawgs ink several big bodies who are sure bets to play DE in Brandon Wood and Demarcus Dobbs. And they have some more potential DEs sign at that position. However, Kiante Tripp and Clifton Geathers may end up at OT while Geno Atkins and Michael Lemon may end up at DT.
The 2005 class saw only one of the two signed DE recruits show up on campus in the form of Roderick Battle. In '04, UGA signed all-everything recruit Charles Johnson who is now starting for the Dawgs at Buck End. However, the other all-world DE recruit, Brandon Miller, is playing Linebacker. Brandon Lang never made it into school, and Jeremy Lomax has struggled to put on weight and stay off the training table.
In other words, Defensive End was critical in this recruiting class.
The Dawgs have responded with 3 of their first 11 commitments at DE. Conrad Obi, Justin Houston and now Neland Ball have verballed to the Dawgs. Additionally, the Dawgs look in great shape with South Carolina native Cliff Matthews and others.
All of which is good news for the Dawgs.
Other Links of Interest:
- Video on Ball from DawgPost.com
- 2007 Commit List - UGAsports.com
- 2007 Commit List - DawgPost.com
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6 comments:
Please don't think I'm calling him a bust or anything, but is it too early to take a serious look at Miller's production as a LB?
Wasn't his kid the #1 ATH in the nation when we signed him?
IIRC, we were thinking WR, DE, LB, hell, maybe even PK as a position.
Does anyone think he is out of position or not living up to his billing?
Miller finally showed up big early in that Arkansas game (right up until he rolled his ankle). I remember thinking that he was finally living up to his billing. After that ankle injury, he never looked the same again. Whether his play during the Arkie game was the exception or the rule remains to be seen. What is certain is that he will have some seriously talented youngsters (Dew and Dent) pushing him for PT.
I don't think it's too early to look at his production as a LB at all. I think there are quite a few who think he'd be more effectively used at the DE position than at LB. The problem is (if it is, indeed, a problem) that we're pretty set at DE with Moses and Johnson, and putting Miller at LB gets him on the field. But I just don't know if he's anywhere near as effective tackling in space as he would be on the line. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he moved to the line for his senior year once Moses graduates, particularly given the depth and speed we're bringing in at LB.
We may need Miller at DE next year, especially if C. Johnson were to leave early for the NFL. After next year, we look strong for years to come at DE.
It's not too early to look at Miller's production, but it is too early to call him a bust. He's had to learn on the job, and had injury struggles which has kept him from looking as good as he could. Also, the guy is entering his JR year, which means what should be the MUCH better half of his career is just beginning.
Also Paul, with 3 DEs, and another one or two (Matthews, Bailey, among possible others), I'd wager that one of the 3 current commits may well end up like those of the past two classes--i.e. eventually becoming a DT or OL once they add weight. I love the idea of signing a bunch of big athletic DE types, and seeing what happens as they get older, more mature, and physically develop under Dave Van Halanger, Clay Walker, Keith Gray, and the rest of the UGA S&C staff.
Anyone else notice that according to Rivals, 5 of our 11 commits is ranked #7 at his position? Strange.
Also, Paul: both of those links are to Rivals.
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