NSD Unplugged - UPDATED

National Signing Day has come and gone, but the rumblings are still reverberating throughout the nation, like shockwaves after a modest earthquake.

But there is no devastation here. Trust me. The AllJackCrap and national spin doctors can regurgitate whatever bullshit nonsense they would like. I guess that’s what happens when your program is spurned by some high profile recruits who decided to go play ball with their BFFs instead of in Athens.

It hurts getting told no. Nickell Robey…hmmpf, whatevs. He woulda been a good kick returner that had the outside chance at growing into a dimeback. Da'Rick Rogers…he decided it was more important to go to a program that had a complimentary scholarship to give to his HS QB. His decision, his right. For me, I applaud Coach Richt for not venturing down that slippery slope. Scholarships to the University of Georgia are to be given premium value, never scalped on the streets in Calhoun, GA.

Lastly, BJ Butler. I’ve always agreed with CMR on the decision to never pull an offer to a kid once given. Stepping back from the perspective of one class at a time, recruiting is a PR game. Richt may be the dean of SEC coaches, but he’s still making inroads along the recruiting paths of our great state (read: Carver HS). Butler behaved in a way in which a scholarship should’ve been pulled. Him deciding a fresh start elsewhere was in everyone’s best interest.

After the pomp and circumstances in Butts-Mehre Wednesday I was wiped out. I barely made it through the basketball game (kinda wish I had given in to rest earlier) before retiring. So my analysis of this year’s class is later than others’. And they have done a more eloquent job than I could have. So I’ll just give you a few of those links, provide some additional commentary and then throw in a prognostication.

• You are going to have a hard time not enjoying Ucheedawg’s three part series over at The Grit Tree on the small town recruiting experience last Friday in Rochelle, GA. If you haven’t read it, do yourself a favor and check it out. Even if it means that report is a little late getting to the boss this afternoon. Part one, An Evening With Coach Richt starts it off, followed by The Bryan McClendon Perspective and Rural South Georgia Recruiting – The Fans’ Perspective.
• Also check out the Signing Day Wrap by Ucheedawg.
• Hale uses some reader comments to guide his Protecting Their Turf piece evaluating the Dawgs’ class this year and why it’s light on home grown talent….and provides a needs and analysis piece as well.
• Towers sees some diamonds in the rough rankings.
• Streit on why Rogers’ decision doesn’t worry him.
• Some great NSD coverage from ECDawg over at Leather Helmet, including a nice recap and this post about our newest 5 star LB.
• With the news of floriDuh’s new DC taking in faxes Wednesday then clearing the office Thursday, Exhile smells reptile turds.

Back to the Butts-Mehre floor the tension was palpable, but the mood couldn't be dampened. Some grumbled but most couldn't let a trip to Heritage Hall be spoiled by a handful of teenagers. And in the end maybe most felt the way I did: I'd much rather CMR get the right defensive coach, even if it eventually meant losing out on some of the premium rated talent.

It amazes me how caught up in the recruiting rankings some people get. There's no trophy given out for first place in that race ladies and gents. Those rankings take subjectiveness and add a whole nutha level to it. Take my hand, don't be afraid and just throw those things out the door. Don't care what this class is ranked compared to others'. Actual tackle football games are won in the fall. Gimme a small class of kids that wanna be Georgia Bulldogs and you'll see me smile each and every first Wednesday in February.

Yet, even the idiots have voices. No sooner had CMR and Coach Searels answered the first question Wednesday on the health of Trinton Sturdivant, than a simpleton raised his hand for the next opportunity to speak. This guy had evidently read that Coach Richt and his staff were becoming complacent. He wanted to know if it was true.

And while the head coach handled it with his usual measure of aplomb, I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief. The man just fired his close friend, let go the same colleagues who helped him lift the SEC Championship trophy just a few years ago. And there are fans who think he’s complacent? Go back to your basement and suspend that message bored account for all that’s good on God’s green Earth.

Similarly, to get upset over a 17 year old’s decision and rant about it behind the mask of your computer screen is at best juvenile. Sure, it hurt getting spurned by so many talented players, some more than once. But it’s important to remember that Coach Richt signed a couple other recruits in addition to the 19 LOIs Wednesday.

When Coach Todd Grantham spoke Wednesday the energy picked up, the blood began to flow a little faster. If he can bring that energy to a group of fans with too much sick leave, then imagine what he’ll do to our defensive roster. And while Lakatos seemed somewhat surprised by the SEC fervor, he no doubt had the faith of the fans.

The winds of change surrounded the 1980 Nat'l Championship trophy Wednesday morning at 11:27am. I trust it'll spread to the huddled masses on the floor as well.

And also remember there’s one more scholly position open on CMRs staff. I think that by mid next week Travis Jones is moving to Athens…with a Super Bowl ring. And if I'm right...that would be a 6 star recruit.

Geaux Saints.

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UPDATE (4:55pm): Warren Belin has been named a LB coach for Georgia. Belin comes from Vandy where he was their LB coach and recruiting coordinator.