Onto Bobo Year 2

 Emerson had me with this:

By the points-per-game metric, Mike Bobo-coordinated offenses now account for two of the three highest-scoring teams in school history. Anybody still criticizing Bobo’s credentials or capabilities is not to be taken seriously on the subject anymore. (LINK $)

In an article that is both a fair and honest assessment of Coach Bobo's first year of his second stint as Georgia's offensive coordinator, as well as thorough look at the depth chart he should have returning for year two, it's hard not to be really excited about the future.

While much of the 2023 offensive production has left Athens in favor of the NFL Draft or the transfer portal, the depth and talent at the RB and WR positions is impressive. Of course, more changes are practically imminent, especially after Spring practices. But Kirby and Co. continue to manage the roster more than effectively.

One of the moves Seth points out that I am also keeping an eye on is Xavier Truss. Searels is the OL's third coach in five seasons, yet we've continued to trot out solid units despite injuries and absolute studs going to the NFL. If Truss decides to return, at best we get another starter. And at worst we get an experienced offensive lineman that can plug into multiple positions.

 - - - - UPDATE - - - -

Ratledge makes his decision official. 

#GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/7dRhU6K2sC

— Tate Ratledge (@tateratledge22) January 5, 2024

Considering Stackhouse did earlier, if Truss is staying as well, I would expect that news to drop soon. 

"...somewhat impressive track record..."

So somewhat in fact that it wasn't enough for Kirby to grant Rodrigo a scholarship.

This whole thing just doesn't sit right with me. And I'll openly admit that there was a time when I might have felt differently, like the kicker had done enough to earn a full ride. But right now, not so much.

Maybe that's because he seemed to have a season that was too up and down to devote a scholarship at this point. Or maybe it's more to do with the fact that I understand this is the New Georgia Way and we must trust Kirby to run things.

Probably a good mixture of both actually.

What I do know is that I believe the elder Blankenship may have answered his own question when he added the adverb "somewhat" to his description of his son's season. Sure, Rodrigo helped win the game in Lexington back in November, kicking four field goals including the game winner. He made 77% of his attempts this past season, good for 6th in the conference. For a redshirt freshman I would mark that as something to (hopefully) build upon.

But what really puts the "somewhat" in front of the "impressive track record" for me is the 36% touchback number. Granted, special teams overall were not good this season so maybe that's just par for the course of having a special teams coach (heyoo! did I just type that?!?)

However, when a young coach is building a program and is heading into year two, I would imagine he'd have to remove the "somewhat" and at least be able to put a "damn" or two in there before he'd give up a precious scholarship.

Especially considering the run Kirby and Krew are on lately in getting top tier talent to either commit, visit, or both.

And one last thought...I can't help but wonder where Rodrigo himself lies. He seems pretty happy in Athens. I'm still a couple-few years from shelling out the benjamins for college tuition, so I won't completely throw Mr. Blankenship under the bus. But if Rodrigo were openly pandering for scholarship offers in other area codes (which I admit may still happen before next season), this parental email to the media to grab a few more headlines might carry a bit more weight.

For me, I hope he stays, competes, and has a great season. I know Rodrigo has worked hard. Be nice to see him carried off the field, maybe in Jacksonville. Or in Atlanta.

Go Dawgs y'all!

A seven year NSD streak ends

Although I'm not much for the ugly drama that is recruiting these days, I've long been a fan of National Signing Day. Real life will keep me away from Butts-Mehre today for the first time since I started the little blog here.

By the end of the day we'll probably look on this class as a conservative yet impressive one. Smart and his staff have done a bang up job of transitioning right into their own wants and needs while sealing up most of the question marks. The class may end up being a small one, but there could be plenty of excitement as well.

Mostly, I wanted to go today to see Smart speak to the crowd and get a firsthand sense of the new era. For those of you going, enjoy your day in Athens. For the rest of us, we'll use Twitter and the F5 key to keep abreast of developments as we are able.

Go Dawgs!

-------------------

For any interested, I have a NSD list I follow for recruiting specific news. You're welcome to use it as well. For you Rivals followers, they have a nifty new app that sends notifications to your mobile device. I've been testing it out the last week and give it a solid thumbs up.

"Should you tweet at a recruit?"

Timely and (unfortunately) relevant...this is genius. (h/t Scott)

The fact that so many engage with high school age kids on this level, thinking that what they type makes an actual difference, is cute in a "Bless y'all's hearts" kinda way. The fact that so many engage with high school age kids on this level to vent their own ill-conceived frustrations is sad, sick, and pathetic.

Hey, just don't be that guy.

Recruiting "spinning up"

Nothing like making a good impression.

Coach Smart arriving at Lanier in style. @LanierFootball pic.twitter.com/Of973fwwTu

— LanierHS Athletics (@LanierADNews) January 28, 2016

Bet Lake Lanier looks nice from that elevation.

-----------------------

UPDATE: 

Yup. It is quite the view. Thanks Coach Smart!

Riding in style with @Coach_mtucker this morning looking for some #Dawgs #CommitToTheG #Chopper pic.twitter.com/83RRAsECAV

— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 28, 2016

Eason high fives DawgNation!!

With some serious Top Gun bravado yo!

Yes. He's re-re-re-committed y'all! All the feels! Let's hit the interwebs for some reaction.

When emotions take control over your limbs.

And YOU get a quarterback!! And YOU get a quarterback!!

Dawgventers gettin' crunk!

Coeds dig the quarterbacks man!

Down in Gainesville, McIlwain discusses with his staff

why the UF girls aren't as pretty.

Meanwhile, on the way back to Tuscaloosa, Coach 

Smart stops off for some ribs.

#ugatwitter feeling the joy

All the recruiting websites that wanted As Jacob
Eason Turns to draw out another few days weeks months.

New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney

Meanwhile, on his way back to 3rd period. Eason pauses 

to give the crowd one more look.

About Jacob Eason

Why are people worried? It's Athens going up against Gainesville. C'mon.

And if you need any more reassurance than what dan and Radi got out of Ben Cleveland, I just can't help you.

"Oh yeah, there were tons of females just following him around ALL NIGHT LONG. It must be nice to be a quarterback. Lineman don't get that kind of love. I thought it was funny. I was just laughing how all these girls were dying to talk to him and drooling all over him. I'd never seen anything like it."

Coaching rumors, "The Smart Way"

One thing is definite, player development and defensive guru is joining new head coach Kirby Smart in Athens.

Great day to be a Georgia Bulldog!! Wheels up ✈️ #CommitToTheG

— Glenn Schumann (@CoachSchuUA) December 7, 2015

All indications are that strength coach Scott Cochran will do the same. Some other tidbits:

• Whether Tracy Rocker is retained is probably up to the defensive coordinator hire, as some say he's definitely staying and some say he's definitely going.
• As for who the defensive coordinator will be, Tyson Summers, currently serving in that role for Mike Bobo at Colorado State, is gaining some traction. 
• On the offensive side, it's as clear as mud. I watched most of the Western Kentucky game Saturday to get a look at the play calling of Tyson Helton, who had entered the weekend as one of the hottest names. My impressions were mixed. A lot of boundary to boundary passes and jet sweeps early on seemed to bog the offense down into punting situations. But once the Hilltoppers started throwing and running downfield things seemed to open up. And the red zone play calling I thought was pretty imaginative.
• Whoever Smart taps here, I would expect things to develop quickly. He has a press conference today to be officially introduced (at a secret location!!) and then he hops on a plane to go meet Jacob Eason. He's going to want to have some clear answers for the top prospect when he walks in that door.
• Remember, the Easons are coming to Athens this weekend for the Gala. I'm sure they'd love to have some face to face time with the new coordinator on that official visit.
• Back to Smart, I'm sure his goal is to at least have the coordinators set before he heads back to Tuscaloosa next week, at a minimum. But, this isn't something he's going to rush into just to fill in his staff. He's waited a long time for this and I'm sure he's developed a list of people he respects in the field.

It's an exciting time. I know a lot of people are on edge as far as Eason after he visited Gainesville last week. But to be honest, I'm not worried. Things would have to really go south quickly for the relationship to sour enough for him to back out. Smart is an excellent recruiter. He's going to sell his vision to the Easons tonight and reassure them that Jacob's best interests are of the utmost importance to the new staff, even as it evolves. The Clevelands were impressed yesterday. Smart knows what he's selling. Even if it's different for Jacob without Bobo and now Richt in Athens, the new guy will close the deal.

Coaches, rumors, bowls, and transfers

Sunday evening is going to be busy. Once bowls are announced plans will start to finalize all over the place. We should find out our bowl destination, gain a clearer picture of coaches that will be helping the players prepare for the bowl, as well as which coaches are planning to join Kirby Smart. Specifically, who is staying and who is going? Also, who will be the coordinators and what coaches do they prefer to bring with them and how that matches up with current staff that want to stay.

Whew. And by the way, before we delve into Smart’s potential staff, I’m very happy for Bryan McClendon. Former Richt player carrying the torch for his former boss’ last team in their last game of the season. Of course it would have been nice to see Richt on the sideline one more time in red and black. But it just didn’t play out that way.

Okay. I’ve seen a lot of strong opinions (myself included) over the possibility of Smart wanting Muschamp to coordinate the defense. This doesn’t excite me for two reasons: namely that I don’t recall having a whole lot of trouble with his defense the times we’ve gone up against Auburn. Sure, Florida’s defenses while he was the head coach there were a different story. So maybe I should cut him some slack. But, the guy’s also a little bonkers. I mean there’s such a thing as intense motivational tactics and then there’s out of control hissy fits that can cost the team penalties, yards, and focus.

However, if this is who Smart wants, who are we to judge? Kirby has waited a long time for this opportunity and should fill his staff with people he wants coaching alongside him.

Defense aside, the offensive coordinator is probably Smart’s biggest decision. I heard Coach Donnan talking about the roster Richt left behind. My brief summation of it would be that the defense is full of young talent and the offense has Sony Michel and hopefully Nick Chubb…

Talk about Eason all you want, but if he ends up coming to Athens (and I think that he will) and he evolves sooner rather than later as the starter, he’s going to need time to develop. That’s why I’m hoping some of the transfers that come out of this coaching change (and I’m sure we’ll have a few) aren’t at the quarterback position.

The name that comes to mind first is Faton Bauta. Can’t think of a better player to put on display the work ethic Eason will need to emulate if he’s to become this world beater people have made him out to be. But given the circumstances, it’s hard to imagine not seeing some attrition at the quarterback position.

Changing channels a bit, Smart is looking to bring in a staff (not just coaches, a staff) that can stand up to anyone off the field. Yes, his success as a head coach is yet to be determined. How will he manage the game, timeouts, the referees, fourth down decisions…? Those are things that, for the most part, have been managed and micro-managed for him until next Fall. But recruiting, strength and conditioning, player development, game planning...all areas that Georgia fans should be excited about, immensely.

Now, some names:

• On offense, appears that Thomas Brown is favored to remain and the feeling may be reciprocated. McClendon and Lilly are more of a question that will probably be determined by the coordinator hire. Although it would be a shame to lose either as they’ve been in Athens so long and are established recruiters, again it comes down to guys that are the best fit for Smart’s first staff.
• On defense, Muschamp is interviewing with South Carolina and (as we talked about the other day) Pruitt may not even want to stay. Sherrer has been mentioned as one that Smart wants to retain. Rocker seems 50/50.
• Staff. Cochran would be a huge get for Smart. And it’s being treated as a foregone conclusion that Bama’s S&C guru is leaving for Athens. But like we’ve said, Saban will put up a fight. After all, the only time I’ve seen Nick honestly, genuinely smile, is when he was talking about Scott Cochran. In the end, friendships between the Smart and Cochran families may (hopefully) run deeper than professional respect. And surely (hopefully) the UGA boosters that have put this all in play wouldn’t balk at competing salary-wise. Surely.
• Also, the mysterious Glen Schumann, as Football Scoop describes as the “well-hidden gear in machine” that is Alabama’s defensive dominance. Can Smart lure him away as well? If you’re scoffing at the thought of spending any time worrying about a staff assistant, if Schumann is important enough in Alabama’s defense to Saban to include in the game planning, there’s no question he’d be someone Smart would want by his side as he transitions from coordinator to head coach.

That’s a lot to chew on. And like you, I’m sure tired of all the speculation and back and forth. I was a little surprised Smart is (allegedly) staying with Alabama through the post-season. But I also recognize he’s been there for many years. If Saban wants him to continue, I’m sure Smart is compelled to stay.

Sunday's Additional Thought on not having an SEC-ready quarterback

I've been told to simmer down on this point; that I'm not being a true fan, I don't understand the game, I don't understand quarterback play, or I just don't realize our increased efforts in recruiting. But I think it bears repeating after it became so glaringly obvious yesterday.

Let's face one fact before a couple points. We are in that game yesterday if Lambert makes just a couple throws early. He missed Malcolm Mitchell on a progression read on the first play from scrimmage. To be fair, he made a beautiful pass later to 26 for a big gain.  But the former would've been a touchdown. The latter just seemed to tighten the Bama secondary's resolve.

Insert Ramsey and all hell breaks loose. Bauta never attempted a pass.

I'll admit once more that we've been spoiled by Aaron Murray. Hell, we were spoiled last season with Hutson Mason without even realizing it. And I still believe Greyson Lambert can be what we need him to be. He can progress in his adjustment to the SEC and having multiple offensive threats at his disposal. But he got here in July and quickly pulled ahead of the other guys who've been on campus a few seasons. Whether you like it or not, that falls squarely on coaching and recruiting.

Because last night we had the talent at every position to compete with Alabama, except one. And it cost us an embarrassing loss. We're the University of Georgia. We should have someone ready for that game.

"Woerner! Woerner! Woerner!"

Y'all know I hate following recruiting. But this bit of news from Kipp Adams makes my Dawg heart proud.

Top247 prospect Charlie Woerner (Tiger, Ga./Rabun Co.) has committed to the Bulldogs, Dawgs247 has confirmed. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound prospect visited Georgia with his team for the Mark Richt 7-on-7 in June, and returned for Dawg Night last weekend.

Woerner, considered the No. 13 prospect in Georgia, No. 19 wide receiver in the country, and No. 119 prospect in the 2016 class by the 247Sports Composite, chose Georgia over offers from Alabama, Clemson and others. His addition gives Georgia 14 commitments, and should push them past Michigan State for the No. 10 class in the country.

Monday's Meatloaf - "I'll see you at graduation tonight, son."

Those weren't the last words I ever heard Mr. Mac say to me, but they were perhaps the most meaningful. Most educators will freely admit that they, at least partially, go into the field for those precious two months in the summer. If you meet one that says otherwise, they're either lying or fresh out of college. Probably both. But I feel comfortable speaking for those of us who are also very dedicated to making young lives better equipped for their future, that our hearts are anchored in our career.

And if you were to condense his (estimated) five foot nine, three hundred pound frame into one thought, that was Mr. Mac. I was saddened with the news of his passing earlier this month. So glad he had 77 years on this Earth to enrich the lives of everyone that came within his orbit.

My two most vivid memories of Mr. Mac are bookends to my high school career. As a freshman at Cedar Shoals someone broke into the locker room. While Coach Scott blew his whistle and as we expertly performed fitness drills in the gym, the thieves made off with some misdemeanor type valuables. I lost a grand total of five dollars and a belt. It was traumatic. Guess that new Yes album would have to wait. 

The next day I was called into the principal's office. Even though my dad had told me Mr. Mac was the gentlest of giants, I was petrified. The principal's office? I hadn't done anything, but obviously I was at fault for something. I remember sitting there in the chair across from his desk, waiting for whatever punishment it was I was there for to present itself. "I hadn't done anything!", I continued to scream inside my head. I'm sure y'all remember how the teenage mind can relentlessly torture its host in every way imaginable. And my imagination was in overdrive.

Mr. Mac finally walked in and introduced himself. "You're Dr. B's son right?" Immediately I was struck by his kindness. He came across as the most down to Earth school principal I'd known in all my years of formative education. Then again, he also seemed as big as the Earth itself. In the end, I had no idea how true that thought was.

The rest of conversation was lost in a blur of a heightened heart rate and the type of nervousness only a teenage boy of fourteen who is not wearing nearly enough anti-perspirant can understand. After a few moments he reached deep into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet, grabbed a five dollar bill, and handed it to me as he stood up.

He then smiled as I took the bill from his large hand. "I'm sorry my belt won't fit you." He winked as he said it, just to make sure I was completely at ease. I'm sure I thanked him in some awkward manner. And I hope some measure of sincerity was transmitted.

Today's Ingredients
- My dad told me that one March, Mr. Mac showed him a stack of papers bound together. Each one represented a home visit he made for a CSHS student who was in trouble of some sort. Here's a fund set up to continue such efforts for the Cedar Shoals community in his name, if you're so inclined.
- Hope you caught our tailgate roundtable. If not, here they are in order of appearance: quarterbacks, center, receivers, defensive standout, Coach Pruitt, schedule, and overall feelings.
- August isn't even here yet and Tyler is already looking at some cupcakes in November. I see his overall point, but Georgia Southern stands above the rest of those he clumps together. They've taken down Florida and gone toe to toe with Bama in Tuscaloosa.
- They also came as close if not closer than the Dawgs at taking the "State Champs" stamp off of Tech's shiny new 2014 rings.
- Speaking of the engiNerds, the AJC may have missed the latest chapter in Reuben Houston drug story, but Blutarsky didn't.
- And speaking of non-conference scheduling, G&B Attack looks at the Gamecocks' future slate.
- MaconDawg has a look at Coach Richt's new 2017 commit, DeeJay Dallas.
- "So many people." Weiszer writes about the spectacle Dawg Night has grown into.
- Over at Field Street Forum there's a challenge that, should you choose to accept it, could drop a lucrative prize into your lap. (No, not Bama in Sanford tickets. I'm talking about "BRAGGING RIGHTS" son!)
- I'm as much a sucker for a sucker punch at Coach Nicky as the next guy.
- Jason Isbell is a master at lyrics. Here are some words regarding the new album that I found rather astute.

Both literally and figuratively, I was ready to put Trigonometry in the rear view mirror. It was the last exam that stood between me and life beyond the last 12 years of formal education; one final hurdle before I cranked up my 1967 Malibu Chevelle and conquered the world.

(not an) Actual picture of me performing some mathing

I resisted the temptation to speed through the parking lot. As the rest of the underclassmen finished their last day of school, I was heading home mid-morning, with nothing to do but go back to sleep...after setting an alarm that would allow me to (possibly) brush my hair, (potentially) brush my teeth, walk across the stage, and accept my ticket to adulthood.

Yes, every ounce of me wanted to punch the gas and crank Telegraph Road one last time as I peeled onto Cedar Shoals Drive. But I was also compelled to savor the moment. And I was glad I chose the latter.

At the end of the one way conduit from the student parking lot to the front drive beside the school sat a metal chair doing its best to contain a man better suited for a La-Z-Boy. Even as a soon to be graduate, I wasn't one that was familiar with the ins and outs of leaving campus before the final bell. While I wait for you to stop laughing I'll simply add that based on my limited experience there was a 50-50 shot of getting the security officer as opposed to clear passage. I'll also add that the seniors had been reminded (repeatedly) that if we intended to leave campus early we were to bring a note from home.

"Good morning Mr. Mac."
"How'd the trig final go?"
[What?!? How'd he know? Oh God, I'm doomed to go spend four hours in the library shelving books or something. Damnit! DAMNIT!!!!]
"Um..good Mr. Mac. I, um..."
"You forgot a note didn't you?"
"Yessir. I just.."
"I'll see you at graduation tonight, son."

Suddenly I was that awkward 14 year old again - overly excited and equally amazed by my principal's ability to relate. He moved his steel chair from the middle of the lane to the side so that I could pass and gave me a wink.

It was the same wink Doug McLaughlin gave me later that evening when I crossed the stage at Stegeman Coliseum and received my diploma. My formative education was done. That one wink, just as his incredibly firm handshake and every single slap on the shoulder he gave me and thousands of other students that passed him in the hall on the way to their next class, told me that what was waiting for me tomorrow was greater than anything I could leave behind in a trail of gas fumes and a Mark Knopfler solo.

Mr. Mac always had the bigger picture. I'm proud to have shared a few frames in it.

Have a great Monday y'all!

Friday's Miserable Meatloaf - Lemme introduce you to Beecher

I first met him several years ago. Maybe as many as ten. Honestly, I don't remember. But I know it was before this here blog started puttering upstream along The Internet. And I know it was after my second stint through UGA, which puts the meeting somewhere between beating Arkansas for the first SECCG and that time we drank all the beer in Tempe.

Speaking of beer, I was in a bar downtown having one and this guy comes in like a runaway train. By that I mean his entrance was a chaotic event that miraculously evaded complete and utter catastrophe an incidental death. An action as simple as opening a door and entering a room instantly became a calamity of flailing arms and legs; glasses were tossed into the air creating various flight paths for the beer, whiskey, and margaritas they had previously contained; a seeing eye dog panicked while aiding in the transition of his owner from table to restroom; napkins and swizzle straws multiplied in mid-air like rabbits on a dewy April lawn; in the corner a jukebox abruptly stopped playing the second chorus of Layla; and a waitress lost all manner of control of her language just as the room became otherwise deafly silent.

"GODDAMNIT BEECHER! YOU CAN'T F***ING BARGE THROUGH THE MOTHERF***ING DOOR LIKE A GODDAMN HYENA!!"

She yelled this at the height of her tumult through the air having tripped over Beecher's leg (or maybe it was his arm) which had propelled the tray of drinks toward a large table of thirsty patrons. After making sure the seeing eye dog didn't leave his owner abandoned and then helping the waitress to her feet, I offered a hand to pull this rangy, awkward stranger up from the floor.

"Thanks mister. At least I didn't spill beer in Rowena's hair this time. That really pisses her off."

"Not a problem. Let me get you a cold one. Looks like you could use a moment of stationary rehydration."

As he drank from the frosted mug, I marveled at how strangely tall Beech was. If he was six feet and a half, roughly 74 inches of that were his legs. Which might explain where all the beer went if just one of those legs were hollow.

We sat and chewed the fat for what seemed the whole afternoon, all the way through Happy Hour. Then moved from the bar to a corner booth where Rowena took our dinner order, surprisingly, without a single f-bomb. Somehow, in some way, Beecher had been forgiven for causing what surely amounted to six unhappy customers, $50 of broken barware, two and half tables of soggy pub food, and a black lab with post-traumatic stress disorder.

And that's how I met Beecher O'Callaghan.

Today's Ingredients
- Supposedly, there's like just over 200 days left until college football in Sanford begins again. Nothing is more miserable than this cold, melancholy, heartless winter we refer to as The Offseason.
- Personally, I've been biding time Raylan up in Harlan County. And also with Tuco and Mike and some skater dudes, as well as the world's best lawyer. The only one that can argue an executioner down from the death penalty to six months of rehab. Saul Goodman.

- And hey! The Hoop Dawgs are doing swell! Just in time for a visit from Bruce Pearl and those Auburn whateveryoumaycallits.
- And baseball starts this weekend! The Diamond Dawgs take the field in the shadow of a newly renovated Foley Field against the Eastern Illinois Panthers. PING!!
- From the Lies and other Sexy Half-Truths file, Blutarsky finds new Atlanta Falcons linebackers coach Dan Ulbrich still on the UCLA recruiting trail.
- Over at The Lady Sportswriter, Kimberley wonders if the Terry College of Business could swing Roquan Smith's decision in UGA's favor.
- Congrats to Marc Weiszer of the ABH on getting some recognition for his hard work. (h/t Emerson)
- At Dawn of the Dawg, Michael Collins asks a popular question - Is Georgia football underachieving or just unlucky?
- Assuming a competent SEC officiating crew (ahem!. Ok, I'll wait for the laughter to stop....)...Greg Poole sees where the new rule for linemen being downfield would've changed the outlook of the 2013 Auburn-Bama game.
- Lastly, stay cute Rutgers.

If you're a fellow Heathen heading to the Rock Show tonight at the 40 Watt, let me buy you a drink. Better yet, buy me one!

The reason I wanted you to meet Beecher today is wide and varied. Of the many characters I've created over the years, he's the most simple, honest, kind-hearted, complex, awkwardly amazing, and down to Earth. He's never been on a beer commercial, but I believe him to be the most interesting man in my favorite college town.

Ten or so years ago I had intended to get to know him better. I aimed to tell his stories to the world and let them chuckle heartily while being humbled. But I've neglected ol' Beecher. Partly due to time constraints, sure. It's a burden on your free time being a hotshot blogger with at least four and up to as many as twelve readers. But mostly I've neglected Beecher O'Callaghan because it was just too easy not to start something when I wasn't sure where it would lead.

Now, for better or worse, I'm gonna go see where that road leads.

No, I'm not leaving. Not in the least. Any morning I wake up and have a fresh thought to share or a rant to righteously impart, you'll find it here. Hell, maybe I'll even share another tall tale from the O'Callaghan memoirs here or there. But other than that, my pauses and stops along the way towards autumn may linger a little longer than usual.

To be honest, part of me says it's really none of your business and you probably don't care. Which means there's no real reason to post this diatribe at all. But I've grown fond of my readers here. Mom and Pops raised me to treat others as you'd have them treat you. So just don't be too alarmed if the posts gather some dust in between themselves. As Beecher'd say, "All we are is dust in a breeze." Guess he's not much of a fan for Kansas' music. Regardless, that breeze is aiming this writing vane towards that hole in the wall bar in downtown Athens. Rowena's handing us a mop and telling us to clean that shit up.

Stay upright and true amigos.

Bernie

National Signing Day Liveblog - 2015

Today ends a process the coaches started years ago. Building relationships and building this class of new players. Hopefully tailored specifically to the team's needs. And for the players faxing forms today, today ends a process they started many years ago. Congrats to all of them!

Here's some links of interest, if you were to ask me.

- Wanna know what it's like to fly under the radar? MaconDawg interviews preferred walkon commit Nick Robinson, who is coming all the way from California!
- Preach Blutarsky! There's recruiting for stars, and then there's recruiting for prosperity. Hopefully we get a very well-rounded class today.
- Dude You Crazy was kind enough to link every post he's written about this class.
- The Dawgbone, as usual, will have all the updated links.
- You can follow my NSD list here. Or just use the widget below.
- And if you really get bored, you can find some of the fun we got into previously in 2014 2013  2012  2011  2010 & 2009.

Tweets from https://twitter.com/BernieDawg/lists/nsd

I'll post some pics and try to have the coaches' video posted later on. For now, I'm off to grab some coffee and hit the road! Go Dawgs!!

--------

First things first...

Light crowd, but building.

- 10:30. Two big targets announce in the next 45 minutes, both for positions of need. Do we get both Roquan Smith and Rico McGraw? (I say yes.)

- btw, Yall see Coach bUTTchugger...

 Definite two star.

- Richt to speak in about twenty minutes.

- Nope, he's early. Let's see if I can get these loaded.

- videos will take a while from my phone, but will be posted asap.

- can't embed from my phone. And I got a call in the middle of filming. That evidently stops the camera. Wtf. Anyway, here's the link to part one - http://youtu.be/ccFysWISUyw

- part two - http://youtu.be/QH4LQlYENVM

- Rico is a huge get. Glad he flipflipflopped.

Dustpan. Mops. And a broom.

Just a quick housekeeping note. Sorry posting has been lighter than usual. That's due to a mixture of the time of year and other projects up in the air. Plus, just some flat out fatigue.

Although I don't "cover" recruiting anymore, I still go up to Athens on the first Wednesday of February. There's no getting around the fact that it is the lifeblood of a tackle football program and I do enjoy the excitement in and around Butts-Mehre on the day of.

So tomorrow I'll have some kind of NSD central posted, mostly links to other places with stuff going on and stories of note and interest. Then I'll aim the company car towards Athens and at least provide some pictures and commentary.

The recruiting gurus promise an exciting day tomorrow. Here's to hoping it's the good kind!

Montana to Appleby to Washington...??

According to this tweet from the Dan Patrick Show this morning...

Joe Montana said if Notre Dame didn't offer him a scholarship, he probably would have gone to @UGAAthletics
— Paul Pabst (@PaulPabst) January 29, 2015

...the famous Munson call may have begun with the legendary Joe Montana taking the snap, giving the ball to Richard Appleby on the end around, before it was hurled to Gene Washington for the touchdown in Jacksonville. All while Ray Goff held his helmet and watched from the sideline.

Montana signed with Notre Dame in 1974 when Ara Parseghian was coach. Freshmen weren't allowed to play back then. And by the time Montana was a sophomore Parseghian had retired, due to health reasons if I recall correctly. Hard to believe the Hall of Famer would have any regrets. Like, at all. But pretty cool to imagine what might have been.

Okay. That's enough nostalgia. You can all leave and go back to more present type day recruiting stories...

Trickeration at the WLOCP. (via Anti-Orange Page)

Recruiting recruitniks to click

This was unfortunate. I believe the sports staff at ABH is above that. Not sure who was responsible for the "slideshow news story", but it made my skin crawl. Especially when I got to Ray Drew's picture. Talk about a guy that is all Georgia and doesn't deserve any bad press. And TJ Stripling? I was there in Boulder and watched him crumble like a six foot six inch twig right before my eyes when he was injured.

On one hand, sure, those players may not have lived up to the hype that surrounded them a few years ago. But, who's fault is that? In some cases it's the players. Especially the ones that shoot themselves in the foot. But mostly it's the fans and the media.

In many ways, I didn't live up to my collegiate potential. There are some parents and some professors and former UGA advisors that would wholeheartedly agree with that last sentence. But I finished it out and didn't have the displeasure of getting my picture in the local paper as part of a dishonorable slideshow.

Speaking of Ray Drew. Saw him standing outside Stegeman after the Lady Dogs' win against Vandy a couple weeks ago. He was talking to a couple of ladies, and smiling as usual. As we approached I told my daughters who he was. My youngest, perhaps misguided by the fact that he didn't seem as tall from a distance as he stood on the street and we approached on the sidewalk, said, "No it's not." As we passed I said "Best of luck Ray. And thanks!" He smiled wider and offered his appreciation.

I love that guy. The sky's the limit for him and I can see him making UGA nothing but proud in the years to come.

Redefining "commitment"

Let's try a little exercise today, shall we?

When you settle in at home this evening, invite your wife or significant other over to sit with you on the sofa, look deeply into her eyes, and explain to her that you are around 70-80% committed to her. And that the only reason you're looking around is so that you can make sure you've made the right decision...for both of you.

Then let's all meet back here tomorrow (those of us still drawing breath) and see if we have a clearer idea of the full definition of the word commitment.

To those that get deep into this recruiting stuff, that's just picking nits. I know. Just hoping there are still people out there that see the absurdity of the "terminology" used. Then again, if the world were perfect, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt...Lady Diana and Prince Charles...Bill and Monica...The Everly Brothers....Kiffin and Orgeron...they'd all still be together.

If you "take" one thing away from recruiting coverage...

...let it be this:

Have seen that tweet from Maryland Compliance making the rounds. It's funny and to the point. Most importantly, there's a lot of fans nationwide that could take a moment to let that sink in. Or, if you just can't respect the Terrapins' compliance office, try the immortal words of Roger Waters:

"Hey! Tweeter! Leave them kids alone!"

Recruiting trails are alive for #Fam15!

So begins the mad dash towards the February 4th faxing tournament!!

Staff is out dropping pins on the #Fam15📍Sprint to #NSD15 is on..
— Ben Brandenburg (@dbbrandenburg) January 15, 2015