Countdown to Signing Day...13

Today we profile one of Coach Richt's highest profile commitments, Alec Ogletree.

size: 6-3, 212

school: Newnan HS  Newnan, GA

position: safety

Ogletree is a super freak. Once he committed, immediately the comparisons to Thomas Davis began. But if Thomas Davis was a diamond found in the rough for Van Gorder back in '02, Ogletree is sparkling from the front window. He's a 5 star prospect and is ranked as the no. 3 safety in the nation. Back in '02, it took a basketball game for Davis to get his first and only D-1 offer.

Back in Newnan, Alec decided to get the recruiting process out of the way this past summer by committing to Georgia in June. Here's what Scout's Chad Simmons had to say about him:

Ogletree has the body (6-3/215) of a linebacker, but the skills to play safety. He covers a lot of ground at safety, he has great range, and he has very good insticts. He breaks up a lot of passes, his hands are sound, and he is intimidating on that third level. Some may think he is just good in run support, but he is truly the total package at safety.

Ogletree's commitment is rock solid while his chances at a redshirt are slim and none. He's the kind of player that enjoys contact and excels at special teams. Look for him to contribute there early while he hones his coverage skills in the secondary. In Grantham's 3-4 attack, I see him eventually being a very versatile player; one who is able to produce alligator arms on slant routes and steamroll ball carriers who dare seek the first down marker.

Ogletree will also get the pleasure of playing with his twin brother Alexander, who committed to Coach Richt in early December...one of classiest stories in this class.

Want a preview? Alec = #39, Zander = #33. Enjoy.

.

Coaching Rumor Update, episode XIV UPDATED

Hopefully this staff is rounded out soon, so this may be one of the last of these.

First of all, a great BIG welcome to Scott Lakatos. The new DB coach of the Dawgs' secondary is a great addition; UConn has had an impressive pass defense throughout his tenure in Storrs. I gave you this guy's resume on Saturday after news broke of his interview. It sounds like it didn't sparkle in some fans' eyes. But as the Senator said, if his kids look back at the ball when it's thrown to the man they're covering...then there'll be plenty of sparkle. Of course, right now we'd just take them being within camera shot of the defender.

So, we've replaced Willie DC and Jancek LB with Grantham and Willie DB with Lakatos...that leaves us still one in the black as far as the coaching ledger, correct?

When Grantham was hired it cemented the notion that we'd only have one d-line coach, Garner. Some teams that operate from a 3-4 split LB duties up by inside and outside. Grantham will not. (Update: evidently the language there was too strong. Hale hints that not only may Grantham hire help for LBs, but it may be all in the family. Plus, I missed this earlier but I missed this earlier - PWD weighs in as well.)

Well!...isn't that spehshul? 

That leaves Coach Richt with a difficult choice, defense or special teams. Groo has a great read on this very topic and ultimately decides that with the dramatic changes on that side of the ball it would be wise to add more defensive help. 

Before reading his assessment I was against anything other than a special teams guy. But Groo is right when he typed that there is a history for success with position coaches running special teams as well as head coaches. From Beamer's lunchpail philosophy to Slurban's preferential treatment towards special teamers, there is reason to think that Coach Richt himself might handle the duties. Hell, it worked pretty well in Athens earlier in CMRs tenure.

Here's some stats to digest:

	2009	2008	2007	2006	2005	2004
KO Defense	25.71	21.66	20.51	21.86	18.41	17.15
Punt Defense	10.52	7.12	4.88	9.30	8.83	9.00

Should CMR go with one coach...I hope he at least gauges Joe DeCamillis' interest. It's a pipe dream that's been kept alive by message boards, I know. But he looks good in red and black and is renowned as the guy. Those hidden yards would be a LOT easier to find with him on the sideline.

Another possibility - whoever is stirring the awesomeness in Ames, Iowa. That's right, the Iowa State Cyclones finished top 10 in both kickoff return and punt return yardage defense (h/t Ally). It appears as if Coach Rhoads also splits the special teams' duties amongst the staff because the official website doesn't list a special teams coach. Or maybe that's just a well kept secret.

What approach do you prefer to special teams? And if you want a coach, who would you like to see interviewed?

And as Hale's Fun With Numbers pointed out yesterday, recruiting is always in play in decisions like these. So there are a lot of variables in the air and whatever Richt decides, he'll make the best decision for the team. I'm just eager to see these teams become special again.

A KiffyBaby Documentary

.

Perhaps you've seen this riveting docudrama already. It's awash in raw emotions and tells the story of a simple coach looking for his next headline. If you haven't had the pleasure, it's worth three minutes of your busy day...avoiding that inbox that has staked a claim to over 40% of your desk.

Press play. Sit back. Pick your nose. Whatever.

Again we're reminded that there are times when Al Davis uses words that are as true as they are nearly coherent. That and pumping gas can be a noble profession.

But best of all, one of my doctored pics made the cycle of graphics peaster68 used in the documentary. A steady round of golf applause to the reader that can comment as to which one.

.

Countdown to Signing Day...15

First, lemme come clean. When I started this blawg I was intrigued by Nat'l Signing Day, but didn't follow recruiting much. I just can't seem to work myself into a lather over a 17 year old's collegiate courtship like some are able to do. Then last February I attended my first Nat'l Signing Day event at Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall.

I was hooked. Although I still don't get bent outta shape like some do when a kid chooses someone else over us (pleeeze people...good riddance), I do enjoy hearing the coaches talk about the process. I do enjoy reading about which way a kid is leaning and why. And I really enjoy speculating where I think kids may go.

All that being said...this ain't gonna be a daily thing. But I hope to have several updates in the next two weeks.

Nose Tackle

As the Grantham Era begins, the role of the nose guard is going to be crucial to the kind of defense the new coach wants to run. The better the NG can control his gaps, the more the LBs behind him can roam free.

Before we look at prospects I think it's important to reflect on some things Grantham said in his teleconference. He looks for NT play that is technically sound, quick and relentless. Prettyy easy to read that he's looking for smart play over just lazy girth. Jay Ratliff, Grantham's star out in Dallas is listed at 6-4, 303.

So who are we looking at adding to the field from the '10 class? Let's look.

• Garrison Smith (pictured) 6-3 255 Douglass HS, committed to UGA. Smith has the versatility to play end or DT in college. His eventual size and development will likely determine which now that the 3-4 is in Athens. Smith is listed as a prototypical three-technique DT, so his quickness and ability to rush the passer are definitely not in question.
• Jeff Whitaker 6-4 295 Warner Robins HS. Down to Auburn, UGA, Miami, N. Carolina and California, likely in that order. Whitaker is a true space eater that has elite strength. He just finished his official to Auburn and plans to knock on Coach Richt's door this weekend.
• Michael Thornton 6-1 275 Stephenson HS. Down to UGA, Auburn, Penn St., Miami and newcomer Florida. Thornton is very quick, agile. Would settle easier into a 4-3, but he definitely has the size and strength to produce early. Thornton certainly qualifies Grantham's quickness criteria. He tallied 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks this past season. UPDATE: Chad Simmons has some late breaking news on Thornton's recruitment ($$).

Grantham's defense is gonna need solid play all around, especially up the middle. So it all starts at NT.

Monday's Meatloaf - I Had a Nightmare...of a Dooley in Orange

I had a Nightmare, because we all know there is no content in a HillBilly's character to judge them by. Happy MLK Day Reader. Hope your Dream didn't end in a night sweat.

I grew up across town from Derek Dooley. Our paths rarely crossed save a rec league basketball season. Believe it or not, Dooley's kid had a better crossover than Durham's. But I digress.

I've enjoyed watching Derek coach at LA Tech. His teams are prepared and he coaches with enthusiasm. I really like that and would love to see him succeed...but not no mo.

If the thought of Dawg progeny on a HillBillly sideline hasn't made you sick to your stomach yet, how do like the sound of Coach Dooley as it refers to a Tennessee coach? How do you like the idea of the real Coach Dooley pulling against the Dawgs this October 9th? IN Sanford Stadium? Within mere feet of where he once used to use body english to help Herschel break tackles and FG attempts reach their destination? Does Vince know all of the words to Rocky Top? Will he pet Ol' Smoky while wearing an orange tie?

If that last paragraph made you retch, good. There's no getting around the fact that this hire is good and bad for Georgia. Good in that Derek Dooley is in over his head in Knutsville and works under a man who's days are numbered as Athletic Director. Derek had a decent gig, was his own boss. Then a swindler texted him simply because of his name. He was handed the keys to a Mustang GT with a 4.6 24 valve V8. The only problem, it has four flat tires and not a single can of fix-a-flat.

The Derek Dooley hire is bad for Georgia in that his dad is synonymous with Athens, GA. Coach Dooley bled red and black and now fields questions about the possibilities of wearing orange ties. And why not? As of Friday the former coach and AD now has HillBilly ties within his own family.

I love my children and will do anything to help them succeed. Believe me when I type that to you Reader. I just don't believe they need to wear orange to get there.

Today's Ingredients

• John Isner used the Heineken Open in Aukland as more than a tune up for the ATPs first major. He won the damn thing!
• If you spent the weekend looking for a big red bow to tie around this Grantham hire, I doubt you'd find a better one than this post by the Senator.
• Until the new regime proves itself, we believe we have every right to claim this city. Neuheisel may stoop to KiffyBaby's level, but give the guy props for taking the first shot.
• The GymDogs saw a streak snapped in Tuscaloosa.
• Hale has 5 questions for Coach Richt's program.
• Dean Legge reports that one of Florida's top playmakers really enjoyed his visit ($$) to Athens.
• Scott Lakatos interviewed for the DB position over the weekend. Word is he's the guy. UPDATE: he's officially been named.
• Coach Fox's Dawgs blew two 13 points leads in Starkville, but Exile still sees improvement.
• Drew Butler spent the weekend in Connecticut at the Walter Camp All-American banquet. I thought I'd share a tweet: Dinner has begun at Yale Commons.Colt McCoy, Player of the Year. John Elway, Man of the Year. Drew Butler, most pale player in the room. Know the feeling Drew. (the pale part, not the award banquet part)
• Mackie had a Sunday dilemma that the Vikings put an end to.
• So, Grantham is officially a Dawg after the Vikings proved to be quite brutish Sunday. Now all of a sudden the new guy is scheduling opponents....whoa!

Back to the dream analysis...perhaps the worst part about it is that the Tennessee Dooley is underappreciated. In Athens the name carries with it the sum of all its glorious parts. Urging Lindsay Scott down the sideline. Being carried off the field on shoulders in the Super Dome. The way he discussed at length how each opponents' punter could beat you with his foot. Continuously taking the highest road possible when Adams continuously humiliated him.

Yet those HillBillys are too caught up in being spurned by a egotistical dipshit to truly value the name of their new coach. All of Derek's eloquence in his opening remarks as head coach in Knutsville was lost on most of the suspender clad inbreds as they sifted through the ashes of single coil mattresses.

No worse fate can befall a man than to be surrounded by traitor souls. I wasn't aware Burroughs had ever served any time in the Vol Navy, but I get his drift. Back on point, God bless you Derek Dooley for trying to save a slew of dimwitted mountain folk. You've chosen your fate, win or lose. Unfortunately, coaches' careers tend not to end well in Knutsville. But surely you knew that going in.

As for you, I hope you have a great day Reader. I may have had a nightmare involving an orange tie, but I can spot a holiday when I'm given one. Martin Luther King Jr. preached to love not hate. But I'm sure he never shook hands with Steve Spurrier.

Here's a fork. Unlike Congress, try not to overtax it.

Bernie

.

Coaching Rumor Update, episode XIII

As the Grantham Era begins, Marc Weiszer confirms for us that indeed Scott Lakatos has interviewed for the DB coaching position on Coach Richt's staff. The rumor mill started Friday night churning language as strong as the UConn coach is the next DB coach at UGA. I figured I'd find something at some point Saturday, but no. This morning Weiszer confirmed it through the Huskies football blog at the Hartford Courant website. Be sure to read the comment.... ; )

Here's the guys' coaching resume':

Years	Title	Location
2004-Present	Secondary Coach	Connecticut
2001-2003	Secondary Coach	Rutgers
2000	Defensive Coordinator & Linebacker Coach	Maine
1996-1999	Secondary Coach & Special Teams Coach	Maine
1995	Secondary Coach	Maine
1994	Defensive Coordinator & Linebacker Coach	New Haven
1992-1993	Assistant Coach	Syracuse
1990-1991	Outside Linebacker Coach	Boston U.
1988-1989	Secondary Coach	Western Connecticut State

And here's a link to his UConn bio. I too was impressed with how well UConn dismantled the Lamechickens in the Pizza Bowl. But in truth no very little about this guy. From the link above, it sounds like Lakatos has ties to Grantham. So it would stand that this guy would get serious consideration. I now wonder who else CMR may have contacted in the six plus weeks since the firings. CMR has replaced one of the positions he opened up on December 2nd. Now we wait to see who is tapped for the others.

Nothing to do but wait...and speculate. The only thing we know for certain is that Grantham will coach the LBs. Garner would fit in on the DL, assuming we can hold onto him. Tennessee fans are clamoring for Garner to get a look on Dooley's staff. Assuming that Grantham handles the entire linebacking corps rather than splitting it into ILBs and OLBs, that would leave a DB coach and....dare I say...

..a special teams coach. Isn't speculating fun? Grantham works with Joe Decamillis in Dallas. Hmm....love to see him back in red and black.

What other coaches do YOU wanna see in Sanford this fall?

The Grantham Era Begins

What you want as a defense is, after the game is over, the team you played is 

happy they dont have to play you anymore. - Georgia DC, Todd Grantham

Bama can Get Smart all they want. The Hokies can continue to Foster more ACC crowns. And the Nerds can try and Groh a pair...whatevs.

Coach Richt got Grantham. He is a Dawg...and is ready to GATA!

Here's Hale's overview of the teleconference. If you frequent Scout, here's Legge's full transcript, with audio ($$). Some key points:

• Grantham will coach the LBs in the 3-4 scheme and spoke highly of Rodney Garner.
• There is absolutely NO question this guy craves the QBs head on a platter and will use whichever players are most likely to deliver it.
• Assistants seem to be up to anyone's guess, including Garner. I like Grantham's reasoning for working with the LBs and that would seem to bode well for Garner staying (not to mention being two weeks from Nat'l Signing Day). But now that the DC has been named and other programs' staffs are taking shape as well, things will move fast. Hold on tight.
• In the weeks leading up to Grantham being named, many potential candidates were 3-4 coaches. A popular question on the minds and the message boards has been who will play the nose, a key component. The words Grantham used to describe Jay Ratliff (Cowboys' NG) was technically sound, great initial quickness, relentless off the ball and understands the defense. Translation - mind over matter.
• Todd Grantham wants to be a Dawg.

Perhaps that last point is most important. Coach Richt spoke of his search process being "deliberate" and patient for defensive assistance. While the media and many, many fans were craving the press conference where Kirby Came Home, CMR simply wanted the right guy.

Foster wasn't it and neither was Chavis or Koenning. Smart came very,very close...but in the end made the right choice for him. Hear me loud and clear reader, that was also the best case scenario for us. Smart didn't choose to stay in Tuscaloosa because of some supposed rift between current coaches. He stayed with darling Nicky because that was what made sense to him professionally. Bama, and more importantly UGA, are all the better for that decision.

Why? Because in turn, Todd Grantham fell into our lap. He's the more qualified candidate. And he wants to be in Athens. Don't let rumors and innuendo cloud your judgment on the matter.

Now, some full disclosure. I've made no secret as to being luke warm to Grantham initially. As the day drew nearer where it appeared he would be running the defense I yell and scream and bark for each fall...I did a little investigative blogging.

My main concern was the ending in Cleveland. You may read certain mindless assholes journalists in the coming days who point to Grantham's firing. Off the record, this was painted to me in a clearer light. In truth, Grantham was an outstanding coach in a very bad situation. The GM (no longer employed in Cleveland) was a dimwit. The coach (also no longer employed in Cleveland) had a difference of opinion as well as a separate supporting faction.

Grantham was given an extension and felt comfortable. It unraveled from there. Grantham likes to bring relentless pressure using stunts and bllitzes. Other coaches preferred to read and react. As things spiraled into a disappointing season, Grantham was the odd man out. He made some mistakes, namely failing to keep relationships positive. But Grantham was against the eight ball in a poorly run program.

As for him not being a players coach...that may point to a personality that will work better with kids out of high school as opposed to with kids who have money to burn. I think it was Tony Dungy that said he'd rather coach 19 year old poor kids than 25 year old millionaires. No offense to Sean Jones who is a heck of a player, but he may have been a product of his environment while in Cleveland.

In the end, Grantham was the scapegoat in a city where losing is synonymous with Sundays and landed in a great situation in Dallas. And as the Georgia DC search unfolded, a grossly overqualified coach walked away from America's Team to bring teeth back to a defense in the Nation's greatest city.

Welcome to Athens Coach Todd Grantham. We're so glad you've come.

Cutcliffe on Dookies vs HillBillys

This is an informative video as David Cutcliffe explains his reasoning for staying at Duke University rather than assume the head coaching position at Tennessee. However, you will have to read a little in between the lines.

Until the end that is, when Cutcliffe explains the difference between the SEC and the ACC. It turns out to be just four fingers. (h/t Rex)

As the HillBilly Turns

It'll take about eight minutes of your life...but if you wanna see the press room negotiations before KiffyBaby gave his "statement" on Tuesday night...CLICK HERE. (classlesskiffin disabled embedding, so I couldn't import it.)

Plenty of Stoopid Will Go Unfixed

Leaving town with a full blown riot in your rear view mirror will do more than burn some mattresses bridges. KiffyBaby seems as drawn to negative publicity as strongly as I am an ice chest full of cold beer.

Although I'm not surprised by the backlash given the swarthiness with which the Kiffin Kamp operates, the truth is there's plenty of stoopid to spread around. Chief among them, Athletic Director Mike Hamilton. After all, it was his multi-colored lollipop and endless Wal-Mart mini merry go round rides that lured the young Kiffin.

I don't usually buy into the violin strumming when a coach leaves and his players are left behind with empty promises...plus a free education. I mean, a show of hands for those of us with student loans...

But while we chuckle at those HillBilly fans who have pissed on their own dreams (h/t Pump)...it's easier to feel sympathy for those Tennessee student-athletes that just arrived on campus. What a hot mess they just got themselves into. If the admins in Knutsville had any measure of class, they would cut these kids loose to make up their own mind.

But University of Tennessee and class are difficult to fit into the same sentence. I had to use a hammer myself just then. But a bucket full of hammers won't fix the stupid up on Rocky Flop. Let them rant and rave about their coach leaving in the dark of night, trading the Rocky Mountain Oysters for the warm sea breezes. Let them stamp their feet and test the integrity of their suspenders.

A truckload of hammers ain't gonna fix that much stupid.

the Friday Feedbag

• Just think...last week this time Carroll still wore a trojan, Kiffin still gave Slive a headache and Conan wasn't facing unemployment.
• Asked to describe KiffyBaby's career in Knutsville in one word, AD Hamilton said, "brief." I didn't know Hamilton's vocabulary was so extensive.
• As news broke in Tennessee Tuesday night, I found the Fulmer rumors preposterous (laughable...uh, I got a chuckle for any HillBillys visiting today). However, it becomes clearer that Philmer may be positioning himself well for the ADship once the row boat Hamilton's using finally sinks.
• Out in SoCal, Kiffin has already ruffled some feathers (all together...Duh!!). As he took the podium for his presser, USC was in desperate negotiations for Norm Chow to head the Trojan offense. Yet the Kifster balked when asked, indicating that he would run the offense as he always has. (editor's note: Chow and Kiffin do not exchange Christmas cards)
• Yet in the transcript of the press conference, that particular question and answer mysteriously disappeared.
• Back on East coast time, South Florida skipped to Holtz.
• Kyle King wonders why Jeff Schultz is giving Gary Stokan such a pass.
• Chad Simmons' lays out just why ($$) this weekend is so big for the short-handed Georgia staff.
• The Senator finds Sen. Hatch's letter to Prez Obama a little ironic.
• PWD sees progress on the hardwood.
• Meanwhile, the Lady Dawgs saw their streak end in Nashville.
• Daugman stayed up to watch Yata's late night heroics. And if you missed the video of his call up from D-league, you should watch it.
• It's always great to see a Dawg have his day! And for Sundiata Gaines, there should be plenty more ahead.

Trivial Update

Q - After starting his collegiate playing career at Garden City Community College, Coach Mark Fox lettered two years at what institution?
A - East New Mexico University

To help celebrate Coach Fox's birthday, ThursdaysRTrivial made a fastbreak for the head guy's bio. Ally didn't need a steal this week, but threw it down Leslie Style to claim the retro replica wig of Albert Jackson's former dreads. Alan then broke the game wide open with an easy lay up; he claims a pair of Carlos Strong size 16s (go Jags!). Last but not least, Melissa heaved a desperation three at the buzzer that couldn't find the bucket. For her efforts though she gets a very festive Happy Birthday kazoo and matching hat. That is...if Coach Fox is done with them.

If you're in the Mall of Georgia Sunday afternoon and hear the screams of 8 year old girls, don't panic. Steer clear of the daughter's birthday party and everything will be fine. If you hear me scream...well, keep running. Save yourself.

Besides, we don't have enough cake for you too Reader. But have a good weekend anyway.


Bernie