February 2007. Looking back at National signing day at the time, Georgia pulled in the No.13 overall class according to ESPN.com, but as we are NOW in 2010 when all of these guys are prepping for a senior (or redshirt junior) season or ALREADY in the NFL, I think "What about those two that got away from us!"
For the 2011 signing class Mark Richt is making it a point to CLOSE OFF THE STATE and compile a DREAM TEAM comprised of in-state talent that can lead Georgia to a national title. And the thing is, he's been pretty successful thus far in securing in-state talent. I just wish that he had done this for the 2007 class. On National Signing Day, Georgia watched as Antwane Greenlee signed with FSU, but that is OK because Chris Little left FSU for us that day. (WHATEVER. No real win or loss there). The Dawgs managed to get some offensive line help in Trinton Sturdivant, Justin Anderson and Clint Boling, but the real disappointment is NOT getting excited that Israel Troupe said yes after Eric Berry said no (also sad, but honestly after the disappointing 2006 season and with Berry's connection to Tennessee, it was a long-shot at BEST), but losing Cameron Heyward of Peachtree Ridge to Ohio State and Allen Bailey of McIntosh County Institute to Miami.
Yep, those two guys that will be in the NFL next season, likely after both going in the first round (first half of the first round, too!) and we were happy with Justin Houston (who I am a FAN of) and Charles White (a linebacker that...is he still on the team?). I love JHou, but can you imagine a 3-4 with Heyward at one DE spot with Allen Bailey and Justin Houston at the two OLB spots? WOW. You could probably even put Bailey at DE in the 3-4 and not feel bad about it too. WOW. Imagine that defense this season.
If you had Heyward and Bailey on that 2008 team that was crushed by Bama in the blackout game....different story. Those two wouldn't have let Tech come back from that halftime deficit in 08.
Those two would have gotten some pressure last season on the Okie State boys...and LSU...and Tennessee...and KENTUCKY for pete's sake.
CMR must sit back and wonder, "WOW, how did I let those two get away." Though, remember, if he had gotten those two, Willie Martinez would likely still be in Athens, because those two, with JHou still at DE would be enough to provide pressure from the front four. I always thought CWM's system was fine, he just needed players to play in it...which he didn't have the last two seasons. Oh well. Grantham is here now and hopefully Georgia can adjust to the 3-4 and quickly to have a great season.
I just wish this season included Heyward (PS, Drew Butler the starting punter's high school teammate. Come on Drew, I know you won Punter of the Year, but you couldn't help recruit your boy?) and Bailey because then Georgia would really be a force on defense. No.23? No way. More like No.3. Eat it Boise State.
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