Groundhog Day in more than one way!

File Photo: General Beauregard Lee

Today, February 2nd 2011 is Groundhog Day both literally and figuratively. Both of the leading groundhog prognosticators (Punxsutawney Phil and local favorite General Beauregard Lee) didn’t see their shadows which mean and early spring. I am sure the people of the Midwest and Northeast are glad to hear that news while they are in the middle of one of the biggest snow storms in years. An early spring would be a good thing.

In another aspect, today is like Groundhog Day the movie. In the movie, Bill Murray played a TV reported who relived the same day over and over. I bring this up because once again UGA Coach Mark Richt has been able to recruit a top 10 maybe top 5 recruiting class. He proposed bringing in a “Dream Team” and he was able to land a majority of the top players in the state. With Isaiah Crowell making his announcement today, the Dawgs have secured the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 12th ranked players in the state. Coach Richt was able to round out the rest of the class with some top talent from other states as well. Still the class has a chance to get better with the announcement that will be coming from John Jenkins on Saturday.

Here is Isaiah Crowell just after he announced he was signing with the Dawgs, complete with a bulldog puppy!

Bringing in great recruiting classes is great, but Coach Richt needs to turn these star recruits into wins. Of all of the years that Coach Richt has been in Athens, the worst ranked recruiting class he has brought in was ranked 15th. The remainder of the years have all been top 10 in the rankings by the recruiting services. That is why if feels like Groundhog Day to me. I have seen him bring in top 10 classes but we are not seeing the results on the field. Believe me; I fall for the hype every year! I love to hear that there are 3 five star, 5 four star and 8 three star recruits coming to Athens this summer, but I would rather see at least 10 wins each season. I know, you have to get the best players in to improve your chance to win, but as I have previously said, we have been getting top players but the wins haven’t been following in the last couple of years.

Anyway, I am going to celebrate tonight and worry about the rest tomorrow! Welcome to the Dawg Nation to all of the signees and good job Coach Richt and his staff!

Go Dawgs!