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| B U L L DAWGI L L UST R A T E D S PRIN G ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE V O L U ME 1 7 N O . 1 SPORTS COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AN EVOLUTION OF CHANGE | 14 CONGRATS TO CHARLIE WOERNER AND SYDNEY GILLIAM ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT TOP 7 SPRING OBJECTIVES | 16 TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH | 18 PHOTO BY: BRE LANEY/Peak Visuals Photography MURRAY’S TOP 15 SPORTS ASSIGNMENTS | 20 HAMMY’S TAKE ON SUPPORTING SPRING SPORTS | 22 SOCIAL GEORGIA GIRLS Q&A: HEATHER DIXON ADAMS | 26 BULLDOG 100 PHOTOS | 28 PROUST Q&A: NICK DALE | 32 OUR TEAM SUGAR BOWL FAN PHOTOS | 34 EDITOR: Vance Leavy CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Cheri Leavy MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR: Greg Poole SPORTS GURU: Jeff Dantzler ART DIRECTOR: Hinge Creative Co. SALES: Caroline Kinney SPORTS: Jeff Dantzler, Murray Poole MULTIMEDIA SUPPORT: Katy Wildes INTERNS: Chandler Call, Georgia Chambers, Hayden Chambless COVER PHOTOS: Athens Photo Booths SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY: Blane Marable, Greg Poole, Rob Saye COLUMNISTS: Hamilton Culpepper, Loran Smith DELIVERY: Jack Abernathy, John Dorris, Wats Dorris, Squeaky Drewry, Cullen Sewell, Thompson Sewell, Eric Shoemaker, Champ Vance ISSUE #1 GEORGIA SPRING ISSUE: March 5, 2019 ENDOWMENT LUNCHEON PHOTOS | 42 MORE SPORTS MEET THE #NEWBREED19 CLASS | 43 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 6 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
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| FROM THE EDITOR The excellence of athletics, alumni and fans of Georgia make it all smiles for spring I t’s great to be back in the saddle again to bring you our first issue of Bulldawg Illustrated for 2019. Dubbed as our spring issue, the goal is to VANCE LEAVY catch readers up on what they EDITOR IN CHIEF may have missed the last few months and provide a much, needed fix of information about Georgia football (who hit the field for spring drills on March 19). Also, since everyone at BI has the upmost respect for all the other programs under Georgia athletics, the spring issue also affords us the opportunity to catch-up on that front. Fifty-six pages later, I’m happy to report (as our cover states), it’s “All Smiles for Spring.” The fun photos on our cover were taken at one of the most unique events of the year put on by the Georgia athletic department. Annually, Bulldog donors that have endowed an athletic scholarship are treated to a thank-you lunch. While the food is always solid, the specialness of the event comes from the 30 to 50 student-athletes that also attend. The event was also attended by donors, who supported the Georgia Way networking arm of the athletic department. Former Dawg, Malcolm Mitchell was one of the speakers. While my space requirements prevent me from giving his terrific speech the justice it deserves, the underlying message was quite simple, yet so strong. “Life-changing” is how he described his scholarship. It’s easy to follow our Georgia athletes when they are in their uniforms, but an absolute treat to get to know their true personalities, when not. For this reason, I encourage anyone interested in endowing an athletic scholarship to get in touch with the folks at the Georgia Bulldog Club. The beauty of the financial giving is that the scholarship remains endowed forever. Continuing with the “all smiles” theme, make sure to check out the photo on page six. Georgia tight end, Charlie Woerner proposed to his girlfriend, Sydney Gilliam (a former player for UGA Volleyball), on March 2. It’s another neat example of seeing our student-athletes with all smiles. I mentioned earlier that our spring issue always has the task of updating folks on the happenings of Georgia football since our last issue in mid-December. To say the news has been plentiful is an understatement with the coaching and player personnel changes. Also, during that time, all college football fans have become familiar with the games’ newest addition … the transfer portal. So as the editor of this publication (that I’m happy to report is now in its’ 17th year), I needed a story that covered all these facets. Easy assignment, right? Thankfully, Georgia has one of the best journalism schools in the nation and BI is lucky enough to have two Grady School students (Hayden Chambless and Georgia Chambers) that assumed intern roles with us over the last few months. But any good story must have a source (preferably more than one), which was the tricky part. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 8 However, veteran sports journalists and Grady alums, Tony Barnhart and Mark Schlabach, were gracious enough to be interviewed. Thanks so much guys, I appreciate it. I think you will agree with me that Hayden and Georgia did a tremendous job with their “College Football: An Evolution of Change” article beginning on page 13. Our college interns aren’t the only ones to shine in this issue. Hamilton Culpepper, now a junior in high school, updates our readers about all the other Georgia sports that are in-season right now (page 21-24). These days, Hammy is also working for Claude Felton in the Sports Information Department at Georgia, so he was the ideal choice for this story. Please be sure to zero-in on his beautifully written lead paragraph. This multi-talented young man continues to amaze Cheri and me. Also, don’t miss veteran writer Jeff Dantzler’s column (page 10), which compliments Hammy’s spring sports update. The accomplishments of Georgia’s “Core Four” of coaches is astounding. On the other end of our writers’ spectrum for BI, Murray Poole let me know last year, that 2019 would be his final year. Yes, after being hired out of Georgia’s Grady College by my grandfather 54 years ago to be The Brunswick News’ sports editor, Murray will become a full- time grandfather, traveler and Georgia fan in 2020. Indeed, this year will be emotional. However rather than letting it be sad, I felt such an awesome career instead must be celebrated. On page 20, Murray kicks off his 15 Greatest Sports Assignments series with #15. Thanks so much Murray for everything. I know our readers will love this special send-off that will go all the way through the season. Finally, no issue of BI is complete without a little hype about our beloved football team and, of course, social coverage of the alumni and fans in the Bulldog Nation. On pages 16 and 18, Matthew Pasek rolls out his Top 7 Objectives and Top 10 Players to Watch for spring practice. On page 43, he also introduces our dozen pages of analysis (by Graham Groseclose and Chuck McConnell) of all 24 signees of Georgia’s 2019 signing class. Kudos must go to Kirby Smart and his staff for landing the nation’s No. 2 class. Without a doubt, #NewBreed19 is full of studs! Our social coverage begins on page 25. In that section, you will find fan photos of the UGA Alumni Association’s Bulldog 100. The annual event recognizes the 100 fastest businesses that are owned by Georgia alumni. I encourage you to take the time to go the association’s website to learn more about these fantastic companies. Cheri features one of these in her Proust Q&A (page 32) with a spotlight on Nick Dale of Condor Chocolates (#97). Also in the social section are the fan photos we took at the Sugar Bowl. Yes, we didn’t win the game, but last season was still a huge success and further showed the dominance of our fan base. Speaking of our fans and supporting our team, this year’s G-Day game will be April 20. Let’s continue the awesome trend of having Sanford Stadium filled to the brim. I look forward to seeing you then. And literally at press time, former UGA golfer Keith Mitchell won his first PGA tour victory at the Honda Classic. Please be on the lookout for our next issue (Season Preview) of BI on May 21. Go Dawgs!! ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
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| FOOTBALL SPORTS Diaz took over for his mentor - Bauerle’s and Wallace’s as well - the Greatest Bulldog Ever, Dan Magill, as Georgia’s head tennis coach in the 1988-89 season. The three-time All-American on the courts in the ‘70s for Magill, has guided Georgia to four national championships, an astounding 28 combined (regular season and tournament) SEC titles and two NCAA Indoor Championships. You may have heard of his most famous pupil. Big John Isner, the Marathon Man, was a semifinalist at Wimbledon and quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open last summer. JEFF DANTZLER @jeffdantzlerTV “I think for us that have been here this long, it’s about more than a job,” says Diaz. “We’ve seen each other grow up and start families and build lifelong relationships with so many kids, that they now love Georgia the same way we do. We feel like we have passed the torch to them and continue to do that, and because of that, we have this incredible connection.” Georgia’s Core Four deserve a mighty salute O Haack is in his 23rd season at the helm of the Georgia golf team. His Bulldog powerhouse captured the 1999 and 2005 national championships, has won eight SEC titles, finished as national runners-up twice, had two other teams that were ranked No. 1 and two others that advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Match-Play. If you follow the PGA Tour, you see almost weekly several Bulldog standouts in contention - that includes two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, last year’s British Open runner-up Kevin Kisner, and recent U.S. Open second-place finishers Erik Compton and Brian Harman. h what would a school would give for a coach with multiple national championships? What for one that has been doing it for 20, 30, or even 40 years? With lots of alumni to follow in the pros and Olympics? What for a coach that always has their team in the top ten? The kind of coach who has important things named for them? What for a coach sharing a love affair with alma mater thee? “There is nothing better than coming to the UGA Golf Course every day, knowing you’re representing the University of Georgia, the best fans, the best staff and the greatest college town you could live in,” says Haack. “I am so appreciative to work with Jack, Manny and Jeff, knowing that I can pick the brains of these three legends at anytime. I’m lucky that the four of us have become close over the years and are great friends.” Oh what so schools would give for a coach like that? Just one? Georgia has four. Jack Bauerle, Manny Diaz, Chris Haack and Jeff Wallace, the quartet of legendary Bulldog coaches with all the aforementioned credentials have delivered immeasurable “glory to old Georgia,” and all four show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Between the four of them, they have won, and won a lot, for a long time. They also happen to be close friends and four of the greatest guys of all time. Each is deserving of novels thicker than Don Quixote - much less these 900-ish words - to properly recognize their accomplishments and just how important they have been to many. “All four are wonderful people, and they love Georgia,” fondly reflects legendary Bulldogs football coach and athletic director Vince Dooley, who hired all four. “Everything they have accomplished and continue to accomplish is incredibly impressive … they make the old coach very proud.” Bauerle, a standout in the pool himself, has guided the Georgia women’s swimming program since 1978 and the men since 1983, leading the Bulldogs to seven national championships and 12 Southeastern Conference crowns. Between 1999 and 2016, Bauerle’s powerhouse women’s swimming team finished first or second nationally 15 times in 18 seasons. The number of Olympians, medalists and All-Americans from a United Nations of countries is staggering. As are Bauerle’s amazing accomplshments as a United States national coach. “There is no way to measure the love I have for this place and the respect and admiration that I have for my three close friends,” Bauerle said. “Georgia is such a special place, and Manny, Jeff and Chris are a huge part of our legacy.” BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED Wallace’s women’s tennis powerhouse in February captured the program’s fourth NCAA Indoor Championship, the third different decade in which his Bulldogs have claimed the prize. En route to the victory, Georgia beat the nation’s No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 ranked teams in a four day period. His teams won the national championship in 1994 and 2000, plus 14 combined league crowns. Like his trio of counterparts, Wallace, who took over the program in the 1985-86 season, a year after his playing career under the incomparable Magill ended, has coached a slew of All-Americans and individual national champions. This year’s crop does not have a senior on the roster. “I am so fortunate to be able to come to work alongside three legendary national championship coaches,” proclaims Wallace. “Manuel, Jack and Chris are passionate about the University of Georgia and are so willing to help their peers with advice and expertise. We have all become really good friends and share a common love for the Dawgs!” As for the grand total, Bauerle, Diaz, Haack and Wallace won 15 national championships (plus six NCAA Indoor Tennis titles) and 62 SEC titles in an astounding 129 combined years at their respective helms in Athens. Those incredible totals tell just a small part of what they have meant to Georgia. The numerous other stellar coaches in Athens who are compiling their own accolades have an amazing quartet who have set an incredible standard. These core four have built a legacy of excellence, passion, tradition and love of Georgia. 10 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
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| TOP 7 SPRING OBJECTIVES PG. 16 | MURRAY’S TOP 15 GREATEST SPORTS ASSIGNMENTS PG. 20 | HAMMY’S TAKE ON SUPPORTING SPRING SPORTS | PG. 22 SPORTS PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE AN EVOLUTION OF CHANGE BY HAYDEN CHAMBLESS AND GEORGIA CHAMBERS The world of college football has always been an ever- changing landscape, but recently the changes have been happening at an unprecedented pace. Power Five programs are receiving more money than ever before, and the implementation of the transfer portal has made the transfer process easier and more transparent. Both are arguably making college football run more like a professional league, where the moves in the “the off-season” are just as important as what transpires on the field during the season. (continued on next page) |
| SPORTS FOOTBALL University of Georgia Grady College graduates and prominent figures in sports media Mark Schlabach and Tony Barnhart shared their expert insight. Schlabach is a New York Times best-selling author, columnist and reporter for ESPN.com. Barnhart is a college insider for CBS Sports on their college football coverage. They both agree that college football is changing and not necessarily for the better. One of the most dramatic changes since the College Football Playoffs came to be in 2014 is the amount of money that exchanges hands. Head coach salaries have grown with Kirby Smart signing a 49 million dollar contract and Nick Saban’s being 74 million dollars. The more surprising jump is that of the assistant coaches’ pay. coordinators Dave Aranda of LSU, Brent Venables of Clemson and Kevin Steele of Auburn are all making more than $2 million a year. “The cost of doing business in college football right now is insane,” said Schlabach. “From the facilities, to the salaries … It’s just really difficult to keep up nowadays.” The University of Georgia Athletic Board approved and carried out a $63 million improvement to the west end zone before this past season. Now, the board is planning a football-only building as part of the Butts-Mehre expansion and renovation. GLENN SCHUMANN DAN LANNING “The gap is between the power five conferences and the group of five. They [power five] are benefiting the most from the influx of money that comes from the playoff,” said Barnhart. “You can go out, hire and retain those coaches. If you have a really good coach and you lose them it is not because of money.” These improvements act as magnets for recruits in addition to the millions dollar recruiting budgets that Barnhart mentioned. Georgia secured the No. 1 recruiting class in 2018 and the No. 2 class in 2019, according to ESPN. The amount of money invested into football programs is not the only aspect of college football that makes it more like the NFL. On Oct. 15, 2018 the college football world was introduced to the transfer portal. The online site serves as a ‘notification-of- transfer’ from athletes so that coaches from other schools are able to contact them. Over the last few months, Georgia has CHARLTON WARREN JAMES COLEY added new coaches to “I think we’re getting the program, as well as PHOTOS BY: GREG POOLE & GEORGIA SPORTS COMMUNICATIONS very close to complete shuffle around some free agency in college football, which I think would be very positions within the staff since Mel Tucker, former defensive detrimental to the sport,” Schlabach said. coordinator, left to coach at Colorado and Jim Chaney headed to Tennessee to oversee the Vols’ offense. James Coley was He continued to explain that there has been a growing trend promoted to Georgia’s offensive coordinator and Dan Lanning over the last couple of years to enhance player rights and give and Glenn Schumann are now co-defensive coordinators. players more power in terms of decisions that affect them. That is Charlton Warren left Florida to coach the defensive backs at the positive side of the portal. Georgia, and Todd Hartley, formerly at Miami, is the new tight “If a guy wants to leave and find another opportunity it is a clear, ends coach. understandable process that is out in the open,” said Barnhart. These have not been the only changes within the program. “Before the portal it was all done in secret. Now it is out in the In 2018, Georgia’s 10 assistant coaches were paid $6.42 million open, transparent and schools cannot block transfers.” collectively compared to the nine assistants being paid a total On the other hand, this will benefit programs that are already of $4.56 million in 2017. Some position coaches at Georgia are well-established and leave others out to dry. making over $500 thousand while Coley and Sam Pittman are approaching $1 million. “[College football] is going to get even more top-heavy because if Alabama or Georgia or Ohio State’s coaches know that they The steep raises at Georgia are still nothing compared to can go pick a senior off of any team - I think they’re going to start other top football schools. USA Today reported that defensive BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 14 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| FOOTBALL to do it,” Schlabach said. “Teams are going to have even more talented rosters than what they had before.” Since the transfer portal is a relatively new program, the NCAA is still working to fine tune the process. But as it stands now, it tends to favor athletes by weighing their wishes over the set regulations. The Justin Fields situation is a perfect example of this. Barnhart and Schlabach agree that there is a growing sense of entitlement in young players, especially incoming quarterbacks. Like many others, they believe that Fields thought he was going to show up on campus and start from day one. Fields decided that going to Ohio State was the better option for him and his career, and he capitalized on the portal as a means to do so. Schlabach did not think that Fields would be granted an immediate-eligibility waiver, but he was. According to espn.com, 64 FBS players have applied for these waivers since the policy change in 2018, and 51 (79.7 percent) received approvals. The waivers are meant for unusual situations and hardships. Barnhart questioned whether or not the number of granted requests should be that high. “It’s implied to players that if you’re unhappy, you can go anywhere you want, the NCAA isn’t going to stand in your way,” Schlabach said. Justin Fields is an example of a player who utilized the portal to go elsewhere, but Georgia has capitalized on this new process, picking up a handful of athletes going into the 2019 season. Two of them are a graduate transfers, one from Miami, receiver Lawrence Cager, and another, long snapper Steven Nixon from Mercer University. Most recently, Georgia added former Tennessee tight end Eli Wolf to their roster. These players will help fill some of the positions left open by Georgia players deciding to enter the draft early. Some would argue that college football is beginning to become unrecognizable from what it used to be. No longer is it just for the passion of the sport, but now it involves more on the logistics side, mirroring large corporations. And in doing so, it is threatening programs that do not capitalize as much from both the money and recruiting standpoint. “The biggest thing to me, and I’ve been talking about this for the last few years a lot, is the gap between the have and have-nots in college football is just growing wider and wider,” Schlabach said. “And I just wonder if we’re not getting to a point where we’re going to take some teams out of major college football.” Georgia is adjusting well to the new reality in college football. Smart and his program are in the “have” side and trending upwards. With the coaching staff changes, player transfers and new recruiting class, Georgia fans are entering a season of unknown. The program has a lot to prove going into the 2019 season. The success of the changes made will be determined with the performance on the field over time. But patience isn’t at a premium in today’s landscape. Keep up with more stories by Hayden and Georgia at www. bulldawgillustrated.com SPRIN G BR EAK I N STYLE … INTRODUCING THE NEW 2019 LINCOLN NAUTILUS FITZGERALDLINCOLN.COM 229-423-8787 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED SPORTS 15 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| TOP 7 OBJECTIVES OF SPRING DRILLS BY MATTHEW PASEK Spring practice is all about self-scouting and individual player development. It is not about filling out a depth chart or implementing game plans. The best coaches get back to the basics and look at the players and season ahead of them with fresh eyes. Every- one has a clean slate and every job is open to competition. It is a critical 15 practices that will set the tone for this new breed of Bulldog. RETURN OF THE FULLBACK? In 2018, the tight end room was one of the most talented in the program with Isaac Nauta, Charlie Woerner, Jackson Harris and Luke Ford fighting for reps. In an effort to get their best players on the field the Dawgs transitioned away from the fullback towards two tight end sets. One year later, after a mass exodus, the tight end room is very thin and the fullback is poised to make a return. The Dawgs have several walk-on options capable of contributing immediately at fullback which would allow UGA to bring back the toss sweep and add an effective lead blocker in goal to go situations where Georgia was abysmal last season. IDENTIFY A BACKUP QUARTERBACK REFINE SUBSTITUTION PATTERNS There is no quarterback controversy in Athens for the first time in Kirby Smart’s tenure. This is Jake Fromm’s team and barring injury he will take all meaningful snaps in 2019. However, you never know when lightning will strike. Should Fromm miss snaps at a critical moment, either Stetson Bennett or Dwan Mathis will need to step in and lead the team. vvBennett has tremendous knowledge of the playbook and the respect of his teammates while Mathis has undeniable raw tools. It will be a compelling competition throughout spring. A hallmark of Kirby Smart’s defense is utilizing multiple substitution packages depending upon the down and distance and opponents tendencies. Over the last three years it has been a blessing and a curse. When executed correctly the Bulldogs defense has dominated opponents but it has also been a liability at key moments. Too many times Georgia has been caught out of position with players running on and off the field leading to penalties or explosive plays by opponents. This spring Coach Smart and Coach Lanning need to self-scout and refine the substitutions patterns. DEVELOP IDENTITY ON OFFENSE PHILOSOPHY OF THE PASS RUSH BUILD A CHAMPIONSHIP MENTALITY In 2019, the Dawgs will be ushering in a new era on offense with the promotion of James Coley to offensive coordinator. During Jim Chaney’s tenure in Athens the Bulldogs ran the ball on nearly 65% of offensive snaps. During Coley’s three seasons at Miami, his run/ pass splits was consistently close to 50/50 with a slight tendency to favor the pass. It will be intriguing to see the offensive identity Georgia establishes this spring. Do the Dawgs still lean on the power run game? Does Coley stretch the field vertically more often? These and many more questions will be answered this spring. Coming from the Nick Saban school of defense, Kirby Smart steadfastly believes stopping the run is the primary objective on defense and affecting the quarterback is secondary. However, with the inexperience at cornerback Coach Lanning must find a way to make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket. The philosophy of “stopping the run on the way to the quarterback” must be abandoned occasionally and the athletes on the edge allowed to hunt quarterbacks. Georgia has too many talented pass rushers to confine in a scheme that does not allow them take advantage of their greatest skill set. For two consecutive seasons Georgia has been incredibly close to bringing a National Championship to Athens. For two consecutive seasons the Dawgs fell seconds short in the final seconds against Alabama. There is more than one reason why they fell short, but the biggest reason is a lack of a championship mentality. Instead of keeping their foot on the gas they backed off the pedal and let the opponent back in the game. The moment the team steps on the field this spring Coach Smart needs to instill the core principles of consistent intensity, effort and composure. There are no excuses, it is time to perform like a champion. PUSH THE TEMPO? The Dawgs finished last season 101st out of 130 FBS teams in offensive plays per game. The tempo was so slow that the Dawgs finished one spot behind Georgia Tech. In part by design, to protect a defense that lacked depth and experience, the Dawgs played at a very deliberate pace. On the rare occasion the Dawgs went uptempo Jake Fromm dissected opposing defenses with clinical precision. With another strong recruiting class loaded with defensive talent, UGA has the depth to allow Fromm to push the tempo and take advantage of his extraordinary decision making. For fresh and on point perspective on UGA football and athletics, be sure to keep up with Matthew Pasek’s “I’mYourHuckleberry” posts at bulldawgillustrated.com |
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| SPORTS FOOTBALL TOP 10 PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS SPRING ADAM ANDERSON BY MATTHEW PASEK One of Kirby Smart’s favorite mantras since arriving in Athens is, “Pressure is a Privilege.” In 2019, the Dawgs will face a tremendous amount of pressure with expectations to bring home a National Championship for the first time in 39 years. The development of the following players during spring practice will play a significant role in the Dawgs achieving their ultimate goal. There may not be a more versatile athlete on the team than Adam Anderson. At 6-5, 225-pound, Anderson has a lightning quick first step as a pass rusher and has the athleticism to run with receivers and tight ends in coverage. However, during spring practice he must prove he can set the edge in the run game. His development as a three down linebacker is crucial to the return of the Junkyard Dawg defense. CHANNING TINDALL JAMAREE SALYER TYSON CAMPBELL In 2018, it was clear the Bulldogs missed a human eraser at middle linebacker. Roquan Smith played middle linebacker to perfection in 2017 and the UGA defense was borderline elite because of his consistent high-level performance. Tindall brings the same tremendous physical ability and excellent instincts and with a strong spring will be ready to make his mark on Saturdays. Salyer arrived in Athens as the highest ranked offensive guard in the country and appeared destined to be an instant impact player. It did not come to fruition, but unlike other five-star recruits, Salyer kept his head down, kept working and believed in Coach Pittman. He has used the past 18 months to get in excellent shape and dive into the playbook. This spring Salyer has the opportunity to force his way onto the field this fall. Campbell is another five-star recruit who arrived in Athens in 2018 with massive expectations due to his lofty recruiting ranking and elite physical skills. Campbell got off to a solid start but his performance waned as the season progressed and culminated with him losing his job to Eric Stokes. Spring practice is huge for Campbell to rebuild his confidence and prepare to be a mainstay on defense in 2019. RICHARD LECOUNTE, III DEMETRIS ROBERTSON JERMAINE JOHNSON The stars were aligned for LeCounte to breakout as an impact player for Georgia in 2018. He started solid, made the occasional spectacular play, but overall his performance was inconsistent. He has the traits of an elite ball hawk but his poor tackling made him a liability at key moments. LeCounte needs to work closely with Coach Warren to become a more reliable tackler and play with better technique. The Dawgs suffered significant attrition at wide receiver with the loss of Riley Ridley, Terry Godwin and Mecole Hardman. Robertson, a former five- star recruit must prove his commitment to blocking and a comprehensive knowledge of the playbook to earn consistent reps. These 15 practices are all about earning the trust of the coaching staff and if he does the sky is the limit. After two seasons at Independence Community College, Johnson enters spring practice with the potential to be a one-and-done player at Georgia. His greatest trait is his ability to get after the quarterback and this spring he must prove he can do it against elite level competition in practice. If he proves he can consistently win one-on-one battles the Dawgs defense will shine on Saturdays in 2019. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 18 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| DIVAAD WILSON The Dawgs spent nearly 65% of their defensive snaps in nickel personnel last season, which makes the STAR position incredibly important on defense. The ideal player is both physical enough to fight off blocks and agile enough to cover speedy slot receivers. Wilson has the skill set to be elite and spring practice is the ideal time for him to lockdown the starting role. JEREMIAH HOLLOMAN In 2018, Holloman showed glimpses of being able to take over a game on the outside. His combination of speed, strength, length and leaping ability makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing defensive backs. Spring practice is all about refining his craft so that he can live up to his potential as the first true number one receiver since the days of A.J. Green. JAKE FROMM From the moment Fromm steps on the field this spring he must set the tone for the team. His leadership is every bit as important as Coach Smart’s. That is the blessing and the curse of being a “franchise quarterback.” If he competes and performs at an elite level for all 15 practices, the remainder of the team will follow his lead. It is up to Fromm to set National Championship level expectations just like Chubb, Michel, Carter and Bellamy did in 2017. For fresh and on point perspective on UGA football and athletics, be sure to keep up with Matthew Pasek’s “I’mYourHuckleberry” posts at bulldawgillustrated.com JAKE FROMM PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE THE D O N A L D R O S S GEM O F T H E G O L D EN I S LES www.brunswickcountryclub.com Ask about our Non-Resident Membership Program. One of the best private club values in Georgia! Contact Dan Hogan, PGA: 912.222.5910 danhogan@brunswickcountryclub.com BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 19 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| FIFTEEN GREATEST SPORTS ASSIGNMENTS COUNTDOWN MURRAY POOLE 15 # The Final Prep Game of a Legendary Running Back A ll good things must come to an end and after 54 years of covering the Georgia Bulldogs for The Brunswick News and Bulldawg Illustrated, I’ve decided it’s time to back away from the computer keyboard and see what else this life has to offer in the fall months of the year. But that retirement after 57 years of writing sports — 40 coming as the sports editor of the Brunswick newspaper and 17 being with Bulldawg Illustrated with three of those years overlapping — won’t happen until after Georgia’s upcoming 2019 season when, hopefully, Kirby Smart’s Dawgs will make a bonafide run for the school’s first natty since 1980. But you can bet I will still be somewhat attached to my alma mater’s Saturday kickoffs, either as a regular Bulldog fan somewhere in the stands (which I haven’t done in 50 years now) or via a television set somewhere ... such as maybe at a venue in the New England states, where my wife Barbara has always yearned to visit in the fall of the year. You’ve got red and black blood in your veins all these autumns despite having to be somewhat objective and keeping your mouth shut in the press box while covering the game, you simply don’t walk away from Georgia football cold turkey! I just thank the Good Lord for giving me the health to do this all these years. So as I begin my swan song on Aug. 31 of this year with the Bulldogs’ opener at Vanderbilt, our Bulldawg Illustrated editor, Vance Leavy, asked if I would pen my “15 Favorite Sports Assignments” over these past 50-plus years. That, I told Vance, would be a labor of love as I reach back into the back roads of my mind to rehash my most memorable games and events. Mind you, as we begin this series at No. 15 and count up the ladder to No. 1, which will appear in our December bowl issue, my remembrances in each of the magazines won’t all be related to the Bulldogs though, of course, many of them will. So, enough explanation. Let’s kick this thing off with: No. 15: The Final Prep Game of a Legendary Running Back All during the fall of 1979 I, along with all other UGA football fans, had followed the amazing recruiting saga of Herschel Junior Walker. Remember, we didn’t have the Internet in those days so everything you heard was strictly through the grapevine and you didn’t know then what actually was truth and what were rumors. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED Georgia play-by-play man Larry Munson had a five-minute morning radio show in those days that ran statewide and during the recruiting time of Herschel, the nation’s No. 1-rated high school player, Munson would throw out tidbits each morning with something like, “Did you hear what happened on a lonely road near Wrightsville last night?” Then, Munson would add about such-and-such recruiter nearly getting a commitment from Walker, etc. All along though, the thing we did know was that Herschel had pretty much dwindled his college choices to three schools … Georgia, Clemson and the University of Southern California. Well, with the Glynn County Schools high school football season long since ended, I was determined to see Herschel Walker in person at least once before he capped his record- breaking prep career. Thus, accompanied by my then 9-year-old son, Jeffrey, I set out on Dec. 8, 1979 for Wrightsville and the Class A state championship game against an Atlanta team called Feldwood, which no longer is in existence. We didn’t go into the small Johnson County press box that night but rather, simply mingled in with the crowd on the Johnson County sidelines and behind the Trojans’ bench. I will always remember the huge banner the Feldwood fans draped across the entire front of the visiting stands. It simply said, “Herschel Who?” Didn’t take them long to find out who Walker was. At Johnson County High, Herschel wore No. 43. When he arrived at Georgia for fall practice in 1980, the 43 jersey wasn’t available because that was senior linebacker Keith Middleton’s number. Walker was given No. 34 by Vince Dooley and I think we all know how he sorta made that number famous over the next three seasons. But, I regress. Back to that chilly night in Wrightsville. On his first carry of the night, the then 218-pound Walker swept around right end, cut back across the field and went 65 yards for a touchdown. With Georgia assistant coach Mike Cavan along with the top recruiters from Clemson and Southern Cal standing down in the end zone, Herschel Walker would run for 318 yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries as Johnson County blew out these Atlanta visitors, 35-17. I recall on one carry up the middle, all you could see was seemingly the entire Feldwood defense smothering Walker and like a scrum in rugby, the entire pile continuing to move forward for 10 or 15 more yards as the defenders simply couldn’t bring him to the ground. And oh yeah, Herschel never left the field on defense that night either, making one crushing hit after another from his linebacker position. I knew at that moment I was viewing a future Heisman Trophy winner! Herschel Walker finished that senior season with 3,167 rushing yards. Down in that end zone, Mike Cavan had to be smiling but as we all now know, the recruitment of Herschel carried all the way to April 6, 1980, on Easter Sunday, when Cavan and head coach Dooley finally reeled in their greatest-ever high school football player! Next in May 21 Season Preview issue: No. 14, Finally, an SEC Championship After 20 Years! 20 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
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| WHAT’S THE WORD from Our Junior Journalist HAMILTON CULPEPPER SUPPORTING THE OTHER UGA ATHLETIC PROGRAMS IS A SPRINGTIME HIGHLIGHT IN ATHENS A university marked by unparalleled athletics, the University of Georgia stands tall on the rod iron arches of excellence. Ringing with glory, the sound of victory echoes through the Classic City, and the Georgia faithful rejoice for the Chapel Bell as it signifies a win. Although football is the most attended sporting event at our fine university, the other athletic programs also have their share of success. Their histories are filled with victories and championships, so I’d like to recognize their achievements of the past and anticipate what each of their bright futures hold. Over the past year and a half, I have spent a lot of time at the Butts- Mehre SWIMMING & DIVING On the swimming and diving front, the Gabrielsen Natatorium at the Ramsey Student Center, home to your Georgia Swimming and Diving teams, hosted this year’s Southeastern Conference tournament, where the men’s and women’s teams each placed fourth in the conference in the team events. This historic program led by a past interviewee of mine (and also featured in JD’s terrific column on page 10), Coach Jack Bauerle, has led the women’s team to seven national championships including their most recent 2016 crown. And they have earned an impressive 12 SEC titles. The men have tacked on three more league banners to the undeniably fantastic history of Georgia swimming. Currently, this program awaits the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships that take place March 20-30 in Austin, Texas, so for our Texas Dawgs reading this, make your way to Austin to support your swimming and diving team. LADY DOGS HEAD COACH JONI TAYLOR Heritage Hall working under the great Claude Felton and many other sports information directors. As an intern, I have seen both highs and lows of almost every sport, yet my respect for all of the UGA athletic programs and the staff that supports each one in the sports communication department is continuously growing because of the strenuous work it demands. Yes, we’ve all heard success is a process that takes time and effort, but I have seen hours upon hours of grinding work that helps foster our unbelievable athletic program, and the people whom I have the privilege to work with are the backbones. Without further adieu, here are updates on the Georgia sports programs that participate in the first half of the year. EQUESTRIAN Out in Bishop, Georgia where hooves stomp and the reigning SEC Champs hang their banners, the UGA equestrian squad continues to be amongst one of the nation’s best programs. The 2018 SEC Champs made a national title appearance at the 2018 NCEA tournament where they fell short to conference foe Auburn in the finals. However, the team has a total of six national championships to fill our history, the most recent coming in 2014. The team is riding through their 2019 campaign in what could be seen as a step back from last season, but with a strong conclusion to this season could leave the riders right at .500 on the year and in perfect position to compete for the conference title. A new facility for the team is being built as we speak, and an exciting future awaits these girls and their horses. BASKETBALL On the hardwood, the Hoop Dawgs have faced a rather tough season, but with head coach Tom Crean at the helm of rebuilding our program, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Coming off a huge victory over Florida in Gainesville, Crean’s team continues to fight to the end. His team is fighting to the end in every game and, of course, there was the big news of the program signing of No. 1 overall player in the nation, Anthony Edwards. The stud, known as AntMan, is a talented guard out of Holy Spirit Preparatory School in Atlanta who will come to Athens with high anticipation. Throughout the losing season for Georgia, fans have still filled Stegeman Coliseum, selling out multiple times, which was a huge factor in the the AntMan’s commitment. In a 78-75 loss to Auburn, the Dawg fans set an attendance record, so, as we can see, the culture and hype surrounding Georgia basketball is obviously on the rise, and bringing the highest rated recruit in the history of our program might tip us over the edge to a nationally relevant team once again. Side note on Anthony Edwards’ recruitment; he revealed his commitment in the best fashion I have ever PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 22 ISSUE ONE • SPRINGTIME IN ATHENS |
| seen before. I advise checking out the link at BulldawgIllustrated.com to watch his awesome commitment with a little help from his nephew. BASEBALL Right down the street from the coliseum at Foley Field, the Georgia baseball season has just begun, and after an amazing 2018 season, the Diamond Dawgs entered the 2019 campaign as No. 9 in the nation. Third baseman and relief pitcher, Aaron Schunk, earned preseason All-American honors and has made a statement with his bat so far this season. Another interesting nugget surrounding the ballpark involves head coach Scott Stricklin’s parents. After climbing in the rankings. Head Coach, Lu Harris-Champer, is in her 19th season as the head coach with a decorated resume. She’s led the softball team to 17-straight NCAA tournament trips, two SEC regular season titles, one SEC tournament title, 10 NCAA Super Regional outings, and four appearances in the Women’s College World Series, two of which took place within the last three seasons. I’ve said this for other Georgia athletics, and I’ll say it again, this program is destined to do fantastic things over the course of the rest of their season. For the Lady Dogs, a season to remember, but maybe not in a way you expected. Success is a given for the Lady Dogs as it can be seen stitched to the banners that hang from the rafters of Stegeman, and in the 2017-18 campaign, excellence was present. Going 26-7 on the year and 12-4 in the league, the Lady Dogs marched right into March Madness as a host of the first two rounds TENNIS PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE of the Women’s NCAA And for the Georgia tournament. After an early tennis programs, a recent exit in the round of 32, the national champion was ladies devoted the offseason just crowned. Coach Jeff to “closing the gap” as coined Wallace’s women claimed by head coach Joni Taylor. their sixth national Along the journey of the title at the ITA Indoor 2018-19 season, the young Championship. The 16- Lady Dogs showed flashes time SEC Champs are right of greatness, upsetting on track to claim their SEC East rival Tennessee 17th with prime timers like but also showed times of Katrina Jokic on the court. inexperience. With a strong She is just the fifth female finish to the season and a in collegiate women’s run in the SEC tournament, tennis to win a grand an NCAA tournament bid slam, and she led Georgia might be in the future in a to their seventh singles few weeks. As for “a season championship in program to remember,” Coach Taylor HEAD COACH SCOTT STRICKLIN WITH THE FATHEAD CUTOUT OF HIS PARENTS history. After she closed gave birth to her second out the fall with a singles grand slam at attending every single Georgia baseball daughter, Drew Simone Taylor. It was game since the beginning of Stricklin’s stint the ITA Fall Singles Championship, she was February 19, just a mere 10 hours after rated the No. 1 singles player in the nation. here at UGA, his parents missed this year’s knocking off Ole Miss 78-56. And then a Over on the men’s side of the court, they February 15 game with Dayton due to his short 48 hours after that, she sat on the are a force to be reckoned with, as well. As bench as an assistant for the Lady Dogs’ 93- father falling ill. But the fans took matters in their own hands, printing a large FatHead Dan Magill built this program, the nationally 83 win over Arkansas. renowned program has grown to be a threat cut out of his parents’ faces to help Coach GYMNASTICS in the tournament each year as top a tiered cope with their absence. Coming off of an men’s tennis program. With six national incredible 2018 season, as I mentioned As goes for the GymDogs, everyone knows earlier, the stakes are once again high for championships and two more indoor their history of 10 national championships, championships, the Dawgs are consistent this UGA athletic program. In the SEC, 16 conference championships, and arguably baseball is just like football, domination. It winners, and this year is no different. Manny the greatest coach in college gymnastics Diaz and crew are rolling in 2019 and a is the toughest conference as seven other ever, Suzanne Yoculan-Leebern. Now, under teams filled the preseason top 25 along with conference tournament championship the leadership of Courtney Kupets Carter (a Georgia. Conference championships are along with an NCAA tournament bid are Yoculan-Leebern pupil), we’re back where always in the picture. I highly suggest taking tough to attain in this league, but just like the GymDogs belong, the national stage. gymnastics and many other UGA programs, a trip to the Dan Magill Tennis Complex Thus far, the 2019 season includes major to view a men’s or women’s match. The this group is right in the mix of potential conference and non-conference wins, complex was just approved to undergo a title holders. including recent victories over Florida, $8.5 million renovation to the grandstands Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa State, SOFTBALL and a resurfacing of the 12 outdoor and 4 and Ohio State. The SECs are around the indoor courts. At the Jack Turner Softball Stadium (a.k.a corner and then something special comes “The Jack”), the softball team follows to Athens in April as the GymDogs and GOLF the common trend of Georgia athletics, Stegeman Coliseum are hosting the NCAA At the UGA Golf Course, excellence is bred successful. After a terrific run last year with Regionals, April 4-6. Trust me, the intensity just like in many of the other programs. an overall record of 48-13, the softball of post-season gymnastics is well worth The 2019 women’s golf team has opened team hosted both the regional and super your time and money. Not to mention, up this season with some great finishes in regional, punching their ticket to the you hopefully contribute to our gymnasts Women’s College World Series. Their run was tough tournaments. Closing out the month advancing to the Nationals to compete for of January, they capped off the Duel in the cut short after a loss to Florida then Florida their 11th national title. High aspirations, Desert with a second place finish; in State. However, greatness awaits this team I know, but it is very possible with our in 2019, for they entered the season at No. outstanding staff and squad. 8 in the nation, and they just will not stop BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 23 ISSUE ONE • SPRINGTIME IN ATHENS |
| statement as a freshman, earning an invite to the Puerto Rico tournament. He’s an exceptional golfer and an even better person, so I felt it necessary to mention his name in this article. Mark your calendar for May 13-15 as the men’s team will be hosting the NCAA Regionals at the UGA Golf Course. While the men practice every day at the their home course, it’s been almost 10 years since they played a competitive round at the Robert Trent Jones designed gem. TRACK & FIELD PHOTO BY: HOWARD LAO February, they finished eighth in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic, and another second place finish at the Gold Rush. A huge part of this team’s early success is due to freshman Harmie Constantino. The Philippine freshman phenom is just 4’8 but packed with talent and skill. And for men’s golf, the guys kicked off their spring season with a bang, capturing head coach Chris Haack’s 61st victory with a win at the Puerto Rico Classic. A close family-friend of ours and past interviewee of mine, Will Kahlstorf, is a part of this golf team and making a Last and certainly not least, I’ll take you down on South Lumpkin Street to the Spec Towns Track, where the reigning men’s outdoor champions and women’s indoor champions reside. The unbelievable run by both teams resulted in their first ever national titles. A person deserving the attention of the entire Bulldog Nation is our very own Keturah Orji. She has specialized in the triple jump but also long jumps. She set the United States record for the triple jump, then beat it, which has since been broken by Tori Franklin. Before Franklin broke it, her triple jump record was a whopping 14.71 meters or 48 feet 3 inches. She served as a triple jumping Olympian in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics and was just honored by the NCAA as the woman of the year in HIRE SMART all of college athletics and became the first Bulldog to win the Bowerman Award, the highest collegiate honor in track and field (the Heisman Trophy of Track and Field). Head coach, Petros Kyprianou, in his fourth season, exudes great leadership. Talk about a neat guy, I follow him on Instagram and he just does everything. From dirt biking to cooking and all the way back to coaching, this man lives life right. There’s no doubt in mind that this program has a few more Nattys coming its way. As you can tell, I’m quite passionate about all UGA athletic programs, thus I challenge each and every Bulldog fan to attend a game, match, or tournament of one of these sports this spring. We tend to focus on football, and the rest of these fine programs get a fraction of our attention. Like I said earlier, UGA breeds excellence, success, victories, and championships, so I urge you to share the love and give to these athletics. And this fall in BI, be on the lookout when I delve into the fall athletic programs (other than King Football) here at Georgia. But for now, Go Dawgs! BOSWELL INSURANCE COMMERCIAL, PERSONAL AND LIFE/HEALTH BOSWELLGROUPATHENS.COM Spring Cleaning 101: the EXPRESS way. It’s your #1 play in the book! Now is the perfect time to price out your home, auto and business policies Athens • Braselton • Covington (706) 548-0625 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED CAREY STEPHENS | 706-546-8100 carey.stephens@boswellgroup.org 24 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| BULLDOG 100 PHOTOS PG. 28 | PROUST Q&A: NICK DALE PG. 32 | SUGAR BOWL FAN PHOTOS PG. 34 SOCIAL SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT NETWORK LUNCHEON FAN PHOTOS PAGES 40, 42 RODRIGO BLANKENSHIP PHOTO: ATHENS PHOTO BOOTHS |
| GEORGIA GIRLS SOCIAL ACCOLADES Having the honor of serving on the esteemed Grady Society Alumni Board, it a distinct privilege. And, being nominated for UGA’s 40 Under 40 was both humbling and kind. I’ve also helped launch more than 100 New York Times best-sellers. 1. INSPO BOOK: Dare to Lead (1.) by Brené Brown and Big Potential by Shawn Achor are two of my favorite recent reads. As someone who has worked in book publishing for nearly two decades, I spend a great deal of time with my nose in a book. And, as a female entrepreneur and leader, I’m constantly trying to glean as much as I can from exceptional leaders. Both of these books have been game changers for me personally as a business leader. Brene’s “paint done” philosophy is worth the price of the book alone. Hillbilly Elegy is tragic yet redemptive, discouraging yet enlightening. This powerful memoir traces JD Vance’s history from Appalachia to Yale and beyond. It’s an important read for this day and time. It merits every bit of praise thrown its way. A MUST read. MAGAZINES: Real Simple – Every month when it arrives, it’s like taking a deep breath. It’s so calming and relaxing for me. Southern Living – I have received this magazine since I was a student at UGA because my mother received her copy at home and wouldn’t share – ha! I have a hard time parting with my copies. I have one issue that I’ve had for more than a decade because I make the exact same Christmas breakfast from it every single year. Heather Adams CHOICE MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS CHERI LEAVY VISITS WITH FELLOW UGA GRADS TO TALK BEAUTY, STYLE, GAMEDAY AND MORE! PODCASTS: The School of Greatness, StoryBrand, For the Love with Jen Hatmaker, Lead to Win, Up and Vanished (or the latest true crime drama) BLOG: StyleBlueprint is more of a destination than a blog, but I love everything about their site. From dining to events to their FACES of the South, they are caring well for women who care deeply about the South and its offerings. Their tagline is “your ultimate resource for modern, southern living.” Yes, please. NAME: Heather Dixon Adams FAMILY: Husband: Matt Adams; Sons: Dixon (12) and Thackston (9) HOMETOWN: Marietta, Georgia CURRENT TOWN: Nashville, Tennessee WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1994-1998 SCHOOL/DEGREE: Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications; ABJ, Magazine Journalism INSTAGRAMS: @livingwithlandyn, @thehomeedit PROFESSION SHARE YOUR ELEVATOR SPEECH: I have the privilege of leading an all-female team at Choice Media & Communications. People come to us at Choice for one of three reasons: they need clarity – a clear, concise and compelling way to share their product, service or message; they need exposure – leveraging our rich, long-standing media relations would raise their visibility; they need a new audience – there’s a group of people out there that needs to know they exist. We see you. We understand you. We guide you. We make you known. That’s our mission at Choice and we deliver that through our core values: we believe relationships matter, enthusiasm drives us, regular communication makes a difference, accountability sustains partnerships and delivering results means going the extra mile. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 2. 26 BRAND: Spanx (2.) and @sarablakely – I have admired Sara and what she’s built with Spanx for YEARS! I watch every interview, read every article, listen to every podcast she does. I want to soak up every single bit of goodness she is sharing because I love seeing strong, savvy, scrappy women succeed in business and leadership. She’s a wonderful example for so many female entrepreneurs, like myself. FASHION DESIGNER: Tory Burch (3.) INTERIOR DESIGNER: Melanie Couch of CuratedHome Design and Jessica McRae of SwatchPop!(both UGA grads!) CHEFS: Peter Dale and Ford Fry ISSUE ONE • SPRING 3. |
| HISTORICAL FIGURE: Jacqueline Kennedy (4.) Onassis epitomized style, grace and class. Her passion for books was only exceeded by her fierce protection of and love for her family. QUOTE: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell ATHENS + UGA DESCRIBE ATHENS IN FIVE WORDS OR LESS: Let’s Go Dawgs! Sic ‘Em 4. RESTAURANTS AND BARS: Last Resort Grill, Add Drug, Seabear Oyster Bar, DePalmas, Heirloom, Five & Ten TSC SHOPS: Appointments at Five, Heery’s Too! ATHENS/CAMPUS LANDMARK: Founders Memorial Garden is such a beautiful, quiet spot for study and rest. I would retreat between classes to this hidden gem and have my own private oasis. GAMEDAY RITUAL/PLAN: Even though we live in Nashville, we attend all the home football games, as well as Georgia Florida every single year. I’ve had my season tickets longer than I’ve had my husband – haha! It’s such a treat to bring Matt and the boys to my beloved Athens. We arrive Friday night so that we can get to our tailgate spot early on Saturday morning. We’ve been tailgating with the same crew for nearly 20 years. We start really early with mimosas and bloody marys (5.) and sausage balls and work our way through the day. We always select a food theme for the week – chili or a taco bar or BBQ – you get the idea. And the day isn’t complete if we don’t have “College Game Day” on in the background. Needless to say, all three of my guys bleed red and black too! After the game, on our way back to our friends, Sarah and Jud Doherty’s, home we always, always grab Taqueria del Sol. 5. MEMORY WHILE IN SCHOOL: I have so many incredible memories from my time at UGA from sorority socials and Spring Break trips to my first time as a student walking into Sanford Stadium to the trek between Grady and Park Hall every single day (those stairs!), but a few emerge as absolute highlights. First, I’ll never forget fall of my senior year (1997) when we finally beat Florida at the Georgia Florida game in Jacksonville. We stayed on Amelia Island and Halloween was Friday night where we danced with a man dressed as Carmen Miranda at The Palace, while drinking Pirate’s Punch. And that was all before game day. Needless to say the entire weekend was noteworthy. Secondly, my sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, always held our Jacqueminot Weekend (6.) in the spring. Every year our parents would come to town on Friday night and we’d have a dance with them and our dates. Then, Saturday afternoon we’d host a Father/Daughter softball game and cookout. Afterward, we’d send our parents home and we’d have a huge field party with our 6. dates, a bonfire and the best country music bands in Athens. Some of my best memories with my closest girlfriends (to this day) happened those weekends. PROFESSOR/CLASS: Dr. Charles Lee, Communications Law. I was with Dr. Lee recently at the Grady Greats event in NYC at “The View” studio. I reminded him how he used to make us dress up for class. He wasn’t satisfied for us to just attend class. The very firstday we had to fill out a notecard answering a bunch of questions and he memorize every single one of them and then throughout the quarter would bring them up during class when he spoke with us. I’ll never forget how much he demanded of us which I admired and appreciate to this day. Plus, at the end of the quarter, we had a class party and had a beer with him socially. It was the best way to end my last quarter senior year. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 27 ISSUE ONE • SPRING Photo by: Kathryn McCrary Photography NOW OFFERING EDUCATION, NETWORKING AND SUPPORT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS AT ALL TIMES ON A PRIVATE APP ON YOUR MOBILE. NEWS FEED • CHATS MASTERMIND GROUPS DIRECTORY • JOB BOARD CALENDAR • WEBINARS DISCOUNT PERKS • GIFT BOX LEARN HOW TO #CONNECTCOLLABORATECREATE 24/7/365 DAYS OF THE YEAR THESOUTHERNC.COM /MEMBERSHIP-BENEFITS |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS Tailgate Catering • Lowcountry Boil • Cuban Sandwiches • Po’ Boys • Muffalettas Martini Monday $4 $4 House Martinis All Night Oyster Tuesday $8.95 One dozen raw or grilled Mardis Gras Wednesday $11 Crawfish Pie, Add Gumbo and Jambalaya for an extra $7 Date Night Thursday $45 Two prime rib dinners $35, add a bottle house red or white for $10 (also available for one) Saturday and Sunday Brunch $3 Mimosas $4 Bloody Mary’s Tyler Davis (#47 Athens Building Company), Bethany Davis Kirk Martin (#24 M&W Commercial Flooring), Bryan Baer (#53 Kalka & Baer LLC), Cheri Leavy (#23 The Southern Coterie) 2019 BULLDOG 100 The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or operated by UGA alumni during the 10th annual Bulldog 100 Celebration on January 26 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. The 2019 fastest-growing business is Terminus, led by CEO Eric Spett, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2010. 2095 S. MILLEDGE AVENUE AT LOOP 10 AND MACON HWY 706-548-3359 Mon-Fri 4PM-10pm | Sat&Sun 11AM-10PM GEORGESLOWCOUNTRYTABLE.COM MOVING DAWGS ACROSS GEORGIA SINCE 1972 Residential and Commercial Moving Local and Long Distance On-site Document Destruction Document Data Storage Go Mini’s Portable Storage Units Packing Materials Ron Holt (#17 Two Maids & A Mop), Rachel Holt, Jennifer Cornell, Tom Cornell, Katie O’Brien DUKE LINDSAY dlindsay@thelindsaygroup.net 180 Trade Street Bogart, GA 30622 706.549.8902 Molly Milligan, Heath Milligan (#48 Macallan Real Estate LLC), Lauren Cook MC2934 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 28 ISSUE ONE • SPRING Dan Starnes (#94 Starnes Media), Mohamed Massaquoi |
| FAN SHOTS Scott Ankerich, Sharon Ankerich, Sara Ellen Cain, Will Cain, Suzanne Cain, Mike Cain (#13 Millstone Home Incorporated) Dan Starnes (#94 Starnes Media), Alison Grizzle Dominique Holloman, James Gates, Meredith Johnson David Weeks (#65 Dunkin Donuts Franchises), Erin Weeks, Emily Howell. Megan Henning, Frank Henning TIBI + RAG & BONE MOTHER DENIM + VINCE M I L LY + E Q U I P M E N T THEODOSIA JEWELRY SEE BY CHLOE RHODE RESORT + J BRAND ULLA JOHNSON + JOIE TORY BURCH + FRAME MARIE OLIVER + CINQ A SEPT + ALC 195 COLLEGE AVENUE AT H E N S , G A 706.543.0702 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 29 ISSUE ONE • SPRING SOCIAL Sarah Sonenberg, Lee Zell Katherine Culpepper, John Culpepper (#86 Express Employment Professionals) |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS Sabrina Collins, Chad Collins Company) Evan Marko, Lindsay Marko (#32 A Signature Welcome), Emily Slater (#32 A Signature Welcome), Sam Slater Elaine Metcalf, Kim Metcalf, Edie Edwards Smith Mohamed Massaquoi, Scott Deviney (#67 Chicken Salad Chick), Kristy Deviney, David Ostrander, Terry McKee Malia Martin, Kirk Martin (#24 M&W Commercial Flooring), Kanda Martin, Vernon Martin Nick Dale (#97 Condor Chocolates), Elizabeth Dale 2019 BULLDOG 100 The University of Georgia Alumni Association recognized the fastest-growing companies owned or operated by UGA alumni during the 10th annual Bulldog 100 Celebration on January 26 at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta. The 2019 fastest-growing business is Terminus, led by CEO Eric Spett, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2010. Andrea Kempf, Janet Geddis (#40 Avid Bookshop) Cheri Leavy (#23 The Southern Coterie), Molly Grogan, Christy Grogan Shadday (#84 FTM Travel) Danetta Hardy, Brad Hardy (#96 Hardy’s Peanuts Inc.), Bob Pinckney, Janet Hardy Ty Barrow (#76 Crescent Equipment Co. Inc.), Dona Barrow Rennie Curran, Alexis Morgan, Amanda Brown Beth Baer, Bryan Baer (#53 Kalka & Baer LLC), Holly Baer BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 30 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| FAN SHOTS SOCIAL Hairy Dawg, T.J. Callaway (#93 Onward Reserve) Brittany Helliar, Brittany Belser, Gennifer Pillen, Ellis Obodoechine Eric Spett (#1 Terminus), Meredith Johnson (executive director, UGA Alumni Association), Bonney Shuman (president, UGA Alumni Association) and event speaker Alan Mazarak (CEO of Vonage). Whitney Long, Cheri Leavy (#23 The Southern Coterie) Erin Weeks, David Weeks (#65 Dunkin Donuts Franchises), Emily Howell, Jon Howell FREDERICA SIMONS ISLAND, SIMONS WWW.STSIMONSBOTTLE.COM 1675 1675 FREDERICA ROAD SAINT ROAD SAINT GEORGIA 31522 ISLAND, GEORGIA 31522 (912) 638-9831 (912) WWW.STSIMONSBOTTLE.COM BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 31 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| SOCIAL PROUST “BE YOURSELF.” PHOTO: GUIDE2ATHENS PROFESSION: Chocolate maker ACCOLADES: Bulldog 100 (2019) WHAT LIFE LESSONS DID YOU LEARN WHILE AT UGA? Attending UGA was a wonderful opportunity that provided lots of life lessons. One of the most important was that is was that you can’t be afraid of putting yourself out there, don’t be afraid to try new things! by Cheri Leavy NICK DALE WHAT PROFESSOR DID YOU MOST ADMIRE (AND WHY)? Dr. Jack Houston, he organized a study abroad trip in Mexico that introduced the importance of quality certification in agriculture. Q&A: WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT? Opening Condor Chocolates as a family business with my brother Peter Dale. NAME: Nicholas (Nick) Dale WHICH HISTORICAL FIGURE DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH? Benjamin Franklin HOMETOWN: Athens, Georgia WHO ARE YOUR HEROS IN REAL LIFE? My parents CURRENT TOWN: Athens, Georgia QUOTE TO LIVE BY: Be yourself WHAT YEARS AT UGA: 1999 - 2004 WHAT IS YOUR MOST MARKED CHARACTERISTIC? Determined SCHOOL/DEGREE: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences/BSA WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS? Quality over quantity IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I’m not perfect but I wouldn’t change anything. WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS (AND WHY)? Jorge Amado, a Brazilian writer, that I discovered during a semester abroad in Brazil.. FAVE SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHO TO FOLLOW (AND WHY)? Instagram! I follow several other chocolate makers. I particularly like Raaka Chocolate and Dandelion Chocolates. PHOTO: GUIDE2ATHENS BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 32 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| MAKE IT A |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS Go Dawgs! ASK ABOUT OUR NEW IN-OFFICE FINANCE PLAN Dr. Charles T. Hopkins III, D.M.D., Dr. Jack H. Melton, D.M.D. and the staff of Plantation Dental Associates. Your smile is our business. At Plantation Dental Associates, we know the value of a healthy, happy smile. That’s why we keep abreast of the latest restorative, cosmetic, and oral surgical techniques — to provide you with the level of care you have come to know for the dental health you deserve. (back) Ben Barnes, Michelle Waltrip, Christie Aspenwall, Josh Cave, Devin Strickland, Tracy Harris, Randy Dixon, Todd Williams, Steve Thornton, Chrisie Thornton (middle) Jane Carruthers, Hugh Thompson, Patrick Jones (front) Jenna Jones, Mike Hobby, Jade Jones P L A N TAT ION DE N TA L AS S O C IAT E S General, Cosmetic, and Restorative Dentistry 300 Main Street, Suite 101 St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522 912-638-9001 www.plantationdentalssi.com John Crawford, Cameron Crawford, Jack Crawford, Lizzie Crawford Will Wingfield, Terry Wingfield, John Wingfield, Fran Wingfield SUGAR BOWL: GEORGIA - 21, TEXAS - 28 The Perfect Dawg House. The Grey Owl Inn is the perfect place to enjoy athe best of St. Simons Island. A short walk to the beach, lighthouse and pier village, your choice of 5 luxury suites with private bath offer many amenities. Daily gourmet breakfast and wine and hou cheese hour. The perfect B&B experience! 1602 Demere Road • St. Simons Island, GA 912-434-6292 • contact@greyowlinn.com www.greyowlinn.com Wayne Cooper, Laurie Cooper, Bobby Moody, Hayley Freeman, Brent Freeman, David Smith, Andy Sorrells Janice Sutton, India Griffin, Janet Sutton BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 34 John Parker, Emily Dantzler, Jeff Dantzler ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| FAN SHOTS Dawn Hall, Ray Hall Matt Borman, Mike Cheek Steve Chambless, Danielle Chambless, Hayden Chambless, Stephanie Manley, Jace Chambless, Seth Neugebauer Chloe Grimes, Chase Cottle, Dove Daniels Downtown Athens Wayne Hoover, Brad Bell Mimi Best, Tommy Wilkes Lee Madray, Ashley Madray, Jack Davis Watkinsville Lavonia Virginia Highland Coming soon to Hartwell WWW. EMPIRESOUTHCLOTHING.COM FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS Peter Millar Johnnie-O Peach State Pride Patagonia Southern Tide Duck Head BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 35 ISSUE ONE • SPRING SOCIAL Orvis |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS UGA Bookstore ® Your Nike Headquarters Mather Lindsay, Annie Lindsay, Dean Mathison, Nicole Mathison, Laura Dameron, Merrick Dameron MiMi Bauer, Kendall Cenner, Peyton Hardy, Kinsley Sellars Kate Bickley, Hal Greer, Shannon Ferguson, Ed Ferguson SUGAR BOWL: GEORGIA - 21, TEXAS - 28 "It's Where Dawgs Shop" ugabookstore.com | 706.542.3171 Next to Tate Center Anna Coleman, Denae Kappers, Hannah Smythe, Dakota Lovett, Austin Hernander, Dante Goodall Next to Tate Center 706.542.3171 UGABookstore.com Laura June Sherwood, David McDuffie Next to Tate Center ugabookstore.com | 706.542.3171 "It's Where Dawgs Shop" Richard Tucker, Debbie Tucker Lynn McDonough, Joe McDonough BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 36 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| FAN SHOTS Katelyn Caudill Scott Schoenberg, Michael Schoenberg, Spencer Schoenberg Kimberly Pittman, Frank Pittman Ed Ferguson, Clay Stanton Jonathan deLaureal, Martin deLaureal Jack Davis, Joy Davis, Sandy Boyles, Jim Boyles Drew Pyrz, Shandra Pyrz athens • watkinsville auburn • lawrenceville BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 37 ISSUE ONE • SPRING SOCIAL |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS Greg Hankton, Cordae Hankton, Juhmad Hollis, Damon Burns Jim Hickey, Tom Sellars Bill Young, Margaret Young, Loran Smith SUGAR BOWL: GEORGIA - 21, TEXAS - 28 Colleen Thomas, Collins Chandler, Carlton Yarborough, Alex Holloway Emily Burgett, Richie Sokolowski, Will Johnson, Maggie Wilkins, Maggie Wolters Doug Hene, Mathis Hene, Marshall Hene, Lindsey Hene NEVER BARK ALONE Whether you are graduating, changing careers, relocating or want to get more involved in your community, alumni chapters are here to help you connect with your Bulldog family. alumni.uga.edu/chapters We’re here to restore peace of mind. Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, Mold Removal AND MORE TRUSTED EXPERTS IN THE GOLDEN ISLES SINCE 1985 143 Sky Spaces Court St. Simons Island, GA 31522 ServiceMasterbyA1.com | 912.638.1498 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 38 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| FAN SHOTS SOCIAL Madison Riley, Shelli Herring, Sara Weldon and Caroline Worley Gail Clarke, Warren Ericson, Jon Clarke, Austin Clarke Carnelious Rudolph, Claude McCann, Laslo Reed Paige Philipson, Mitchell Alterman, Hal Philipson, Cory Philipson, Lisa Philipson Michael McKay, Bill Young, Katie Lansing, Allison McElreath, Madeleine Mattesky, Tyler Backus, Hunter Davis Georgia Powell, Stephanie Powell, Chad Powell, Bo Powell, Kate Powell KICKOFF THE 2019 SEASON WITH HUCK’S TOURS BULLDAWG BASH ROADTRIP GEORGIA VS VANDY • NASHVILLE, TN AUG. 30–SEPT 1, 2019 • TRANSPORTATION FROM ATHENS/CONYERS BY DELUXE MOTOR COACH • 2 NIGHTS LODGING AT HAMPTON INN WEST ON VANDY CAMPUS/ BREAKFAST DAILY • FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER AT OLE RED ON BROAD STREET • PREMIUM TICKETS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT GRAND OLE OPRY • PRE-GAME TAILGATE PARTY PLUS GEORGIA-VANDY GAME TICKETS ALL FOR ONLY $649 PP (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY) REGISTER AT DARRELLHUCKABY.NET OR CALL 770-483-0110 BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 39 ISSUE ONE • SPRING $250 DEPOSIT BALANCE DUE JULY 15 |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS Richard Young, Frank Young, Tae Crowder, Isaac Young, Parker Young Glenn Black, Nancy Black, Richard LeCounte, Karen Hickey, Sanders Hickey SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT LUNCHEON The Georgia Bulldog Club held its annual Scholarship Endowment Networking Luncheon in Athens on February 17. The event was highlighted by inspiring remarks from current student- athlete, Anna Kate Karstens, former student-athlete Malcolm Mitchell and donor John Addison. Kearis Jackson, Andy Tillman, Carson Fuchs Javier Acevedo, Barbara Parks, Carl Parks, Jack Bauerle Jack Davis, Joy Davis, Jake Fromm, Janet Mann, Charles Mann Barbara Parks, Marissa Oakley, Rachel Baumann, Carl Parks, Sabrina Vega, Jennifer Moree Helen Hudson Mills, Monty Rice, Patsy Webb Dave Bickley, Caitlin Casazza, Catherine Bickley BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED Joe Maxwell, Hairy Dawg, Judith Maxwell 40 ISSUE ONE • SPRING Bert Mobley, Jamie Hunt |
| SELL I N G A M E R I C AN WH #1 2017 ES BY T HE WORLD’S B AR V ED S Y AS OT I SK ST BE TB |
| SOCIAL FAN SHOTS Stephanie Paul, Jeanette Greeson, Tom Greeson, Owen Condon Matt Borman, Ford Williams, Chip Moree, Brad Bell Mark Nedza, Harvey Humphries, Kevin Miller Allison Yeomans, Brian Herrien, Mary Cameron Yeomans, Tyrique McGhee, Tyler Simmons Beau Farmer, Leon Farmer, Brian Herrien, Rachel Baumann, Mady Fagan, Rebecca Farmer, Majesti Bass, Brooke Farmer Cammie Holmes, Malcolm Mitchell, Sam Holmes Marshall Long, Anna Kate Karstens, Mady Fagan, Kayla Bruster SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT LUNCHEON The Georgia Bulldog Club held its annual Scholarship Endowment Networking Luncheon in Athens on February 17. The event was highlighted by inspiring remarks from current student- athlete, Anna Kate Karstens, former student-athlete Malcolm Mitchell and donor John Addison. Mary Jeffcoat, Rodrigo Blankenship, Barbara Hartman Howell Malcolm Mitchell, John Addison, Loveanne Addison, John Parker BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 42 ISSUE ONE • SPRING Wendy Humphries, Steve Nedza, Paula Nedza |
| MORE PHOTOS BY: GREG POOLE SPORTS BY MATHEW PASEK Signing Day, (Wednesday, February 6) was the cherry on top of a truly outstanding class of 2019. The Dawgs had already guaranteed themselves one of the top classes in the country coming into the day and then Coach Kirby Smart pulled off the biggest shocker of National Signing Day luring George Pickens away from the Auburn Tigers. A fitting end for the biggest Alpha Dawg recruiter Athens has ever seen. A few highlights that are particularly impressive: • Georgia signed the #1 recruit from Florida, Mississippi, Alabama and Rhode Island • Georgia signed the #1 OLB, #1 ILB and #1 CENTER in the country • Georgia added tremendous length along the defensive front with outside linebackers and lineman measuring in at 6’6, 6’6, 6’6, 6’5, 6’4, 6’3 and 6’3 (continued on next page). NEWBREED AND PLAYER GRAPHICS BY @GEORGIA FOOTBALL |
| SPORTS FOOTBALL EARLY ENROLLEES OF #NEWBREED19 WITH MARY BETH AND KIRBY SMART The addition of George Pickens on Signing Day was massive for Kirby Smart & Co. In 2018, it was clear how much Jake Fromm missed a target like Javon Wims on the outside, who attacked the ball on back shoulder fades and 50/50 balls. That is the exact skill set Pickens will bring to Athens in 2019. Some questioned his top-end speed after he ran a 4.73 40-yard dash at The Opening but remember the star of the National Championship game, Justyn Ross of Clemson, ran a 4.87 40-yard dash only a year earlier. Pickens gives the Dawgs a player similar to Ross who is open even if he is not open. Add in the precise route running and velcro hands of Dominic Blaylock and the Dawgs brought in one of the top 1-2 punches at receiver in the country. Another terrific 1-2 punch for the Dawgs comes at the outside linebacker position. In 2018, the Dawgs landed 5-Star’s Brenton Cox and Adam Anderson at outside linebacker and followed that up in 2019 with Nolan Smith and Jermaine Johnson. Add in Azeez Ojulari, Walter Grant and Robert Beal and the Dawgs truly have an embarrassment of riches at outside linebacker. Johnson and Smith have the potential to transform this unit from solid to dominant. With there ability to set the edge against the run and get after the quarterback both are the type of 3-down outside linebackers Coach Smart covets for his defense to reach its full potential. The addition of Travon Walker is a potential game change for the Dawgs along the defensive front moving forward. Measuring in at 6-5, 289-pound at the US Army All American game Walker was one of the most dominant performers at practice and during the game in San Antonio. He is a legitimate freak athlete on the defensive line that has the ability to destroy even the most well executed plays at the point of attack. Benefiting from Travon Walker’s BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED PHOTO FROM KIRBY SMART/TWITTER presence in Athens the next 3-4 years will be Nakobe Dean. Dean is my personal favorite player in the Class of 2019. He is a dynamic, sideline-to-sideline linebacker who has the potential to be a human eraser for this defense in the mold of a Roquan Smith. Finally with this signing class, the Dawgs secondary quickly became bigger, longer and stronger in a hurry. Tyrique Stevenson brings gives the Dawgs a physical presence regardless of where he lines up. It is very rare that you find someone with his body type with the ability he has to flip his hips in coverage and run with even the quickest receivers. Add human hit stick Lewis Cine at safety who measures in at 6’2 with the frame to easily carry over 200 pounds and D.J. Daniel who has tremendous length and speed at cornerback and the Dawgs have added three tremendous talents in the secondary. Heading into his fourth season in Athens, the 2019 edition of the Georgia Bulldogs are looking more and more like the team that Kirby Smart envisioned when he took the job. The team is big, long, fast and physical at every position. There is also a tremendous combination of youth and potential for leadership. To learn more about the 2019 Signing Class, enjoy the following eight pages as my Bulldawg Illustrated brethren, Graham Groseclose and Chuck McConnell give their top-notched analysis of all 24 #NewBreed19 signees. As for my mantra for 2019, after another tremendous recruiting class it is pretty simple: NO EXCUSES, PLAY LIKE CHAMPIONS. 44 ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
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| BE SMART TRUST THESE DIE HARD DAWGS TO QB YOUR COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE GAME PLAN GRAHAM GROSECLOSE AND CHUCK MCCONNELL (706) 354-8232 GRAHAM.GROSECLOSE@BOSWELLGROUP.ORG | (706) 613-7731 CHUCK.MCCONNELL@BOSWELLGROUP.ORG TIGNALL, GA 200 + ACRES DOWNTOWN: 114 COLLEGE AVENUE 525 MILLEDGE AVENUE BOSWELL PROPERTIES 706.54 6. 8 1 0 0 | S AL E S | LE A S I N G | M A N AGE M E N T |
| SPORTS GRAHAM: stranger to Bennett who left the Georgia fans and players are no B B L L A A C C K K S S H H E E A A R R , , G G E E O O R R G G I A I A STETSON BENNETT STETSON BENNETT IV IV FOOTBALL Dawgs for a year to start at quarterback at a junior college. He is returning to Georgia on scholarship to provide depth at quarterback. CHUCK: praise from his teammates and Bennett returns after earning high staff for his work as the scout team QB for the Bulldogs in 2017. His familiarity with the offense should propel him to the top back-up behind Jake Fromm in 2019. Stetson manages to overcome what he lacks in size with athletic, playmaking ability. GRAHAM: route runner in this recruiting CHUCK: electric playmaker. Blaylock doesn’t The Walton High School product is an have ridiculous top-end speed but is a shifty and elusive runner after the catch. He is a technically sound route runner and snags the ball out of the air before it gets into his body. Look for him to push for playing time in the slot immediately. G E O R G I A class and has an incredibly high football IQ. He should be a fan favorite for his early and unwavering commitment to UGA. M A R I E T T A , DOMINICK BLAYLOCK Blaylock may be the most polished GRAHAM: what Georgia is looking for at safety. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 47 H I L L , He is best when coming downhill, but can make plays in coverage. CHUCK: state of Texas that is excellent at A big time safety prospect from the stopping ball carries dead in their tracks. He is rangy in pass coverage and uses his length to his advantage as well. C E D A R LEWIS CINE T E X A S Cine is a big, physical tackler that fits ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| SPORTS FOOTBALL GRAHAM: come in and compete for the corner CHUCK: the position. He is tall and long-armed DJ DANIEL DJ has the ideal measurements for with great closing speed. Look for him to push Eric Stokes and Tyson Campbell for immediate playing time. G R I F F I N , spot left by Deandre Baker. He has great length and speed to match up with the opposition No. 1 receiver. G E O R G I A Daniel is a JUCO recruit looking to GRAHAM: linebacker position and has the Davis has elite size at the inside F L O R I D A A P O P K A , RIAN DAVIS ability to match up with tight ends and slot receivers. He also has the ability to rush the passer on third down. CHUCK: spend much of the upcoming year Nicknamed “Trouble,” Davis will recovering from a torn ACL. Once healed, Georgia is adding another polished linebacker prospect that takes good angles and is a sure tackler. GRAHAM: recruit from the state of Mississippi. NAKOBE DEAN A tackling machine, Dean is a highly burst. He rarely gives up yards after contact. Nakobe makes up for his shorter, compact build with terrific instincts. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 48 ISSUE ONE • SPRING L A K E , CHUCK: intelligent inside linebacker with great H O R N Dean is a new school linebacker who can run sideline to sideline and drop into coverage. M I S S I S S I P P I Georgia landed the top-ranked |
| FOOTBALL SPORTS GRAHAM: Goede walks into a great situation G E O R G I A K E N N E S A W , RYLAND GOEDE Despite coming off of an ACL tear, due to attrition at the tight end position. If his recovery goes well, he could earn playing time as a true freshman. CHUCK: season before an ACL injury cut his Ryland was having a banner senior high school career short. His height and frame give him a huge catch radius and he displays solid hands when targeted in the passing game. GRAHAM: and tackles for loss last season. JERMAINE JOHNSON Johnson has the potential to start day one and was extremely successful getting to the quarterback in junior college. CHUCK: regardless of position in the entire One of the best JUCO prospects country. Johnson has an arsenal of pass rushing skills that make him the total package. He has great first step quickness, speed to bend around the edge, and power to bull rush opposing tackles. EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA Georgia had a down year in sacks GRAHAM: linemen in the class of 2019. That BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 49 T E N N E S S E E L E B A N O N , ZION LOGUE Logue is one of the tallest defensive huge frame can carry 300 pounds, easy. Logue is raw and could use some time in the Georgia strength program. CHUCK: throughout his high school career due Logue’s stock steadily climbed to a late growth spurt that saw him turn into an imposing specimen. The Tennessee native is still learning how to play within his new body but there are not many peers when it comes to raw size and athletic ability. ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| SPORTS FOOTBALL GRAHAM: Marshall looks the part of a classic CHUCK: played nearly every snap throughout A stocky linebacker prospect that high school ball. Trezman loves contact and can deliver a serious thump when he squares up. G E O R G I A thumper at linebacker. He also has good hands and can make plays on the ball in coverage. H O M E R V I L L E , TREZMAN MARSHALL A two-way player for Clinch County, GRAHAM: on signing day without even taking M I C H I G A N B E L L E V I L L E , DWAN MATHIS Mathis committed to the Bulldogs a visit after Justin Fields left for Ohio State. Mathis has all of the raw tools to be an elite passer that can also make plays with his feet. CHUCK: Field’s transfer. Mathis is a tall, slender QB became a must get after Justin prospect with a big arm. He excels at throwing on the run and improvising with his legs at this point. GRAHAM: talented offensive lineman. He CHUCK: both pass and run blocker. With McClendon is well rounded in the Bulldog’s wealth of returning offensive linemen, Warren probably won’t be called on for crucial snaps in 2019 and can use the year to further his development. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 50 ISSUE ONE • SPRING G E O R G I A projects long-term at guard, but has the length to swing out and play tackle if needed. B R U N S W I C K , WARREN MCCLENDON McClendon is a UGA legacy and |
| FOOTBALL SPORTS GRAHAM: with great balance. He has good pad FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA KENNY MCINTOSH McIntosh is a big, physical runner level and cutting ability for a bigger running back. CHUCK: runner to compliment the returning Georgia looked to add a punishing stable of backs, McIntosh fit the bill. Kenny is at his best running between the tackles and the Bulldog’s power scheme should allow him to flourish. GRAHAM: nose tackle and is a space eater who CHUCK: to cause havoc and free linebackers to Tymon’s wide build should allow him make a play. Mitchell will be at his best when he masters playing with a low pad level. N A S H V I L L E , TYMON MITCHELL can take on double teams. Like most recruits, he needs some time in the weight room. T E N N E S S E E Mitchell fits what Georgia wants at GRAHAM: Tennessee, Norton is a powerful run BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 51 T E N N E S S E E M E M P H I S , WILLIAM NORTON One of three defensive lineman from stopper who can play end or tackle. He is a tall and long athlete who could play offensive tackle at other schools. CHUCK: base, Norton projects as a defensive At 6’5 with good strength and a wide linemen who can anchor and tie up blockers. He also has a high motor and pursues the play through the whistle. ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| SPORTS FOOTBALL GRAHAM: the Auburn Tigers. He may be the Pickens was a last-minute flip from GEORGE PICKENS most talented receiver coming to Georgia since AJ Green. He made a living in high school on jump balls and is silky smooth after the catch. H O O V E R , A L A B A M A CHUCK: NFL wideout and has a chance to Pickens already has the build of an make a splash in a receiver room that is looking to replace much of last year’s productivity. He displays excellent hands and physically dominates opposing defensive backs. GRAHAM: need for Georgia, with an empty Seither may have been the biggest BRETT SEITHER C L E A R W A T E R , F L O R I D A tight end room and fellow 2019 tight end, Ryland Goede, coming off an injury. Georgia was able to hold off Alabama on signing day for the big time pass catcher. CHUCK: became a highly pursued prospect Seither is an athletic tight end that late in the recruiting cycle. He already has the ability to flex out and be a threat in the passing game. He will add mass to become a more, well-rounded blocker. GRAHAM: 1 high school football recruit in the CHUCK: the great 3-4 outside linebackers in Smith draws comparisons to some of the game today. He checks all the boxes as an elite edge defender with an array of moves that allow him to pressure the QB. Being an early enrollee will help Smith prepare for a major role as the Bulldogs look to improve on their pass rush from last season. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 52 ISSUE ONE • SPRING S A V A N N A H , NOLAN SMITH nation. He is a talented pass rusher who should be three down ready after time in the UGA weight room. G E O R G I A Smith was widely considered the No. |
| FOOTBALL TYRIQUE STEVENSON H O M E S T E A D , F L O R I D A SPORTS GRAHAM: snatching elite south Florida Georgia continues its’ streak of defensive backs. Stevenson has the ability to play any spot in the secondary, but will likely get a first look at corner. CHUCK: with the skills to play safety or corner. Tyrique brings position versatility Already physically built, Stevenson out muscles receivers off the line and hits like a truck. GRAHAM: in Georgia’s class. He was recruited MAKIYA TONGUE to play receiver, but may have a higher ceiling on defense. He has a NFL pedigree and played in one of the best programs in the state of Louisiana. CHUCK: receiver that bullies defensive backs Makiya is a thicker bodied wide both as a pass catcher and a devastating blocker. His highlights showcase circus catch ability and he can create mismatches wherever he is lined up. His physical play should also translate well to special teams. BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA Tongue is the most versatile athlete GRAHAM: Island and has all of the makings for BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 53 RHODE WARWICK, XAVIER TRUSS ISLAND Truss is the No. 1 player from Rhode an elite run blocker. He has a great frame, but will need to shed some weight over a likely redshirt year. CHUCK: class, Truss is a giant tackle prospect Similar to Isaiah Wilson from the 2017 from the northeast that will need time to adjust to SEC competition. He can maximize his potential by reshaping his body and learning from the best OL coach in the nation. ISSUE ONE • SPRING |
| GRAHAM: be a force on the Georgia defensive Walker is a freak athlete who could TRAVON WALKER line. Primarily a linebacker in high school, he will have to adjust to his new position, but he has the talent to be a game changer. CHUCK: a future defensive line monster. He is Walker flashes unlimited potential as light on his feet for a big man and he has the frame to carry additional weight. Look for him to bulk up to near 300 pounds and develop into a dominant force. G E O R G I A FOOTBALL T H O M A S T O N , SPORTS GRAHAM: who went the JUCO route for a G E O R G I A H I N E S V I L L E , TRAMEL WALTHOUR Walthour was a 2018 Georgia recruit season. After a productive year, he steps into a defensive line room full of upper classmen and will have to fight for playing time. CHUCK: combine setting but the south Tramel won’t wow anyone at a Georgia native is a hard nosed defensive linemen. He plays a thankless position that tends to go unnoticed at times, but he is a max effort player that will get the most of his abilities. GRAHAM: state of Alabama, Webb is a versatile CHUCK: continues a trend … nabbing this CLAY WEBB Sam Pittman’s elite OL recruiting highly rated interior prospect from Alabama’s backyard. While not quite as large as other recent commits, Webb carries very little bad weight. Clay is fundamentally sound and plays with a mean streak. BULLDAWGILLUSTRATED 54 ISSUE ONE • SPRING O X F O R D , lineman who can play all three interior positions. The elite high school wrestler is super-athletic and has a great understanding of leverage. A L A B A M A The top-ranked player from the |
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