The Mark Richt firing: How it impacts recruiting

Nov 29, 2015, 5:06 PM

Folks it'll be interesting to see how all this plays out. Some prospects are still 100% committed, others had no comment, and some are having family talks to see what direction they'll head to. At this point in time it would seem to appear that Kirby Smart or Tom Herman may be the leading candidate to replace Richt. How soon, or if one accepts the job, could have a major impact on UGA's next class. Can he keep them committed? Would Smart sway a few Tide recruits? Nonetheless this will be interesting to follow. Plus, its another opening that is far better than the South Carolina job so they're seemingly hitting the bottom of the barrel in Columbia.

How it could impact Clemson?

For starters, I believe it could have more of an impact on the 2017 class rather than this years class for us. We've got a few remaining targets on our radar and we're seemingly in prime position with most. Georgia is facing plenty of questions at this point while Clemson has a staff in place and is built to win. Additionally, Swinney and crew have shown that they have no hang ups about playing true freshmen. That helps a lot!

QUICK LINK: For a list of 2017 Clemson prospects, click here: http://www.tigernet.com/forums/message.jspa?messageID=17602238

One recruit that the next Georgia hire will have an impact on is ATH Mecole Hardman. Though small in stature, one would be hard pressed to find a better athlete than Hardman (5-10 175). Simply put he can get it done as a wide receiver, package player on offense, and even dominate in the secondary. His recruitment appeared to be down to Tennessee and Georgia but Alabama is trying to push him in another direction lately. This appears to be a three horse race but we certainly wouldn't turn him down. However I haven't heard of any mutual communication for some time.

A lot of folks in orange are going to want us to go after highly rated OL Ben Cleveland. The US Army All-American Bowl participant was offered by Clemson, his fourth offer at the time, and attended Clemson junior day back in 2014. However, he is a huge Georgia fan and today said, “I have 100 percent faith in UGA bringing in the right man. I’ve committed to the program and will always be a Dawg. Gotta stay positive.” (via Twitter).

DB Chad Clay has been a solid Georgia lock for quite some time but I could see Ohio State making a huge push for the 3* recruits services. “I’m just shocked. I didn’t see it coming.” Clay had been in contact with Clemson earlier in the process and was on campus. We're likely to go after 4* DB's PJ Blue or Bryan Edwards.

Another prospect is 6-5 WR/Ath Charlie Woerner of Rabun, GA. He's still a solid Dawg commit but his recruitment appeared to be down to Clemson and Georgia. His uncle, Scott, played for the Dawgs on their national title team. I do not see him flipping. Last season Woerner tallied 1,187 rush yards, 690 receiving yards, and 17 total TD (caught 6, ran for 11) to go with 122 total tackles and an INT.

One prospect who does have some uncertainty is OL Chris Barnes (6-5 270). He's a 3* prospect who was initially all about Georgia but could be having second thoughts. “It was a devastating blow to me and my family. We are still trying to decide what we are going to do. Sad day in DawgNation.” Clemson has not offered him.

2017 WR Devonta Smith could be looking for a change as well. Smith is a 4* recruit and one could expect LSU to try and keep him in state now. “It’s just something I have to sit down and talk to my parents about. It really shocked me.” Clemson has not offered.

The Bulldogs recently received a verbal from highly rated RB Devwah Whaley of Beaumont, Texas. With the Richt tenure coming to a close he could have a change of heart. “Shocked right now.” (Whaley also stated he was still committed to UGA and wanted to wait to see who the new head coach will be and learn about who will be on the new staff before making any decisions regarding his commitment.) Unless something drastic occurs, Clemson will not take an interest in Whaley. Georgia also has a commit from shifty 4* RB Elijah Holyfield and this should not impact his verbal.

Others:
2017 4-star DE Malik Herring— “I’m absolutely shocked. Coach Richt is a good coach and a good guy. UGA will be missing a good guy and coach.” Clemson is thought to be one of his leaders.

2017 4-star CB LeAnthony Williams— “It’s just a lot to take in right now. I’m just surprised with everything right now.” Clemson is actively recruiting him.

2017 LB Nate McBride, Jr., Vidalia — “I’ll say I’m shocked. That’s all I’m saying right now.” Clemson is actively recruiting him.

2017 4-starCB William Poole-"His departure does not affect my feelings about UGA in any kind of way.” Clemson is actively recruiting him.

2016 5-star DT Derrick Brown— “I mean it’s hard to pick a school with no one in a secure head coaching job because if your position coach were to leave, which happens a lot, you want that security from the head ball coach to be there for your whole term of four years to always have somebody you are comfortable with leading you.”

2017 commit Deejay Dallas, ATH, Glynn Academy — “I have to respectfully decline that question.”

Darion Anderson, WR, Houston County — “No comment on this.”

Randrecous Davis, WR, Mays — “I don’t even know what to say right now.”

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Hmmm.... where to start. Where to start... Honestly the only thing they offer is early playing time. And well, if they had any delusional thoughts about landing OL John Simpson they can pretty much forget that. Its just over a month away from his announcement to Clemson (specific date is January 9th on NBC).

Here's a GREAT quote for ya that is very telling on how bad it is down there:
USC defensive line commitment Darius Whitfield made an unofficial visit to USC for The Citadel game. “It went good, it was different,” he said of the visit. Asked if he’s still a firm commitment, Whitfield replied, “Of course haha, why would you ask?”

Former kewt WR commit Kyle Davis got out of there early and he recently gave a verbal to Auburn. That one really hurt them because he's a play-maker and they desperately could've used him next year. He's the top rated WR in the 2016 class and they'd have started him from day one. Every team in the country wanted him- they had him, and they lost him. But it gets worse...

As most of you know, South Carolina also lost tremendous ATH/WR Bryan Edwards of Conway, SC. Man, they could've used him BADLY. To further salt the wound, Edwards is pretty much a lock to Clemson where he'll likely play DB. Let that sink in for a minute...

Furthermore, Clemson is raiding the state and is signing darn near anyone we want. The top RB in the 2016 class? Got him! A top OL from Fort Dorchester? Soon! Phenomenal DT from the low country? Signed FA papers already! It started last year and will continue into the 2017 class as well.

Speaking of desperately needing to score point, they could lose out on RB CJ Freeman who was recently in Wisconsin. If you wanna go to school and be a featured back, why not Wisconsin. Its what they do. “It was a great visit, something I enjoyed,” Freeman said. “I’m thinking about a great opportunity. They do not have a running back commitment at the moment. They are really short at running back. The coaches are all telling me they want me. I’m a top priority. They are only offering three running backs. They are trying to get me to come on board and be an early impact, the first one helping out."

Losing DB commit PJ Blue is also another tough blow for them, especially since they could potentially lose him to us

. He'd have played for sure next year and they could've used a tall, big, physical guy like him in the secondary and playing close to the line.

Remember DE Jordan Smith (6-6 210) from Georgia? Well, after Clemson and Georgia 'lost interest' he committed to SCar. He'll have to put on some weight for sure at 210. I'm happy to say that our DE commit, Xavier Kelly, is a beastly 6-5 255. Add to it, OL Pete Leota came to coach Dabo Swinney Camp looking for an offer last year and did not receive one. South Carolina eventually did and the 2*/3* recruit gave a verbal...

If they lose JJ Givens, then that secondary is in serious trouble. Though he's not a top 40 CB, they could really use him and use him early.

Also, don't look now but QB Brandon McIlwain was on Penn State's campus and is building a relationship with coach James Franklin and crew. He is currently the Gamecocks ONLY 4* VERBAL RECRUIT. You wanna talk about the wheels falling off? Look no further if they lose him cause this would TOTALLY decimate them for quite some time. If he decides to decommit or go pro in baseball.... ouch. A three win season could be a lofty goal for them.

Now, nobody ever said they were smart but they just offered DB Troy Pride after he cut his list to Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Bad timing guys...

The Mark Richt firing: How it impacts recruiting

Great job as always Bry.

Julien Rochester

Re: Julien Rochester

Lawrence > >>> Rochester

Re: Lawrence > >>> Rochester

Re: Julien Rochester

Re: The Mark Richt firing: How it impacts recruiting

What's the latest on the Coot dumpster fire?***

Dumpster fire? Brother its a 4 alarm disaster at this point.

Re: Dumpster fire? Brother its a 4 alarm disaster at this point.

Re: Dumpster fire? Brother its a 4 alarm disaster at this point.

how insane fire Richt for Kirby Smart?

Simpson backed off announcing at the Army AA game.

Re: Simpson backed off announcing at the Army AA game.

Point for the Coot mouth breather gif.

They listed the top 5 recruiting classes for this year on TV

Great question, glad you asked.....

Re: The Mark Richt firing: How it impacts recruiting

A lot for 2017 will depend on who the HC is

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