Chip Towers, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
January 13, 2010
Georgia is in its sixth week without a defensive coordinator and two other defensive assistants. So what has been the Bulldogs' message to recruits?
"Have patience and trust in them," said Walton defensive end Brandon Burrows, who said he talks to Georgia assistants once a week. "And I have both."
Burrows has been committed to Georgia since early July and is one of 12 defensive players --- 19 overall --- who have pledged to sign with the Bulldogs on national signing day (Feb. 3). He has remained loyal throughout Georgia head coach Mark Richt's protracted, public pursuit of a coach to coordinate the defense next season.
"I have trust in Coach Richt," he said this week. "I have a ton of faith in him that he's going to pick the right one for us. I'm still going to sign with Georgia no matter what."
Douglass' Garrison Smith, rated the No. 1 defensive tackle in America according to Scout.com, echoed that sentiment.
"Coach Richt is going to make the best decision," Smith said. "I'm going to ride with whatever he does. He's one of the best head coaches in college football. He knows what he is doing."
Others --- especially out-of-state commitments --- aren't as certain. Linebacker Deon Rogers (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), defensive end Dexter Morant (Manning, S.C.) and cornerback Nickell Robey (Frostproof, Fla.) remain committed but are actively exploring options.
"I'm still committed but I'm just waiting to see who's going to be coordinator and linebackers coach," said Rogers, who visited Cincinnati last weekend and has trips planned to Louisville and Mississippi State.
Helping Georgia's cause is that this week is a dead period in college football recruiting because of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) convention in Orlando. So all in-home recruiting is on hold.
