Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Countdown 2010: 51 Days to Go

51: Greg Bright, Linebacker #45 (1994 – 1997)

Not many players go from wanting to leave school and go back home to 4 year starters with multiple all conference honors, but that is exactly what happened to Greg Bright. A native of Moultrie, Georgia, bright redshirted for Coach Ray Goff during the 1993 season. Not having many friends, Bright considered leaving Georgia all together. But a long talk with Coach Goff convinced him to stay and forever changed his career at Georgia. Buried deep on the depth chart following spring in 1994, Bright took to the weight room and eventually earned a starting spot at linebacker. He was named a member of the All-SEC Freshman team and had an amazing game against Clemson where he recorded 16 tackles and had two interceptions.

Bright had another fantastic season in 1995, starting at outside linebacker in all 11 games. Once again he turned in a 16 yard tackle performance, this time against Ole Miss. During his junior season in 1996, Bright moved to inside linebacker, a move that would help bright earn second team All-SEC honors. He led Georgia with 143 total tackles and added three interceptions.

During his senior season in 1997, Bright was named the Bulldogs’ permanent defensive captain. He once again led the Dawgs in tackles (with 128) and tied for the team lead with three sacks. You can see him in action in this highlight video of the victory over Georgia Tech in the final regular season game of the ’97 season:

Bright closed his fantastic Georgia career with 8 tackles in the Outback Bowl. He was named to the first team All-SEC squad.

A four year starter, Bright only missed one game after his freshman season. He is second all-time at Georgia with 453 total tackles and is Georgia’s all-time leader in solo tackles with 290. He attempted to continue his career in the NFL, but was released by the Dallas Cowboys.

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