Where's the beef?

By all accounts, Georgia had a very successful 2012 recruiting class. We brought in some amazing talents who may contribute as soon as this fall. But one area that was lacking was offensive linemen. Georgia appears to be the leader for Maryland transfer Max Garcia, who would be eligible to play beginning in 2013, and that would be a good start. The 2013 class already has 9 commitments, filled with four and five star recruits near the top of their class. But so far, Georgia does not have an offensive lineman committed.

Yes, I know it is still way early. But as we found out when Avery Young decided to commit to Auburn after appearing to be headed for Georgia and Davlin Tomlinson went to Bama, we can't sit around and wait on everyone. Why does it appear we are having no trouble getting great athletes at skill positions, but not having the same luck with linemen?

One reason could be the change in coaching. Whether you like Stacy Searels or not, his name was recognized as a good offensive line coach. You don't coach at LSU, Georgia, and Texas without a decent reputation. We replaced Searels with Will Friend, who has done a nice job. But coming from UAB, Friend did not have the name recognition of Searels. While he is building that reputation now, it still may have set us back in that area.

I hope that Georgia pulls in a strong line class to complement all the talent we are finding in the backfields. Here are a few of the names to pay attention to in the coming months:

• Brandon Kublanow, Center, Marietta - rated the #2 center in the class of 2013
• DeVondre Seymour - Offensive Tackle, Suwannee - Yes, that name sound familiar. Seymour is the adopted son of former Georgia lineman Richard Seymour (Devondre is actually his nephew)
• Josh Outlaw - Guard, Lithonia - 3 star recruit rated #20 guard in the 2013 class
• Jeremi Hall - Guard, East Point - 4 Star rated, 6'4'', 335 monster who is rated the #6 guard in the 2013 class
• Shamire Devine - Tackle, East Point - another 4 star rated tackle who stands at 6'7''
  

The Loss of Trinton Sturdivant

Over the last few weeks, there has been a lot of press about the mounting list of injuries suffered by the Georgia Bulldogs during spring practice. But until yesterday, the only serious issue was an MCL strain by Bacarri Rambo that will hold him out for the remainder of spring. Today, we learned that redshirt senior tackle Trinton Sturdivant tore his ACL during the scrimmage on Saturday. This appears to be a sad end to a once bright career for Sturdivant.



Sturdivant burst on the scene during the late run during the 2007 season. Then a true freshman, he took over as the starting left tackle by mid season providing protection for Matt Stafford. He was a Freshman All-American and the future looked bright. He would suffer his first ACL tear in the summer of 2008 and missed the '08 season. He returned for 2009 and had regained his left tackle spot heading into the season opener at Oklahoma State. But he would be injured during the game and miss the remainder of the '09 season. 2010 saw Sturdivant earn his starting spot back. All-SEC performer Clint Boling began the year at LT, but moved back to right tackle after Sturdivant proved he was back healthy. He considered leaving school early for the NFL draft, but along with fellow lineman Cordy Glenn, chose to return to Georgia for the 2011 season. Now it appears that decision may have cost him a future in the NFL, as few teams will be willing to take a player who has missed three of the last four years with knee injuries. I really feel bad for Trinton Sturdivant. He worked extremely hard to make it back, and this is about the worst thing that could have happened. I'll never forget his dancing during the touchdown celebration against the Gators in 2007. I wish him the best of luck.



As for the Georgia offensive line, it now has a major hole to fill at tackle. Cordy Glenn, who had been splitting time at left tackle with Sturdivant during spring practice, will most likely assume that position full time. Redshirt sophomore Austin Long, junior AJ Harmon, and freshman Kolton Houston will be the primary guys competing for the starting spot. The good news is, they will have all summer to prepare for their new starting role.

Bean Moves back to OL

As I predicted here a few weeks ago, Justin Anderson is officially moving back to the offensive line. I feel like he is another lost project just like Kiante Tripp. I hope he finds success on the line this fall, but unfortunately I think he ends up as another wasted talent the coaches had no idea what to do with.

Oh well.

2011 Recruiting Wrap Up: Assessing the Depth Chart - OL

Georgia pulled in 6 new recruits who will be used on the offensive line in the next couple of years. But unlike many other positions, I do not expect any of these players to make much of an impact this season. My hope is that at least four of the six can be redshirted this fall.

Depth Chart - Tackle
1. Trinton Sturdivant, Redshirt Senior -LT
2. Kenaroius Gates, Sophomore - RT
3. Brent Benedict, Redshirt Freshman
4. AJ Harmon, Junior
5. Watts Dantzler, Freshman

Analysis
Sturdivant is set at the left tackle position while it looks like Gates will move over into the right tackle position. If any of the true freshman make an impact, I would give the edge to Watts Dantzler and his 6'7'', 315 lbs body.

Depth Chart - Guard
1. Cordy Glenn, Senior - RG
2. Dallas Lee, Sophomore - LG
3. Justin Anderson, Senior
4. Kolton Houston, Redshirt Sophomore
5. David Andrews, Freshman

Analysis
The left guard position is mist likely the only open competition on the offensive line headed into spring camp. Justin Anderson has been moved around so much that I can't put him as the favorite to start. I doubt any of the freshmen make an impact at guard this fall.

Depth Chart - Center
1. Ben Jones, Senior
2. Chris Burentte, Sophomore
3. Ty Frix, Senior (starter at Long Snapper)

Analysis
This has been Ben Jones' job for the last three seasons and that will not change this fall. Look for Burnette to see time as Jones' back up. Ty Frix will hold down the long snapper position again this fall and freshman Nathan Theus will most likely take over in 2012.

The Countdown 2010: 19 Days to Go

Pat Dye, OG #60 (1957-1960)

Patrick Fain Dye is best known as Auburn's head coach from 1981 to 1992. A successful tenure that yielded 99 wins and four SEC championships ended in a dark cloud of pay-for-play allegations supported by the infamous Eric Ramsey tapes played nationally on 60 Minutes, and landing Auburn on probation in 1993 and 1994. Yet Pat Dye is still beloved on the Plains for what he accomplished in the 1980s. A program that hadn't won an SEC championship since 1957 played in the Sugar Bowl three times in its most successful decade.

Born and raised in Blythe, Georgia, outside of Augusta, Dye's mother was a school teacher and a graduate of the University of Georgia. His father was a farmer. As a senior at Richmond Academy, Dye was the captain of the 1956 3A state championship team and named the Atlanta Journal's 3A Lineman of the Year.

Playing for Wally Butts' final teams at UGA, he was named first team All-SEC in 1958 and an All-American in 1959 and 1960. The Atlanta Touchdown Club also named him the SEC's Most Valuable Lineman in 1960. He also secured a fumble in 1959 versus Auburn to help win 14-13 and seal an SEC championship for the Dawgs.

After three seasons in the CFL playing for the Edmonton Eskimos, Dye served two years in the U.S. Army fulfilling an ROTC obligation. He then became an assistant coach to Bear Bryant at Alabama, serving from 1965 to 1973.

Hired as East Carolina's head coach in 1974, Dye compiled a 48-18-1 record in six seasons. He then coached at Wyoming for one season (1980) before being named Auburn's head coach.

Vince Dooley's signature on an AU helmet; and Pat Dye's signature on a UGA helmet

As Auburn was busy courting Vince Dooley before Georgia's 1981 Sugar Bowl matchup with Notre Dame, Dye became greatly interested in the head position at his alma mater. However, Dooley finally turned down the Auburn job and Dye shifted his attention. In fact, he resigned his position at Wyoming before Auburn ever offered him the job. But his gamble paid off on January 2, 1981 when the Tigers announced him as head coach.

The Countdown 2010: 21 Days to Go

21: Matt Stinchcomb, Offensive Tackle #79 (1995 – 1998)

Along with younger brother Jon, Matt Stinchcomb makes up one half of the 2 pairs of brothers to appear on our countdown. After a great career at Parkview High School in Lilburn, matt decided to stay in state and attend The University of Georgia. This would be the beginning of a great relationship with Georgia, one that led to a Facebook campaign nominating him for the AD spot after the departure of Damon Evans.

After playing as a backup during his freshman season in 1995, Stinchcomb earned a starting spot on the line during his sophomore season in 1996. He would make 32 consecutive starts on the Georgia line over the next three seasons. In 1997, he earned first team All-SEC honors and was named an All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. Back for his senior season in 1998, Stinchcomb earned nearly every honor a lineman can obtain. He was a finalist for the Lombardi Award (given annually to the nation’s best lineman), first team all-SEC, and a consensus All-American (AFCA, Playboy, AP, Walter Camp, Sporting News). He was also an Academic All-American with a 3.96 GPA in business. For his efforts on the field and in the classroom, he was named the Woody Hayes National Scholar Athlete Award Winner.

He was selected as the 18th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He played for the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 8 seasons and retired following the 2006 season. In 2009, he was selected to the University of Georgia Circle of Honor and was recognized as an SEC legend during the SEC Championship weekend. He has partnered with former Dawg quarterback David Greene to put on the annual Countdown to Kickoff, which raises money for local charities. You can also see Matt Stinchcomb doing college football coverage for CSS and ESPN.

The Countdown 2010: 23 Days to Go

23: Joe Bennett, Tackle (1920 – 1923)

In the modern days of college sports, there been a number of players who have found success in multiple sports during their collegiate years. Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson, Charlie Ward, and Harschel Walker are just a few who excelled in multiple sports. Back in the 1920’s, Georgia had its own multi-sport star in Joe Bennett.

Statesboro native Joe Bennett earned a starting position at tackle for Georgia during his freshman season in 1920. Playing both offense and defense, he became a key component of John Stegeman’s 1921 squad that would be the first Georgia squad to go undefeated since 1896. The team finished 8-0-1 and won the Southern Conference championship. Bennett would continue his fine play in 1922 and 1923, earning All-Southern conference honors both years. He was named a Walter Camp All-American in 1922. During his senior season in 1923, he was named Georgia captain and once again earned All-American honors (NEA, Billy Evans).

Joe Bennett was a four year starter for Georgia. During his four seasons, they compiled a record of 25-9-4. Bennett was the star of the Georgia basketball team in 1922 and 1923 and would go onto a career in business, working as an executive for Coca-Cola. He was inducted in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.

The Countdown 2010: 27 Days to Go

27: Mike “Moonpie” Wilson, Offensive Tackle (1974 – 1976)

Before winning the National Championship in 1980, Coach Vince Dooley led the Dawgs back to the top of the SEC with an SEC Championship season in 1976. A key member of that team was a player with one of the most unforgettable names in Georgia history, Mike “Moonpie” Wilson. But Wilson’s career in Athens almost never happened. During his freshman season, he twice left Georgia for home only to return just a short time later.

Wilson came to Athens from Florida where he played his high school football at Johnson High School. A fixture at tackle for Georgia, he was an All-SEC performer during his junior season in 1975. In 1976, he was one of five players with the last name Wilson to suit up for Coach Dooley. Along with fellow future All-American Joel Parrish, Georgia’s line was one of the most feared in the country. When the Bulldogs defeated Bear Bryant’s Alabama Crimson Tide squad 21-0, Bryant said that the 1976 Dawgs were “the best Georgia team I’ve seen in years.”

After the season, Mike Wilson was once again named to the All-SEC first team. He was also named a consensus first team All-American. He went onto to have a long career in the National Football League, playing for over a decade with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was fixture on the Bengals line that went to the Super Bowl in 1982. He was elected to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Doesn’t reading this story make you hungry?

The Countdown 2010: 33 Days to Go

33: Edgar Chandler, Offensive Tackle/Guard #63 (1964 – 1967)

Not many players posses both the physical size and speed to play both linebacker and offensive tackle, but Edgar Chandler was no ordinary player. A three star athlete in high school, Chandler came to Athens from Cedartown, Georgia. His high school coach, Doc Ayers, joined Vince Dooley’s staff at Georgia and Chandler followed.

Chandler would become a three year starter for Dooley as Georgia would compile a 23-9 record during those seasons. He played mostly right tackle and was named to the All-SEC first team in 1966 and 1967. He was named an All-American by the NEA in 1966 and as Georgia finished with a 10-1 record, an SEC Championship, and a Cotton Bowl victory. In his senior year in 1967, Chandler was a unanimous first team All-American. He was invited to three senior all-star games (Liberty Bowl, North South Bowl, and the Hula Bowl.

Chandler is still considered one of the finest offensive linemen in SEC history. He would go on to a career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. To better utilize his talents, Chandler switched to linebacker. He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. He also made a funny appearance as an audience member on the Tonight Show on an evening when Don Rickels filled in for Johnny Carson. Check out Chandler in the clip below at the 8:20 mark:

The Countdown 2010: 45 Days to Go

45: Wilbur Strozier, Offensive Line/Defensive Tackle #79 (1983 – 1986)

Wilbur Strozier played for two season in the NFL as a tight end for the Seattle Seahawks and the San Diego Chargers. But the road to becoming an NFL tight end began as a highly recruited defensive end from La Grange. Following Georgia’s run of three straight SEC Championships, Strozier joined the Georgia signing class of 1983 along with fellow Georgia greats Jeff Sanchez and John Little. After arriving in Athens, it took a few years for the Georgia coaches to finally figure out what position fit Wilbur the best.Wilbur Strozier began his Georgia career on the defensive line, moving from his high school position of defensive end to defensive tackle. During the next season, he would continue to play defense but also began to see time on offense at tight end.

Entering his junior season in 1985, the coaches finally found a permanent home for him at offensive tackle. Recognized as one of the most consistent tackles in Georgia history, Strozier started all but one game at offensive tackle during his final two seasons. In 1986, he played a key role in the 20-16 victory over the Auburn Tigers. He was recognized as a member of the All-SEC First team and was named an All-American by Football News. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 1987 NFL Draft and remains one of the most versatile players in Georgia history.

The Countdown 2010: 46 Days to Go

46: Ray Rissmiller, Offensive Tackle #70 (1961 – 1964)

Pennsylvania native Ray Rissmiller lived up to the nickname of “Big Ray” when he became at starter during his sophomore season in 1962. Weighing in at over 245 pounds, Rissmiller and fellow big guy “Big Jim” Wilson, formed a large wall for the Georgia offense. While they were both imposing forces on the offensive line in 1962 and 1963 but the arrival of Vince Dooley in 1964 would turn these two into one of the best 1-2 line punches in Georgia history.

Coach Dooley hired his brother, Bill, to become the offensive line coach and together they worked Rissmiller into one of the best linemen in the country. By the start of his senior season, Rissmiller’s weight dropped to 225 and he became a key member of the first edition of Dooley’s Dawgs. Following the season, Ray was named first team All-American and won the Jenkins Award, given annually to Georgia’s best lineman. He was by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 1965 NFL draft and played three seasons for the Eagles, Bills, and the Saints. Ray’s son Scott continued to family tradition, suiting up for the Dawgs under Coach Goff in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

The Countdown 2010: 47 Days to Go

47: Max Jean-Gilles, Offensive Lineman #74 (2002 – 2005)

One of the top lineman in the country in 2001, Miami native Max Jean-Gilles was a great recruiting get from Florida during the early years of the Mark Richt era at Georgia. Gilles became an immediate contributor for the Dawgs in 2002. He played in every game that season for the SEC’s top scoring offense as Georgia won its first SEC Championship in 20 years. He made his first career start in the SEC Championship game against Arkansas and had an outstanding spring in 2003. After earning the Coffee County Hustle Award during spring practice, he earned a starting spot at right tackle.

In becoming Georgia’s most improved offensive player during the 2003 season, Jean-Gilles started all 14 games and registered 60 “dominator” blocks. He was to the All-SEC second team by the SEC Coaches and Honorable Mention by the Associated Press. In 2004, he moved positions from tackle to guard where would become an even more powerful force. A pre-season All-American candidate and an Outland Trophy Candidate, he once again earned second team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and first team All-SEC honors from the coaches.

In 2005, he was named the permanent offensive captain of the team that earned a second SEC title in 4 years. Max was credited with 17 touchdown resulting blocks and allowed only ½ of a sack for the entire season. He was named first team All-SEC and first team All-American honors by multiple outlets. He finished his Georgia career with 40 career starts and never missed a game due to injury. His class won 44 games, one of the highest totals for a class in school history. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles where he has continued his football career.

The Countdown 2010: 54 Days to Go

54: Jon Stinchcomb, Offensive Tackle #78 (1999 – 2002)

Parkview graduate Jon Stinchcomb was the second Stinchcomb brother to become an All-American lineman at the University of Georgia. Following in the footsteps of older brother Matt, Jon redshirted during the fall of 1998 and made his Georgia debut in 1999. Playing multiple positions across the offensive line for Jim Donnan, Stinchcomb earned both All-SEC Freshman and All-American Freshman team honors. In his sophomore season in 2000, he started all 12 games for the Dawgs and named to the SEC Coaches All-SEC second team.

After being named to Street and Smith’s preseason All-American squad, there were high expectations for Stinchcomb in the 2001 season. He had another great season, finishing with 18 pancake blocks for the season. His streak of 29 consecutive starts came to an end when he missed the Georgia Tech game with a knee injury. He was once again named second team All-SEC and returned for his senior season in 2002 as a pre-season All-American.

2002 was a magical year for Georgia, as the Bulldogs won their first SEC Championship in 20 years. Stinchcomb was named the permanent offensive captain and even scored a touchdown (on a fumble) in the SEC East clinching victory over the Auburn Tigers. The Dawgs offense averaged 32.6 points per game in 2002 and Stinchcomb finished as a semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award. He was named first team All-SEC, first team All-American, and was named the top lineman in the SEC.

He was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. Jon has enjoyed an All-Pro career and was a key member of the Super Bowl Championship squad in 2009.

The Countdown 2010: 57 Days to Go

57: Peter Anderson, Center #64 (1982 – 1985)

Blocking for a great group of running backs including Herschel Walker and Tim Worley, Peter Anderson was a key member of the Georgia offense in the middle 1980’s. Originally from Vineland, New Jersey, Anderson would play every position across the offensive line during his freshman and sophomore seasons. In 1984, Anderson finally earned a starting spot at center for Coach Dooley. It was that same season that Anderson would earn a nickname few would forget.


Vince Dooley gave Peter Anderson the nickname “Bell Cow” a name symbolizing his leadership on the Georgia Bulldogs team. In his senior season in 1985, Anderson would make his mark on the entire football landscape. In Georgia’s 20-13 victory over Clemson, Anderson recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown for the Bulldogs:


Also during that 1985 season, Anderson became the first Georgia player to be named permanent team captain in the middle of the season. He was named a consensus All-American following the season and will be remembered as one of the best centers in Georgia history.

The Countdown 2010: 64 Days to Go

64: Tommy Lyons, C #50 (1966-1970)

If this list strictly ranked Georgia football players on their achievements after their Red & Black playing days were over, Tommy Lyons would have a strong case for #1.

Lyons grew up in a Georgia Tech home in Atlanta during coach Bobby Dodd’s heyday. It was a given that when Dodd recruited him, Lyons would be a Jacket. But Tommy didn’t see it that way. He followed a childhood friend to Athens, and UGA was the beneficiary.

Lyons became an All-American center in 1969 and 1970, and graduated from the University in 1971. He used two post-graduate scholarships to attend medical school at the University of Colorado while starting 49 consecutive games for the Denver Broncos.

Today, he is the director of the Center for Women’s Care and Reproductive Surgery in Atlanta; and is recognized as a pioneer in endoscopic laser surgery.

In 1996, Dr. Lyons became only the second Georgia student-athlete to be honored with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, given to individuals who have developed significantly in their field of endeavor after top performances as NCAA athletes. He was inducted into the State of Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1987; and was named a member of UGA’s Circle of Honor in 1999.

As a three-year starter for the Red & Black, he helped lead the Bulldogs to the 1968 SEC Championship and was team captain in 1970.

Oh yeah… Dr. Lyons is an avid pianist and a licensed pilot.

So how’s your life going?

The Countdown 2010: 66 Days to Go

66: Herb St. John, Guard #39 (1944 -1947)

Despite blocking for Georgia greats Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi, Georgia’s offensive lines during the 1940’s were considered by many to be below average. The exception was four time All-SEC offensive lineman Herb St. John. St. John came to Georgia from Jacksonville, Florida and was a four year starter on both the offensive and defensive line. Georgia would compile a 34-9-1 record during those four years, including an undefeated season (11-0) in 1946. St.John’s offensive line helped Charley Trippi account for 1,366 total yards on the ground and in the air. Trippi was awarded the Maxwell Trophy, St.John was named an All-American, and Georgia was declared National Champions by the Williams Poll.

Here are some highlights from Georgia’s 1946 victory over Alabama:


St. John played in multiple collegiate level All-Star games following the 1944 and 1946 seasons. He played two years of professional football before retiring from football. He went on to have a successful career as high school, winning 115 games over a 19 year career. He was inducted into the Georgia Circle of Honor in 2004.

The Countdown 2010: 74 Days to Go

74: Royce Smith, Offensive Guard #66 (1969 – 1971)

“Savannah's proud of this young man,

We honor here tonight,

Who's famous now from Rabun Gap,

Right down to Tybee Light.

“In years to come when he looks back,

And thinks about this day,

Royce will know we honored him,

Because he led the way.”

These words appeared in a poem by Daivd Barrow honoring Garden City native Royce Smith on Royce Smith Day in Savannah in 1972. Smith attended Groves High School where he was recruited by Georgia assistant coach John Donaldson. Smith arrived in Athens undersized for an offensive lineman at only 190 pounds. But after committing to a weight lifting program, Smith was up to 250 during the following three seasons as a start on the Georgia line.

Smith enjoyed fine seasons in 1969 and 1970, as he earned All-SEC honors for his play at guard. In 1971, Smith anchored the Georgia line that would help the team finish 10-1 and ended the season with a victory over North Carolina in the Gator Bowl. He was named a consensus All-American and All-SEC and played in the Senior Bowl in 1972.

He was drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He would later return home to Georgia, where he spent two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1995.

The Countdown 2010: 83 Days to Go

83: Mike Castronis, Offensive Line #39 (1943 – 1945)

Mike Castronis grew up in Florida and wanted to play football for the Gators in Gainesville. But as fate would have it, Mike was deemed too small to play football at Florida and wound up playing football in Athens for Wally Butts. Despite his small size, Castronis earned a reputation of playing with heart and became a three year-starter for Georgia on the offensive line.
Mike was named to the First Team All-SEC in 1943 and 1944, but 1945 would be his finest year at Georgia. He became the first player in Georgia history to earn All-SEC honors for three consecutive seasons. Following the season in which Georgia went 9-2 (including a victory in the Oil Bowl), Castronis was named to the All-American team.

After his playing career ended, Mike Castronis continued to have a profound impact on The University of Georgia football program. He served as a graduate assistant during the 1946 season and then became a high school football coach. He returned to Georgia in 1961, where he served as line coach and later as the Freshman and JV coach under Vince Dooley. The University now presents an award honoring Castronis. The Mike Castonis Award is given “for the man who never, never gave up the fight.” Recent recipients include David Jacobs, David Pollack, and Will Thompson. He was inducted into the UGA Circle of Honor in 2003.
For more on Coach Mike, check out this story:

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/090603/dog_20030906005.shtml

The Countdown 2010: 87 Days to Go

87: Jim Wilson, Tackle #79 (1961 – 1964)

Most people remember Jim Wilson for his book, Chokehold, which exposed unfair labor practices in the world of professional wrestling. But before his career as a wrestler and author, James Milligan Wilson excelled as a tackle for the Georgia Bulldogs. Wilson grew up outside of Pittsburgh but because of spinal curvature problem, was told to give up football. Overcoming his condition, Wilson earned a scholarship to The University of Georgia.

Despite playing mostly fullback in high school, Wilson moved to the line where he played both offensive and defensive tackle. Wilson and teammate Ray Rissmiller formed a dominate front for the Georgia offense. During his senior season, “Big Jim” would become the first player under Coach Vince Dooley to earn All-American honors. Dooley called Wilson “the strongest player I’ve ever seen.” Wilson was named a team captain that season and was named the Most Valuable Lineman in the Sun Bowl.

Wilson played in the 1965 Senior Bowl and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, where he was named to the 1965 All-Rookie Team. He eventually joined the newly started Atlanta Falcons, but ultimately left football to pursue a career in wrestling. Wilson was inducted into Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Georgia Circle of Honor in 2005.

The Countdown 2010: 89 Days to Go

89: Joel Parrish, Offensive Guard #67 (1973 – 1976)

Despite the graduation of Randy Johnson following the 1975 season, the Georgia Bulldogs returned a great offensive line for the 1976 season. Among the stars on that line, there was Mike “Moon Pie” Wilson and Joel Parrish. Parrish was from Douglas, Georgia, and was drafted to play baseball by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school. He ultimately decided to return to football and came back to Georgia in 1973.

In 1976, the Georgia Bulldogs would finish the regular season 10-1, winning the SEC and a trip to play Pittsburgh in the Sugar Bowl. Running back Kevin McLee and quarterback Ray Goff would combine for nearly 1800 yards rushing. Following the season, Parrish was named to the All-SEC team was award the most outstanding SEC lineman award by the Atlanta Touchdown Club. He was also one of four Georgia players to be named to various All-American squads. He would continue his football career in Canada, playing for the Toronto Argonauts.

Parrish, #67, seen here as a member of the 1976 Playboy All-American team.