2011 Recruiting Wrap Up: Assessing the Depth Chart - Defensive Backs

(This is the final entry in a series examining the depth chart following the completion of the 2011 recruiting season.)

Georgia's defensive backfield looks to return all four players who finished the 2010 season as starters (Boyking, Commings, Rambo, and Ogletree) as well as some experienced upper classmen. The new faces in the secondary could also push for playing time this fall.

Depth Chart - Corner
1. Brandon Boykin, Senior
2. Branden Smith, Junior
3. Sanders Commings, Redshirt Junior
4. Jordan Love, Redshirt Sophomore
5. Damian Swann, Freshman
6. Derek Owens, Sophomore

Analysis
Boykin's decision to return for his senior season should help this group continue to improve in 2011. Sanders Commings was listed as the starter at the end of 2010, but I fully expect Branden Smith to be the starter come August. Jordan Love and Derek Owens both saw limited playing time in 2010 and will look to build on that experience this fall. Freshmen Damian Swann and Nick Marshall could also push for playing time with good summer camps. I expect freshman Devin Bowman to redshirt.

Depth Chart - Safety
1. Alec Ogletree, Sophomore
2. Bacarri Rambo, Redshirt Junior
3. Shawn Williams, Junior
4. Jakar Hamilton, Senior
5. Corey Moore, Freshman
6. Chris Sanders, Freshman

Analysis
2010 was a disappointing year for Georgia's safeties. Bacarri Rambo failed to play at the same level he did in 2009 and transfer Jakar Hamilton did not live up to his reputation as "the hitman". The lone bright spot was true freshman Alec Ogletree, who will now be looked to as the leader of the group. Shawn Williams is the only other experienced safety on the roster, so expect immediate contributions from highly touted freshman Corey Moore. Chris Sanders may also see playing time, but I do not expect Quintavious Harrow to play much at safety (though we may see him on special teams.)

The Countdown 2010: 38 Days to Go

38: Sean Jones, Safety #6 (2001 – 2003)

Sean Jones accounted for 42 touchdowns playing quarterback for Westlake High School in 1999. He also played defensive end and committed to Georgia and Coach Jim Donnan. Jones red shirted during his freshman year in 2000 and instead found a home on the defensive side of the football. In 2001, Jones played in all 12 games as a back-up free safety. He made 38 tackles and had 2 pass breakups and returned in 2002 as a starter.

In 2002, Sean Jones’ play as both a safety and a punt returner helped lead Georgia to a 13-1 record and an SEC Championship. Starting in 12 of 14 games, he made his first fantastic play of the season against Northwestern State by blocking a punt that was returned for a touchdown. His best game of the season came in the most important Georgia game in 20 years. Georgia traveled to Auburn with a chance to clinch the SEC East title. While most people remember how this game finished, few forget that without Sean Jones, Georgia would have never been in position to win. On Auburn’s opening drive of the game, Jones intercepted a pass deep in Georgia territory that kept them off the score board. Later in the game, he grabbed another interception and recovered a fumble. And with the Dawgs down late in the 4th, Jones had a big punt return to set up Georgia’s game winning drive(his 16 yards per punt return in 2002 ranks 8th all-time at Georgia). He finished the season with 83 tackles.

During his junior (and final) season in 2003, Jones moved from free safety to strong safety. Playing against Tennessee in Knoxville, Jones made one of the biggest momentum changing plays I have ever seen in college football:


He continued to make fantastic plays throughout the year, including tying the Georgia record for field goal blocks with 3. He led the team with 5 interceptions, a sack, 5 pass break ups, and finished second on the team with 121 tackles. He was named to the All-SEC first team and a consensus All-American.

Sean Jones finished his career at Georgia with 250 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 3 fumble recoveries, 7 interceptions, and 4 blocked kicks. He was drafted in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns and currently plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Countdown 2010: 41 Days to Go

41: Thomas Davis, Safety #10 (2002 – 2004)

During my time at The University of Georgia I had the pleasure of watching one of the hardest hitting players in Georgia history bring the pain against SEC defenses. That player was Thomas Davis, who was originally not offered a scholarship to come to Georgia and play football. But when a member of the Georgia coaching staff saw Davis playing basketball, they knew his athleticism would translate onto the gridiron. The native of tiny Shellman, Georgia, will be remembered as one of the key players of the mid-2000s teams that brought the SEC Championship back to Athens.

Davis redshirted during 2001, spending time at both linebacker and safety. During the Dawgs run to the SEC Championship in 2002, Davis moved up the depth chart and ended up starting four games that year. 2003 would be a breakout season for him and he helped lead Georgia back to the SEC Championship for the second straight year. He was named to the All-SEC squad as he totaled 130 tackles.

During his junior season in 2004, played a major role in the another ten win season for the Dawgs under Mark Richt. One of his signature plays was a huge tackle against LSU’s Jacob Hester. Hester, then a freshman, fumbled on the play. He would not fumble another ball for nearly four years. Despite missing the Kentucky game with an injured knee, he once again led the Dawgs in tackles with 81. He also 5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and an interception. Here are a look at some of Davis’ career highlights:


Davis left school with one year of eligibility remaining following the 2004 season. For his Georgia career, he made 29 starts in 35 games played. He totaled 272 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. He was drafted 14th overall in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers and has developed into an All-pro player. He will miss the 2010 season after suffering a torn ACL in spring practice.

The Countdown 2010: 44 Days to Go

44: John Little, Safety #19 (1983 – 1986)
Replacing a legend is always a tough job and it was John Little’s job to take the place of Georgia great Terry Hoage. Little played quarterback in high school in Lynn Haven, Florida, and remained at the position during most of his redshirt season in 1982. In 1983, he moved to defense where he saw limited action during the first three games of the season. But injuries, including one to Terry Hoage, allowed Little to earn a starting spot on the defense. He started six games in ’83 and became a fixture in the Georgia secondary for the next three seasons.

Following Terry Hoage’s graduation, Little took over the position of rover for Georgia in 1984. Little played well, but his breakthrough performance came in the regular season finale against Georgia Tech. The Dawgs fell to the Yellow Jackets, 35 – 18, but Little had an amazing game totaling 25 tackles. This total still stands as the second most tackles recorded by a single player in one game at Georgia.

In 1985, Little took on another role for the Dawgs in addition to playing defense. He led the Dawgs in punt returns that season, returning 21 punts for 169 yards (average of 8 yards per return). He also turned in the greatest single game performance of his career. Against rival Clemson, Little picked off two Tiger passes in the fourth quarter to help secure a Georgia victory. He was named to the All-SEC squad and named an All-American by Football News following the season. His senior season was another successful one, as he once again was named first team All-SEC and an All-American by Football News and the Walter Camp foundation.

Playing with other Georgia greats such as Jeff Hipp, Knox Culpepper, and Jeff Sanchez, Little was not the most high profile of Georgia stars but definitely one of the most consistent. For his career, he had 381 total tackles, good for 7th on the all-time Georgia list. The two-time All-American also had 10 interceptions and broke up 18 passes. He completed his college career playing in the 1987 Senior Bowl.

The Countdown 2010: 70 Days to Go

70: Lynn Hughes, Quarterback/Safety #16 (1964 – 1966)

The road to an All-American career at safety for Lynn Hughes did not begin on the practice field covering receivers and tackling running backs in the secondary. Instead, Hughes began his Georgia career at quarterback during Vince Dooley’s first season at Georgia in 1964. Splitting time with Preston Ridlehuber, Hughes ended up the Dawgs leading passer in ’64, throwing for 408 yards. His best game came against Clemson, when he not only ran for a touchdown, but also scored on an interception return.

During the 1965 season, Hughes switched his main position from quarterback to safety. Hughes would enjoy a successful season in ’65, a year which he was also named an Academic All-American. During his senior season in 1966, he would be a key member of Vince Dooley’s first SEC Championship squad. His ability to play both offense and defense was on display, as he made key plays in two SEC come from behind victories displaying all of his talents.

During the homecoming game against Kentucky, Georgia trailed the Wildcats 15-14 at the half. When starting quarterback Kirby Moore went down with an injury, Dooley called on Hughes to help lead the Dawgs to victory. He capped a long scoring drive with a 10 yard touchdown run and the Dawgs would go on to the victory. With the score tied at 10 a few weeks later against the Gators, Hughes intercepted a Florida pass and returned it for a touchdown, leading to another Georgia victory.

Following the season, Hughes was named to the first team All-SEC and All-American teams. After playing in the NFL with the New York Giants, he returned to the SEC as an assistant at Vanderbilt and later back at Georgia.

The Countdown 2010: 71 Days to Go

71: Bill Krug, Safety #42 (1975 -1977)

During Bill Krug’s sophomore season in 1975, Georgia would finish with a 9-2 record on the strength of Erk Russel’s defense. The group earned the name the Junkyard Dawgs and Krug was named to the All-SEC team for the first time.

In 1976, Krug and linebacker Ben Zambiasi returned to lead another strong Georgia defense as the Bulldogs would win the SEC Championship. In Georgia’s 21-0 victory over Alabama, Krug was named the Sports Illustrated defensive player of the week. For the season, Krug totaled 75 tackles (4th on the team) and had 2 interceptions. From his rover position, he was a surprise team leader in sacks (with 9)as well. He was named to the All-SEC for the second straight season.

Krug would enjoy a successful senior season in 1977, earning All-American honors in addition to his third straight year on the All-SEC team. He would total 73 primary tackles (second on the team to Zambiasi) and made a huge play during his final regular season game for Georgia. With the Dawgs tied at 10 against Georgia Tech, Krug recovered a fumble in Yellow Jacket territory that would eventually lead to a game winning field goal.

Bill Krug made the All-SEC squad each of his three years he suited up for the Red and Black. He was named to the AJC’s Deep South Best 11 and was a key member of some of the 1976 SEC Championship team that led the nation in scoring defense.

The Countdown 2010: 75 Days to Go

75: Jeff Hipp, Safety #49 (1978 – 1980)

While all Georgia fans know the names of Walker, Woerner, and Scott, another key contributor to the 1980 National Championship team was safety Jeff Hipp. Originally from West Columbia, South Carolina, Hipp chose to play for Vince Dooley as opposed to staying home and playing for the Gamecocks. The 6’3’’, 190 pounder was a force from his safety position. After earning a starting role in 1979, he made two big plays that helped lead Georgia to a victory over LSU. He had an interception which led to the go ahead touchdown and sealed the victory when he caused a fumble by LSU running back LeRoid Jones. Georgia would hang on to win, 21-14. A few weeks later, Hipp would leave his mark on the rivalry with Georgia Tech. He recorded 3 interceptions in a defensive struggle and the Dawgs went on to a 16-3 victory.

In the first game of the 1980 season, Hipp played a key role in Georgia’s come from behind victory at Tennessee. Following the Herschel Walker touchdown (yes, the one where he ran over Bates), Hipp recovered a fumble that set Georgia up at the Vols’ 37. Georgia would eventually score to take the lead and win the game. Two games later, against Clemson, he made a game securing interception on a tipped pass by teammate Frank Ros:


Jeff Hipp would lead the nation in interceptions with 8 that fall. He also tallied 83 tackles and was named to the All-SEC first team. For his career, he ranks second all-time at Georgia in interceptions with 14 (for 121 return yards). He played in two collegiate all-star games (the Japan Bowl and the Hula Bowl) in 1981.

The Countdown 2010: 76 Days to Go

76: Jeff Sanchez, Safety #31 (1982, 1984)

While the majority of Georgia players are recruited out of high school, every so often there is a player who becomes a star in Athens after beginning their football career in junior college. In 2010, Georgia hopes that Jakar Hamilton can repeat the success of another junior college transfer safety, Jeff Sanchez. After being named to the Junior College All-American team in 1980 and 1981 at Fullerton, Sanchez paired with Georgia great Terry Hoage to become one of the best 1-2 punches at safety the SEC has ever seen. The duo would finish 1-2 in the NCAA in interceptions that season (12 for Hoage, 9 for Sanchez). In the game that secured Georgia’s third consecutive SEC Championship, Sanchez broke up the final Auburn pass attempt and prompted one of Larry Munson’s signature calls:

For the 1982 season, he finished with 9 interceptions and 98 tackles and was named first team All-SEC.

An injury forced Sanchez to miss the entire 1983 season. As a redshirt senior in 1984, he continued to build on the success he started in 1982. He led the team in interceptions with four and finished third on the team in tackles. He was once again elected as a member of the All-SEC team and was named to the All-American team.

Despite playing only two seasons at Georgia, Sanchez is near the top of a number of key statistical categories. His tally of 9 interceptions in 1982 is the fourth best total in a single season in school history. His 13 career interceptions is tied for third. Just imagine if he could have played all four seasons in Athens.

The Countdown 2010: 98 Days to Go

98:Greg Blue, Safety #17 (2002 – 2005)

Blue doing his best WWF impression on a Commodore.

Greg Blue was a 6’2’’, 215 pound, killing machine. The safety from Atlanta’s Banneker High School came to Athens as a member of Mark Richt’s first recruiting class. He was red-shirted in the fall of 2001 and saw his first game action during the 2002 SEC Championship season. Playing behind Thomas Davis and Sean Jones, Blue made 42 total tackles for the Georgia defense that finished fourth in the nation. He continued his back-up role in 2003, registering another 42 tackles, along with two QB pressures and three pass deflections.

In 2004, Blue earned a starting role at rover. Working along-side All-American Thomas Davis, the duo was one of the hardest-hitting pairs in all of college football. Blue totaled 80 tackles, a sack, three tackles for a loss, and caused three fumbles. During his senior season, Blue was named a permanent defensive caption for a team that would win the second SEC title of his career. Blue led Georgia with 96 total tackles and hauled in two interceptions. The secondary finished seventh in the nation in pass defense and Blue received a wide variety of accolades, including being a member of the All-SEC team and a consensus All-American (AP, AFCA, Walter Camp). Here is a look at some of the highlights from Blue’s career:

For his career, Blue totaled 176 tackles and was a member of two SEC Championship teams. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. After a successful rookie season, he was cut during training camp in 2007. He has continued his football career in Canada, playing with the Toronto Argonauts.