NFL draft analyst Ian Rapoport says that Georgia corner Tyson Campbell has a shot at the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. Details here.
The 2021 NFL Draft is finally upon us. The first round kicks off on Thursday and may feature some Georgia Bulldogs. Several UGA defenders are believed to be in the mix to hear their name called early, among them is corner back Tyson Campbell.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reacted to fellow analyst Tom Pelissero’s list of six potential first round picks, which included Campbell and another Georgia corner back, Eric Stokes.
Lot of interesting names here. Sounds like #Georgia CB Tyson Campbell has a good chance of going in 1. UNC RB Javonte Williams is fascinating, as well. He has a shot to go on Thursday. https://t.co/JNfIqFRKj1
Pelissero mentions that both Campbell and Stokes are high on most draft boards because of the duo’s blazing forty times during Georgia’s pro day in March. Campbell ran a 4.36, and Stokes, a 4.29.
“If there’s a run, both could go in the first,” one GM said. “I think Campbell has a little more upside. Stokes is a little closer to playing (immediately).”
The ‘run’ referred to depends on where the perceived top-corners go. South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn and Alabama’s Patrick Surtain are thought to be the top two guys at the position.
That said, when the draft comes around, we never know what exactly could happen. With Campbell and Stokes’ talent, there is a chance both will be off the board on Thursday.
A group of SEC coaches named Georgia safety Richard LeCounte as one of the most underrated prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft. Details here
We are just a few days away from the 2021 NFL Draft which kicks off on Thursday night. For months we’ve seen mock drafts and prospect rankings swarm the media in preparation, bringing up some serious questions regarding UGA’s Richard LeCounte and his weirdly low draft stock.
LeCounte is hard to find on most draft boards and Pro Football Focus has the All-SEC first team safety out of their top-10 rankings at the position.
But why? Some will point to his speed. LeCounte averaged a 4.79 forty yard dash during Georgia’s pro day in March. Others point to his coverage skills, saying the lack of quickness will translate to matchup problems at the next level.
If we’re being honest here, these claims are unsubstantiated and in reality, just guesses.
LeCounte is one of the most productive defensive backs in Georgia football history. And at a defensive prowess like UGA, that’s saying something.
Before LeCounte’s motorcyle accident that kept him out for the latter part of 2020, the Riceboro, Ga., native racked up 26 tackles, a tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, two interceptions and four pass breakups in just five games played as the unquestioned leader of one of the top defenses in the country.
Matt Zenitz of AL.com spoke to 15 coaches that worked in the SEC last season and asked the question: Outside of the players widely projected to go in the first round, which SEC draft prospects would you most want on your team if you were an NFL general manager?
No surprise here, LeCounte finished tied for first place with five votes.
Zenitz quoted one of the responses,
“I thought he was lights out the best safety in the conference — his range, versatility, just his ability to command it back there,” a head coach said. “Not only was he skilled but he knew what was coming. He was prepared. He’s a vocal, physical, contact player who can get the ball out of the air. Can match in coverage. He’s got NFL three-dimensional versatility where he can play on the roof, can match in coverage and can fit the box. And if you have a fourth category, he can blitz from anywhere on the field. I thought he was dynamic. Did he play with a great supporting cast? Yeah. But I thought he led that supporting cast.”
LeCounte finished his career at UGA with 44 games played, racking up 165 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, 18 passes defended, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries.
UGA defensive coordinator Dan Lanning is being considered in the Kansas head coach search. Details here.
Georgia football’s success has created opportunities for the Bulldogs’ coaching staff. Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning is currently rumored to be among candidates for the head coaching position at the University of Kansas.
Football Scoop is reporting that several coaches are scheduled to speak with Kansas athletic director Travis Goff and among them is Lanning.
UGA gave the North Kansas City, MO., native a $450,000 raise earlier this year when Lanning turned down the Texas defensive coordinator position offered to him by new Longhorn head coach Steve Sarkesian. That puts Lanning among the top paid assistant coaches in all of college football at $1.7 million per year.
Kansas mutually parted ways with former head coach Les Miles earlier this year after reports surfaced involving the storied LSU coach and inappropriate behavior towards female students while in Baton Rouge.
Besides Lanning, Football Scoop says that the following coaches are of interest to the Jayhawks:
The NCAA Football Rules Committee recommended changes to overtime play in a meeting on Friday. Details here.
College football’s overtime rules may be changing.
Per the NCAA, the NCAA Football Rules Committee recommended changes to overtime play in a meeting on Friday. The committee recommended the following changes for the 2021 season:
Starting with the second overtime period, teams must attempt a two-point conversion play after a touchdown.
If the game reaches a third overtime period, teams will alternate two-point conversion attempts
Traditionally, teams alternate possessions from the opponent’s 25-yard-line, a rule that has been in affect since 1996, and after two overtime periods, are forced to attempt two-point conversions after touchdowns.
The NCAA says the new rule proposal is meant to limit the number of plays from scrimmage and bring the game to a conclusion.
The new propositions will be discussed during a meeting on April 22 by NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel.
Whether or not the rules will be put in affect next season is up in the air, but I like the new proposal. Don’t get me wrong, of course I love a good six overtime game just as much as anyone, but I would love to see teams alternate two-point conversions and watch the pressure that situation would create.
We’ll keep you updated here on what the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Pane decides on April 22.
Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning confirmed his return to Athens for the 2021. Details here.
Georgia football defensive coordinator Dan Lanning confirmed his return to Athens for the 2021 season after emerging as a favorite for the same position at Texas under new Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Last year, Lanning led the 2019 Bulldogs defense to a No. 1 ranking in scoring defense, while ranking No. 3 in total defense and in 2020, led Georgia to the No. 15 scoring defense and the No. 13 total defense in the country with several key starters going down with injuries.
Coach Kirby Smart gave Lanning a raise last year, going from $750,000 to $1.25 million, making him the highest-paid assistant coach on the Bulldogs staff after Lanning was considered for the head coaching position at Memphis.
If Georgia continues its dominance on defense, which it most likely will with the talent coming in and Smarts eye for that side of the ball, Lanning will be a top coaching candidate every offseason and it’s only a matter of time before he takes on of those offers.
But, as Nick Saban has proved at Alabama, programs with the talent level like Georgia has can replace coordinators and not miss a beat.
Make sure and check out the new episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton! This week I talk about Dawgs who are coming back for next season and give out more of our season superlatives. Listen here:
The NFL’s Tennessee Titans signed former Georgia linebacker Davin Bellamy to a futures contract on Thursday. Details here.
The NFL’s Tennessee Titans signed former Georgia linebacker Davin Bellamy to a futures contract on Thursday.
Futures contracts allow teams to reserve players to the practice squad for the next season as practice squads are only active during the regular season and postseason.
Bellamy was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Texans following the 2018 NFL Draft and has since spent time on the Texans and Cincinnati Bengals practice squads.
Bellamy, a former four-star prospect from Chamblee, Ga., signed as a part of Georgia’s No. 12 ranked recruiting class of 2013 and was an integral part of the Bulldogs 2017 title run as a senior.
Through 48 games played at Georgia, Bellamy racked up 135 tackles, 13 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
This week I talk about Dawgs who have announced their return for 2021 and how it translates to next season. Click here to listen.
Your friends at “UGA Football Live” and UGA Wire present your one-stop shop for all things Georgia football!
This offseason we will be releasing episodes each Thursday with interviews, news and rumors and more!
This week I talk about Dawgs who have announced their return for 2021 and how it translates to next season. Plus I break down the defensive back position, including those who have left and the guys Georgia is bringing to Athens in this year’s recruiting class.
College football national championship and coaching changes.
Dawgs in the NFL: Playoff Edition
My top performing former Bulldogs from NFL Wildcard weekend, including Nick Chubb and Leonard Floyd.
Make sure to subscribe, rate and review! And check out our other episodes featuring former Georgia greats like Tavarres King (Ep. 3) Keith Marshall (Ep. 4) Arthur Lynch (Ep. 6) Malcolm Mitchell (Ep. 7) Aaron Murray (Ep. 8) and Drew Butler (Ep. 9).
No. 1 Alabama takes on No. 3 Ohio State for the College Football National Championship game tonight. Here’s how to watch, listen or stream.
Somehow amidst a global pandemic we have made it through the college football season to a national championship game between No. 1 Alabama (12-0) and No. 3 Ohio State (7-0).
The Crimson Tide have been the most dominant team in all of college football this season, scoring whopping 48.2 points per game while boasting Heisman finalist, quarterback Mac Jones and Heisman winner, receiver Devonta Smith.
On the other side, the Buckeyes needed some help from the Big Ten and the playoff committee to get into the playoffs as they played only seven games thanks to a late start and positive COVID-19 testing that cancelled three scheduled games.
So the sample size is small, but the Buckeyes, led by star quarterback Justin Fields were dominant over Trevor Lawrence and Clemson in a 49-28 win in the playoff semifinal Sugar Bowl.
Here’s how to watch, listen or stream tonight’s game.
Kickoff: 8 p.m. EST
TV:
Main TV broadcast — ESPN
CFP Live — ESPN2
Skycast — ESPNU
Coaches film room — ESPNEWS
Alabama hometown radio — SEC Network
Ohio State hometown radio, Command Center, Datacenter, All 22 and more available on the ESPN App.
Matchup predictor: Alabama has a 62.5% chance to win, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.
Prediction: Yes, Ohio State is more rested than Alabama and looked great versus Clemson in the semi-final but Alabama’s offense is an animal that no one has been able to cage this season and the experience of Nick Saban in championship games compared to Ryan Day with the Buckeyes is a clear advantage to the Crimson Tide.
For the Buckeyes to pull off the upset versus Alabama, they will need to score 45 points or more and find a way to stop the Crimson Tide offense enough to give them a shot at the end. A daunting task to say the least.
UGA great Nick Chubb helped the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff win since 1995 in a win over the Steelers on Sunday night.
The Cleveland Browns secured their first playoff win since 1995 in a 48-37 win versus the Steelers in Pittsburg in a wild-card matchup on Sunday night.
One reason for the Browns historical performance was a big night from former Georgia running back Nick Chubb.
Georgia football’s second all-time leading rusher carried the ball 18 times for 76 yards and caught 4 passes for 69 yards and this game-sealing touchdown.
A historical week for the Browns who, after making the Playoffs for the first time in 20 years just a week ago, were forced to face the Steelers without head coach Kevin Stefanski, tight ends coach Drew Petzing, defensive backs coach Jeff Howard, offensive guard Joel Bitonio, wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson due to positive COVID-19 testing.
However, the Browns COVID-19 scares did not translate over to gameplay and especially not to Chubb and his ability.
Jan 10, 2021; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) celebrates with quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Chubb still ran for over 1,000 yards during the regular season while missing four and a half games due to a knee injury and with his performance on Sunday night, the Cedartown, Ga., native has entered his name into the Browns history books.
I wonder if the 27 NFL teams that passed on Chubb in the 2018 NFL Draft ever wish they had done things differently.
I sat down with 2021 UGA signee Kamari Lassiter in the latest episode of UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton! We talk about his recruitment and future as a Dawg. Listen here:
The 4-star corner back out of American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa, Al., is rated as the No. 194 overall prospect, No. 14 cornerback and No. 7 overall recruit in Alabama, according to 247Sports.
ACA’s Kamari Lassiter (3) intercepts a Handley pass. The American Christian Academy Patriots faced the Handley High School Tigers in the AHSAA Class 4A semifinal matchup at ACA on Nov. 27. [Photo/Hannah Saad]
Tus Al Acavshandleysemifinal 2285In his senior season Lassiter, a Savannah, Ga. native, racked up 74 tackles, eight pass breakups, 10 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and 32 catches for 833 yards and 11 touchdowns on offense and earned an invite to the prestigious All-American Bowl, which recognizes the best high school football players in the Nation.
Lassiter committed to Georgia on Oct. 22 and inked his letter of intent on national signing day, Dec. 16, to help the Bulldogs to the nations No. 3 recruiting class.
ACA standout player Kamari Lassiter participates in the early signing day, signing to play football for the University of Georgia during a ceremony at ACA in Tuscaloosa Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Lassiter signs his paperwork between his parents, Kammie Carter and Kenneth Carter. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
Signing Day Kamari LassitereHere are the highlights of my conversation with Lassiter.
Q: Can you talk us through your recruitment a little bit? When did the offers start to roll in and which ones really stood out to you the most?
KL: “My offers didn’t start really rolling in until about the offseason to my sophomore year, you know, I had a pretty good sophomore year, and I was starting to go to camps and stuff and get recognized on a national level. And then those are the small offers. And then, about my junior year, my really big offers started rolling in from places like Alabama and Georgia and Auburn, places like that.”
Q: You played both receiver and defensive back at American Christian and you’ve signed with UGA as a corner back. Is there one position that you feel more comfortable in?
KL: “Yes sir, definitely DB, that’s what I started at and I just picked up receiver because we really needed another receiver and I really worked at it and I was willing to do whatever we had to do to win. So, receiver, I enjoyed catching touchdowns but you know, I feel like my calling is at DB.”
Q: Is there one Georgia Bulldog who you look to as a role model for your game?
KL: “Yes sir, definitely Richard LeCounte. I mean he’s the epitome of what it is to be a Georgia Bulldog. I’ve seen him show great leadership and I’ve had a conversation with him one time and I could really tell that he was all in and everything. That’s somebody who’s really already done it and he’s going to the highest level football and you know, that’s one of my goals as well. So, I’m trying to be like him, but be myself at the same time.”
You can listen to the full interview here, on Spotify:
