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Agreed! While the hype is always something you have to dig under, @JeffSentell 's research really convinces me this is the RIGHT kind of "hire" (that's what they are these days, right?) for CKS et al to (re)build a '21/22-type defense. There HAS to be a focal point (like Nakobe or Roquan) to anchor and lead the future defenses. This is clearly a high-return type of investment.

That said, if it's just about the money, then you go back to questioning… however, the story of how he treats his teammates kinda erases that concern for me. Hope he becomes a Dawg!

Kirby needs to get this kid!! Hate to say at all costs, but this would be a "plant the flag" moment in Gwinnett County.

Good comments redddawg1. You can’t exert your will with the running game if you don’t have a dominate and very physical O Line. Most of the time but not All of the time they were pretty effective in pass pro allowing Beck to play his game.

But Notre Dame beat them badly in run game opening holes and pass pro. Freeling was the worse. But there were several times they bull rushed right up the middle of our O Line. Not a good thing.

I don’t know what the problems are but they sure better get them fixed else we might be looking at limited success and No chance of a Natty.

I’m also concerned about our Defensive Line coming into 2025 we’re losing what few decent players we had. Leaving us I think with only three maybe four with decent amount of experience. The battle is won or lost in the trenches.

Huh? Etienne is boarding the NFL train? This the same guy that wanted a championship ring and knew UGA would produce it? This the same guy that loved UGA almost as much as his grandmother? All of a sudden nothing is as important as leaving his "beloved" team for probably not a high draft slot? Could it be he knows something we think we know…lack of a potent Oline? Frazier seems to be the guy with the real juice? NFL money better than NIL he got from UGA? What goes through the minds of these young players continues to baffle me. BUT, I wish him the very best.

NIL and the TP has changed CFB. It is not the same "system" that allowed Saban and Smart to dominate at AL. Saban had the advantage of selling winning most games and championships. Transferring players had to sit out and there was no CFB "free agency" with lucrative offers tampering with players. THAT allowed Saban to use his recruiting prowess to stack unprecedented depth. A luxury that UGA does not enjoy any longer.

The money is getting so big for the elite players, that UGA got routinely during CKS's time at UGA, that NFL no longer trumps NIL. Get the money when you can while you can. You could be hurt tomorrow. Why wait to live the good life?

Until all that is fixed, '23 and '24 is the new UGA ceiling. With the possible exception of UGA getting a 5* QB. A 5* QB that plays well can carry a CFB team or put one over the top.

UGA can still compete for championships with these RB's. But you have to have better QB and WR play. AND much better OL play.

As for the UGA D, UGA D was NOT Top 10 in '24 in total D, Passing D, Running D or Scoring D.

When a team like OSU is buying up elite and missing pieces, UGA does not have the depth (and maybe the skill) to win championships. Other programs are (recklessly?) throwing money around and have closed the gap on UGA.

ND seemed like the team that played for each other this year. UGA players have evolved into "me first" players. They consistently go pro early and move on for money routinely. Like most players on most teams these days.

As for "not wanting to play for Kirby". Playing for Kirby/UGA is hard. Harder than most if not all places. Most young people, young players want to collect a big check and take it easy.

IF the rules are not going to change, CKS needs to somehow adapt his recruiting to keep players longer (mature) and develop them more in the time they are here.

Well said, Kudzu…..I feel exactly the same. Also getting to the point where I am bout ready to say FOCK IT. If it gets any worse, hope the schools grow some coconuts and blow this thing up. Then the pros can fund their free minor league system.

Would be perfectly happy to see walk-ons compete at all schools. Quickly losing my passion & love for the game.

A contributing factor to Saban's retirement was what unlimited portal and NIL would do to the sport. Low team spirit, it's all about the $$$ now. Until they put caps and limits, like the NFL, it's just going to get worse.