In a study done a few years back, the state of Georgia was 4th largest producer of NFL talent (falling only behind California, Florida, and Texas) I would rank UGA just above LSU based on state talent.
my list would look slightly different, and i agree with whoever mentioned the home cookin' by barnhart and the AJC..... 1. Florida - easily the leader, big budget, easier to recruit 2. Tennessee - centrally located, huge coffers, multiple sports successes 3. LSU - well rounded, great track & field parallel program 4. Auburn 5. Georgia 6. Arkansas - superb facilities, less pressure, easier to recruit speed given their track & field program 7. Bama 8. South Carolina 9. Ole Miss 10. Kentucky 11. Miss State 12. Vandy
the problem with that is the closest football power to La is Tx at 5 hrs away (auburn is about the same). UGA has to fight a decent instate team (GaTech), Au is on the border and UT, UF, FSU, Clemson, and Bama are much closer to Ga than 5 hrs.
I think this is a good point. We've gotten many recruits that do track & field and our success there helped us recruiting them.
Me too. His HS coach in Texas had great influence on the decision I think. By the way, I thought it an interesting comment the other night when UT Coach Rick Barnes said that DJ wasn't quick (or similar words). Dude looked quicker than a flea on a motorcycle to me.
NFL players by state: 1. California - 199 2. Florida - 179 3. Texas - 176 4. Georgia - 90 5. Ohio - 78 6. Louisiana - 76 7. Pennsylvania - 58 8. Michigan - 50 9. Virginia - 49 10. South Carolina - 48 As you can see, the top-10 states fall into two tiers . . . and Georgia is not in the top tier.
yes, but you cant compare Ga to the top 3 because Ga only has two programs (albeit with many more nearby), while Ca has 4, Fl has 3 and Tx has 5+/- id say, based on nfl talent per decent d1 school, its lsu and ohio up top followed by uf, and the cal schools.
Yes, but the state of Georgia has around 8 million people living there. Compare that to 36 million in California, 24 million in Texas, and 18 million in Florida. Per capita, Georgia is holding it's own and I simply don't agree with the state of Georgia not being that fertile (as you stated)
I would put LSU at 2. We have the advantage of producing a good crop of NFL prospects, and maybe not having to share them with another state powerhouse. The key for LSU is keeping the kids at home. In the Archer, Hallman, Dinardo years, we didn't do a good enough job keeping our blue chippers. Saban changed that. If the kids want to play for a top tier program, and they don't have to move to do it, they'll stay in La. as they are doing now. There was a saying when Nick was here that he put up a fence around the state of La., and he kept our blue chippers here. If we can do that consistently, and steal a blue chipper from Miss., Al., Tex., Arky. Fla., Ga., California, then we'll be good. But it begins at home, and we HAVE to do good in La.
When you look at the troubles 'Bama has had with coaches, not just hiring one this year, but the problems of recent years, I think its absurd to rank them #6. Historically great, but in the current climate, it may be the worst job in the SEC. The facilities and resources are there, but you have to live up to the most unrealistic expectations in any sport, college or pro.
