MAY 2016
I've often thought that Georgia's success when it comes to putting players into the NFL was a double-edged accomplishment. On one hand, it's great publicity for the program and we all love to follow our favorite Dawgs when they move on to the next level.
However, Georgia continues to turn in seasons that fall short of fan's hopes and expectations. Dawg fans see highly ranked recruits come to Athens, find mediocre success and then leave to become stars in the NFL.
The players' professional success becomes depressing when one considers What Could Have Been?
As part of a series of blog entries, I thought I'd pick out a few past seasons to analyze.
Let's start with the 2009 starting defense.
Where are they now?
Seven years later, three of those 11 players are considered some of the best in the league at their position: Reshad Jones at Safety, Geno Atkins at Defensive Tackle and Linebacker Justin Houston, the highest-paid linebacker in the history of the NFL.
Demarcus Dobbs, Boykin and Akeem Dent are still active NFL players (written in 2016).
Where are the rest?
- Curran is still playing in the CFL.
- Gamble played on a practice squad in 2011 and 2012 after going un-drafted in 2011.
- Miller spent time with 8 NFL teams, his longest tenure coming with the Buffalo Bills. He is now a high school football coach in his home state of South Carolina.
- Bryan Evans spent a few years in the Arena League.
How did this collection of players do in 2009?
- The team finished 8-5, ending the season with a loss to Oklahoma State.
- The defense gave up 45 points to Tennessee (and lost to Kentucky).
- Curran led the team with 130 tackles and Jones had 4 INTs.
2009 UGA STARTING DEFENSE
