Analyzing The 2007 UGA Recruiting Class: Quarterback And Running Back

Barring any unexpected signing day surprises (Josh Nesbitt would be a dream, while Chris Little would be okay), it appears UGA has completed a solid 23-player recruiting class that should leave about the same number of spots next season for an even more talented group of instate prospects, who seem higher on Georgia at this point than the 2007 class did.

This AOL college team Site and other team blogs will no longer be updated starting on signing day, so we will go ahead and analyze this class in a six-part series over the next two days. Georgia fans, though, should be pleased with this group, which met all of the Bulldogs' major needs and filled out the future depth chart well.

Please remember that recruiting is about filling needs and blending talent at specific positions with previous classes. Georgia did very well in that respect, particularly since by far the most pressing need was adding immediate and long-term contributors on the offensive line. It will take time for these younger players to develop in 2007, but the future of the Bulldog offensive line looks solid.

I have followed the Georgia football program intensely since 1980 and - outside of the early 1980s - I cannot remember any period where the overall program is on such solid ground.

Of course, it will be impossible to regularly dominate the current SEC ever again like that period, but the Bulldog program is led by a terrific head coach/CEO in Mark Richt, who will regularly field competitive teams and post solid records.

• Quarterback Need: The Bulldogs were hoping to sign one athletic dual threat QB who would be willing to redshirt and wait his turn since Georgia had Matt Stafford and Joe Cox in its freshman class in 2006.

Committed: Logan Gray (6-2, 185)

Analysis: Even with Stafford's presence, Georgia landed an Elite 11 quarterback for a national-high fourth consecutive year. Gray perfectly fit what Mark Richt was looking for in a quarterback from this class.

Grade: A-

• Running Back

Need: Georgia has a loaded depth chart at tailback for 2007, but really needed to sign a touted tailback in this class since current redshirt Knowshon Moreno is the only player on the roster slated to be back in 2008.

Committed: Caleb King (5-11, 185)

Analysis: It is absurd that Rivals.com dropped King to four stars. He is rated as a five-star recruit and the No. 4 RB prospect in America by Scout.com, and will undoubtedly be a high-level player in the SEC. However, I would have signed a second tailback in this class, in large part because King still has yet to qualify academically. Georgia could have major problems running its offense in the spring of 2008 if it only has only one tailback in camp.

Grade: A-