Bama (Natl Champ)
Alabama Crimson Tide (National Championship)
L, 23-26
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RECRUITING WISH LIST

Since this is an off week, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to write about the incredible job the Bulldogs are doing on the recruiting trail. With 21 commitments in early October (that's not counting DE Corey Moon who signed with the Dawgs this past February and is working on a qualifying test score), UGA has all but put the finishing touches on its 2006 recruiting class. Assuming Richt and company can add another couple top tier players while keeping all the current commitments, this will be one of the best classes the Dawgs have had in a while (and that is saying something because the Dawgs have recruited with the best teams in America during Richt's tenure). Click here to see the current 2006 recruiting class. This list includes the number 1 quarterback in the nation (Matthew Stafford) as well as some of the top rated players in the nation in LB Akeem Hebron, LB Darius Dewberry, OL Justin "Bean" Anderson, DE Brandon Wood, and CB Tony Wilson. The topic of this article, however, is not the players already committed, but the top targets remaining. Below is my wish list for the remainder of the 2006 recruiting season:

Nate's Recruiting Wish List
1. Wide Receiver - This is the one position that this class lacks. Kris Durham looks like a potential big play guy at 6-5, 190 with a 4.55 forty, but we need more than one big receiving threat. Four guys that I have my eye on are David Ausberry from California, Tim Hawthorne from Alabama, Justin Williams from Folkston, and Jamar Hornsby from Florida. Ausberry is a big physical receiver. Rumors have it that Matthew Stafford has put in a few calls to Mr. Ausberry to talk about how nice it would be for them to hook up for a few TDs in Sanford Stadium. Williams and Hornsby are burners that could turn into deep threats. Hawthorne is probably the best player in Alabama. I'm hoping to sign 2 of these 4 athletes in February.

2. Tight End - NaDerris Ward is a tight end from California. Ward is a big guy (6-5, 245) with great hands and the ability to make plays. Dawgpost rates Ward the number 3 tight end in the nation and Rivals rates him number 4. What better school for a tight end to go to with the likes of McMichael, Wiggins and Watson in the NFL and Pope and Milner soon to follow??

3. Offensive Line - Yes, yes, I know. We have 6 offensive line commitments already, but there are still a few great ones on the board and they like UGA. Andre Smith is the number one O-Lineman in the nation. Clifton Geathers is another 5-star talent from South Carolina (yes, that's Robert Geathers little brother). I'm hoping to get one more of these top talents.

4. Tailback - The three headed monster won't be around forever. One of the most talented players in the class of 06 is Ronnie Tyler, and he projects as a running back in the mold of Thomas Brown. Another great back that would fit the same description is Brookwood runner Cameron Smith. I watched this kid the other night against Parkview, and he was pretty impressive (and he still only put up a fraction of the numbers he has put up so far this season). Smith's numbers so far his senior season are straight up Playstation-like.

5. Defensive End - Corey Moon was a good looking prospect last season, but he failed to qualify. Last I heard, he is working out with a personal trainer to stay in football shape, while working with a personal tutor to obtain that qualifying score needed to enroll at UGA in January. Probably the high school senior I would like to sign the most is an incredible athlete from Kentucky named Micah Johnson. This guy is a freak and could be used at a variety of positions on defense. He could grow into a show-stopping D Tackle, or trim down to a wrecking-ballish middle linebacker. Personally, I think he will add the slightest bit of weight (muscle weight of course) and become a devastating defensive end. I would love for this guy to put on the silver britches.

6. Defensive Line and Safety - I'm getting lazy, so I'm combining these two categories. Reshad Jones is a talented safety from Atlanta. Charles Deas is am impressive looking defensive tackle. Both would be nice additions to an already outstanding class.

How many of these guys end up signing with the Dawgs in February, who knows, but all would be great gets for UGA. Of course there are many more potential big prospects with their eye on Georgia (and vice versa). Hopefully a couple of these guys will come to Athens, and Mark Richt can keep this train rolling!! Okay, time for the weekly top ten:

Week 5:

1. USC (4-0) - Here's hoping Leinart, Bush and White get the flu before the Notre Dame game.

2. Texas (4-0) - Oklahoma doesn't have a prayer. Texas takes out several years of frustration.

3. Virginia Tech (5-0) - I hate the ACC.

4. Georgia (4-0) - Knoxville is tough, but Shock and the 3-headed monster get it done: 31-17.

5. Florida State (4-0) - If they get by the Cavaliers on 10/15, they may not get tested until Thanksgiving weekend (Florida). Seriously, I really hate the ACC.

6. Ohio State (3-1) - Is Penn State for real? I guess we'll find out this weekend.

7. Alabama (5-0) - Anybody still doubt Croyle and Co.? Losing Prothro is the only thing keeping them from a number 5 ranking.

8. Tennessee (3-1) - Ole Miss hung around. Is that good news for the Dawgs or were the Vols simply looking ahead??

9. Notre Dame (4-1) - I'm rooting for them big time, but they'll need Montana on offense and all the Catholic Saints suited up on defense to take out the Trojans.

10. LSU (2-1) - The talent is still there, but the schedule isn't easy. They still have Florida, Auburn and at Bama. If they get by the Gators and Tigers, the showdown in Tuscaloosa could be huge!


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