Georgia-Florida border raids go both ways
Athens — While it is not unusual for the bulk of Georgia's recruiting class to come from the Peach State, what was strange about the 2007 signing class was that none came from Florida. "We are in that state every year, but obviously you are going to have bad luck some years," recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner said.
Georgia's luck securing quality players out of Florida under Mark Richt has been solid. Nine players on the 2007 team are from Florida, and three of those players start on defense.
Florida's fortunes haven't been too terrible in Georgia either. Six current Gators are from Georgia, including the team's fourth-leading tackler, Jermaine Cunningham of Stone Mountain. Here's a look at players from each state who cross the border to play for the rival school.
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BULLDOGS FROM FLORIDA
Kelin Johnson, Sr. S, Daytona Beach: Johnson, who has been injured, was not recruited by Florida. In fact, Georgia was his only major offer, and at the time the Bulldogs thought he might become a standout special teams player. But Johnson, a senior captain, is fifth on the team in tackles with 28.
Jeff Owens, Jr. DT, Sunrise: Owens has been productive (3.5 tackles for losses this year) despite a bad left ankle and having to take on double teams. He has played in every game since his true freshman year.
Geno Atkins, Soph. DT, Pembroke Pines: Atkins is nicknamed "180" for the turnaround he made from his freshman season. He leads the team with seven tackles for loss.
Tony Wilson, redshirt freshman WR, Daytona Beach: Wilson picked Georgia over Florida because of the fit, and he has fit right into the wide receiver rotation. Against Vanderbilt he had several key receptions in the second half.
Michael Moore, Soph. WR, Ft. Lauderdale: Moore was a standout in camp, but like Wilson had a drop against South Carolina that set back his progress. He hasonly one catch on the year, a 9-yard touchdown.
Bryan Evans, Soph. CB, Jacksonville: The one-time starter is now behind Asher Allen and Prince Miller in the cornerback rotation. Evans is the fastest player on the roster and has been a key contributor. He has eight tackles in five games.
Donavon Baldwin, Soph. CB, Ft. Lauderdale: Baldwin missed the start of the season due to a suspension for violation of team rules. That pushed the cornerback deep into the rotation.
Shaun Chapas, redshirt freshman RB, St. Augustine, Fla.: Chapas is Brannan Southerland's backup, but also has come on late in games to play running back. He has eight carries for 24 yards.
Kevin Perez, redshirt freshman C, Miami: Perez is one of the young linemen who has been used sparingly. He and Chris Davis should compete for the starting center spot in 2008.
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GATORS FROM GEORGIA
Jermaine Cunningham, Soph. DE, Stone Mountain: Cunningham is the SEC defensive lineman of the week this week. He is fourth on the team in tackles with 43 and has 4.5 sacks.
Lawrence Marsh, redshirt freshman DE, Augusta: Marsh is stuck behind Cunningham at one defense end and Derrick Harvey at the other defensive end. He has played in three games and has one tackle
Cameron Newton, freshman QB, College Park: Georgia was in on the mix for Cameron Newton. Florida grabbed him, and now he has a couple of years to study under Tebow. He has played in three games and completed 3 of 4 passes.
Justin Williams, redshirt freshman WR, Folkston: Williams has no catches but has played in seven games with three special teams tackles.
Maurice Hurt, redshirt freshman, OL, Milledgeville: Hurt started against Mississippi but has been absent from the lineup after leaving practice Oct. 1 with what were termed shoulder stingers.
Chas Henry, freshman punter, Dallas: Henry leads the top punt team in the nation. Henry has had 12 of his 22 punts fair caught. He has put seven inside the 20.
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