< Back | Home

Knowshon Moreno catches a touchdown pass during Georgia's 24-12 win over Michigan State on New Year's Day in the Capital One Bowl.

Richt: Moreno and Stafford haven't made NFL decision yet

By: TYLER ESTEP

Posted: 1/6/09

Head coach Mark Richt said during his Monday teleconference that he still had not heard one way or the other about the NFL draft status of either quarterback Matthew Stafford or tailback Knowshon Moreno.

"I have not," he said. "I would think it would be within a week's time or even less."

Players considering leaving school early to enter the NFL draft have until Jan. 15 to declare one way or the other.

Stafford, a No. 1 overall pick in some predictions, actually dropped in many mock drafts following his MVP performance in the Capital One Bowl, a 24-12 Georgia victory over Michigan State. Stafford was 20-of-31 for 250 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

His third touchdown pass of the game gave him 25 on the season, surpassing both D.J. Shockley and David Greene for the all-time
Georgia record.

Moreno is typically shown a mid- to late-first round pick in most mock drafts.

Richt said he has had some conversations with his two offensive superstars, but he isn't pushing one way or the other, leaving them to make what they feel is the best decision for themselves.

"They've got to figure it out for themselves," he said. "All I can say is if they do stay, I want their whole heart … I don't want a guy who's only halfhearted. And I would say this, if Matthew or Knowshon were to stay, it would absolutely be because their heart is at the
University of Georgia."

Staying was Garner's decision

Defensive line coach Rodney Garner turned down a reportedly lucrative offer to ply his wares at Tennessee, and Richt is obviously happy to keep him in Athens.

"Rodney's the one that made the decision. I didn't have to talk him into anything. We did have some good conversations no doubt, But Rodney really believes in what we're doing here at Georgia," Richt said.

"I don't want to speak too much for him but it was certainly a very flattering situation for him no doubt. And I can't say it was an easy decision for him but he certainly is one that made the call. And I'm thankful that he still wants to be at Georgia."

Garner, also the Bulldogs' recruiting coordinator, has been recruited a lot himself in recent years, whether it be LSU, the NFL's New Orleans Saints or Auburn, his alma mater. Offensive line coach Stacey
Searels was also courted by Auburn before announcing his plans to stay during bowl practice in Orlando.

Other programs' constant pursuit of his coaches is just a part of having a high-caliber staff, Richt said.

"We have outstanding people and other folks are attracted to them and they're going to want to try and convince them to come to their program," he said. "All these coaches are worth fighting for."

Richt counters Kiffin ... sort of

Richt also responded Monday to recent comments by new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who said he was going to recruit hard in the state of Georgia because he felt Georgia might have just assumed that some in-state recruits would come to Athens.

"He said Georgia went to sleep?" Richt asked. "I would say this: I'll just make comments about our program and everybody else should probably do the same."