MARSHALL DUNCAN

Stars don't always represent reality

National Signing Day 2008

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Posted: 2/7/08

With all but one of Georgia's commitments signing Wednesday, head coach Mark Richt has to be pleased. Another year brings another top-ten signing class, something Georgia fans have become accustomed to in the Richt era. While each player instantly is judged by the number of stars he has been assigned, only time will tell who the true winners are.

There are sure to be players who live up to the hype and become everything they were projected to be. There also will be the guys who exceed expectations and make game-changing plays despite a low star count, or no stars at all.

Georgia wasn't interested in kicker Brandon Coutu coming out of high school enough to give him a scholarship, but four years later it is counting its blessings that he walked on to the program anyway.

The same goes for Tra Battle, who almost single-handedly turned the team's 2006 season around by intercepting Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox three times to help give Georgia the upset and momentum to end the season strong.

Yet, for every success story, there are sure to be some letdowns. A simple glance at past years' recruiting classes shows names of athletes who never even stepped foot on campus for academic reasons or otherwise.

We often get so wrapped up in stars and highlight reels that we forget the human aspect involved. Just because a guy stormed up and down the field in high school doesn't mean he will translate in college. It will take hard work and dedication on both the field and in classes.

If the Super Bowl taught me anything Sunday, it was that nothing is a sure thing. Even in a media-saturated environment, it was hard to find anybody who not only picked the Giants to win but actually believed it. Yet, the No. 5 seed wild-card Giants defeated the 18-0 Patriots to shock the world. It's situations like those that make you appreciate sports and the uncertainty and excitement that comes with every event. But it also could strike fear into many people's eyes.

This Georgia signing class looks great on paper and Richt will work hard to get everything he can out of them, but with all hard games on Georgia's 2008 schedule, there's no guarantee that the team will beat even the easiest of teams, such as Georgia Southern. Ask a Michigan fan.

That said, history does sway in Georgia's favor. It is no coincidence that teams with top signing classes end up doing well on the field.

With the exception of four teams in last year's top-25 recruiting classes, every one made it to a bowl game. There may be no guarantee that a top class translates to wins, but it certainly helps.

So keep your eyes open next fall. There will be freshmen who make plays, but don't be surprised when a four- or five-star guy never lives up to his stars.

Not even the New England Patriots can win them all.

- Marshall Duncan is the sports editor for The Red & Black.