Chat with Kipp Adams

Welcome to DawgNation! On Monday, recruiting writer Kipp Adams stops by to chat about the state of Georgia football personnel.
Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.
Send your questions now and join Adams Monday at 1 p.m. ET!
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Kipp Adams (1:08 PM)
Hope everyone enjoyed signing day! Let's dive into these recruiting questions.
Powerpro (Buford, GA)
Do you know if the UGA coaching staff has offered any unsigned JUCO or HS DB, WR or OL for 2012.
Kipp Adams (1:09 PM)
The Georgia coaches made some calls on signing day to various junior colleges, but will likely have meetings this week to discuss and explore their options for 2012. If they find someone that is qualified for 2012 and can help them this fall, they will likely offer them.
Craig (Milledgeville, GA)
Of the incoming freshmen who will be able to make the biggest on field impact the next season?
Kipp Adams (1:10 PM)
You could name several highly talented signees that have the porential to make an immediate impact, but as I discussed in my signee superlatives piece, I feel that offensive tackle John Theus has a strong chance to play early, and could start at either tackle position from day one. He is that talented.
Will (Americus)
Are the dawgs still trying to add to the 2012 class? And if so, who are the targets?
Kipp Adams (1:11 PM)
Should find out more about potential 2012 late additions in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.
Brett (Georgia)
How do you think Derrick Henry will fare as an SEC running back?
Kipp Adams (1:14 PM)
That is a tough question. Derrick recently stated he is over 240 pounds, and at 6-2 he is pushing the boundaries of what we "typically" look for in a running back. There are exceptions to the rule like Eddie George and Brandon Jacobs, but more often position switches occur. One thing in Derrick's favor is his incredible athleticism. He has the physical tools needed to play any position he wants at the next level, and any college would love to give him a shot at running back if that is where he wants to play. One thing he will need to to is protect his body as best he can to avoid injury.
Ben Dolezal (Woodstock, Ga)
Hey Kipp, any chance UGA signs both Robert Nkemdiche and Reuben Foster to the 2013 recruiting class?
Kipp Adams (1:16 PM)
Well there is always a chance, although UGA will have their work cut out for them with both. With elite talents like that, you go all out until they tell you they are no longer interested. Foster and Nkemdiche are both considering UGA, and the addition of either would be huge for 2013.
Conley (Decatur, GA)
Leonard Floyd is a kid that's remained a constant 4* from the beginning of recruiting until the end. There hasn't been much film or hoopla around this kid but I think he's something special just off of the fact that his rankings have stayed pretty consistent. Who would you compare him to? What are his chances of PT against the likes of JHC and Jenkins? Also, Faton Bauta... I believe this guy is going to shock a lot of people once he gets going with Bobo. Do you see him pushing the likes of LeMay just off of sheer raw talent right now and with the added training?
Kipp Adams (1:21 PM)
Leonard Floyd has an incredible frame and the athleticism to play outside linebacker or tight end at the next level. Physically he reminded me of Neiron Ball, who signed with Florida a few years ago, although Floyd has a better wingspan.I think Floyd would do well to redshirt and work on developing better pass-rushing technique, which was one area he seemed raw in when I saw him play last year.There is no doubt Bauta has physical ability to play quarterback at the net level, but I also think he will need more time learning how to play in a pro-style offense. The next two years will be pivotal for Bauta in his development as a pure passer.
Patrick Hensley (Athens, GA)
How do you think the dismissal of Nick Marshall, Sanford Seay and Chris Sanders will affect our program? And out of our 19 recruits signed, who is your favorite and why? Thanks!
Kipp Adams (1:24 PM)
I think it sends a message to the other players to value the opportunity they have been given. Although they have earned an athletic scholarship at a majore university, it can be taken away if you do not carry yourself at a certain level.I cannot really name a favorite, as I enjoyed covering all of their recruitment. Marshall Morgan might get the nod because he has a similar sense of humor.
Ben (Sacramento )
Kipp love what your doing came over from other site. What is the plan for 2012 still are they going to go after some juco guys still or is this really it?
Kipp Adams (1:26 PM)
Thanks! Glad you like it so far. I think UGA will need to take a thorough look at the juco ranks and late qualifiers to see if there is anyone they feel can help them in 2012 as well as down the road. Even though most feel they need to use the scholarships they have available, taking a fringe 2012 player just to get him in would not be wise, because if they do try and sign a full class in 2013 they run the chance of not having a spot for someone who could help them more in 2013-2014.It's a tough call.
John (Athens)
In your opinion, who is the most important recruit for 2013? Besides Nkemdiche and Foster of course.
Kipp Adams (1:31 PM)
For me it is really too early to pinpoint which recruit will be most important, but I think UGA needs to do its best to lock up OL guys like DeVondre Seymour, Shamire Devine, Delando Crooks, Brandon Kublanow and make a big push for Laremy Tunsil if possible. If they do that, then they can focus on filling needs at inside linebacker and in the secondary.
Tony (Richmond, CA)
Richt landed another excellent class, but missed on Patterson, and other top notch receivers? How costly will this prove to be for the Dawgs? What other game changers are on the outside other than Mitchell for Murray to throw to?
Kipp Adams (1:33 PM)
If there was one position UGA could afford to miss on, it was WR. With Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Conley, Tavarres King, Michael Bennett and Marlon Brown returning, Murray has plenty of playmakers to get the ball to. These wideouts all still have room to improve, and should be a solid group for 2012.Also do not count out TE Jay Rome, who has the potential to become the next great receiving tight end for UGA.
coolhand (roswell)
any additional signing with this class 2012.if not how many available scholarships for next year?
Kipp Adams (1:35 PM)
Not sure yet on 2012 additions, but as of now UGA should have 23 scholarships available (3 walk-ons currently on scholarship), but with possible attrition there is no reason to believe UGA will not be able to sign a full class.
Wes (Milledgeville)
Kipp, what redshirt freshmen have a chance to make an impact next year?
Kipp Adams (1:37 PM)
I mentioned him before, but I think tight end Jay Rome has a chance to make a big impact this fall if he stays in shape. He has elite size and athleticism for the position.
drew (atlanta)
with UGA already having a loaded back field and add Henry to the mix do you see another RB picking UGA
Kipp Adams (1:39 PM)
I think UGA will sign another running back because Carlton Thomas and Richard Samuel are graduating, and they found out last year that having four on scholarship is sometimes not enough. Guys like Alvin Kamara and Tyren Jones are also versatile enough to move out to slot as well.
Matt (atlanta)
I have heard UGA is looking at Taj Letman, what do you think of him
Kipp Adams (1:41 PM)
I posted a story on him yesterday. He will not be able to get away with not squaring up the running back in the SEC, and his hands could improve, but one thing he does well is he covers a lot of ground quickly. His size/speed combination is intriguing, and I think he has the potential to play in the SEC.
Dustin (Erin)
With the depth that UGA has at OLB do you see any of them sliding inside to be groomed for one of the MLB spots ?
Kipp Adams (1:45 PM)
It is tough for me to see any of the 2012 signees playing inside linebacker, unless they move Quayvon Hicks to defense. That would result in the need for another fullback, which might be easier to find with walk-ons. Another option would be to use current players like Chase Vasser and Ramik Wilson. Brandon Burrows is a possibility if he comes back 100%.
todd (Pooler GA)
who do you think would be the next guy to commit to UGA for 2013
Kipp Adams (1:47 PM)
None of the 2013 targets have told me they are close to a decision, but often commitments can come out of nowhere as they decide they have found the right fit.DL Kelsey Griffin, OL Shamire Devine, OL Brandon Kublanow and OL Devondre Seymour all have UGA high on their list at the moment, and neither of those four would surprise me if they decided to commit to the Bulldogs in the coming months.
pat (valdosta)
how are we doing with Montravius Adams? HE looks to be a top DL in GA
Kipp Adams (1:49 PM)
Adams likes UGA, but both he and his mother have expressed the desire to see new places and leave the state as of now. I have been told that by others in the past that have changed their minds later on, but as of NOW Adams would prefer to go elsewhere.
Will (Americus)
Where do you feel the biggest need in the 2013 class is position wise?
Kipp Adams (1:51 PM)
I think one could make a case for inside linebacker, cornerback or safety being huge needs for UGA in 2013. UGA will only return two safeties in 2013 in Corey Moore and Marc Deas, so I think that is the biggest need as of now.
dawgontap (285 in traffic)
I know that georgia is loaded for 2013 Having said that who are some of the top out of state prospects georgia will go after
Kipp Adams (1:53 PM)
Three national recruits that UGA has targeted who show mutual interest are offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, tight end Adam Breneman, and wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood. All three have made a strong case as the best at their position for 2013.
Jacob (AThens)
How will Brice Ramsey rank among the nations top quarterbacks?
Kipp Adams (1:56 PM)
That is a question I would have to ask Tom Luginbill, as I do not have any involvement with prospect rankings or evaluations. But Ramsey was listed in the recent Top 100 for 2013, which although it does not mean he is a lock for the ESPNU 150, he does have a strong chance based on his film from last year.This is just me guessing, but I would say Ramsey will start out somewhere between 5-10 among quarterbacks in the 20123 class.
Blank (ATL)
Is UGA going to look into any other kickers for 2013? If one of these new guys don't work out, do they have a fall back plan?
Kipp Adams (1:57 PM)
I have not seen any kickers targeted by UGA as of yet, but I also feel they will give Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber the chance to lock up the position for the next four years. Both have the talent to do so.
Eric (Athens)
Is Kelsey Griffin, (Mill Creek HS) a top NT target for 2013 with since next year is John Jenkins senior year? Who else are is being considered
Kipp Adams (2:00 PM)
I think Griffin is definitely a top target for UGA, but I do not see him playing the same position as John Jenkins. Griffin projects as more of a DE, similar to Mike Thornton coming out of high school.Northgate defensive lineman DeAndre Johnson is more of a NG target at 6-3, 305 pounds.
Blank (ATL)
with a need at WR, do we have a good shot at Lemay considering his brother goes here or does that have no effect for the dawgs.
Kipp Adams (2:02 PM)
Uriah LeMay is a prospect that emerged early at Butler, and I do feel having Christian at UGA could help their chances if they choose to pursue Uriah heavily.It is unclear where he stands on their board right now, but if they liked his junior film I could see the Bulldogs making a push for Uriah in the spring.
Johnny (Atlanta)
do u think that Tray Matthews will stick with UGA even tho he and Foster have said they are a package deal? or maybe UGA/Bama gets both?
Kipp Adams (2:03 PM)
I do not see Tray Matthews signing anywhere other than UGA when the time comes. Matthews and Foster are close friends and would love to play together, but unless that is in Athens they will most likely not be teammates at the next level.
Tony (Richmond, CA)
Is there any end in sight of Richt stopping Saban from robbing Georgia of top defensive talent? Lee and Smith this year, and Foster already in 2013?
Kipp Adams (2:07 PM)
Even if UGA signed 19 prospects from the state of Georgia, over 40 would go elsewhere to the SEC. The Peach State has sent more to the SEC than any other state over the past few years, so there is no possible way UGA is going to seal the borders.I am sure UGA would love to have Dillon Lee, Geno Smith and Brandon Greene as part of its 2012 class, but there will always be top talent leaving the state. Their rankings are all subjective. Long way to go with Reuben Foster, but he is definitely a big time get for Alabama right now.
anthony (moultrie)
What do u think of Brice Ramsey
Kipp Adams (2:09 PM)
He has the best combination of mechanics and velocity of any quarterback in Georgia at this stage I have seen over the last five years.
Eric (Athens)
How many EE (early entrants) can UGA take in fall 2012? is the limit 3 or is there an ability to take more?
Kipp Adams (2:15 PM)
I have not read of any limit of early enrollee exemptions in the NCAA by-laws or SEC rulings. To my knowledge the only limits are the amount signed under 25 in the previous class, and the # under 85 currently on scholarship.According to those guidelines, UGA should be able to count up to 9 in the 2012 class because they have 16 initial counters for 2012 and have 3 walk-ons currently on a 1-year scholarship. I am still looking for a definitely answer from the compliance office.
Kipp Adams (2:16 PM)
Enjoyed chatting with you guys today. See you again in two weeks. For those of you on twitter, you can follow me @KippLAdams, and you can post questions on the DawgNation message board "The Pound."Hope everyone has a great week!
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