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 (1:12 PM)
Hey guys, hope all is well. Sorry for the short delay, but I am here now to answer your questions on UGA recruiting.
Garrison (Ft. Hood, Texas)
Do you think that we were able to make Foster think a little bit about his decision with last weekends visit? Go Dawgs! 75 DAYS!!
Kipp Adams (1:14 PM)
No doubt Georgia continues to weigh heavily on 5-star LB Reuben Foster's mind. His relationship with the other UGA commits, as well as with head coach Mark Richt, is a major pull to Athens.Reuben is still committed to Alabama, but if he makes it back for Dawg Night things could get interesting.
Josh (Brunswick, GA)
What is a percentage of possibility that Chris Sanders makes it back to the team in this recruiting class? Nick Marshall? And does their reunification (potentially) affect our numbers for this years class?
Kipp Adams (1:15 PM)
I do not see Marshall making it back as of now, but there is a chance with Chris. I have a feature coming out on Chris this week that details his journey to date, and his plans for the future.If Sanders is with UGA I do not think it will affect their safety recruiting for the 2013 class. They will try to bring in 2-3 safeties regardless.
Josh (Brunswick, GA)
Things took a turn for the positive with Foster, Tunsil, Bellamy, and Kamara this weekend...any other recruits high on our board that we made a big impression on?
Kipp Adams (1:18 PM)
2014 linebacker Raekwon McMillan spent a lot of time with both the coaches and the other commits Saturday, and I feel the Bulldogs made a solid impression on him.Thomson (Ga.) tight end Jordan Davis received an offer and could decide soon between UGA, Florida and South Carolina. Georgia definitely impressed the 6-3, 220-pound prospect.
Josh (Brunswick, GA)
Why haven' we offered Ryan Jenkins at WR? Taj Williams?
Kipp Adams (1:19 PM)
Jenkins had a chance to earn an offer Saturday but did not have the required paperwork to participate. Rico Johnson could have taken his spot for 2013. As for Williams, Georgia just has others higher on their board like Marquez North and juco standout Jonathan Rumpf.
Rob (Atlanta)
Since Henry left, I would love to add Kamara to take his spot. Is he better than Dye and Jones or am I blinded by the fact that he is part of the "fab 5"?
Kipp Adams (1:21 PM)
First off, Alvin Kamara is not part of the "fab 5" that Shaq Wiggins sold Foster on this weekend. They are defensive prospects.Also, do not write off Henry just yet. Georgia is still recruiting him and he still has interest in Georgia, just like Tramel Terry did last year when he decided to reopen his recruitment.Alvin Kamara and Derrick Henry are both outstanding prospects that any team like Alabama and Georgia would love to add to its 2013 class. You could make an argument for either in terms of running back ability.
Connor (California)
Where do you see Kamara ultimately ending up? Do you think the Henry situation will have a big impact on his decision?
Kipp Adams (1:24 PM)
While I think Alvin Kamara is monitoring Derrick Henry and where he decides, the impact on Kamara might be overstated by some analysts.Alvin is looking to find the best fit for himself, and he is not going to shy away from competition regardless of whether he is the 1st RB commit for UGA or the 3-4th at Alabama. Still not sure Kamara and Henry do not end up at the same school.I think right now Kamara could be leaning toward UGA, but its still really close to call.
Nick (Atlanta, GA)
There have been rumors that Mauger will commit soon any truth to that? And does a commit from him secure Langley's commitment?
Kipp Adams (1:27 PM)
Mauger is talking things over with his mom and his coaching staff, and although I do not expect an immediate decision, I do not see his recruitment lasting past the summer. As of now Alabama still leads for Langley, but that could easily change soon.I think Langley likes the fact that Mauger was able to earn an offer from UGA on his own at the Mark Richt Camp rather than the two visiting Alabama or Tennessee and being seen as a straight package deal.Georgia is willing to take Mauger on his own, and that could actually help its chances with getting Langley too. No doubt the teammates would like to play together at the next level.
ballparkga (Athens)
How far out front do you think UGA is for Tunsil?
Kipp Adams (1:29 PM)
Tunsil publicly stated a top 3 of Alabama, Florida and Georgia on Sunday, but I think the Bulldogs have put themselves in great shape for the 5-star OT as of now.He and his mom love the coaching staff in Athens, the depth chart, and the coaching staff did the best job this weekend selling him on how he would be used in their playbook at UGA.But as we often say in this business, recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint, and Tunsil is not likely to make a decision until 2013.
Jason (Atl.)
Where does UGA stand with Riles, Woods, and Griffin? Have these guys said when they plan on making a commitment?
Kipp Adams (1:31 PM)
Antonio Riles is looking at Alabama, Florida, UGA and Clemson, and watch out for the Tigers with his friends at Grayson committing over the weekend.Jay Woods and Kelsey Griffin still have yet to narrow things down to a top five, so they are still wide open.No decision dates on any of the talented defensive linemen just yet.
Willie James Huff (144 Magnolia Street)
If you were trapped on a desert island and could pick 2 current UGA commits to be on the island with you with you (to try and survive), who would you chose?
Kipp Adams (1:36 PM)
Sandy Creek cornerback Shaq Wiggins would be one for sure. Between prospects, fans and college coaches, Wiggins is popular enough to warrant a national search party, which would help my chances of survival. If there are any wild animals on the island, I am going to need Ryne Rankin. The ESPN 300 linebacker is an avid hunter of wild hogs, often carrying them hundreds of yards to his truck. My ability to feed myself is usually dependent on the restaurants in the area, so Rankin is a 5-star prospect when it comes to deserted island survival.
Dallas (Athens)
Kipp, What is your take on the WR situation as well as that of Priester decommiting?
Kipp Adams (1:38 PM)
Tough to know just how much UGA fought to keep Priester over the last month, as other targets high (possibly much higher than Priester) on the board started showing more interest in the Bulldogs.I think UGA is holding one WR spot for guys on top of the board like Marquez North, Jonathan Rumpf, and possibly Alvin Bailey.
Patrick (Buckhead)
Kipp, Has Kamara said when he will make a decision, if so when? How shaky will Foster be on his Alabama commitment if Kamara decides UGA?
Kipp Adams (1:39 PM)
Norcross running back Alvin Kamara is hoping to trim his list of schools soon and decide by the end of the summer.Whichever school adds Kamara is going to add another top talent, and one that Foster has become good friends with since the Rising Seniors Junior Bowl in December.
Tony (Richmond, CA)
Were you surpised as Bama that Nkemdiche chose Clemson?
Kipp Adams (1:43 PM)
Grayson DE Robert Nkemdiche's commitment to Clemson proves that sometimes even college coaches do not have accurate inside information.Going into last week, Alabama felt confident they were the team to beat for the five-star, but word out of Loganville is that the Tide were actually 3rd behind Clemson and LSU.Word is that the commitments of Nkemdiche and teammate/defensive back David Kamara were not spur of the moment, and actually planned for several months. If so, the two did an outstanding job of keeping their plans to themselves, especially given the bright spotlight on the nation's top prospect.
Robert (Georgia)
Can you gauge how serious is Tunsil's interest Georgia, and what's with Terry's flirting with Clemson?
Kipp Adams (1:44 PM)
Tunsil has a lot of interest in Georgia for sure, but I think Tramel Terry only visited Clemson to support his teammates. If he visits again on his own, then something is there.
Jason (John's Creek, GA)
Hey Kipp I was just wondering what the date is for UGA's Dawg Night?
Kipp Adams (1:44 PM)
Dawg Night will be Friday, July 13.
Daniel (Dallas)
What do you think about reuben foster after the camp?
Kipp Adams (1:46 PM)
The same thing I have thought and said for the past year. That Reuben is a five-star prospect and one whose recruitment will be a roller coaster until he signs.And please do not confuse Foster with someone looking for attention. He is genuinely struggling with the biggest decision of his life between two programs he loves.
jaco (Savannah, GA)
What are UGA's feelings on Greg Taboada?
Kipp Adams (1:47 PM)
They like him a lot, but with his early hamstring injury during the Mark Richt Camp on Saturday, they were unable to see him perform and did not offer.If he is interested in camping again at Dawg Night, then I am sure they would bring him in for an evaluation and possibly offer.
RB (Atlanta)
What will come from the big recruiting weekend in Athens? Do you know of any big news to come out of it in the next few days/weeks?
Kipp Adams (1:49 PM)
Three offers and a commitment have already occurred, and there are several stories up on the DawgNation front page now.As of now I would say the big news is over, but if anything else happens, I can assure you that we will be all over it.
Carlos (Valdosta , GA)
Kipp after the glowing comments Laremy Tunsil had about his Athens visit do you feel the dawgs are definitely the leader for his services ?
Kipp Adams (1:50 PM)
He is not going to come out and say it, but yes as of NOW I think Georgia is the team to beat.Could be different by next week, as that is sometimes how recruiting goes.
Ryan (Macon, GA)
How does a kid with great talent but at a small school get noticed by SEC schools?
Kipp Adams (1:51 PM)
Size of school doe not matter, especially in a talent-rich state like Georgia. If you can play, colleges will find you.
David (Indianapolis)
With the scholarship offers to Bostick and Mauger this weekend, is that a possible show that V. Bell isn't a true possibility or is the coaching staff just looking to add more talent in the needed areas?
Kipp Adams (1:53 PM)
Little of both honestly. Obviously UGA likes Vonn Bell, but with the need to add up to 15 more commitments in the 2013 class, including 1-2 more safeties, Georgia cannot afford to wait on guys forever.That being said, Tennessee, Ohio State and possibly Auburn could be ahead of UGA right now for Bell.
Jason (Denver, CO)
What are your thoughts on our newest commit, Rico Johnson?
Kipp Adams (1:56 PM)
I saw Rico at the Charlotte Nike Camp in April, and I tweeted that I loved his athleticism and body control when the ball was in the air.Interestingly enough, Georgia went by his school the next day and invited him to the Mark Richt Camp.Then I saw him again at the GHSA State Track Meet, and was blown away by his pure speed.Rico is a playmaker and he has the speed that UGA needs more of at the position.
Clinton (Atlanta)
It seems like we might only have a few spots left in the 2013 class once the season starts, so that means it is time to start looking at 2014. Can you give us some names of the big guns that will be coming out of the state?
Kipp Adams (2:05 PM)
I plan to do a feature on the top 2014 prospects in Georgia in two weeks, but here are five prospects UGA has already targeted in-state.Liberty County linebacker Raekwon McMillan - Physical ILB could be a top five prospect in Georgia....right now.Walton CB D.J. Smith: Highly skilled athlete that plays a coveted position.Peachtree Ridge OT Orlando Brown Jr: Bloodlines (son of late Pro-Bowl OT Orlando Brown) and size (6-8, 350) has led to dozens of early offers for Brown.Wayne Co. WR Krenwick Height - Has great size and leaping ability, and once he adds strength, explosiveness off the line, could emerge as the top WR in Georgia for next year.Buford LB Korie Rogers - Rogers is the next big prospect for Jess Simpson, and he is versatile enough to play any LB position at the next level.
Mark (Georgia)
Whats the picture about with Wiggins and Foster?
Kipp Adams (2:09 PM)
This picture https://twitter.com/RadiNabulsi/status/214760821761384448/photo/1 is CB Shaq Wiggins showing LB Reuben Foster what would happen if he were a WR trying to get off the line of scrimmage.As you can see, Wiggins put a hurting on Foster, and the 6-2, 246-pound prospect left Athens with a severely bruised shoulder. Foster is just the latest to be intimidated and bullied by Wiggins. After his career as a world-class recruiter and CB are over, a possible future as a bouncer could be in store for Wiggins.
Will Bishop (Americus, GA)
How are we looking with our OL recruits, Seymour, Crooks, etc. And how many more OL do you think UGA sign?
Kipp Adams (2:12 PM)
Georgia is in great shape for Devondre Seymour, Delando Crooks and Trenton Brown, and with the news that they are also standing out for Laremy Tunsil, the Bulldogs will have some tough decisions to make in regards to taking OL commits.I expect UGA to try and bring in 3-4 more OL, but not sure if it will be all of the names above. Look for more offers to go out over the next few months.The question now becomes, how many OL do you bring in while waiting for a decision from Laremy Tunsil?
Carlos (Valdosta , GA)
What do you think the actual possibility of OLB Josh Harvey-Clemons will see considerable playing time this season ?
Kipp Adams (2:14 PM)
Harvey-Clemons needs to add weight, but he is too athletic to keep off the field.I think you will see him play some on special teams, and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will insert Harvey-Clemons in some packages as an extra safety/nickel linebacker. He is athletic enough to cover some receivers as well.
Nick (California)
Between Priester and Henry, who has a better chance of recommitting to Georgia?
Kipp Adams (2:15 PM)
I would say definitely Derrick Henry as of now.
Brian (Atlanta)
Who are UGA's top targets at TE, and who do we have the best shot with?
Kipp Adams (2:17 PM)
UGA's top targets are Hunter Henry, Josh McNeil and now Jordan Davis. I feel Henry is a battle between, Alabama, Arkansas and UGA, McNeil is Alabama, Florida and Georgia, and Davis said it is between UGA, South Carolina and Florida. Georgia could get 1-2 out of the group.
Will (Atlanta)
If UGA closes out the recruiting calendar with commits from Tunsil, Foster, Adams, A. Kamara, and pick one (Priester, North, Bailey), and suffers no other notable defections, the class ranking gurus have to consider moving the Dawgs into that top spot, right?
Kipp Adams (2:18 PM)
I have no say in that, but when you will positions of need with elite talents like those, I think there is no argument that UGA would have brought in one of, if not its best class of the last decade.
Freddy (Georgia)
Is speedster Tyreek Hill a possibility for UGA?
Kipp Adams (2:18 PM)
If he qualifies he could sign with the track team, but as of now he is likely headed to juco.
Nick (California)
What are the odds that we land Kamara, Tunsil and Foster? I think they're not too shabby
Kipp Adams (2:19 PM)
Not sure how to quantify "not too shabby," but Georgia has a better shot than I felt they did a couple weeks ago.
Dean (Madison, Ga.)
It seems early to pay much attention to 2014, so asking about 2015 may seem real silly. But with a verbal at the RB position for 2014 already in hand in Stanley Williams, I guess the UGA coaches are always looking ahead. I noticed the Samuel kid out of Alabama and the local kid Bryant from nearby Oconee County (both 2015 RBs) both attended Saturday's camp. Both of these young backs were invited Saturday? And I assume the Dawgs are interested in these guys?
Kipp Adams (2:22 PM)
Prospect Camps are rarely about evaluating for the current class. It is about getting guys on campus that you saw on film during the spring, and trying to get a head start for future recruiting.That is especially true for UGA right now, as they are off to their best start in recruiting as far as the 2013 cycle is concerned. Both running backs are worthy of being on the early radar for UGA.
Jimmy (Savannah)
What do UGA and the coaching staff/recruiters have to do to keep some of the awesome talent in the state? Getting tired of Bama and Auburn out-recruiting us in our own backyard!
Kipp Adams (2:25 PM)
Out-recruiting is really relative, as there is no way to know where the targets are on each school's board. This year there are more SEC caliber prospects than ever in the Peach State, so getting anyone in the top 50 or so means the program is getting a player who has All-Conference potential.UGA just needs to worry about selling their program, and finding guys that fit the system and want to play for them. The rest will take care of itself.
Kipp Adams (2:25 PM)
Alright guys, sorry for the delay, but hope I was able to answer most of your questions today. See you again in two weeks!
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