Michael Carvell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shares an article that illustrates the connection that Bruins coach Jim Mora still maintains with the state of Georgia. Mora coached the Atlanta Falcons, the state’s NFL franchise from 2004-2006, which includes the franchise’s last playoff victory, a 47-17 victory over the St. Louis Rams back in 2005.
Mora coached the Atlanta Falcons from 2004-2006 and has many ties to the state of Georgia.
Carvell insists that today’s set of recruits remember Mora, who has instant face and name recognition with Georgia’s rising stars. Seven years ago, these kids were 10 and 11 years old.
When asked about the connection, Mora went on to say, “Kids are interested with that connection to the Falcons, and the parents are interested in that, too. They all wonder why the Falcons haven’t won a playoff game since, and I can’t answer that question. For all the success that the Falcons have had since we left, they still haven’t won a playoff game — and that resonates with people”.
This past recruiting season saw the Bruins sign two players from Georgia: safety Kenny Orjioke and wide receiver Ahmaad Harris, the cousin of Mora’s former quarterback in the NFL, Michael Vick. UCLA has already received a commitment from Orjioke’s teammate, junior quarterback Eddie Printz, who is considered to be one of Georgia’s top juniors.
A pipeline into the state of Georgia can ultimately open up all of the South for the Bruins, who still say that their top priority remains to recruit as much of California’s very best talent that they possibly can.
But back to Georgia and the South. For years, the SEC has been the home to the best teams in the nation, including the last six National Champions and the two participants in this year’s title game. The latest team to win the championship is the Alabama Crimson Tide, who signed three of Georgia’s top five players from the class of 2012 according to ESPN150′s rankings.
Approaching the SEC quickly is UCLA’s home conference, the Pac-12. Last year, the two conferences sent their best teams (Auburn and Oregon) to contend for the sport’s top prize. A great game ensued, but was decided in Auburn’s favor.
Looking at the Crimson Tide’s recruiting class from 2010, one can quickly point out that it is compromised of players from different states. In fact, only nine of the 28 commits hail from Alabama. They successfully recruit in Georgia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, poaching away talent that would otherwise stay locally. Three players even committed to the Tide from the state of Texas.
Meanwhile, that season the Bruins recruited seven players that were not from the state of California. Again in 2011, the Bruins signed seven players from other states including top recruits: QB Brett Hundley from Arizona and DT Kevin McReynolds from Washington, DC. The number increased to nine this season. Both incoming quarterbacks are from out of state, Devin Fuller from New Jersey and T.J. Millweard from Texas.
Coach Mora will now have a full year to recruit across the country. Seemingly, he has opened connections with California and in Georgia. His success can only aid him in the effort towards making UCLA a winning program.
What kind of recruiting pitch will work to bring these players across the country. Coach Mora shared those thoughts as well.
“If they can find a way to disconnect for four years from the way they’ve grown up in the South and come out west, I think that’s a great learning experience for them. I think that’s great exposure for them. I think they can get a top education at UCLA. You know, you can always go back home. You can’t always leave home but you can always go back home.”
Where better to play than beautiful Southern California and on the stunning campus of UCLA. The trend begins with the likes of Orjioke and Harris, it will continue with Printz, and will perhaps culminate with several high-profile players being snatched from the backyard of the SEC.
