Get to Know: Demetre Baker

In our latest installment of our "Get to Know" series, we catch up with linebacker Demetre Baker, one of four incoming freshmen from the state of Florida. Baker's expectations for college are all very reasonable -- just getting his degree, going undefeated, winning a national title, making the Olympics in discus or shotput and getting a shot to play in the NFL. Gotta love that enthusiasm, right? So, here's more of what Baker had to say...

David Hale: You're a Florida guy, growing up in the Jacksonville area. What attracted you to Georgia?

Demetre Baker: When I first met up with Coach Richt, I liked the program and I liked the people around it. It was just the people and the coaches that seemed to care about being more of a great person followed by a great athlete, and that was really important to me.

DH: Some of the people involved in recruiting you aren't at Georgia anymore after changes were made on the defensive staff. Did that cause you to reconsider your decision to come to Georgia at any point?

DB: I just wanted to realize, who could I trust the most? I know a lot of coaches are going to tell me, we're going to do this or we're going to do that. But it really boiled down to -- was this a place I could live for four years. When I got to Georgia, just being there for 10 or 15 minutes, I knew this was where I was going to be.

DH: When the coaching changes happened, did other schools get back in touch with you and try to get you to change your mind about Georgia?

DB: I actually didn't. A lot of recruiters what type of person I was and the leadership I bring, and once my mind was made up, that's where I'm going to go.

DH: What were your early impressions of Coach Grantham and the other new coaches?

DB: I got the news as soon as they got there that they were going to be some great coaches. Coach Richt himself told me they were going to hire the best and take care of the job and get it done. I knew he was going to have somebody that was going to be better than what they had before.

DH: Do you have an idea yet of how you'll fit in in the new 3-4 defense that Grantham is installing?

DB: From what I understand, we've had some discussions about playing outside linebacker. They'll have me a little bit of outside running the 3-4 scheme and blitzing a lot.

DH: I'm sure that's something that sounds good to any defensive player, right?

DB: It's good. With my speed, running a 4.4, they can use me outside, give me a chance to run and chase those quarterbacks. That's what I do. That's what I'm best at on defense.

DH: Are you excited about having a chance to be coached by someone with as much NFL experience as Grantham has?

DB: Absolutely. It gives us the opportunity to figure out how the next level trains and how they play the game -- going from high school to college and the NFL, all three different stages. So it's definitely good to have someone from the NFL come down and help us get prepared and make us a better team.

DH: Have you stayed in touch with some of the guys on the team already to try to get an idea of what you'll need to do to be ready once you arrive on campus? Do you feel like you'll be comfortable with the defense when you start practice?

DB: Running the 3-4 won't be a big change for me. My high school has run that, so I've been in that position before. It shouldn't be hard to adjust to. I'm already the size of a sophomore in college, so I think that won't be an adjustment. I think I'll get there and be perfectly fine with the new defense, be ready to rock and roll come game day.

DH: It's just a few more days before you get to campus. Any nerves?

DB: I think it will be more intense than what I've been used to. I think once I get there, it's going to be a different world. But I think I'm ready for it. And I think they're ready for me as well.

DH: Besides football, you've excelled in track-and-field, too. You recently won state championships in both discus and shotput, right?

DB: I've been a state champion since sophomore year in shotput, and I always fell second in discus due to some technique issues that I worked out over four years and I finally came through and PRed. I was able to hit 191, which no one had done that in some years.

DH: Is there some crossover between discus and shotput and what you're doing training for football?

DB: I think both of them are sports that you've got to be quick and explosive with the shotput, and you definitely have to have some technique and speed behind you with the discus. As far as football, it's an all-natural sport. You've got to go out there and run loose. You've got to let the animal inside you out and handle yourself as an athlete.

DH: Are you planning to continue your track-and-field work at Georgia, too?

DB: Definitely. Coach Richt and I talked to the track coach about it. He's one of the best coaches around, and I heard the shotput champion in the Olympics had actually trained there, so they're looking forward to having me on the track as well as football.

DH: So which sport is your favorite?

DB: I'd have to say -- I love both sports. I also did weight lifting. I came in third in the state this year. I went to state two times in a row -- my first two years of weight lifting. It helped me out a lot strength-wise and putting that extra 10 or 20 feet on as far as shotput and discus.

DH: What would you say are your biggest strengths right now and what do you feel like you're going to have to work on the most when you get to Georgia?

DB: I think my strength is going to be being very fast and physical, being able to run around from sideline to sideline and make a play. Some things I have to work on would be maybe coverage a little bit. Being able to defend without looking back at the quarterback and once the ball's in the air. But I don't think that will be hard to adjust to. I'll be playing in an open area and running out in space, it will be better than just coming downhill.

DH: You talked about your leadership qualities and about your weight training. I'm guessing that will remind a few Georgia fans of another linebacker at UGA -- Rennie Curran. Did you get a chance to meet Rennie when you were being recruited?

DB: Absolutely. When I first got there, he was one of the guys everybody wanted me to meet. I got over there and talked to him a bit. We seem to have some similar problems like family issues and stuff like that. We both have daughters. That's something we looked forward to doing was getting down there and making it to the next level so we could take care of our families.

DH: With all the big changes coming up in your life, how are you going to handle balancing those family responsibilities with football and college and all the other stuff that goes with that?

DB: Really I just try to keep a clear mind. I just know that when I'm away, there's going to be business to take care of, and everything else falls second. As long as I go there and play my best, encourage my players to play at their best, show leadership -- that's most important. Then coming home with a degree or coming home knowing I made it to the NFL or the Olympics, that would be a great success.

DH: So when you're not playing sports, what do you like to do for fun?

DB: Usually I like to go out and have dinner or hang out with some friends. I was there and saw the downtown (in Athens) and it's a little bit wild. But you don't have to worry about that. I'm not that type of person. I usually stay indoors, try to keep small business and be careful with how I conduct myself. I don't want any trouble because it's easy to get into and hard to get out.

DH: If you could sit down for dinner with any celebrity, who would it be?

DB: I would say Denzel Washington. I like every movie he's in. He challenges people mentally. I don't know how he does it, but he seems like a great guy overall. He's got a great personality, and he makes the movie a good movie.

DH: Did you have a favorite player growing up or someone you modeled your game after?

DB: I don't have any favorite player, but I just love great athletes. I love guys who are there for football and not there for all the fans or the critics and all the other stuff that comes with it. I love players that love the sport and want to get after it.

DH: Did you have a favorite team?

DB: I had to go with the Jaguars, but watching them play lately, I've seen a lot of players that aren't really out there for football. They're just out there to make some money.

DH: OK, last question -- what's the one thing you're most looking forward to when you get to Georgia?

DB: I'll tell you what -- the thing I'm most looking forward to is winning a championship or going undefeated. Those were my top career goals, and I've done it in junior high, I've done it in high school, and I want to do it in college.

Get to Know: Ken Malcome

It's been a few weeks since we last checked in with any of Georgia's incoming freshmen, so I figured it was time to get back into our "Get to Know" series. Next up: Running back Ken Malcome.

Malcolme played at Southwest Dekalb and was one of the top running backs recruited in the state. And while Malcome has earned comparisons to some impressive players on the field, it turns out he actually has quite a bit in common with another former Bulldog off the field. Read on for more details...

David Hale: I know you're an Atlanta-area guy. Did you grow up wanting to play at Georgia, or what was it that convinced you that UGA was the place for you?

Ken Malcome: I'm a Georgia boy. I grew up loving Georgia because it's my home state. I had a cousin play at Georgia a while back. He played fullback -- Patrick Pass. I've bled Georgia for a long time now. But another reason was, once I met the coaches, I got a lot of chemistry with them and the football players, and that made me want to be a Georgia Bulldog right there.

DH: I know there are a handful of guys at Georgia with relatives who played in the NFL. What's that like for you having a cousin who played at Georgia and went on to play at the next level beyond that, too?

KM: It feels good. I don't feel a lot of pressure, because nobody pushed me to be just like him. I'm my own person. But it's good having a good role model, and I can always say, 'My cousin played at Georgia, how about your cousin?' So that's a good thing.

DH: You mentioned the chemistry you had with the coaching staff at Georgia. Your position coach, Bryan McClendon, is only a handful of years older than you, and he was playing at Georgia just five years ago. Does it help having a coach like that who went through all the transitions you're about to undergo so recently?

KM: He gets it. He's around 25 or 26 and he's not too far from us, so he can relate. He just knows what it's like because he played the game just a little while ago, and nothing's really changed. The chemistry we have, it's like a brother and brother. We can talk, I can text him any time I have a problem or a question about football. He'll call me right back. It's like a brother thing with Coach McClendon.

DH: Have you had a chance to get to know the other running backs -- Caleb King and Washaun Ealey -- too?

KM: I actually did. I met Washaun during the summer his freshman year. Washaun has been real cool. Afterward I met Caleb about a month later, and we hit it off. We're from the same town, from Atlanta, so we have a lot in common. He tells me to get ready to ball, that it's a grind every day and just to listen to what the coaches are telling us and be focused. That's most important.

DH: Last year, Washaun came in under similar circumstances to you, with a crowded backfield and not much playing time available. In fact, he didn't even play in the first four games of the year, but he ended up leading the team in rushing. Does that give you some hope for this season that, even if things don't get off to a great start, there's a chance you could still make an impact this season?

KM: Oh yeah. Even if Caleb King and Washaun have their spots, I'll come in and I'm trying to earn a starting position, even though I probably can't. I'm still going to work hard to get there, and I won't mind coming in on third- or fourth-and-1, trying to get extra yards. Anything to help my team win. I don't have a problem with waiting my turn. I'm going to come in and work hard and try to get that No. 1 spot. A lot of people say, he's stuck behind Caleb and Washaun, but I've never been a backup running back for long, so I don't know how it feels. I guess I'm going to feel it this year, but I'm still going to work real hard to get that No. 1 spot.

DH: Is there a guy you've modeled your game after or someone whose running style you'd say you resemble?

KM: I'm not really sure because a lot of people say different things. Some people say I look like Herschel or Robert Edwards or Terrell Davis. So me, I'm thinking it's a combination of speed and power and determination.

DH: So did you have a favorite player growing up? Or do you have a guy you really like now?

KM: I always like, for some reason, Noel Devine. I know he's a smaller back, but I always liked him. Right now, I like Mark Ingram. He's just determined to get that first down. But when it comes down to it, I'd probably say Terrell Davis or Herschel.

DH: This year wasn't the biggest recruiting class for Georgia, but there are a lot of local guys, particularly from around the Atlanta area. Have all of you guys stayed in touch and bonded as you've been getting ready to start your college careers?

KM: Oh yeah we have. I'm most close to (fellow Southwest Dekalb product) T.J. (Stripling) and we've been close with Garrison (Smith) and Michael Thornton. One goes to Stephenson and one goes to Douglass, so they aren't that far from our school. We keep up on football and go out and hang out and stuff. We're real cool. We keep in touch and talk about how are you doing, you ready to come, you ready to be a Bulldog, how you training, stuff like that. We'll be ready to be there on May 31.

DH: That's just two weeks away. You getting nervous?

KM: I'm not going to lie to you, I'm pretty nervous. It's not like I'm scared or anything, but just nervous that I'm going into a new environment and it's not going to be like high school anymore. I've just got to be ready to accept that challenge, get in there and stay focused.

DH: What do you feel are the things you're most going to need to work on once you get to campus?

KM: I know I didn't do it a lot in high school, and that's my pass blocking. I rarely even blocked in high school, so it's going to be kind of hard for me. And quicker feet -- trying to hit the hole faster. I think I hit the hole pretty fast, but I can always get better. Work on my speed and strength and really work on my all-around game. I feel I'm good enough to play at the next level right now, but I know I can always get better.

DH: Obviously you've had a great football career in high school. Did you play any other sports, too?

KM: Baseball and football.

DH: So are you a Braves fan?

KM: I'm not a Braves fan, but I was an Andres Galaraga fan when he played for the Braves.

DH: What else do you do for fun besides sports?

KM: I just like to hang out with friends and play some games. I watch a lot of TV. People don't know, but I still watch a lot of cartoons in my house. All my friends -- we're 18, but we still watch cartoons. Nothing's changed since we were younger.

DH: Cartoons, eh? Which are your favorites?

KM: For adult cartoons, it's "Family Guy." But right now, I wake up in the morning, I turn on the "The Jetsons" or my old-school cartoons I used to watch a long time ago. Nothing's really changed.

DH: If you could meet one celebrity -- maybe sit down and have dinner with them -- who would it be?

KM: I'd have to say Knowshon Moreno.

DH: I'm sure that could probably be arranged. What do you like about Knowshon?

KM: I watched an interview with him on YouTube and he was saying, who's the sweetest girl you ever met, and he was talking about Patty Mayonaise. He was talking about the girl from "Doug." He still watches cartoons like we do. Just the way he talks, he seems like he's a real cool, down-to-earth person. He's not cocky, and he's got his head on straight. I think we'd be a real good connection.

DH: Well from what I know of Knowshon, I think that's pretty accurate. You could probably have dinner with him and it'd be hours before he mentioned football.

KM: See, I like that.

DH: Well aside from athletes, who has been the biggest influence in your life?

KM: My grandfather. He's a huge Georgia fan. When Georgia offered me, he'd always been looking at Georgia. He always has been there for me. He's taken me to camps, any school activity. That started when I was very young -- when I was four years old. He was my coach from 4 to like 13. So that's my biggest influence right there.

DH: OK, so two weeks left: What are you most excited for when you finally get to Georgia?

KM: I'm excited about putting my equipment on and being a freshman at Georgia. Hopefully we can get an SEC championship as soon as I get there. But there's a lot to work on, and I just want to start real early. I want to get there and play my freshman year. I'm not really trying to redshirt. I want to get in there and I'm really expecting a good year. That's what I'm most excited about.

Many thanks to Ken for his time and answers. So what do you guys think? Do you expect Malcolme to push for some immediate playing time?

Get to Know: Michael Bennett

We've still got a few more days off from spring practice, so let's take a look ahead at another of the new faces who won't be in Athens until June with our latest installment of Getting to Know… wide receiver Michael Bennett.

David Hale: All freshmen want to play early in their careers, but with the numbers UGA has at receiver, it certainly seems like Mike Bobo and company will be counting on you to do that in 2010. Was that a big factor in you wanting to come to Georgia?

Michael Bennett: Coming in, I wanted to play as a true freshman wherever I went, and when I found out that Georgia was kind of low on scholarship receivers, they were looking to take about three this year, and I'm the only one that signed. So the possibility of coming in and playing right away as a freshman is definitely a plus, and I can't wait to get in there and show the coaches what I can do and get some playing time right away.

DH: Well one of the reasons for the low numbers at receiver is the de-commitment from Da'Rick Rogers before signing day. Were you surprised at what a big story that became?

MB: I met him a few times, and he's a great athlete, he's a pretty good kid from what I can see, and I just wish the best for him. But in the end, I believe Georgia wants players who really want to be Bulldogs, who honestly want to be Georgia all the way, and if there's any doubt in your mind, it'd be better if you don't go to Georgia. I feel that's what Da'Rick was thinking. Seeing him go, it's a hurt for our team and our recruiting class, but in the end I think it's going to be the best for us because it might have been hard getting him on track and stuff at UGA. But he's a great athlete, and it's a big blow, but hey, it's better for me, right?

DH: Well, rather than talk about the guy who didn't come, let me ask you about the big-time receiver who is at Georgia. How excited are you to be playing alongside A.J. Green this fall?

MB: I can't wait. He's a great guy. I've met him a couple times. He's a great player, but he's a better person. He's real personable. He's not one of those big-headed receivers you see. He makes plays every week, and it just showed when he got hurt, Georgia just wasn't as good without him on the field, and it shows that a receiver can do that much in a game. I just hope to learn a lot from him, because we're probably going to have him here for one more year. So I want to learn as much from him, and when he passes the reins over to the rest of us receivers, we can pick up where he left off.

DH: You talked about the numbers at receiver, but it's also an interesting time at quarterback. Odds are, the Bulldogs will have a freshman starting at the position this year. Is that something that you're excited about -- getting to see your career develop over the course of the next three or four years with the same QB?

MB: That's a big thing, too. I've been spending a lot of time with Zach Mettenberger. I actually went up and stayed with him a little while ago. He's a great guy, just like Aaron Murray. They're both students of the game. Zach, he's real big, real big arm. Aaron's not as big, but he really understands the offense. And it'll be good having those two duel it out for the position, so I can't wait.

DH: Is there a receiver in the pros that you've modeled your game after or that you think you're similar to in your style of play?

MB: I always get this question, and I really don't know. One of my favorite receivers is Randy Moss. I know he's a freakish athlete, but he seems like he really works hard and he just makes plays. I like A.J. Green. He's a guy I look up to. He's just a beast. And now that I think of it, Andre Johnson is a guy I really like. He's about my height and he's really underrated and doesn't have a big head -- just like A.J. Green. So I like him, too.

DH: What do you like to do when you're away from the football field?

MB: I love hanging out with my friends. That's No. 1. I go to church. I'm trying to get more involved in my church. I love playing video games. That's a big thing. Call of Duty, Madden, NCAA, all that stuff. I like just playing pick-up basketball, anything like that. That's pretty much me in my off time.

DH: So do you always have to be Georgia when you play NCAA now?

MB: Oh yeah. All Georgia. I've already made the player Michael Bennett, receiver. He's already won the Heisman.

DH: So video Michael Bennett is putting up bigger numbers than video A.J. Green?

MB: Oh yeah.

DH: Well, what's the real Michael Bennett doing to get ready for what's in store for you once you arrive in Athens in a few months?

MB: I'm just really trying to get mentally prepared right now. I'm obviously working out as hard as I can right now, and I'm trying to get mentored by some guys who have been around this kind of stuff before and just guys who have much more experience with life that can really give me some great advice on how to handle all this stuff. You know, I really think I'm going to be ready for it. I wish I was there right now. I think I've got the senioritis thing going. But I just can't wait to get up there and start working and I'm just relishing every moment I have.

DH: You mentioned talking with Zach a lot, but what have the guys on the team been telling you about getting ready for summer workouts and the 2010 season?

MB: They've just been telling me to really be ready when you get here because you're going to hit it like a brick wall. When they got there and started up with mat drills, they were just like, 'I was not ready for this.' So I want to be at least a little bit prepared for stuff like that, and just be ready to work. Don't come in here and say I have to wait my turn to get some playing time. Come in to Georgia and be ready to play right away. That's been a goal of mine all along is that not just saying I'm going to wait my turn but I'm going to have to take some steps to get on the field if at all possible. That's what I really want to do.

DH: The last thing I wanted to ask you was about your new coach, Tony Ball. He's got a reputation for being pretty demanding of his young players. What's your take on Coach Ball and how do you think you'll get along once you get to Athens?

MB: He likes to really get the young guys in there and teach them the fundamentals of the game. He's all about fundamentals. So I feel like if I go in there and really play smart and basically be a very coachable player -- that's one thing he's always harping about is just being coachable and really putting the extra work in -- I feel like if I do that, I'll be acclimated to the offense and his coaching style a lot easier. So that's really what I'm gonna hope to do, and just really listen to him, do what he says, and show him I can be the receiver he wants me to be.

Get to Know: Garrison Smith

We're just 48 hours away from seeing Georgia's commitments ink their names on letters of intent on signing day, but for defensive tackle Garrison Smith, there's never been any doubt about where he planned to play college ball. He's loved UGA since he was a kid, and he's finally close to fulfilling his dream of suiting up for the Bulldogs.

I caught up with Garrison recently to get his thoughts on his recruitment, the changing scheme on defense for Georgia and his hopes for 2010 in our latest "Get to Know…" installment.

David Hale: When you were first recruited and decided to come to Georgia, it was under one system. Now, you're going to be playing on the D line in another system -- the 3-4 instead of the 4-3. Has that worried you at all?

Garrison Smith: Just being able to play on the next level, it wasn't hard. Coach Richt was going to get the best people he felt was right for the team, and I just had to play football. No matter what scheme, you've still got to play, and that's how it is at the end of the day.

DH: Have you played in a 3-4 before?

GS: My senior year, they switched the defense to a 3-4. That was my first time, so I'm kind of used to it. But I don't think Georgia's 3-4 is going to be like ours. It's going to probably be a little different.

DH: What were your first impressions of Todd Grantham?

GS: He knows what he's talking about, he's ready to coach us up, he's ready to put us in the best position to win. He's real excited being around these college guys.

DH: There's been a pretty long legacy of good defensive tackles at Georgia, and you're coming in after guys like Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins, who have been fixtures there for a long time. Is it exciting for you to think you can come in and have an impact right away or are there some nerves about knowing that people are going to be really counting on you?

GS: I'm excited. It's some big shoes to fill but I'm just going to follow the directions of my coaches and follow the great players that are already there like Abry Jones and DeAngelo Tyson and all them guys. Brandon Wood. They're some real good guys, so we're going to be alright.

DH: Do you have any NFL guys that you've modeled your game after?

GS: I don't even like to compare myself to those top players because they're already great, and I don't consider myself anywhere near them. Even if I did compare myself to somebody in the NFL, they wouldn't even play defensive line. It'd be somebody like Ray Lewis or Troy Polamalu or someone like that.

DH: So you wanted to imitate their attitude more than their game?

GS: Oh yeah, I'm just for getting after it and being relentless out there.

DH: Did you always want to come to Georgia or did they need to do a good job of convincing you to become a Bulldog?

GS: Ever since I was little. I was watching TV one day and there was a football game on, and I saw this big old running back running over a lot of people. It was Musa Smith. That's when I first started watching Georgia football, and ever since then I always said they were my favorite team and I always watched and rooted for them every time they played.

I'd actually met Coach Richt a couple times, just running into him. When I was in fourth grade, we had a camp for all the fourth graders and he was the coach. We did some drills with him. Then when I was in eighth grade, I went to a camp at Georgia, and that's what made me get my mind right for what I had to do to get ready for high school football.

DH: Is it strange for you now to think about the fact that you first met Mark Richt when you were in fourth grade and now here you are about to be playing for him?

GS: It's a very weird feeling. I never would have thought this would happen in my wildest dreams. It's crazy how things work out. It's just a blessing to have this opportunity and I thank God every day for it.

DH: So you committed pretty early and you haven't wavered in your decision. Have other teams continued to come after you or are they taking it easy on you?

GS: They've died down. They've got some good recruiting classes out there, so they've pretty much eased the sell.

DH: What was it like for that six-week stretch when you didn't know who the coaches at Georgia would be?

GS: I always put my trust in Coach Richt from Day 1. He's a good guy, he did all the right things. He said that's how he was going to make his decision. I believed he'd make the right decision, and no matter what scheme you're running, you've still got to play football.

DH: What do you like to do in your free time away from the football field?

GS: I just like to chill and relax. I spend time with my grandparents. I go over there after school, go there to eat breakfast every morning. I just spend a lot of time with my grandparents, relax and stay out of trouble. I might go to the movies. I'm just a chill guy. I like to lay low and have fun.

DH: How are you spending these last few months of high school? Are you getting prepped for college or trying to soak in your last moments in high school?

GS: I'm just focused right now trying to get ready for the next stage of my life. But I'm having fun and enjoying the last couple of months of high school. I'm having fun with it. It's the last time I'll be in high school, so I'm enjoying it.

DH: Have you gotten any good advice from Georgia's current players about what you need to do to get ready for college?

GS: They've told me some stuff here and there. There's some good guys at Georgia. That's another reason I like the school is there's nobody that ever acted like a superstar or they were better than anybody. It's a real cool, down-to-earth environment.

DH: So what do you think will constitute a successful season for you in 2010? What are your expectations?

GS: I don't know. The sky is the limit. It's all going to depend on how hard I work, so that's all I can do.

Get to Know: Jakar Hamilton

If you didn't get to read it over the weekend, I had a story in Sunday's Telegraph on the quick start junior college transfer Jakar Hamilton has enjoyed in his first few weeks at Georgia. The kid certainly doesn't lack confidence.

Anyway, I had a chance to chat with Jakar for a while last week, so I figured it'd be a perfect time for the second installment of this year's "Get to Know..." series.

David Hale: I've talked to Bacarri Rambo, who said you've already been pushing yourself pretty hard these first few weeks on campus. What's it been like?

Jakar Hamilton: Every day in the weight room now is competition. Rambo is going to get up and do high weight, so I’m going to do it. Washaun will do high weight, so I’m going to do it. We’re all pushing each other in the weight room. If he’s going to do it, then I’m going to do it. And if I can’t, then I’m going to get a spot and work towards it. That’s what I’m doing now.

DH: There are a couple of starting jobs open at safety. Is that what you and Rambo are talking about?

JH: I talk to him all the time about the best safety duo in the SEC. That’s what we’re pushing for. In the weight room we say it. Out of the weight room we say it. On the way to class we say it.

DH: Well, your path to get here wasn't exactly the traditional one. In fact, you've moved around quite a bit in your life. What was your favorite place you lived?

JH: It's got to be Houston. I've lived in New Jersey, I've lived in West Virginia. I've lived in South Carolina. But there's nothing like Houston. It's just a great atmosphere. You see stars just about every day -- basketball players, rappers, actors. Even at the airport, you'll see Beyonce come through once or twice. Motumbo came through. It's just a great experience living in Houston.

DH: Well your new position coach is a Jersey guy, too. Will you have a few Jersey stories to swap with him?

JH: Oh yeah, lots of them. I like shopping in New Jersey. It's a cool place to live at.

DH: After high school, you ended up at Georgia Military College. That's a tough transition for anyone, and I've talked to guys like Corvey Irvin and Jarius Wynn who did it before. What was your experience at GMC like?

JH: It was hard. I'm not going to lie, it was hard. But in the back of my mind, I made my decision that it was either I do it here or I can go back home and be on the streets. It's hard to quit. I have a bunch of people back home who would beat me up. So I'd just read the Bible, pray to God each night before I went to sleep and thank him. I got my way through there, and now I'm here. So hard work is starting to pay off. And I'm still working.

DH: Now that you're gone, do you find yourself appreciating things more?

JH: Oh yeah, I really appreciate it. I called up my DB coach and I thank him for pushing me. The hard work I did, I thought it was stupid at the time, like 'Why are we doing this?' But now I see why, because I thought it would be better coming here, but we also work hard. GMC actually prepped me up for something like this, so I'm really thankful for GMC.

DH: You have an older brother -- Mike Goodson -- who plays with the Carolina Panthers. Does having someone you're so close to who has already made it to the NFL provide you with a good template on how it's done?

JH: People asked me if I was going to go to Texas A&M (where Goodson played), but I didn't want to live up under my brother's name. He made his name, and I'm going to make mine. But since he made it, I've got to make it. I also have another brother, my second-oldest brother, he plays point guard at Gonzaga. So hopefully he'll be going to the NBA, and I'll do what I do here, and all three of us will be in professional leagues. So I just keep praying every day that that happens.

DH: So which of you was the best athlete?

JH: I don't know. It was always kind of even, but I was stuck in the middle. My oldest brother, Michael, he always played football. Demetri was always playing basketball. I was stuck with both, so I had to choose between basketball and football. My dad told me (to pick) and I listened to him and just stuck with football. But I hated football. I hated it. I cried when he made me play. But I started it and I was like, 'Wow, I'm really good at it.' I thank him, I thank God, I thank GMC, and now I'm thanking Georgia for giving me the opportunity to come here.

DH: When did you start playing football?

JH: I think it was my eighth grade year. I was a really good basketball player and started playing running back and went from there.

DH: So at what point did you decide there might be a future in football for you?

JH: First game I scored four touchdowns at running back and thought, 'Wow, I kind of like this, running people over and juking them.' From there on out, I just loved it.

DH: You played a bunch of different positions. Which was your favorite?

JH: Receiver. I loved receiver because small cornerbacks, and I was kind of big, taller than everybody. So I just slapped them out the way and go catch the ball for a touchdown.

DH: OK, last question is a basketball one. Rambo says you've already impressed him on the court, but Georgia's got a bunch of good hoops players like Brandon Boykin and A.J. Green. How do you stack up?

JH: Oh yeah, A.J. can shoot. But the other day we were playing basketball and I jumped over somebody's head for an alley-oop and dunked it. After that, everybody was like, man, this guy can play. In high school I took my team to the third round of the playoffs and was mentioned All-State. I ended up breaking my foot, which put me back from playing in an All-Star game. But I've seen A.J. play, and Boykin can jump to. I don't know. It'd be a pretty good match with me and them three.

Get to Know: Hutson Mason

In today's Telegraph, I have a short piece on Georgia QB recruit Hutson Mason. You can check it out HERE.

I got to chat with Hutson for a while though, so it seemed like a great chance to kick off the first edition in 2010 of our "Getting to Know…" series on the new class of Georgia recruits.

So, with that, here are the details on Georgia's soon-to-be new QB...

David Hale: So you've talked about being excited about the immense opportunity at quarterback for Georgia next year. The flip side of that is that there is not going to be much experience at the position. So, what's the mood around Athens? Do you get the feeling people are getting nervous about the youth at the position?

Hutson Mason: They're really excited. … I went (to Athens) there to stay with a buddy (last weekend), and I had dinner with Da'Rick Rogers, Kolton Houston and Brent Benedict and some of the guys were on an official. Coach Richt was there, Coach Searels, Coach Bobo. One of the things they repeat over and over is, if you look at Georgia's last year's games or highlight film, you see a lot of young players making plays -- whether it's Tavarres King or Orson Charles, Washaun Ealey, several young true freshmen or redshirt freshmen are making plays, and that says a lot about the future at the University of Georgia. It looks promising.

The future looks bright for us, and that's no different at the quarterback position. Someone's going to have to step up for us. There's two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. Someone's going to have to become the man and take the ball and run with it. I think they're excited. I think we're all excited about the opportunity that we have. I think Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger would say the same thing that Coach Bobo is one of the best in the country at preparing you for a game.

Jim Schwartz, the coach of the Lions, said that Matthew Stafford was the most prepared NFL quarterback rookie that he'd ever coached coming out of college. I think that speaks volumes of Coach Bobo being able to prepare you and know what's going on. So I think us quarterbacks will be pretty comfortable knowing what's going on even though we're pretty young.

DH: With the possibility of Logan Gray changing positions, Georgia jumped into the race to get you pretty late. Was that what you were waiting for? Or did you have to be convinced to come to Georgia?

HM: I didn't grow up a Georgia fan, actually. I've never been to a Georgia game at Sanford Stadium. A lot of people think because you're in-state, but it's just one of those things that I didn't really follow Georgia football a lot. I just kind of followed SEC. I grew up kind of a Tennessee fan actually. My uncle graduated from there and I have family that lives up in Knoxville. So Georgia wasn't really when I was young -- I didn't really follow them that much.

But that changed as the recruiting process hit. You have to grow out of it and find what's the best fit for you. When I was taking visits at Clemson, Mississippi State, Florida State, Virginia, going all over the place, it came down to the people that I was going to be involved with. When I really sat down and, not only being able to talk to Coach Richt, but seeing him, how he relates to his players -- it's one of those things where you wouldn't even have to be at a football function, but if Coach Richt saw you, he was going to make his way over there to talk to you. I'm sure you don't get that from guys like Lane Kiffin or some guys like that. Coach Richt is a family-oriented, flat-out great guy and a guy you'd want to play for. He's the kind of guy that's going to have your back as a player and he's going to watch out for you. I knew if I was having some hard times, Coach Richt was going to be there for me.

From the football aspect, Coach Bobo was my position coach and I'll be spending 90 percent of my time with him, so obviously I'd have to be able to get along with him. Coach Bobo's a young guy, he can relate to you. Obviously he played at Georgia. He's able to relate to the positives and negatives that a quarterback is going through. Going through the recruiting process, I saw a lot of coaches that didn't actually play the position in college. They'd be receivers in college but they'd be coaching quarterbacks now. I'm like, how in the world is this guy going to develop me when he doesn't even know what it's like to play the quarterback position? That really was a turn-off. When I came to Georgia, Coach Bobo not only played at Georgia, but he played quarterback. So that was a huge positive for me.

DH: It's been a crazy year for Georgia with the coaching changes. I know that's not on your side of the ball, but I've read that you were making a real effort to try to keep this signing class together while everyone waited for some coaching hires. How'd that come about?

HM: If you look at Georgia's recruiting class this year, I think there's only like five or six offensive guys. So (most) of our recruiting class is on the defensive side of the ball, and with Coach Martinez getting fired and these guys not knowing who their coach is going to be, big recruits like Alec Ogletree and guys like that, you want to be able to keep them. Those are the guys that are going to help you win championships, help you get to the Georgia Dome. You have to have guys like that to be able to compete with the Floridas and Alabamas these days.

I just did my part in trying to text guys and build a relationship with them because I know when I was at Georgia on my official before I committed, the one thing I was really impressed with was the bond I developed with the players. That really made a huge difference in my decision because I knew I'd be able to get along with those guys and build relationships with them. So I got Da'Rick's number and when that whole Tennessee thing went down, I texted him and just tried to build that relationship. It can't hurt, and I think we've only lost one guy. I think that speaks a lot to the character of the players that we have and having faith in Coach Richt and hopefully on signing day we'll still have all of our guys.

DH: You're still six months away from getting to campus. What have you been doing to prepare?

HM: Right now, I'm lifting twice a day just trying to prepare myself somewhat for what I'm about to walk into this summer. It's going to be hard, but I've really gone after it. I'm trying to put on weight and physically get stronger. Besides that, I'm throwing, keeping my arm in shape and trying not to get too rusty. If you take too much time off, it takes a while to get it back. When signing day comes, I know after that Coach Bobo will start sending me the plays. And I have a quarterback coach I've worked with in high school, Dave Archer, who played in the NFL for 10 years and has a really high pro-style background. Georgia being a pro-style system, what I'm going to do is when I start getting these plays, I'm going to hit it head on. I'm going to treat it like I've graduated early and I'm already at Georgia, even though I'm not.

DH: Is there an NFL QB you'd compare your game to?

HM: It's hard to compare. Guys in the NFL are all so different. I have never tried to compare myself to anyone in the NFL.

DH: Well is there a guy you've always looked up to? A favorite quarterback?

HM: One of my favorite NFL quarterbacks is Bobby Hebert just because I grew up with the Heberts, and now Bobby does Saints radio down in New Orleans. He's one of my favorites just because as a kid, I grew up with them, and his son played AAU basketball with me. When I'd go on an out-of-town trip, I'd be with Bobby, and he's like a father figure to me in basketball because he took me everywhere.

Game-wise, I think my throwing motion kind of resembles Brett Favre, just because I don't really have the Tom Brady or Peyton Manning release straight over the top. I kind of have the ability to find windows to throw it in whether it's a three-quarters release or sidearm. If you watch Brett Favre a lot, he kind of finds windows to put the ball in. That kind of resembles Philip Rivers a little bit, too. But I've also heard a lot of people compare how I find windows to Brett Favre, and he kind of has a knack for throwing it sidearm or something just to get the ball off.

DH: Away from football, what do you like to do for fun?

HM: I like to hunt and fish a lot. Those are my two things that when I can get away from football that I like to do. I like just hanging out with friends and stuff like that. I played basketball up until this year. I stopped to focus on football in the offseason. I go on mission trips every spring break. I've been to the Dominican Republic, Portugal, Ecuador and stuff like that.

DH: You're friends with Zach Mettenberger, and you said you've spent some time in Athens lately. So what's the best advice those guys have given you to get you prepared for life as a Bulldog?

HM: The best thing they told me was that you have to be mentally tough. Coming in from Day 1, you've always got something to do. There's not time for naps. There's not time for breaks. You're going to study halls, you're watching film, you're at practice. You've got to be mentally tough, and when you come in as a freshman, there's a lot you're not used to -- whether it's a coach always down your throat, or weight training being so much more intense -- you've just got to be upbeat every single day and you have to be able to take it, especially in summer conditioning when you have someone yelling at you for really no reason other than to see how mentally tough you are. The quarterback position is really 90 percent mental. You have to be able to have confidence in yourself and stuff like that. That's one of the biggest things that they've given me advice on.

DH: OK, last question. How many times have you dreamed of what it will be like to get out there on the field and loft a pass to someone like A.J. Green?

HM: I tend to think of it a little bit, but if I'm blessed with the opportunity to actually step out there and actually throw the ball that young in my career to A.J., it'll be a true blessing for me. I think about it. Everyone's got their dreams, and you want to be able to step on the field as soon as possible. But it's about making sure you're physically and mentally ready.

Get to Know: Josh Murray

For the past few months, we've been catching up with some of Georgia's newest players to get to know a little more about them. When it comes to walk-on safety Josh Murray, you might find a few things you didn't know in the story I wrote for the Ledger-Enquirer on Sunday about Josh and his brother. You can also find a bunch more quotes from yesterday's blog post.

But, of course, there's more to Mr. Murray than just that, so we got to some more intriguing questions in this installment of "Get to Know"...

David Hale: You spent six years playing minor-league baseball. I've worked for a minor league team before and I've seen "Bull Durham," so I know you must have at least a few colorful stories. What's your most quintessential minor-league baseball story?

Josh Murray: It was actually my first year. I was 17 when I got drafted, and we were playing in Medicine Hat, Canada. When we were done playing that series, we were heading home to Ogden and had a day off the next day.

Unfortunately, it took 36 hours to get home. While we were in the middle of the mountains on the way home, we hit a cow. It was just laying on the ground and we were sitting there for six hours waiting for police to come. We finally got the cow up – it kind of moo’d its way off, and I think it wasn’t a good ending for the cow – and then we took a 12-hour detour, too, because our bus driver didn’t know how to get back.

We missed our first off day, and I had been waiting for an off day. It was the worst off I’ve been and I was like, is this really the life I want to live? It was tough.

DH: Speaking of tough, what's been the most difficult part of adjusting to football again after nearly 10 years away from the game?

JM: It’s just really learning all the plays and getting the formations down and everything like that. It’s kind of tough to study during camp because you’re going pretty much 24/7 non-stop. But right now I’ve got a little bit of time to prepare and stuff like that.

DH: Your brother, Aaron, is a highly recruited quarterback. I assume that gets him the star treatment. You, on the other hand, are a walk-on. So what's the life of the lowly walk-on like?

JM: It’s not bad at all. I’m just really blessed and enjoying being out here. Last year, I was done with baseball and I wasn’t really doing anything with my life. Right now, I would have taken No. 100-something if they had that. I’m just happy to be out here and part of a team right now. I’m blessed.

DH: Have you set any goals for yourself for this season?

JM: The goals are to get on special teams and try to help the team in any way I can. If they need me doing scout stuff during practice to try to help out the first string or second string, I’m willing to do that. I’m willing to do anything to make this team better. Definitely my goal is to get onto special teams and hit some people and help us win, to be a contributing factor.

DH: In doing these Q&As, I've asked a lot of the freshmen what celebrity they'd most like to meet. Given that you've been playing professional baseball for a while, I'm guessing you've already met a few. Who have you been the most impressed by?

JM: I’m good friends with Ryan Braun, he’s the left-fielder for the Brewers. His work ethic and his athleticism and stuff is really great. I also love watching one of my friends that I trained with, Denard Span, he’s playing with the Twins right now. He didn’t get frustrated with getting called up and sent back down and called up. He really perservered and I really admire him for that.

DH: OK, well is there still someone you'd like to meet that you haven't?

JM: The guy I’d most like to meet – it’s weird because I’m not a star-struck person at all, but like a lot of people, I’d love to meet Michael Jordan. Just the way he does everything, how he handles himself, how he prepares for games, the leader he is. I’d love to sit down and talk with him about all that stuff.

DH: What's your favorite meal?

JM: I’d say snow crab.

DH: Athens isn't exactly a snow crab town.

JM: No, I haven’t had it in a while. It’s only special times when I go back home or something like that.

DH: So have you found a go-to place around here to get a good meal?

JM: What we were doing is actually on Saturdays we would go and have Chinese and then watch a movie. That’s what we were doing every Saturday. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to do that during the season, but that was our ritual when we first got up here.

DH: What has it been like for you playing with your brother?

JM: It’s been really nice. We’re very into family. It’s a blessing that I can be up here with him. I get emotional at times when I think about it and talk to my parents. But it’s awesome having a younger brother that, even though I’m so much older, I can help him grow up, we can do things with each other. It’s great.

DH: So do your parents call you to get the dirt on what Aaron has been doing? Or is it the other way around?

JM: They call me sometimes to make sure Aaron’s doing well. But they’re talking to both of us.

DH: You're playing safety, so I assume you've gotten a good look at a few of Georgia's receivers. Who has impressed you the most?

JM: I’m not going to lie, the whole team has impressed me. It’s really nice going from a place where there’s not as much of a team to a team. This really is the true concept of a team, and it’s just fun being out here. They all impress me with their enthusiasm, intensity, their passion for wanting to win and wanting to play. I know we’ve been called underdogs this year and not ranked as high, but I’m telling you, it’s going to be surprising. We’re really working hard and we have great coaches. They’re all really impressive.

DH: You and Aaron are obviously both superior athletes, and I assume fairly competitive growing up. So, I'm going to run down a few sports or activities, and I want you to tell me who would win between you and your brother.

JM: Oh, geez, you're putting me on the spot. OK.

DH: How about a game of ping-pong?

JM: We haven't played in a while. I hate to brag, but I think I'd win. It’d be close. Ping-pong's a draw.

DH: Alright, Aaron told me you guys play a lot of Wii golf. Who wins that?

JM: Oh me for sure. I play with him sometimes so he can get his score higher.

DH: That's very generous of you. What about bowling -- the real kind, not the video game?

JM: I think we're pretty much even.

DH: What do you usually bowl?

JM: I usually hit 200-something sometimes, but I probably average 180- or 190-something.

DH: OK, who wins a game of trivial pursuit?

JM: Oh, lord, probably him. I’m not good at that stuff at all.

DH: How about a hot-dog eating contest?

JM: We both can eat, but he takes his time out. I think I could keep shoving it down. He’ll need a timeout but I’ll keep eating.

DH: I know you both play a little basketball, but who wins a game of H-O-R-S-E?

JM: I’m not going to lie, he doesn’t beat me at a lot of stuff. I’m the older brother so I don’t let him. But it’d be a good game.

DH: How about arm wrestling?

JM: Oh come on, it’s the old-man strength. I’d get him.

DH: You guys play a good bit of racquetball. Who's better?

JM: I let him win once in a while, but I take most of them.

DH: OK, a 40-yard dash?

JM: He may have me right now with my old legs. But I’m getting back healthy.

DH: Alright, last one, but this is the most important. Now, you're brother's not 21, so I won't ask about the local watering holes, but when you guys are doing something social, if, say, you both were chatting up a few of the ladies, who would leave with the most phone numbers?

JM: You know what? If this was back in the day when I was playing with the Brewers, I’d say me. But right now, it’s Aaron. He’s on top of everything right now.

Get to Know: Rantavious Wooten

Marlon Brown garnered more headlines during recruiting season, but to hear Georgia's veteran receivers talk, it's Rantavious Wooten who has looked like a veteran during the first few weeks of fall practice.

Senior Michael Moore raved about Wooten's sharp routes and cornerback Brandon Boykin marveled at Wooten's speed. The biggest knock on the receiver from Belle Glades, Fla. was his size, and strength and conditioning coach Dave Van Halanger said Wooten has even excelled at improving that -- gaining 11 pounds during his first two months on campus.

So what is it about Wooten that has allowed him to make such a strong first impression? I chatted with him about that and a few less serious topics in our latest "Get to Know" feature...

David Hale: You got started playing football a little later in life. What first attracted you to the game, and what was it that allowed you to develop so quickly?

Rantavious Wooten: When I was growing up in middle school, I just ran track. I even started basketball late. I started everything late. But all my friends were doing it, and I was missing out. I saw how much fun they were having, and I decided to go out and give it a try.

I had tried previously in Pop Warner, but it didn’t work out for me. So I just went my ninth-grade year, and I learned. I watched people to get better. I played my freshman year the whole year on the freshman team. I never got moved up. And that was a message to me that I needed to work harder.

So going into my sophomore year, I worked that whole summer to get better, studying other people to get myself better. I started on varsity my sophomore year, and it’s been going on since then. I think what helped me get ahead of people was my speed, and then I’ve just kept on working on my hands and my route running, and it all came together.

DH: You mentioned your speed. You came in knowing you were a pretty fast guy, but Georgia has a few players like that. Have you raced Branden Smith or Bryan Evans or Carlton Thomas yet to see who's the fastest?

RW: Of course they’re all fast guys, but we haven’t really had a competition. We’re all on the same team. We’re all trying to do big things and show people that we can do it. It’s not a competition, it’s just making each other better. We can all say who is faster, but we’ve never had the competition to see who really is.

DH: I'm sure there's still a little smack talk that goes on between you guys though, right?

RW: There is. A couple people are always asking about me and Branden, and we say the same thing – I don’t know, we just come in here and do what we do.

DH: So you're extraordinarily fast, but if you could have a skill from one other player on the team for one day, what would it be?

RW: The leaping ability of Brandon Boykin.

DH: Yeah, I hear he's a beast on the basketball court, too.

RW: Yeah, he gets after it.

DH: OK, so if you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

RW: Beyonce.

DH: Do I need to ask why, or should that be pretty obvious?

RW: That should be obvious.

DH: Did you have any nicknames growing up?

RW: They actually called me Gecko.

DH: What does that mean?

RW: I don’t know. We all just gave each other dumb names. Like, one of my friends was Alligator. We just gave each other dumb names, and mine was Gecko.

DH: What's your favorite food?

RW: I'd probably say chicken.

DH: Do you have a place in Athens yet that you like to go?

RW: I eat a lot at Wingsters just because it’s delivery.

DH: You're a Florida guy who decided to come to Georgia rather than one of the in-state schools. Did you hear a lot of complaints from people around you when you picked Georgia?

RW: I didn’t really interact with a lot of people like that because at the end of the day, I knew it was up to me, regardless of what they said or how they feel. Of course there was a couple people upset who felt like I should have gone to Florida or Miami, but I just felt like I just did what was best for me.

DH: You weren't the only Florida guy to come up to Athens this year. Aaron Murray and Orson Charles did, too, and looking at the likely commitments for next season, Georgia appears to have a handful more on their way. Is it becoming the popular thing to do in Florida to head north to play college ball?

RW: I feel like it’s going to become a trend. From my school, a lot of people like Georgia now. I’ve talked to them, and they say, they’re my top school. I feel like a lot of people are going to start coming to Georgia to play.

DH: Is that one of those things where it sort of builds on itself, that you guys go back and start convincing more and more Florida players to come to school at Georgia?

RW: Yeah, get 'em up here. We want to get the best guys, wherever they’re from, and help this team get better every year. Florida has some talented athletes, and they look at us and see there’s a chance to come in and play early, and that’s going to help.

DH: Well, speaking of your chance to play, what kind of impact do you think you can have this season?

RW: I just continue working, and it’s all going to shake out. I’m looking forward to playing, Marlon’s looking forward to playing, but whatever happens, when I get on the field and get that chance, I’m going to take full advantage of it. So whatever turn they give me, I’m going for it.

DH: OK, well that will lead me to my last question, which actually comes from one of my readers. You get a lot of comparisons to former Florida player Percy Harvin in terms of your skill set and body type. Do you think you might get into that Wildcat formation or do some running with the football like he did at Florida?

RW: I feel like I’m pretty good at that. I feel like I can do that. I have two different styles I can play, and I can turn it on and just play ball. If I get in that package, it’s going to be something dangerous.

(h/t to @shadcraft21 for the Percy Harvin question. I'll have answers to more of your Twitter inquiries in the next few days.)

Get to Know: Washaun Ealey

Of all the freshmen that I met in person for the first time last week, I think Washaun Ealey least resembles what I was expecting. He's built like a tank, and he just has that look of a hard-nosed running back -- sort of Emmit Smith-like (which will make sense after you read the interview).

Georgia fans will notice another resemblance to another great tailback this year, too, as Ealey will wear the No. 24 jersey that Knowshon Moreno made famous during the past two seasons.

I can't say that Ealey will meet with the same success on the field that Moreno did, but when it comes to doing interviews, there are a lot of similarities, as you'll probably be able to tell from the brevity of Ealey's answers. He also used the phrase "working hard" about 490 times, which leads me to believe Knowshon left behind his list of favorite football cliches for Ealey to memorize.

But, while the interview wasn't exactly the most enlightening ever, it's pretty obvious the kid likes playing football, and I'm guessing fans are pretty excited to watch him do it.

David Hale: There were already four guys hoping to land the starting job before you got here. What's it been like jumping into such a fierce competition as a freshman?

Washaun Ealey: All along, we're like brothers, and they've taken me under their wings, and I've just been working hard and listening to them because they know a lot more.

DH: What's the best advice any of them have given you?

WE: Just to keep my head up on a swivel and keep running hard and get ready for the contact.

DH: What has it been like working with Coach McClendon?

WE: It's been very good. He pushes me hard. He asks me to stay after meetings and come early, and that can only help me so I can play early.

DH: How would you describe your running style?

WE: I have a lot of speed and power. Whenever I need to lower my shoulder, I can lower my shoulder, and when I need to use my speed, I can use my speed.”

DH: You're wearing No. 24 this season. How'd that end up happening?

WE: The coaches told me I was No. 24, and I was like, whatever number coach gave me, I was going to take it.

DH: But that probably puts a little extra pressure on you to live up to the standards of the last guy who wore it, right?

WE: I know that Knowshon wore No. 24, so I can't slack off. I need to work even harder.

DH: Who were your favorite players growing up?

WE: I liked Marshall Faulk and Emmitt Smith. I try to run like them.

DH: If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be?

WE: I'd probably want to go to Hawaii. I just like the water, so I'd like to go there and see how it is.

DH: What's your favorite meal?

WE: Fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.

DH: Have you found a good place in Athens for that yet?

WE: No, not yet.

DH: Well, I think you've probably got a few options. If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

WE: Probably Chanci Stuckey. He was always my favorite football player, even when he was in high school.

DH: Do you have any nicknames?

WE: They call me Boobie because when I was in high school I always used to talk trash, so they started calling me Boobie Miles (from the movie "Friday Night Lights").

DH: What was your most embarrassing moment on the football field?

WE: Probably when I was already down the field by myself and dropped a wide-open pass. It was my junior year in the middle of the season. I was a receiver and I was wide open and I dropped it.

DH: What about your favorite moment on the football field?

WE: I think my junior year in the first round of the playoffs, we played Seminole Country and Baccari Rambo. That first kickoff return, I returned it for a touchdown.

DH: Have you been talking a little smack to him about that games since you got here?

WE: Yeah, I scored six touchdowns that night, so I've given him a little heat about that.

Get to Know: Brandon Bogotay

For the past few weeks, we've been chatting with some of Georgia's incoming freshmen to find out a bit about what they're like away from the football field. In our latest installment, I talk to kicker Brandon Bogotay, who transferred from Grossmont College in San Diego with the hopes of handling Georgia's kickoff duties in 2009... and maybe more.

(NOTE: This interview took place before Bogotay arrived at Georgia earlier this month.)

David Hale: Most of the kickers I know have a genuine empathy for their NFL brethren. Is your favorite player a kicker, too?

Brandon Bogotay: Usually I look more toward personalities than what position they play. I live in San Diego so I'm a big fan of LaDanian Tomlinson, just because I think he's a team leader on and off the field. He's a humble character and a hard worker and he supports his teammates.

DH: But you do sympathize with what kickers go through, right?

BB: Most definitely. You're on the field for just a little bit of time, but that little bit of time can be a game-changing moment. Every kick, every point matters in the game.

DH: Are you the typical Southern California guy who spends all his free time at the beach surfing?

BB: I do enjoy the beach. I grew up surfing. I love the beach and relaxing, but you can only sit on the beach for so long.

DH: Coming all the way from San Diego, Athens has to seem like another world for you. Are you concerned about the change in culture?

BB: I'm sure it's going to be a big change coming from San Diego, but I'm just excited to be in a college town and just see how everybody vibes off each other. When I was there (in the spring), people were a lot nicer to each other than they are out here in San Diego. I'm excited.

DH: Well, I lived in San Diego for a few years, and I think you'll probably be fine in Athens. One thing I do miss though is the food. You really can't get great fish tacos out here.

BB: Yeah, I was asking one of the players if they've ever had carne asada and they had no idea what it was. I was like, ‘Oh man.'

DH: That's true, but if you want some pulled pork or some meatloaf and mashed potatoes, you're in the right place.

BB: That's what I hear. I hear the barbecue is amazing.

DH: So what do you think you'll miss the most about San Diego?

BB: Probably just my friends and family. I've got a good group of core friends and most of my family is here, but I'm ready to step out and experience some new things.

DH: Well, since you mentioned it, how did your friends and family react to your decision to come to Georgia? That's a long way for them to travel.

BB: Everyone around that we all know, everybody's rocking the Georgia gear now. You see Georgia flags all over San Diego, which is cool. My mom retired in the airlines, so she has flight benefits and they're going to try to fly out to as many games as they can.

DH: As a Southern California guy, you undoubtedly run into a celebrity or two every now and then. Have you ever met anyone famous that you were particularly impressed by?

BB: I've met a couple of Chargers because one of my buddies works at a car dealership and gets to talk to a bunch of those guys, and they're just great guys.

DH: Well, among the celebrities you haven't met, who would you most like to spend some time with?

BB: No. 1 celebrity? I'd have to say Tiger Woods. He's super competitive, he always comes out on top, but he's also humble, and he's one of the hardest working players on the tour. I know he works out with the Chargers every now and then, and I've heard he puts up like 360-something on the bench. The guy's got everything going for him.

DH: Yeah, and he's usually at his best when he's playing out there at Torrey Pines, too.

BB: Yeah, he's unbelievable.

DH: Blair Walsh is a big political buff and a pretty staunch Republican. Not to get too personal, but do you have any strong feelings on that stuff and have you talked about it at all with Blair?

BB: I haven't talked politics with Blair. We're still trying to get to know each other a little bit. It's hard to talk politics with people you don't really know because everybody's got their strong opinions and beliefs. I kind of stick in the middle. I don't like to give myself a label. I like to vote for policies rather than a label.

DH: So away from the football field, what do you like to do for fun?

BB: I used to ride dirt bikes but I stopped that so I don't get hurt. Golf is great, I love golfing, playing basketball and soccer.

DH: Last question: You're going to be the last guy to arrive on campus since you're transferring in a little late. Are you concerned about being the only guy in the locker room who doesn't know everyone else already? What do you think it'll be like?

BB: It's one of the things I'm not really sure. I've never been in this situation, but I'm just looking forward to getting there, meeting the guys and getting things rolling.

Get to Know: Orson Charles

It's been a few weeks since we've caught up with any of Georgia's new recruits, but after my extended vacation, I figured that'd be a good way to start back. We caught up with Arthur Lynch a couple months ago, so I figured we should track down Georgia's other new tight end, Orson Charles.

David Hale: Who is your favorite NFL player?

Orson Charles: I've been trying to change this, but my most favorite NFL player is actually Terrell Owens. But also Antonio Gates and Anquan Boldin. I like what they bring to the table playing-wise, and they just can't be stopped.

DH: Well, which player would you say you model yourself after the most?

OC: Most likely Terrell Owens because I've talked to a lot of people who have said his work ethic is just unbelievable, like he practices 100 percent every play. He's got some off-the-field issues, but I don't really look toward that. I try to look toward what he brings on it.

DH: So you won't be holding press conferences while doing push-ups in your driveway?

OC: Oh, no, not at all.

DH: Speaking of the NFL, you played with Tony Dungy's son and got to know Tony pretty well. What was that like?

OC: It was a great opportunity. When you get to talk to him, you kind of forget about all the stuff that he's done. But you pick up his book and read about it, and it's just an honor to talk to him and have actually sat in his house and talked to him. It was an honor to talk to him and play with his son and get to know his family better.

DH: You waited a while before decided to go to Georgia. What was it that drew you to Athens?

OC: A lot of people think I went to Georgia because of Aaron Murray, but that wasn't my deciding factor. That was a positive, but that wasn't my deciding factor. I sat with my family and did pros and cons as far as my top five schools and we picked from there. Everybody in my family said they felt comfortable with Georgia, and if I'm going to go away to school, I'd like to feel like I'm at home.

DH: What were your best and worst class in high school?

OC: My best class is math. I had an A in that. My worst is Spanish. I got a B.

DH: A B was your worst grade? That's not too shabby. So have you decided what you want to major in at Georgia?

OC: The big picture is civil engineering, but the small branch of it is building construction.

DH: That's an impressive selection. What got you interested in that?

OC: When I was growing up my uncle owned his own business and I used to go in and help him out, and I fell in love with it.

DH: So aside from football, what do you like to do with your free time?

OC: Probably play NCAA or just chill at the house.

DH: Since you signed with Georgia, what has been the best advice you've gotten from one of the current players?

OC: A lot of people have told me that your freshman year is going to be hard, but don't quit. It gets easier as you go. I've had a bunch of people say that and say you've really got to organize yourself and put forth the effort. They say it's not really hard, but you've got to put in the effort your freshman year. You have help, you have tutors and what not. That's what I'm hearing a lot, and a lot of people on our football team at Plant have asked me, too, and I've told them the same thing.

Get to Know: Chris Burnette

For the past few weeks, we've been talking with several of Georgia's incoming freshmen to get to know what they're like in anticipation of the 2009 season. In the latest installment, I spoke with offensive lineman Chris Burnette, who starred at Troup High School both on and off the field, falling just a few points shy of being named his class valedictorian. But there's more to Burnette than just a high GPA...

David Hale: Offensive linemen are known for having pretty interesting personalities. I know Ben Jones, among Georgia's linemen, has already established a reputation for being a bit on the crazy side, while other guys like Clint Boling are a bit more laid back. Where do you fall on that spectrum?

Chris Burnette: I think I'm more of a laid-back type of guy. I'm not trying to show off or anything. I'm just trying to do my job, but do it with intensity at the same time. I guess you could say off the field I'm mild-mannered and all that, but on the field, when I put that helmet on, I'm pretty much a nasty guy. I'm not trying to hurt anybody, but at the same time, I'm trying to take your head off. I'm trying to be energetic, energize other players on the team like Moreno used to do for his guys, running on and off the field, the little things that people might not think would be a big part of the game. I really try to implement that in what I do.

DH: As a local guy from LaGrange, did you always want to come to Georgia or did you seriously consider any other schools during the recruiting process?

CB: It was a no-brainer because I wanted to go to Georgia since I was in middle school. Before that I had moved around a lot. I lived in Columbus at one point, New Mexico, Oregon, a lot of different places. But once I finally got settled, Texas was actually the first school I wanted to go to, but then around sixth or seventh grade, I was like, the Bulldogs are the place to be. When they offered me in 11th grade, that was just the easiest decision I've made in a while.

DH: Is there an NFL player you really model yourself after?

CB: Really the guys I've been modeling my game after are guys who went to Alabama – Walter Jones and Chris Samuels. Those guys really are nasty on the field, and Walter Jones has a reputation of being one of the best pass blockers in the league. I just try to put a whole bunch of things and styles that they do and put it into what I do.

DH: So by this point, your smarts are well known by Georgia fans thanks to the whole controversy about Mark Richt wanting to come to your graduation, so I'm sure you didn't have too many problems with any of your classes, but what were your favorite and least favorite subjects in school?

CB: I can say my favorite class was lunch. Lunch and gym, even though I'm a pretty smart guy, I really like that stuff. I'm pretty well rounded when it comes to classes. There's not really one I really like more than the other. Hopefully that's something I get to work on when I get to Georgia where I can figure out what I want to do. The one I had the most problems with was calculus. That was probably the closest I'd ever been to making a B in high school. I was pretty much on the edge until the very end but I ended up pulling that one out.

DH: So since you like so many things, have you decided on a major at Georgia yet or are you kind of looking around to see what you like best?

CB: I'm really trying to play the field. I have a lot of AP classes and credits, so I'm coming in ahead of the curve. I'm trying not to rush into anything because I really want to have a major that I can use instead of just majoring in something. I'm into finance and stuff like that, so maybe business.

DH: OK, well as a guy who really appreciates lunch, what's your favorite meal?

CB: Really anything barbecue. I really like barbecued chicken, stuff like that. Just hot dogs off the grill, maybe hamburgers off the grill. I love barbecue all the way.

DH: If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

CB: I would have to say Michael Jordan because I idolized him and was a big basketball fan when I was a kid. So if I could just meet one guy that was a celebrity, it would have to be Michael Jordan.

DH: Do you have any good nicknames that people have given you over the years?

CB: Really I have too many to name. Some people call me Bernie, or they'll say C.J. or they'll call me a whole bunch of different crazy stuff that I probably wouldn't want to tell you, so I'll have to leave it at those two.

DH: You've lived a lot of places, so other than Georgia, where was your favorite?

CB: Texas, I really like Texas a lot. Oregon was kind of cold up there, and New Mexico, there was a lot of dust flying around, so I would have to say Texas even though it was a little hotter. When I got the chance to go back to San Antonio in January, it was a great experience.

DH: Of the places you haven't been yet, where would you most like to visit?

CB: I would really like to go to New York. It was originally L.A. but I had a chance to go out there earlier this year. But New York is one place that I still haven't been.

DH: Only a few more weeks before you start the Stacy Searels Experience, which everyone says is pretty tough. Have any of the current players given you some helpful advice to get you prepared for what's ins tore?

CB: Ben Jones, Ben Harden, they've really been trying to give me some tips, stuff that they've been trying to use. Really the biggest thing they were saying is make sure you are in shape. They like the way I play, and they were saying that if you come in an play like the way you've been playing, you have a chance to play because Coach Searels wants the best on the field. The main thing though is to get in shape and make sure you can figure out those plays and if you need help with anything, just ask the other guys because they're trying to be a family.

Get to Know: Branden Smith

Each week, we've been talking with some of Georgia's incoming freshmen to get an idea of what they're like away from the field. This week, we check in with superstar recruit Branden Smith, who will be counted on to compete for a starting cornerback job this fall, but is also being tabbed as a solution to Georgia's shortage at wide receiver. Smith has shown he's a tremendous athlete -- both on the football field and on the track -- and said he's up to the job of learning two playbooks, but when he's not staying busy with that, what's he all about?

David Hale: The name a lot of people seem to what to compare you to for obvious reasons is Champ Bailey. Champ played both sides of the ball at Georgia, much like you're planning to do. Would you compare yourself to him or do you have any other players that you really look up to in the NFL?

Branden Smith: I'm not going to say I have a favorite NFL player, but I have role models. I'm not saying I want to be like them, but at the same time, I'm trying to be better. You learn from the great players and study them.

DH: So have you tried to track down any of those guys -- particularly the ones who have been through learning both ends of a playbook the way you're about to have to do?

BS: Not really, but I have talked to Hines Ward. He had a camp here, and I wanted to show my face, show my respect. He's one of the best receivers in the NFL right now, and with him being a Georgia alumni, that's good. He gave me some tips and everything.

DH: Beyond football, you're also quite the athlete on the track. I know Geno Atkins has played football at Georgia and thrown shotput for the track & field team in the spring. Have you thought about running track at Georgia, too?

BS: I've thought about it, yes. But my mind's still saying yes, but right now I'm focused on football. I'm trying to see how my first year of football goes. If everything goes right, I'll run track and play football. But I'm just trying to get things straight right now and adjust to the college level and concentrate on football.

DH: OK, so you're an amazing athlete. But has there ever been a sport you've struggled at?

BS: I would have to say soccer. Doing a lot of running -- basically I just did soccer to stay in shape for football and track -- but you know, it's hard to run and kick the ball at the same time.

DH: How about when you get away from playing sports, what do you like to do for fun?

BS: I would say relaxing. I just like relaxing and hanging out with my friends.

DH: If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be?

BS: I would have to say Michael Jordan. I've got a lot of respect for him from basketball. He's one of the best players ever in the game, and I just like his character.

DH: Did you have any nicknames in high school?

BS: People called me Speedy and Prime Time. That's probably it.

DH: If there are two positions on the football field that are known for smack talking, it's probably wide receiver and defensive back. You play both. So does that mean you're a big smack talker on the field?

BS: I'm a big smack talker. It's nothing bad. Sometimes, playing DB, you've got to try to get in a receiver's head, get him off his game, so that's what I try to do. It's nothing bad. You can be my best friend, but time for game time, you're my enemy, and I'm trying to get in your head. Anything I can do to win, that's what I'm going to do -- but in a good way.

DH: How about the other way around? What's the worst smack talk you've heard from an opponent?

BS: I really haven't had any player really smack talk me. I've had coaches in high school smack talk me. I played against one high school whose coach smack talked me saying he had two rings. But that's about it. I wasn't intimidated though. It's all about the game, and I'm there to have fun. Nothing's going to intimidate me.

DH: I know you just got to campus this week, but what's some of the best advice you got along the way before getting to Athens? Have you been talking to a lot of the current players?

BS: Every day, I talk to A.J. Green. I talk to Prince Miller, Reshad Jones, Vance Cuff, Brandon Boykin. The one thing they've been telling me is to work hard and don't give up. If you're tired, stay fighting. Don't ever show anybody that you're tired. Also, playing DB, if you get beat deep, come back the next play, keep your head up and keep playing. The thing is, by playing DB, you're going to get beat. So just come back on the next play and don't do it again.

DH: You mentioned A.J. Green. Has he been giving you some tips on playing receiver or is he holding back a bit to make sure he can still burn you in practice? How is that relationship working out?

BS: It's going to work out good. He's going to give me tips because he's my teammate. Hiding things from a teammate isn't a good thing because he wants to win and I want to win. I'm going to learn from him, and looking at him, following him, following what he does is going to make me better, even on the other side of the ball on defense. He's one of the best receivers in the game, and seeing what he's doing and then playing defense, I can learn even more.

DH: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

BS: I would say Hawaii. Playing in the Hawaii Bowl and just going to Hawaii -- my brother went there when he was playing at UAB, and he was talking about how nice it was there and things like that. I think that would be a good place for me.

DH: On the subject of travel, you made a lot of recruiting trips and had a lot of schools interested in you. What eventually drew you to Georgia and what was the worst recruiting experience you had?

BS: Really what made me come to Georgia was the coaching staff and academics. Academics are very important to me. I knew all the coaches, I knew their backgrounds, I met their family. That's one thing you have to know -- going to a school, you want to go to a good school where you're going to have fun and get an education. I think Georgia was the right place for me. And then you want the worst?

DH: Yeah, was there any one experience that you really left with a sour taste in your mouth?

BS: I would have to say Georgia Tech. I went out there for one of their spring games and it seemed like the coaches weren't interested in me or anything. They didn't pay me any attention. I'm not saying I was better than anyone else and deserved the most attention, but they didn't say anything to me. So I would have to say visiting Georgia Tech.

DH: Well, now that you're here, what are you most excited or concerned about for the coming months?

BS: Basically just learning the plays and trying to get through practice and camp and do my best.

DH: So have you set any goals for yourself on offense or defense?

BS: The only goal I have is to win a national championship.