The changes head coach Mark Richt made to his coaching staff in early December were applauded by most of UGA Nation.
Gone was defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, long the bane of fans’ existence, as well as linebackers coach John Jancek and defensive ends coach Jon Fabris.
At least for the short-term, however, it’s costing Richt big time on the recruiting trail.
As noted by the esteemed Keith Arnold earlier this morning, defensive back Nickell Robey has officially ditched UGA and flung his commitment way out west to Southern Cal. Defensive end B.J. Butler and linebacker Deon Rogers were once solid UGA commits, but joined Robey in stepping away from their verbals in the aftermath of the staff changes.
Add to those de-commits the fact that five-star wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers is likely doing the same and heading to Tennessee, and Richt’s 2010 class has taken a big hit since the end of January.
Again, though, the short-term blow the school is taking should be trumped by the fact that Richt’s moves should pay long-term dividends for the program. Although that might be hard to see right about now.
