Georgia Bulldogs All-Decade Team

With 2010 around the corner a conclusion of the decade is among us. The past ten years has been a lively one for the Georgia Bulldogs football program, who went under the control of Mark Richt in 2001.

In the past decade we have witnessed all-time historic moments, such as the "Hobnail Boot", "Miracle on the Plains Two", "The Dive and Dance", and "The Blackout."

Georgia has won the SEC East three times in the past 10 years, with two SEC championships and two Sugar Bowl victories amongst three appearances.

We thank the players who hauled in these accolades. With that said, here is the all-decade Georgia Bulldogs team.

Quarterback— David Greene

David Greene may not have been the most athletic or flashy quarterback in the NCAA, but he was no doubt the most beloved quarterback to ever play at Georgia.

He came on as a freshman with the infamous "Hobnail Boot." Then Greene went on to a 13-1 record in 2002, which included a Sugar Bowl victory over Florida State.

Greene would not win another conference title, but he finished as the NCAA's winningest quarterback in history (recently broken by Texas' Colt McCoy).

Tailback—Knowshon Moreno

Knowshon Moreno was definitely the most popular player to play for Georgia in the past decade, if not since 1983. His average specs never kept him from making highlight reel plays or putting on game changing performances.

From The Dive, to The Cut, to The Hurdle, to The Other Hurdle, Moreno's everlasting image of jaw dropping athleticism and acrobatics has been completely cemented in our memory.

Tailback—Musa Smith

Unlike recently where Georgia's backfield has run with a tailback-by-committee approach, Musa Smith was the guy in 2002.

He single-handedly pushed Georgia's running game to an SEC championship and a Sugar Bowl win. Smith also had that hard nosed running style and speed that reminded plenty of UGA fans of Herschel Walker.

Nothing is better than having a bruising tailback with a name that results in a barrage of "Mooooooooooooosssaaa" coming from the stands.

Receiver-—Terrence Edwards

Edwards is one of those players who isn't flashy, but you kind of wish he could return for an extra year—every year.

Terrence Edwards leads Georgia in just about every receiving category, and had a milestone season in 2002.

While he may not have been a hit in the NFL, he has become one of the most popular players in Canada's beloved CFL, where he has been doing what he's always been doing—breaking records.

Receiver-—Mohamed Massaquoi

Sorry A.J. Green, we will add you to the next decade list. Mohamed Massaquoi sticks out in my mind over players like Fred Gibson, Reggie Brown, and even A.J. Green.

He received tons of criticism after falling from an impressive freshman year to a lackluster sophomore season.

However, Massaquoi would rebound in 2007 and 2008 by becoming Mr. Reliable in the Dawg's offense.

He ended his career with two monster receiving performances against Kentucky and Georgia Tech, and he has since been a lone bright spot in the Cleveland Browns sputtering offense.

This guy could make more of an NFL impact than Stafford or Moreno.

Tight End—Leonard Pope

There is no doubt about this pick. Pope was an unstoppable force in 2004 and 2005, thanks to his 6'8" frame.

The giant receiver was bigger than most defensive lineman, but he could run and catch like a fleet footed rabbit.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the dumbfounded look on defenders faces, especially defensive backs, when the ball was thrown No. 81's way. They completely did not stand a chance.

The guys would get up, rub the dirt off their helmet, look over to their coaches bench with a face that implied, "Coach, this guy has to be against the rules or something!"

Tackle—Max Jean-Gilles

Considering this man could probably crush my skull with his hand, it would be intelligent for me to place him on any award's list where applicable.

Jean-Gilles was the most heralded offensive lineman Georgia has put out in the past 10 years, and his career has continued since with the Philadelphia Eagles.

He moved positions a few times, but I feel like he's a straight tackle.

Guard—Chester Adams

Also referred to as "Big Cheese", Chester Adams helped push Georgia to an SEC title in 2005.

Center—Russ Tanner

Well, I guess it doesn't take much to make the center list. It's hard to gauge what makes a great center, but I think most Georgia fans could remember Russ Tanner the best, as he was part of one of Georgia's most heralded offensive lines back in 2005.

Guard—Nick Jones

Here is another guy who makes the list thanks to playing time.

Also, he is one of the many who moved positions a few times through their career. While Jones is seen snapping hikes here, his staple position for most of his career was guard, and he was a heck of a good one.

Tackle— John Stinchcomb

Here is John Stinchcomb, obviously not in a Georgia uniform, but rather his professional attire.

Stinchcomb, like his brother, found himself as one of the biggest names on the Georgia roster during his tenure. When an offensive lineman is popular, he is worthy of these types of lists (especially when his NFL team is 10-0 and they are the Saints).

Defensive End—David Pollack

This is the no-brainer of all no-brainers. Pollack was a three time All-American, and was a constant source of electricity and energy within the stadium walls.

His NFL career, of course as a linebacker because he was too small to play defensive end (you see how well that thesis would have worked out in college), was cut short due to a serious spinal injury.

He may be 60 pounds lighter and look 10 years younger, but Pollack's contributions as that bulky, sprightly, and classy football player will never leave the minds or breath of Georgia fans.

I would not be surprised if Pollack's No. 47 was retired in Athens in the coming years.

Defensive End—Charles Johnson

Coming into the 2005 season most football pundits were raving about Georgia's defensive end Quentin Moses.

Well, Moses' season was overshadowed by the blossoming of sack master Charles Johnson.

Johnson had one huge year in 2005, and promptly left for the NFL. He has become a consistent part of the Carolina Panther's defensive rotation.

Defensive Tackle—Johnathan Sullivan

I think this picture could speak for itself.

Johnathan Sullivan plugged the middle during Georgia's 2002 season, and left early for the NFL draft, but words cannot describe how good he was.

Georgia seems to have a knack for sending lineman to New Orleans. (Sorry Charles Grant, you missed the list by a smidge.)

Defensive Tackle—Geno Atkins

Some might feel big Geno (wearing No. 56 in the background) was a little quiet last year, but this season he has been a bright spot on a rather mediocre defense.

Atkins is a force in run pursuit, and is a pretty good pass rusher as well.

He was projected to be a top tier draft pick last year, but Atkins stayed loyal and stuck around. That's pretty worthy of a spot here if you ask me.

Linebacker—Boss Bailey

Champ's little brother, Boss, definitely lived up to the pressure of being a Bailey brother with his tenure at Georgia.

His intense style of play, combined with his speed and hard hitting abilities, made him the most feared player on the field.

He was pretty versatile, like his brother, as well. Bailey is likely most remembered for blocking a field goal against Tennessee in 2002, which is thanks to his apparent 46" vertical leap.

Linebacker—Tony Taylor

Taylor was small, chubby, slow, and a no name defensive player amongst the flashy All-Americans of the world.

But, this small, chubby, and slow linebacker recorded seven interceptions in 2006. That's right folks, I said seven.

Taylor was a playmaker, and helped turn the game around for Georgia, in their comeback against Virginia Tech, at the Chik-fil-A Bowl. He's one of my favorite Dawgs for his blue collar attitude and performances.

Linebacker—Rennie Curran

Speaking of small, how about 5'11", 220 lbs?

Rennie Curran, who is the size of a defensive back, has been the most consistent performer for Georgia's defense in the past three seasons.

His pursuit and speed make him a very interesting draft prospect, which might result in him leaving early after this year.

Either way, there is not a better "football player" on the Georgia roster.

Cornerback— Bruce Thornton

Thornton was a stand out playmaker at corner, which has come at a premium at Georgia in the past decade.

He had many big plays back in 2002, but the one that stands out the most is the pick six to seal the deal vs. Florida State.

Cornerback—Tim Jennings

I'll remember Jennings the most for his clutch interceptions, which came against Georgia Tech and LSU in 2005.

Against Tech it was to stop a game tying drive from the Jackets.

Against LSU, he undercut a route and ran it back to open the game up and seal an SEC title.

Safety— Sean Jones

This picture is just flat out awesome. When was the last time we had safeties who did stuff like this?

Jones was an amazing safety who would run like white on rice with receivers and blow up run plays.

Kind of hard to leave Greg Blue off this list, but I had to for Sean Jones' sake.

Jones started his NFL career in Cleveland, and has recently been a consistent player with the Eagles.

Safety—Thomas Davis

There is our favorite defensive back wearing No. 58.

That's right, he hit so hard the Carolina Panthers forced him to become a linebacker. And, in turn, he has become a thumping good one.

Kicker—Brandon Coutu

If cloning humans was legal, this man would be one of the first humans chosen.

Need a kicker? Have a Coutu.

Punter—Drew Butler

Yes Drew Butler, you barely squeeze in.

Though Butler comes all the way in 2009, in his first year, his off the chart punting stats have landed him a sure spot as an All-American.

Return Specialist—Damien Gary

It took me forever just to find a picture of Damien Gary, which blows my mind.

This guy was not just a great returner, but he was an all around guy who was even a pretty good receiver.

A true blue collar Bulldog, and a guy who should not be forgotten amongst the big names.

All-Dawg Prize—D.J. Shockley

My favorite Dawg of the Decade, D.J. Shockley.

Shockley waited in the wings for four seasons, and many people doubted his abilities going into his only year in 2005.

Shockley responded with 25 touchdowns and just four interceptions, and led Georgia to an SEC title.

The Dawg Himself—Uga VI

Though the recent passing of UGA VII (who I think was the cutest Uga ever) was sad, nobody can forget Uga VI.

He was the winningest Uga in Georgia history, and his tenacity was by far greater than VII's.

It was like this Dawg knew when he was on camera and proceeded to bark at everything.

Rip Uga VI and Uga VII. And Go Dawgs!