How Tony Ball's Move from Georgia to LSU Will Impact Tigers, Bulldogs Recruiting

Longtime Georgia Bulldogs assistant Tony Ball is altering his work address, but he'll stick around the SEC neighborhood.

The veteran wide receivers coach confirmed his decision to depart Athens for the same position at LSU during a Friday morning conversation with James Smith of NOLA.com.

"I've accepted the job," Ball said. "I'll be reporting Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, to Baton Rouge. I'm excited. I'm just really excited."

He interviewed for the position Wednesday. His decision to accept a formal offer from LSU head coach Les Miles effectively ends a nine-season stint with the Bulldogs.

Ball was hired as Georgia's running backs coach in 2006. His focus shifted to receivers in 2009, and he's remained in that role since.

Players who flourished under his direction include eventual first-round NFL draft picks A.J. Green and Knowshon Moreno. His previous FBS experience features tenures at Virginia Tech and Louisville.

The 55-year-old replaces former LSU receivers coach Adam Henry, who left last week for a job with the San Francisco 49ers.

Though the Tigers finished last among SEC teams in passing offense last season, Ball inherits an impressive collection of young talent.

Rising sophomore Malachi Dupre will be joined by fellow 5-star New Orleans receiver Tyron Johnson this summer. Trey Quinn, the country's all-time leader in high school receptions, is also entering his second year with the program.

Ball will be relied on to maintain the team's strong recruiting track record with receivers. LSU already holds 2016 commitments from massive 4-star pass-catchers Stephen Sullivan (6'6") and Dee Anderson (6'4").

Ball recently wrapped up another successful national signing day at Georgia, bringing in coveted 5-star in-state receiver Terry Godwin and three other prospects at the position.

Ball's departure leaves a void on Mark Richt's staff as spring camp approaches and the 2016 recruiting cycle picks up pace.

"Tony's one of the best coaches I've been around," Richt told Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2013. "He's just so meticulous in his work. He's not taking anything for granted with these kids."

Credit: 247Sports

Many would love to see former Georgia star Hines Ward targeted as a possible candidate. He's often discussed the possibility of returning to his alma mater.

“I always say that if I wanted to get back into coaching, the University of Georgia would probably be my first place,” Ward told Seth Emerson of the Ledger-Enquirer shortly after his NFL retirement. “Just because I want to give back to my university and I feel like I have a lot to offer the state of Georgia—and to the kids. Because I’ve been in their shoes before."

He would certainly attract significant attention from recruits following a career with the Pittsburgh Steelers that warrants strong consideration for the NFL Hall of Fame. However, it may be difficult to pry him away from a cushy NBC job that requires significantly less year-round commitment.

Richt will look to move swiftly with a decision regarding the open position.

The Bulldogs hold a commitment from top-rated 2016 quarterback Jacob Eason (of Washington). The team's ability to maintain that crucial cross-country pledge could be enhanced by surrounding him with top-flight targets in his class.

Georgia's new receivers coach will be charged with the task of familiarizing himself with the team's 2016 recruiting strategy in a hurry. Establishing early relationships with recruits always proves to be key come signing day.

Richt lost an ace position coach and recruiter Friday. Ball bolsters the situation in Baton Rouge and leaves behind big shoes to fill at Georgia.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.