The secret finally came out today about UGA’s new defensive coordinator by the way of Tuscaloosa.
Mel Tucker has moved on up from defensive backs coach at Alabama to defensive coordinator at UGA.
It was announced by Tucker’s departure on the UGA plane with head coach Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann. Schumann is another UGA import from that championship staff in Tuscaloosa.
What do some of the Southeast’s finest recruits think about Tucker making the move with Smart to Athens? DawgNation.com asked. They answered.
What do you think of the Tucker hire?
5-star senior ILB Ben Davis, undecided, Gordo (Ala.): “I think coach Tucker is going to do great. He is a great coach who knows a lot about the game.”
4-star junior LB/S Breon Dixon, UGA commit, Peachtree Ridge: “I think it is a great move. I love Coach Tuck and his coaching style; plus, he’s very experienced.”
5-star junior CB DeAngelo Gibbs, undecided, Peachtree Ridge: “Great move.”
5-star junior ATH Richard LeCounte III, UGA commit, Liberty County: “Great hire.”
5-star senior ATH Mecole Hardman, Jr., undecided, Elbert County: “I think it’s a great hire.”
4-star junior DE Malik Herring, undecided, Mary Persons: “I’ve never talked to him or met him but since Kirby (Smart) hired him he has got to be great for the job. He knows what he’s talking about.”
3-star senior DB Tyrique McGhee, UGA commit, Peach County: “Great hire. (He) has a lot of knowledge of the game and knows what it takes to help me perfect my craft. Can’t wait to get to know him and work with him.”
4-star junior DB Xavier McKinney, Alabama commit, Roswell: “I’m guessing they did what they had to do. If that’s where they think they can win then you do what you gotta do even though we (at Alabama) just won a national title.”
Jeff Sentell covers UGA football and UGA recruiting for AJC.com and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on who’s on their way to play Between the Hedges. All player rankings and ratings are from the 247sports Composite.