UGA Pro Day

Just like the many others going on at college campuses around the country, the University of Georgia Pro Day is filled with a mix of pride and sadness.

A school's Pro Day allows its potential draftees to participate in drills for scouts from all 32 NFL teams in a familiar environment. These soon to be professionals defended their so-called 'home-astro-turf' in front of a crowd of hundreds.

This will be the last time many Bulldogs will play on the Woodruff practice field. That sentiment, however, is coupled with the reminder that they will soon be playing in a better place.

It's like they've died and gone to the NFL.

One thing is certain, a fair few of these Bulldogs will be remembered, and missed, for years to come in Athens.

• Matthew Stafford: The Dallas-native quarterback entered the University as one of the highest rated players in the 2005 recruiting class and he did not disappoint. Although he only played 3 years in red and black, Stafford made his presence felt in the Georgia record books. Not only that, but many speculate that he could be the first selection taken in the draft. Predicted team: Detroit Lions.
• Knowshon Moreno: It only took the half-back from New Jersey 2 years to win over the Bulldog faithful and NFL scouts alike. After a freshman season that was second only to Herschel Walker himself, the electric Moreno spun and lept his way into our hearts. That won't hurt his draft status either as he looks to be one of the best running backs of the bunch. Predicted team: San Diego Chargers.
• Mohamed Massaquoi: Independence High School teammate Joe Cox will likely lead the Dogs in 2009, but the solid receiver from Charlotte, N.C. will depart after graduation. Massaquoi capped a steady carrier with a tremendous senior campaign in which he was the second on the team in receiving. Predicted team: Jacksonville Jaguars.
• Brannan Southerland: The rock-steady Southerland was never the most heralded, but regardless one of the most vital pieces on the Georgia offensive scheme. The full-back from Dacula hopes to continue his demolition-derby-style blocking at the next level. Also the Bulldogs most reliable short-yardage carrier, Southerland led the team in scoring in 2006. Predicted team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• Asher Allen: Stunning many with the decision to leave a year early, the hard-nosed corner-back could also be a punt returner in the pros. Predicted team: Atlanta Falcons.
• Danell Ellerbee: Hampered by injuries much of his senior year, the undersized middle linebacker from Hamlet, North Carolina will nonetheless impress teams with his speed and tackling instincts. Predicted team: San Fransisco 49ers.
• Brian Mimbs: Another underappreciated part of the special teams, the cold-blooded punter pulled his squad out of a fair few games with clutch kicks. I'm not even going to try and predict where a punter is going to go. He could end up playing for the Portland Trailblazers for all we know.

All in all, with the presence of two probable first-round picks in Stafford and Moreno, this may be the biggest Pro Day under the tenure of Coach Mark Richt. With the amount of former UGA players currently in the ranks of the NFL, that allows us to wonder exactly how well these players will fair.