Is Georgia ready to win it all in 2017? One Dawg legend isn’t so sure
By John Hollis
Published:
ATLANTA — It’s become a recurring conversation between former University of Georgia All-American Scott Woerner and his teammates from the Bulldogs’ storied 1980 national championship team.
“What’s it going to take to get (the Dawgs) back to where we need to be?” is the question most heard.
Neither Woerner, who was at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta on Friday to be honored as part of the Class of 2016 inductees, nor any of his teammates envisioned their alma mater going so long without competing for another national title.
UGA fans weary of watching Alabama’s success during Nick Saban’s decade of dominance are hoping that drought ends soon. They’re already giddy about the 2017 season following the decision by tailbacks Nick Chubb and Sony Michel to return to Athens for their senior seasons. The two will added further punch to a young Georgia team that will also welcome back talented quarterback Jacob Eason, budding tight end star Isaac Nauta and promising defensive tackle and Liberty Bowl MVP Trenton Thompson among others.
But Woerner didn’t sound as convinced just yet.
“This game is won not by sheer talent alone, but by hardcore discipline,” he said. “We don’t have that at the University of Georgia right now.”
A star cornerback and punt returner who earned All-SEC and consensus All-American honors in 1980, Woerner went on to play in the NFL and the USFL and became the 13th UGA player immortalized in the Hall of Fame when the inductees were announced earlier this year.
Woerner was an accomplished high school option quarterback before being converted to defensive back two weeks following his arrival in Athens. He quickly thrived at his new position and eventually became a first-team All-American and the country’s top punt returner.
Former coach Vince Dooley has previously likened Woerner’s role on Georgia’s defense and special teams to that played on offense by stud freshman tailback Herschel Walker.
Woerner said that he likes what he’s seen so far from new coach Kirby Smart, saying, “I think he’s learned a lot,” but cautioned against unrealistic expectations, explaining that the young Dawgs still have “some serious working to do” before thinking about national championships.
“We’ve got good players,” Woerner said, “but we don’t have good players playing together.”
Woerner cited the leadership of the 1980 team as the reason the Dawgs were able to win a few games they probably shouldn’t have to account for the school’s lone national title.
That team boasted 25 seniors, including six former walk-ons who started on defense, Woerner said. No championship would have possible without their inspiration through tough times.
It’s a lesson the current Dawgs had best learn if they hope to bring home another crown and snap the long drought.
John Hollis is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Georgia and Florida.
