Georgia hires FSU DC

Georgia has hired Florida State defensive co-ordinator Jeremy Pruitt in a blockbuster deal.

Pruitt – who only a few days ago lifted the last-ever BCS Championship with the Seminoles – said:  “This is an outstanding professional and personal opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting the current players and getting on the road to visit with recruits.”

Florida State was best in the nation at scoring defense, third in least total yards per game given up, and second in turnovers (gained).

OnlineAthens.com noted that Pruitt also worked under Nick Saban, and runs a 3-4 defensive scheme…..like Grantham. Georgia fans will be hoping that they turn out better than Grantham’s defense of 2013 which – although young – struggled to keep up with the SEC.

Gene Stallings, who was head coach at Alabama when Pruitt played there, told Online Athens:  “He was a quality, quality individual. I think they’re getting a good man, I really do. I’m sure he’s very knowledgeable about what he’s going to be working with. Most of my guys were pretty knowledgeable about football. I was into techniques a whole lot more than I was schemes. If you’re looking for a good football coach, you better be a good technique coach and I think Jeremy will do an excellent job at techniques.”

The vacancy became open when DC Todd Grantham left to Louisville on a 5-year, $1m-per-year deal. Pruitt is currently earning over $500,000 at Florida State, OnlineAthens said.

The reaction from UGA fans has been stunned. “Wow”, said Michael Ruppersburg, while Wick Cauthorn added: “This is really going to help recruiting”.

BOTTOM LINE: Grantham’s defenses have been accused by UGA fans as underperforming for the talent that they had, and Bulldogs fans will be hoping that Pruitt changes that mentality. Sanford Stadium can be a tough place to play when things go wrong.