The disheartening fan grumblings began Tuesday when word leaked out that Calhoun megastar receiver, and the No. 1 player in the state of Georgia Da’Rick Rogers, expressed his intent to attend the University of Tennessee and join new head coach Derek Dooley.

Rogers was considered a lock by many in Bulldog Nation, and he had even held his word for almost two straight years, according to those close to the Rogers and the Calhoun staff. But then his high school quarterback (and best friend) Nash Nance decided to switch from Vanderbilt to Tennessee, and soon after, Rogers had made up his mind not to be a Bulldog.

Georgia losing out on a top receiver is not the the end of the world, and there will be a bevy of talent at the position next season to compliment All-American candidate A.J. Green.

With coffee and donuts, compliments of UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans, on the table, hundreds streamed into the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall on UGA’s campus to see the names and highlights of this year’s recruiting class — and they also came out to see Richt and his new coaches face to face in the front lines.

There were no surprises early on, other than Rogers’ defection, and once the names started streaming across the digital monitors, those in attendance began to relax and realize that many of those names had the potential to be great and do great things once they stepped on that grassy plain between the hedges.

The day’s events was highlighted by commentator Chuck Dowdle and [former player] Kelin Johnson’s live Web broadcast that was running over at www.georgiadogs.com. As the names began streaming in, Dowdle and Johnson could be heard assessing each and every player with great enthusiasm, offering a lot of hope for the future.

“He’s the best quarterback I’ve seen live and in person since Eric Zeier played at Marietta,” said Dowdle as he spoke of new recruit Hutson Mason, who shredded opposing secondaries as the quarterback for Lassiter High School in Marietta.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came when Stephenson defensive tackle Mike Thornton, rated the No. 3 player in the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, who signed with Georgia over Penn State and Kentucky. Thornton is 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, and will fit into new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense as a tackle.

Grantham received a rousing ovation from the Georgia fans as he took the podium to greet the crowd and later stated that Thornton was a “one-gap guy” that “had the quickness and suddenness and the ability to get off the ball and deliver a blow.”

UGA head football coach Mark Richt, fresh of a lackluster 8-5 season, took the podium around 11:15 a.m. and began to address the crowd on the happenings of signing day. He then fielded a slew of questions from several fans and the media.

Richt didn’t speak directly about Rogers not signing with Georgia but hinted at it in his opening speech.

“We had a little bit more drama this year than last year,” said Richt. “But I thank you all for being here today and for all of those out there listening. There are no better fans than the Georgia Bulldog fans.”

Richt then introduced his two new football coaches, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham [who coached for the Dallas Cowboys], and secondary coach Scott Lakatos [who coached defensive backs at the University of Connecticut]. Both took a few minutes to say a few words and assure the crowd that UGA had made the right decision in hiring them.

“This is the type of standard and passion I expected,” said Grantham after the Bulldog fans hollered and barked as he stepped to the podium.

“We are ready to move forward and we want to give all of you something to cheer about,” said Grantham.

Lakatos was visibly in awe of the the large crowd that turned out, and his focused demeanor was evident as he stepped up to introduce himself.

“I’m very excited and I can feel the passion in here. I’m happy to be a part of this, and I’m looking forward to the great things that are about to happen,” said Lakatos.

Richt then let everybody know that offensive lineman Trinton Sturdivant, who practically blew out his knee last season, was coming along nicely and will soon be ready to compete again.

“Trinton’s going to be find. He’s going to be great,” he said.

Perhaps the most negative question Richt received Wednesday was from a fan in the back who attempted to speak for many of the pessimists that exist in the ranks of UGA Nation.

“Are you becoming complacent?” yelled the fan as Richt adjusted his posture to answer.

“No, sir. Is that what you’re hearing? Where are you hearing it from? You’re just hearing it, right?” said Richt with a bit of sarcasm as the crowd chuckled in unison. “This staff is not complacent by any stretch of the word. I appreciate your comments — and God bless that you are here.”

At the end of the day Georgia, missing out on Rogers and wide receiver Christian Green from Tampa, Fla., ended up offering Wilcox County wide receiver Lonnie Outlaw a scholarship. But due to academics, Outlaw will join Bert Williams and his staff at Georgia Military College for a couple of seasons.

Williams was also delighted that he was sending one of his star players, safety Jakar Hamilton, to UGA. Hamilton was also one of the “hot” names Wednesday morning as fans marvelled at his “big hit” potential.

“I think Jakar prepared himself to do just that [play on the SEC level]. He has a great work ethic and determination to succeed. I believe he’s going to do everything it takes to get on the field. I’m excited about Jakar, and he’s already off to a good start,” said Williams.

In all, Georgia inked 19 players, including All-Americans Alec Ogletree, Brent Benedict, Garrison Smith and 6-7, 240-pound Dexter Morant from Manning, S.C., one of the top players in that state.

How would you rate UGA’s 2010 recruiting class?

Well, we’ll find out about some of them come G-Day time in April!