Loran Smith
| Special to the Athens Banner-Herald
Georgia football’s Joenel Aguero talks about fall practice, Ellis Robinson IV
Listen to what Georgia football defensive back Joenel Aguero said about fall camp, taking reps at safety and fellow defensive back Ellis Robinson IV.
On a muggy night (Sept. 19, 1964) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Joe Namath, in the first series, lined up under center, called for the snap and dropped back to throw. As soon as he set up in the pocket, George Patton was in his face and threw the heralded Tide All-American for a nine-yard loss.
Sitting in the press box beside the irrepressible Dan Magill, I had trouble restraining myself in that no-cheering environment. Patton, who was the cornerstone of the Vince Dooley era, returned to his home state (he grew up in Tuscumbia, 119 miles north of the Alabama campus) confident that the Bulldogs would win the game.
Unfortunately, Patton’s sack of Namath was the highlight of the evening for UGA partisans as the home team won 31-3 and went on to win the national championship.
The fact that Patton believed the Bulldogs could win the game was a reflection of his competitive confidence. He never failed to believe his team could win. He never embraced or accepted losing. More often than not, he was right and when big things happened on the field during his era, he either made it happen or was the catalyst that brought it about.
Patton came to Athens as the third brother in his family to play Southeastern Conference football—Houston had played for Ole Miss and James played at Alabama. The youngest Patton was a strong-armed quarterback, but otherwise, had little distinction. George, however, was quick and agile which would prove to be his ticket to starting status and becoming a two time All-American.
George arrived in Athens in 1963 when Johnny…
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Publish date : 2025-08-13 19:46:00
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