UAB transfer Jake Ganus’ goal was to start, not just play at Georgia

ATHENS -- Jake Ganus transferred to Georgia to play.

When his time at UAB ended due to the school closing its football program, Ganus wasn’t looking to ride the bench with his new program during his final year of eligibility.

After collecting 226 tackles and six sacks in three years with the Blazers, Ganus transferred this spring with the mindset of being a starter.

“That was my goal,” Ganus said. “That was something I worked for. That was one of the first goals I had, to start. Some things happened, and the door opened. Hopefully, I make the most of my opportunity.”

Ganus earned a starting nod at the Mike linebacker spot in Saturday’s 51-14 win over Louisiana-Monroe. He’ll likely be in line to start again this Saturday against Vanderbilt.

Ganus admitted being angry about the fact UAB closed its football program, although it didn’t take long for him to find a new home with the Bulldogs. Two weeks after UAB shut the football team down -- to which it since has decided to bring back -- Ganus found out Georgia was offering him a spot.

Georgia was in need of depth at inside linebacker, with Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson graduating, and Ganus fit the bill as someone with game experience who could step in and at least work in the rotation. But as the preseason progressed in August, it became apparent Ganus was in line for a much bigger role than initially anticipated.

“He deserves it,” outside linebacker Davin Bellamy said. “He came in the spring, coming from UAB, he learned a whole new playbook. Everything he’s got he earned.”

It’s one thing for Ganus to join Georgia from a non-Power 5 program and wind up in a starting role. It’s another for him to do it considering he has only played linebacker for less than two seasons.

Ganus began his college career as a safety at UAB before moving to inside linebacker full time during his junior season. As one of UAB’s top defenders, Ganus said he was in a “playmaker” role for the Blazers and therefore wasn’t honed in on his technique.

Beginning this spring, inside linebackers coach Mike Ekeler worked with Ganus to improve his fundamentals at the position. Looking back, Ganus hardly recognizes the linebacker he once was.

“If you look back at film from the spring, I’m a completely different player,” Ganus said. “I know (Ekeler) coached me up this spring, and I felt this fall camp that I really made some big strides on what kind of player I want to be. Hopefully that shows in the games.”

Given what he went through, with UAB canceling its football program the week after its final regular-season game in which it became bowl-eligible, Ganus said he has received plenty of sympathy through the process he endured.

But Georgia head coach Mark Richt said any sympathy for his case wasn’t considered when the Bulldogs reached out to Ganus. Richt said the Bulldogs were looking at adding a quality player who could see the field at a position of need.

“We knew we needed some help there at the position,” Richt said. “When you watch the tape, the guy’s an elite tackler. When you meet him you realize he’s a real sharp guy. He can pick things up quickly. If nothing else, he’s a great addition on defense but can do some things on special teams for us.”

Ganus was bitter when he lost his first football program. He’s now happy with what has transpired since.

“I think I’ve past the anger stage. I was angry when it first happened,” Ganus said. “I’m here now at the best school in America, and it’s awesome. I couldn’t be happier.”

This story was originally published September 10, 2015 at 8:25 PM with the headline "UAB transfer Jake Ganus’ goal was to start, not just play at Georgia ."