Building the Tradition

Georgia has a long tradition of hard-hitting safeties, but here's who Willie Martinez thinks made the biggest impact during his tenure with the Bulldogs.

Thomas Davis (2002-04)

“He was probably the most explosive. He could sprint somewhere, come to balance and then deliver a blow in space. That’s kind of unheard of. When you put everything together, he was a special player.”

Greg Blue (2001-2005)

“I think the most physical guy on a consistent basis and was just a mean guy was Blue. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy that played the game as mean as he did, but could also be as kind and soft-spoken and a great kid.”

(See some highlights HERE.)

Tra Battle (2002-2006)

“He hit you with everything he’s got. When you’d see him sprinting, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, he’s going to hurt somebody.’ Obviously it was like a mosquito bite because he only weighed 174 pounds, but he was intimidating because he was constantly at the ball.”