Ciao, it is so nice to be back with you with another issue of Bulldawg Illustrated. I led off with some Italian because most of what you are about to read was designed and edited while Cheri and I were in Italy with my mother, uncle and friends. In the last decade or so (with increased technology), I always joked that we could create BI anywhere in the world.

    Well, this issue is certainly proof.

    However, I’m glad to be back in the good ole’ USA finishing this note (typically one of my last duties for each issue). I tried on the 10-hour flight yesterday, but just couldn’t get my juices flowing, which is hard to believe because the last few months have been so exciting for the Bulldog Nation.

    Can I get a … “How ’Bout them Diamond Dawgs?!?”

    Congrats to first year skipper Wes Johnson and his staff for creating the incredible camaraderie among the players. It was obvious that everyone was in sync to have fun playing the game of baseball while doing it the right way.

    Don’t miss Hamilton Culpepper’s column on page 38 that starts our Diamond Dawgs coverage. Hammy had a front row seat out on the Kudzu Hill all season, which included the magical triumph in the Athens Regional and the toughly fought Super Regional versus NC State. While the team fell just short of making it to the College World Series, their run is something they and everyone in the Bulldog Nation should be so proud of.

    On page 39, you will find the beginning of the fan photos that the BI camera captured during the Diamond Dawgs run. Be sure not to miss the images of BI’s Jeff Dantzler throwing out the first pitch with his longtime Diamond Dawgs play-by-play partner, David Johnson. These guys are in their third decade of bringing the games to Georgia fans, so it was such a treat to see them recognized for their awesome commitment to Georgia Baseball. Thanks guys!

    Finally on the Diamond Dawgs front, kudos to the season that Charlie Condon and Corey Collins had (who were just named to the 1st and 2nd Baseball All-America Teams). Of course, there were so many others. In my opinion, what made this team so special was that no one on the team cared about personal accolades. The future is bright for the program. Thanks again to everyone associated with Georgia Baseball for such a special season!

    Now, it’s time to move to King Football and, man oh man, is this 2024 season going to be a different with the inaugural 12-team playoff and Texas and Oklahoma officially being apart of the Southeastern Conference.

    Ole’ JD (Jeff Dantzler) doesn’t do change well, but between his bride, family and friends I think we can help him survive the new normal of the 2024 season and beyond. We just need to make sure we beat Tech and don’t feed him onions since his disdain for both is of epic proportions.

    Seriously, this 2024 season is going to be an absolute trip, which is why it is so incredible to bring you this Season Preview issue. Since the 12-team playoff is the storyline, you will see (in our Sports section, pages 13-22) the BI editorial team going wild with the number 12. You will find the top 12 defensive and offensive players to the 12 reasons Carson Beck can win the Heisman Trophy (and several more fun snippets). However, definitely don’t miss page 14, so you can fully understand how the 12-team playoff will work. It’s not easy to fully absorb and I’ve had fun asking fans if they realize that Christmas and New Year’s will never be the same if Kirby Dawgs go deep into the playoff. The 2024 National Championship game will be played on January 20, 2025 (in Atlanta).

    I rest my case. Like I just said, the new playoff is going to be a trip.

    Enjoy all our sports coverage including JD’s behemoths (Game by Game Preview and Position by Position Preview) in our More Sports section. And on page 62, Greg Poole educates our readers on the 2024 team’s mantra … “Assume Nothing.”

    Let’s get it on, Bulldog fans. The opener in Atlanta against Clemson can’t get here soon enough. Thankfully, this issue should help pass the time.

    In wrapping up, please enjoy all our social coverage (Georgia Girls, MIXTAPE and PROUST Q&A)

    Finally, I have a few Bulldog salutes …

    Don’t miss our coverage (pages 23-27) of former Georgia Women’s Tennis coach, Jeff Wallace’s, retirement party at the Georgia Theatre (in April). Like his career, the party was completely rock star. Thanks and congrats to Jeff and his awesome family.

    The Bulldog Nation, the Board of Regents and the state of Georgia (as a whole) lost a great contributor and supporter (this spring) with the passing of Donald M. Leebern Jr. Mr. Leebern’s personality and giving spirit is what made him the bigger than life man he was. Loran Smith’s column eloquently (page 54) touches on a lot of that sentiment. What I appreciated the most about Mr. Leebern was his keen ability to own a conversation without making it about himself. Instead, he was always inquiring to others about what was happening in their lives (be it family or business). And boy, could Mr. Leebern tell a funny joke or story. Rest in peace and thanks so much for your interest and support of Bulldawg Illustrated.

    The same goes to Gainesville’s Abit Massey, who passed right at this deadline. He was a great Bulldog and kind supporter of so many. And what wasn’t there to love about his sparkling smile and incredible hair? R.I.P., Mr. Massey!

    Enjoy this issue. Let it Rip! Everyone at BI looks forward to reconnecting the week leading into the Clemson game. Until then … Go Dawgs!!