The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Stafford, Mcvay part of large local contingent

- By D. Orlando Ledbetter dledbetter@ajc.com

There will be several connection­s to Georgia on Sunday when the Rams and Bengals take the field in the Super Bowl.

The most notable likely will play a huge part in deciding the winner: Rams coach Sean Mcvay (a graduate of the Marist School) and quarterbac­k Matthew Stafford (the former University of Georgia star selected No. 1 in the 2009 NFL draft). But the connection to the state runs much deeper for the Rams — on the coaching staff and on the playing field:

■ Former Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris is the defensive coordinato­r.

■ Former Falcons assistant Joe Decamillis is the special teams coordinato­r.

■ Former UGA running back Thomas Brown coaches running backs and is the assistant head coach.

■ Former UGA offensive lineman Nick Jones is an offensive assistant, while Rome native Marcus Dixon is the assistant defensive line coach.

In addition to Stafford, the Rams have five other players with connection­s to the state:

■ Linebacker Leonard Floyd (Eastman and UGA)

■ Offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum (Mceachern High and Clemson)

■ Running back Sony Michel (UGA)

■ Linebacker Ernest Jones (Ware County and South Carolina)

■ Former Falcons wide receiver/returner Brandon Powell

The Bengals with Georgia connection­s:

■ Tight end C.J. Uzomah (North Gwinnett and Auburn)

■ Center Trey Hill (Houston County and UGA)

■ Former Falcons safety Ricardo Allen

■ Safety Vonn Bell (Ridgeland High)

■ Cornerback Mike Hilton (Sandy Creek)

■ Defensive end Cameron Sample (Shiloh)

■ Offensive tackle D’ante Smith (Grovetown High)

 ?? ASSOCIATED PRESS 2021 ?? Rams defensive coordinato­r Raheem Morris is a former interim head coach of the Falcons.
ASSOCIATED PRESS 2021 Rams defensive coordinato­r Raheem Morris is a former interim head coach of the Falcons.
 ?? MARK J. TERRILL/ASSOCIATED PRESS ?? Rams head coach Sean Mcvay is a graduate of the Marist School.
MARK J. TERRILL/ASSOCIATED PRESS Rams head coach Sean Mcvay is a graduate of the Marist School.

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