I have been reading some articles recently about the program becoming more strict since the loss to UCF. Some quotes about cutting out those that didn't want to do it the Georgia way. Of course there has been a lot of attrition since the end of last year. I am all for it, because these guys should realize that suiting up in the red and black, wearing the helmet with the G on it, that is something you don't take for granted. My only concern is that it took a loss to UCF to get that idea to come into focus for our coaching staff. Obviously last year was a big disappointment for all associated with UGA football. I do think that for whatever reason, our players had become complacent, and probably our coaches as well-even after the season of 2009. I also think if you look at the games we lost last year, EVERY one of them could have been a win if we could have, as Richt calls it, "Finished the Drill".
@SCarolina, down 14-6 in the fourth quarter. Fumble near the goal line by Ealey, changed this game completely.
vs. Arkansas, fought back to tie game at 24, got the ball back with under two minutes to go at near midfield, could not convert a first down, poor punt, blown coverage.
@Miss State, down 10-6 late in the fourth, a key Ealey fumble at the goal line early in game was a crucial blunder-team fell apart late.
@Colorado-team in position to get win, missed block and critical King fumble seals loss.
@UF/Jax-fought to tie game, only to have a horrible decision by freshman Murray in OT. Still, this easily could have been a win-Rambo misses potental HUGE INT at close of regulation.
@AU-game was 35-31 going to the fourth quarter when AU scores final 14 to win going away.
@UCF/bowl-early in game, Richt elects to kick FG instead of going for it on 4th and inches, team unmotivated to be at the game, Murray has a horrible game but UCF scores only TD of the game late in 4th quarter to win.
Pretty much the consistent pattern of last year, finding ways to lose games late. The difference between a winning season and a losing season is who you play down the stretch. You think back to the early years of Richt, UGA always was a strong finishing team for the most part. We won a lot of games late and made plays down the stretch to secure games. I am very hopeful that our new strength and conditioning program has our guys in much better shape, and as I have repeated over and over, I truly believe the swagger these young recruits will bring to our team should really help. Yes, I am aware that UGA typically recruits well every year but I do think this particular class up and down might be the best class ever for UGA-top notch talent in numerous areas that can help and can push our veterans players. A week from today will be the first team practice, WOW, can't believe it is almost August.
Noticed on the team roster that Jarvis Jones is now listed with #51 instead of what he wore during the spring which was #29. Still no Kent Turene on the roster, of course he and Devin Bowman are still waiting to hear if they will be admitted. Ramik Wilson is also still not listed on the roster but I have not heard anything about him not being qualified-assuming he is there. One of my previous posts, Ramik Wilson had said he would be wearing #51, so that is interesting that Jones now is listed with that number. Kent Turene is supposed to take #3 when he arrives and Devin Bowman was listed at some with #37.
Continue to read quotes about Malcom Mitchell, the DB/WR from Valdosta. I read one quote saying he could stop a dime better than AJ Green, saying he was torching our DB's, he was special-I have heard that word used for him several times. Also, Chris Sanders, glowing reports about him and he is one I had thought would be a redshirt candidate for sure, now, based on our veteran players, seems he has a legit shot to see the field this year. Also reading about Jay Rome possibly seeing the field as a hybrid TE/FB, in much the same role as Bruce Figgins. I have mixed feeling about this but to me the bottom line remains, if Jay Rome can help you win a football game this year, use him. UGA has a long history of quality tight ends, next year even if Charles is gone, along with White, we will have a JR in Lynch and soph in Rome, we already have another TE committed for the class of 2012.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Another injury, still waiting on two recruits, more thoughts on Jarvis Jones
It has been a while since I have updated my blog but not a lot of UGA news around, besides last weeks media days, Richt has been speaking in the metro ATL at the Bulldog clubs etc but nothing really coming out of those media events except two things that excite me-Crowell and Mitchell. I think those two guys will be play key roles with our offense this season. You don't often hear such high praise for a WR like I have heard for Mitchell. Granted, it is one thing to do it in passing drills, another thing to do it with pads on, but to hear Aaron Murray and Brandon Boykin praising him, he must be pretty special. Of course Crowell, he is the one that comes with the huge hype and expectations, only fueled by the departure of both Ealey and King, suspension of Carlton Thomas. I mean, we all expected big things from him but we didn't expect him to almost walk right into a starting spot. Richard Samuel will get many snaps on offense, that much is for sure. But, unless Crowell suffers an injury, doesn't learn enough of the playbook or simply is not as good as adverstised, he is likely our top running back. I know everyone is comparing him to Lattimore but I don't think he has to be as good as Lattimore to make a big impact. But, remember, Lattimore was listed at 6'0, 210lbs coming out of high school. Crowell basically the same thing, 5'11" 210lbs. I don't think anyone expected Lattimore to be as phyiscal as he was last year, I know I didn't from watching him run in HS. I currently don't expect Crowell to be the Lattimore type back based on his HS days but who really knows at this point. The SCarolina OL last year had the same type situation as we have this year, some returning starters but some questions, underachieving unit basically. Thing is, when you have a back like Lattimore, he makes the OL that was average before look really good. I think that is what happened with Moreno in Athens. We had a young line for him in 2007 and especially 2008, everyone ASSumed our OL was a lot better than they really were because Moreno was so darn good. So, my point is, a lot of folks have concerns about Crowell and our OL-especially depth. But, if Crowell can be as good as we all think, I believe we will have a solid run game. If Mitchell can step up and take some pressure off Tavarres King, that really helps our passing game. Between Marlon Brown, Mitchell, Wooten, Troupe, and Bennett, we really need a couple of those guys to not only play but play well as we know Charles and White are solid WR's at the TE position.
As for the defense, I read yesterday that reserve LB Brandon Burrows will have shoulder surgery and miss this entire year. Ok, so now we have some LB issues. We moved Samuel of course, Burrows is gone, as I will mention in just a minute, Turene is still not qualified for admissions, and Jarvis Jones remains a questionmark because of the Columbus scandal. I still have high hopes for this defense though, and I base that on a couple things. The impact of John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers just simply can't be overlooked. Those two guys are going to help our interior D so very much-a place that we got gashed last year time and time again. I think our secondary IS pretty strong and if we can get good play from our OLB's, and DE's, the pressure they provide from all angles will improve our secondary as well. Simply put, if the D can produce the turnovers as they did last year but also do better on 3rd down stops, this D will be very good. I have high hopes for sure but we need our guys healthy.
As I mentioned, still waiting on two recruits, Turene and Devin Bowman. For Turene, from reading quotes from him, he is VERY confident he has done everything needed for admissions, just a matte of time. He does not have a backup plan in case he doesn't qualify, he knows he should be in as his issue is just having the NCAA clearinghouse review and approve his HS transcript. For Bowman, he had to pass a portion of the Ga HS exit exam. He has said if he doesn't pass, he will spend a year at GMC but his coach said Bowman feels very confident he did well. Some might say, how can a kid be qualified on the SAT/ACT and not pass the exit exam, I can't answer that but will say, each case is different and some kids are just not great test takers. In both cases, they SHOULD know within the next week whether or not they can report to Athens and start practice. Speaking of practice, below is the tentative practice schedule.
Tuesday, Aug. 2 – Players report
Wednesday, Aug. 3 – On-field testing day/ First official day of practice
Thursday, Aug. 4 -- Media Day (lunchtime), first day of on-field practice (night)
Friday, Aug. 5
Saturday, Aug. 6
Sunday, Aug. 7
Monday, Aug. 8
Tuesday, Aug. 9 (two practices)
Wednesday, Aug. 10
Thursday, Aug. 11
Friday, Aug. 12
Saturday, Aug. 13 (two practices)
Sunday, Aug. 14 -- Off
Monday, Aug. 15 (Classes begin)
Tuesday, Aug. 16
Wednesday, Aug. 17
Thursday, Aug. 18
Friday, Aug. 19
Saturday, Aug. 20 – Fans Picture Day (morning practice at practice fields, mascot picture day, 1-3 p.m., player picture day 3-5 p.m. Sanford Stadium)
Sunday, Aug. 21 -- Off
Monday, Aug. 22
Tuesday, Aug. 23
Wednesday, Aug. 24
Thursday, Aug. 25
Friday, Aug. 26
Saturday, Aug 27
Mon-Sat., Aug 29-Sept. 3 – Game week
The interesting thing to note, two practices are listed on two different days. I could see another day added because it is so hot and also to break up the schedule a bit. I mean, only two off days scheduled, might not be a bad idea to break off another day. Of course some of the days will be lighter practice-picture day most likely, first day of classes most likely. Still, amazing that players report in less than a week and first official day of practice is a week away. My son started his first week of football practice this week, 7 year old football. I am assisting and I can tell you, even without pads yet, practicing at 6-8p is HOT. So for our UGA football players, I can only imagine how hot and intense it must be. Another note, of course UGA will be wearing the special Nike uniforms for the Boise game so that date of August 20th is picture day but also the general publics first look at the new uniforms. I am anxious to see what they look like, for the most part I prefer the traditional uniforms but I am certainly curious to see new design.
Finally, for those of you that don't view Seth Emerson's blog (you really should frequent his blog, GREAT source of information), he had an interivew yesterday with a writer from the Columbus newspaper that has been heavily involved with this scandal involving the Rec director using illegal funds to buy plane tickets for Jarvis Jones back when he attended Southern Cal. I will post below a little bit that I think is important and then offer my opinion.
Emerson: There is no dispute, presumably, that Jones was the recipient of the plane tickets. That leads to two key questions: Did Jones have enough of a pre-existing relationship with the man, whom you describe as a father-figure? And even if he is a father figure and satisfies the NCAA's definition of a pre-existing relationship, did the money come explicitly from him, or from a more general account, almost a slush fund?
White: The relationship between Jones and Adams, the former parks and rec director, goes back to at least Jones’ middle school years, as far as I know. Jones’ legal guardian was a 10-year employee of the parks and rec department when all of this became news, and so of course Adams was her supervisor and knew both of them. I haven’t been able to get a clear answer as to how Adams’ relationship with Jones began and whether it started as more of a personal mentor or strictly as a coach. But this late in the game it’s almsot a moot point arguing which came first or where the line is drawn. From my experience – and I used to deal with Adams regularly and talk to Jones whenever he was home on break – the two were very close. Wherever Adams went, I could find Jones hanging around. If I was trying to reach Jones for a story, I’d call Adams and two minutes later hear back from Jones. And seeing them interact it was clear, at least to me, that their relationship was deeper than the average coach-player relationship and more along the lines of a father-son relationship.
The issue with the source of the money definitely complicates things even further. The account was set up with an unauthorized city tax ID and in the name of the Georgia Blazers AAU program, and the outcome of the case shows it was used illegally as it funneled money away from the city and was used for some non-Blazers purposes.
So on one hand, the money for the flights came from an account set up and maintained illegally, and an athlete received benefits from an AAU coach and program, which the NCAA has cracked down on before. But on the other hand, could it be possible Jones simply assumed the plane tickets were simply the sort of favor or gift that many other athletes get from their parents, relatives or mentors and paid for legally? It seems impossible to guess all the motives of everyone involved, especially when the line between coach and father figure are so blurred.
To me, there is no doubt this man, Adams, was indeed a father-figure for Jarvis. The money he used to purchase the tickets, no doubt illegal. But, should Jarvis, then just out of HS, question this man that is his father figure, hey, where did you get the money to pay for these tickets?? A kid does not ask those type questions from an adult he trusts-he takes the ticket. Again, the issue here is the fact these guys took money-tax payer money to form an illegal account. Not that Jarvis Jones benefitted from it, because I feel sure he had no idea where the money came from to purchase his plane tickets.
Now obviously I know you’re not privy to UGA’s inquiry into the Jones case or the police report, and you also wouldn’t want to speculate. But based on what you know, does it seem like the plane tickets would be the main/only point of jeopardy for Jones?
White: This is definitely not the only concern for Jones in terms of an NCAA investigation, and police records from the parks and rec investigation show there were withdrawals made from this account by Adams that may be tied to Jones.
From my notes on the massive amount of police reports we received from the parks and rec investigation– and I only made it through about a quarter of the files – and our coverage, there are definitely some serious concerns that have yet to even be addressed.
In fact, we’ll have a story in Wednesday’s paper detailing a couple new bits of information in the police report.
This is of a bigger concern I guess, that this investigation could still drag out longer than expected. But, certainly we have to hope that this entire mess focuses on the plane tickets. But again, if this man was a father-figure for Jarvis Jones, a man that Jarvis had a long existing relationship with, what reason would there be for Jarvis to question where money came from to buy him stuff that a normal parent would buy for their child. A kid, even at 18, is less concerned with where the money came from than he is concerned about getting what he wants, when he wants it. I personally believe just as I did when this story came out, Jarvis Jones SHOULD be playing OLB when UGA lines up against Boise State on Sept. 3rd. With the STUPID NCAA involved, I wouldn't be surprised with anything that happens but on the surface, I think the fact Jarvis and this guy have had a relationship since middle school at least, because the guy that reported the story said, whenever I needed to speak with Jarvis during his recruitment or HS days, I would call this guy and he would have Jarvis call me right back, that to me is all I need to hear. Yes, these guys should be in some big trouble no doubt, but I just don't think a kid should be held responsible for these actions-and I would saying that if Jarvis was at Southern Cal, Auburn, Florida or GT.
As for the defense, I read yesterday that reserve LB Brandon Burrows will have shoulder surgery and miss this entire year. Ok, so now we have some LB issues. We moved Samuel of course, Burrows is gone, as I will mention in just a minute, Turene is still not qualified for admissions, and Jarvis Jones remains a questionmark because of the Columbus scandal. I still have high hopes for this defense though, and I base that on a couple things. The impact of John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers just simply can't be overlooked. Those two guys are going to help our interior D so very much-a place that we got gashed last year time and time again. I think our secondary IS pretty strong and if we can get good play from our OLB's, and DE's, the pressure they provide from all angles will improve our secondary as well. Simply put, if the D can produce the turnovers as they did last year but also do better on 3rd down stops, this D will be very good. I have high hopes for sure but we need our guys healthy.
As I mentioned, still waiting on two recruits, Turene and Devin Bowman. For Turene, from reading quotes from him, he is VERY confident he has done everything needed for admissions, just a matte of time. He does not have a backup plan in case he doesn't qualify, he knows he should be in as his issue is just having the NCAA clearinghouse review and approve his HS transcript. For Bowman, he had to pass a portion of the Ga HS exit exam. He has said if he doesn't pass, he will spend a year at GMC but his coach said Bowman feels very confident he did well. Some might say, how can a kid be qualified on the SAT/ACT and not pass the exit exam, I can't answer that but will say, each case is different and some kids are just not great test takers. In both cases, they SHOULD know within the next week whether or not they can report to Athens and start practice. Speaking of practice, below is the tentative practice schedule.
Tuesday, Aug. 2 – Players report
Wednesday, Aug. 3 – On-field testing day/ First official day of practice
Thursday, Aug. 4 -- Media Day (lunchtime), first day of on-field practice (night)
Friday, Aug. 5
Saturday, Aug. 6
Sunday, Aug. 7
Monday, Aug. 8
Tuesday, Aug. 9 (two practices)
Wednesday, Aug. 10
Thursday, Aug. 11
Friday, Aug. 12
Saturday, Aug. 13 (two practices)
Sunday, Aug. 14 -- Off
Monday, Aug. 15 (Classes begin)
Tuesday, Aug. 16
Wednesday, Aug. 17
Thursday, Aug. 18
Friday, Aug. 19
Saturday, Aug. 20 – Fans Picture Day (morning practice at practice fields, mascot picture day, 1-3 p.m., player picture day 3-5 p.m. Sanford Stadium)
Sunday, Aug. 21 -- Off
Monday, Aug. 22
Tuesday, Aug. 23
Wednesday, Aug. 24
Thursday, Aug. 25
Friday, Aug. 26
Saturday, Aug 27
Mon-Sat., Aug 29-Sept. 3 – Game week
The interesting thing to note, two practices are listed on two different days. I could see another day added because it is so hot and also to break up the schedule a bit. I mean, only two off days scheduled, might not be a bad idea to break off another day. Of course some of the days will be lighter practice-picture day most likely, first day of classes most likely. Still, amazing that players report in less than a week and first official day of practice is a week away. My son started his first week of football practice this week, 7 year old football. I am assisting and I can tell you, even without pads yet, practicing at 6-8p is HOT. So for our UGA football players, I can only imagine how hot and intense it must be. Another note, of course UGA will be wearing the special Nike uniforms for the Boise game so that date of August 20th is picture day but also the general publics first look at the new uniforms. I am anxious to see what they look like, for the most part I prefer the traditional uniforms but I am certainly curious to see new design.
Finally, for those of you that don't view Seth Emerson's blog (you really should frequent his blog, GREAT source of information), he had an interivew yesterday with a writer from the Columbus newspaper that has been heavily involved with this scandal involving the Rec director using illegal funds to buy plane tickets for Jarvis Jones back when he attended Southern Cal. I will post below a little bit that I think is important and then offer my opinion.
Emerson: There is no dispute, presumably, that Jones was the recipient of the plane tickets. That leads to two key questions: Did Jones have enough of a pre-existing relationship with the man, whom you describe as a father-figure? And even if he is a father figure and satisfies the NCAA's definition of a pre-existing relationship, did the money come explicitly from him, or from a more general account, almost a slush fund?
White: The relationship between Jones and Adams, the former parks and rec director, goes back to at least Jones’ middle school years, as far as I know. Jones’ legal guardian was a 10-year employee of the parks and rec department when all of this became news, and so of course Adams was her supervisor and knew both of them. I haven’t been able to get a clear answer as to how Adams’ relationship with Jones began and whether it started as more of a personal mentor or strictly as a coach. But this late in the game it’s almsot a moot point arguing which came first or where the line is drawn. From my experience – and I used to deal with Adams regularly and talk to Jones whenever he was home on break – the two were very close. Wherever Adams went, I could find Jones hanging around. If I was trying to reach Jones for a story, I’d call Adams and two minutes later hear back from Jones. And seeing them interact it was clear, at least to me, that their relationship was deeper than the average coach-player relationship and more along the lines of a father-son relationship.
The issue with the source of the money definitely complicates things even further. The account was set up with an unauthorized city tax ID and in the name of the Georgia Blazers AAU program, and the outcome of the case shows it was used illegally as it funneled money away from the city and was used for some non-Blazers purposes.
So on one hand, the money for the flights came from an account set up and maintained illegally, and an athlete received benefits from an AAU coach and program, which the NCAA has cracked down on before. But on the other hand, could it be possible Jones simply assumed the plane tickets were simply the sort of favor or gift that many other athletes get from their parents, relatives or mentors and paid for legally? It seems impossible to guess all the motives of everyone involved, especially when the line between coach and father figure are so blurred.
To me, there is no doubt this man, Adams, was indeed a father-figure for Jarvis. The money he used to purchase the tickets, no doubt illegal. But, should Jarvis, then just out of HS, question this man that is his father figure, hey, where did you get the money to pay for these tickets?? A kid does not ask those type questions from an adult he trusts-he takes the ticket. Again, the issue here is the fact these guys took money-tax payer money to form an illegal account. Not that Jarvis Jones benefitted from it, because I feel sure he had no idea where the money came from to purchase his plane tickets.
Now obviously I know you’re not privy to UGA’s inquiry into the Jones case or the police report, and you also wouldn’t want to speculate. But based on what you know, does it seem like the plane tickets would be the main/only point of jeopardy for Jones?
White: This is definitely not the only concern for Jones in terms of an NCAA investigation, and police records from the parks and rec investigation show there were withdrawals made from this account by Adams that may be tied to Jones.
From my notes on the massive amount of police reports we received from the parks and rec investigation– and I only made it through about a quarter of the files – and our coverage, there are definitely some serious concerns that have yet to even be addressed.
In fact, we’ll have a story in Wednesday’s paper detailing a couple new bits of information in the police report.
This is of a bigger concern I guess, that this investigation could still drag out longer than expected. But, certainly we have to hope that this entire mess focuses on the plane tickets. But again, if this man was a father-figure for Jarvis Jones, a man that Jarvis had a long existing relationship with, what reason would there be for Jarvis to question where money came from to buy him stuff that a normal parent would buy for their child. A kid, even at 18, is less concerned with where the money came from than he is concerned about getting what he wants, when he wants it. I personally believe just as I did when this story came out, Jarvis Jones SHOULD be playing OLB when UGA lines up against Boise State on Sept. 3rd. With the STUPID NCAA involved, I wouldn't be surprised with anything that happens but on the surface, I think the fact Jarvis and this guy have had a relationship since middle school at least, because the guy that reported the story said, whenever I needed to speak with Jarvis during his recruitment or HS days, I would call this guy and he would have Jarvis call me right back, that to me is all I need to hear. Yes, these guys should be in some big trouble no doubt, but I just don't think a kid should be held responsible for these actions-and I would saying that if Jarvis was at Southern Cal, Auburn, Florida or GT.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
SEC media days, NIKE uniforms, another tweet
So the SEC media daze is here, 900 media credentials given out-are you kidding me?? Yes, I know the SEC IS college football but that is an amazing number to me. I am sure the coaches must HATE this event every year but if you get paid what these guys get paid, you put on your suit, repeat your comments over and over and be as happy/upbeat as you can. Today is Mark Richt's chance to meet and greet the media, he is the dean of SEC coaches so he knows the drill. He is bringing Aaron Murray, Ben Jones, and Brandon Boykin with him. Good choices as those guys are solid players and high character kids as well. I doubt UGA fans will really learn anything unique after today, although there will be much made about Richt being on the hot seat I am sure. I did read that Richt has confirmed Carlton Thomas will indeed be out for the first game of the season. Again, and I have nothing against CT, but I see him only as a situational back. That being said, on a fast track like the dome, he might have been a factor. Of course also still a lot of speculation about Jarvis Jones, I am sure that Richt will be asked about him today. I have read some blogs and have shared my opinion. To me, this guy shouldn't be suspended at all but I guess based on previous history, he very well could get a game or two. The Columbus recreation department officials, who also happen to be involved with the AAU basketball team, they are being investigated obviously. Now, at question appears to be whether Jones can say these officials were, as Seth Emerson said in his blog, familial or long-time acquaintances. Did he instead receive the benefits-in this case plane tickets to LA and back, from someone that he didn't have a long time relationship with and that someone only did so because he was an elite athlete. From what I have read before, Jarvis actually lived a Parks and Rec employee and this is the person that told about the coworkers using the account to pay for his travel. Needless to say, if he does get suspended, I think the fact UGA has 100% cooperated with the NCAA (unlike our state rivals), notified the SEC and NCAA immediately after they learned of this, the way we handled the AJ Green mess, it should help our cause or so I would hope. I could see Jones having to pay the money back and maybe serving a game or two but I also don't know how you can hold a high school kid at time, accountable for what grown men did either. Either way it goes, at least we SHOULD know something well before Boise State.
Speaking of Boise State, it was confirmed yesterday that UGA and Boise will wear Nike Pro combat uniforms at the kickoff classic. UGA players got to see the uniforms yesterday and based on tweets-geez seems everyday I am blogging about tweets, they LOVE them. I say, just win and I don't care what you wear honestly. Too much is made of what uniform a team wears, it generates some excitement with the players and fans but once the ball is kicked off, it is just football. Course UGA has a long standing relationship with Nike and had the chance to wear the pro combat last year but declined. I do think this non conference game is the perfect time to wear a different uniform if you are going to do it. There have been numerious folks do mock ups of what they think the uniform will look like but, only our AD, players and coaches know for sure. We will not have to wait until the Boise game to see them as per AD McGarity, the players will wear them at picture day on August 20th. I am quite sure someone will say, August 20th, I can't wait that long, I am going to snoop around over in Athens and take a picture, sorry but couldn't resist bringing that back up, instant gratification society will not stand to wait a month to see the new look.
Another OL committed for 2012, Chester Brown. This kid had offers from Ga. State, Tenn State, and South Alabama. Not exactly impressive but take into account he had NEVER, until Dawg Night, attended a football camp. He has only played football for 3 years, the kid is 6'5" and 333 in high school. Our coaches watching him up close and personal and in one viewing offered him a spot. That says a lot to me, so regardless of his star rating or offers, I am happy to have him. We need more OL and this kid fills a need. You can also tell he is very excited to get this offer and will not take it for granted, in other words, a kid that is very thankful for this opportunity and plans to make the most of it. I have a feeling that as the recruiting "experts" have a chance to evaluate him more in the coming days, he will get more respect.
Ok, so here is another tweet, this one I read in the Athens paper today-
Aaron Murray says freshman WR Malcom Mitchell "could start for anyone right now. That guy is special." This is VERY good news, because WR has been a real concern of mine for quite a while. I think we have a good one in Tavarres King but, is he ready to be the man? We have a great TE in Orson Charles but will he be taken away by our opposition because they can afford to double him because we don't have other options at WR. Lost in the AJ Green leaving early discussion is just how GREAT a job Kris Durham did last year (and the fact we also had King as our #3 WR). Just like with the Falcons, Roddy White is great but he has never had another WR to help him out (I just can't count Michael Jenkins as much help)-which happens this year with Julio Jones-I was NOT a fan of drafting Julio or AJ, Falcons moving up in the draft but when you look at how that impacts a defense against the Falcons-with Turner at RB, Gonzalez at TE, White at WR and Jones at WR-that is TOUGH to defend. Same for UGA, assuming a RB steps up, if you have King at one WR, Charles at TE, then have another stud at the other WR spot, I suddenly feel much better about our offense. I still have high hopes for Marlon Brown, don't mean to put him down BUT, certainly it is music to my ears to hear that Mitchell is drawing the praise of Aaron Murray.
All for today, hope everyone has a great day. Go Dogs!
Speaking of Boise State, it was confirmed yesterday that UGA and Boise will wear Nike Pro combat uniforms at the kickoff classic. UGA players got to see the uniforms yesterday and based on tweets-geez seems everyday I am blogging about tweets, they LOVE them. I say, just win and I don't care what you wear honestly. Too much is made of what uniform a team wears, it generates some excitement with the players and fans but once the ball is kicked off, it is just football. Course UGA has a long standing relationship with Nike and had the chance to wear the pro combat last year but declined. I do think this non conference game is the perfect time to wear a different uniform if you are going to do it. There have been numerious folks do mock ups of what they think the uniform will look like but, only our AD, players and coaches know for sure. We will not have to wait until the Boise game to see them as per AD McGarity, the players will wear them at picture day on August 20th. I am quite sure someone will say, August 20th, I can't wait that long, I am going to snoop around over in Athens and take a picture, sorry but couldn't resist bringing that back up, instant gratification society will not stand to wait a month to see the new look.
Another OL committed for 2012, Chester Brown. This kid had offers from Ga. State, Tenn State, and South Alabama. Not exactly impressive but take into account he had NEVER, until Dawg Night, attended a football camp. He has only played football for 3 years, the kid is 6'5" and 333 in high school. Our coaches watching him up close and personal and in one viewing offered him a spot. That says a lot to me, so regardless of his star rating or offers, I am happy to have him. We need more OL and this kid fills a need. You can also tell he is very excited to get this offer and will not take it for granted, in other words, a kid that is very thankful for this opportunity and plans to make the most of it. I have a feeling that as the recruiting "experts" have a chance to evaluate him more in the coming days, he will get more respect.
Ok, so here is another tweet, this one I read in the Athens paper today-
Aaron Murray says freshman WR Malcom Mitchell "could start for anyone right now. That guy is special." This is VERY good news, because WR has been a real concern of mine for quite a while. I think we have a good one in Tavarres King but, is he ready to be the man? We have a great TE in Orson Charles but will he be taken away by our opposition because they can afford to double him because we don't have other options at WR. Lost in the AJ Green leaving early discussion is just how GREAT a job Kris Durham did last year (and the fact we also had King as our #3 WR). Just like with the Falcons, Roddy White is great but he has never had another WR to help him out (I just can't count Michael Jenkins as much help)-which happens this year with Julio Jones-I was NOT a fan of drafting Julio or AJ, Falcons moving up in the draft but when you look at how that impacts a defense against the Falcons-with Turner at RB, Gonzalez at TE, White at WR and Jones at WR-that is TOUGH to defend. Same for UGA, assuming a RB steps up, if you have King at one WR, Charles at TE, then have another stud at the other WR spot, I suddenly feel much better about our offense. I still have high hopes for Marlon Brown, don't mean to put him down BUT, certainly it is music to my ears to hear that Mitchell is drawing the praise of Aaron Murray.
All for today, hope everyone has a great day. Go Dogs!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Social networks, anyone else tired of them??
I know that the society we live in today is rushed, everyone wants fast-food, entertaiment, news, sports etc etc. Our news media seem to always be in competition to "break" the story and I think this stretches to the common Joe as well. I am a frequent visitor to UGA message boards-honestly I do enjoy talking about UGA 365 days a year. Depending on which board you visit, you can learn more about our economy, movies, and of course UGA sports. But, I do get very tired of the social media networks when it comes to our college kids in Athens. I have a near teen daughter, so I get the need of today's youth to text and look at facebook. I guess I don't get the need for grown men and maybe women too, to almost stalk the social media networks looking for the scoop. I have not checked out other schools to see if their fanbases do the same, but I can only imagine some are worse-one state over comes to mind when it comes to fans over the edge. BUT, what I think separates UGA faithful from a lot of our rivals, we seem to like to trash our own. I simply don't get this. IF a Georgia Bulldog football player gets in trouble, for say DUI, he deserves some negative press. I support that. But, if a kid has pictures of him at a party drinking, and then folks call him out for not taking his football obligations seriously, I DO have issue with that. Fact is, we have no idea when the pictures were taken usually. We also are NOT at practice every day or at workouts. We are not in the classrooom with the kid, or working with him at the student center as he studies for his exams. We are not in the weightroom as he lifts weights, not in the film room as he studies his football assignments. Yet, despite all of that, some people seem to enjoy attacking a persons character. Granted, on a message board, you really can't know the truth behind who posts. Meaning, UGAfan#1 could truly be a Tech man, Bama man etc just trying to get something started. But, there are enough people that you know are UGA faithful attacking our own, I simply don't get it. Again, I am not one that thinks everyone should only post 100% positive reports or should hype a player to level that is beyond his abilities. I also believe everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion as that is what makes our country the best. But, I just don't understand why people feel the need to always post negative.
The fact remains, these kids are representing our university and granted they are getting a free education but they put in a LOT of work in and out of the classroom (not to mention they make a LOT of money for our school). They are also 18-22 and are going to make stupid decisions from time to time. If a kid makes a mistake, I just wish there could be more effort to avoid the quick judgments, avoid the harsh words, but instead say yep, he screwed up but he will learn from this and become a better person in the long run. Unfortunately, the way our society works today, and especially in the fish bowl of college football in the south, these poor kids probably have no idea that their every move is being followed. They are living in an almost Truman Show type environment whether they know it or not. Some are able to handle this easily but others struggle. I guess I am just tired of it all but then again, I am old school and don't even have a facebook account!
The fact remains, these kids are representing our university and granted they are getting a free education but they put in a LOT of work in and out of the classroom (not to mention they make a LOT of money for our school). They are also 18-22 and are going to make stupid decisions from time to time. If a kid makes a mistake, I just wish there could be more effort to avoid the quick judgments, avoid the harsh words, but instead say yep, he screwed up but he will learn from this and become a better person in the long run. Unfortunately, the way our society works today, and especially in the fish bowl of college football in the south, these poor kids probably have no idea that their every move is being followed. They are living in an almost Truman Show type environment whether they know it or not. Some are able to handle this easily but others struggle. I guess I am just tired of it all but then again, I am old school and don't even have a facebook account!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Dawg Night a huge hit, another RB in trouble-GEEZ!!
Unless you have been totally trying to ignore UGA news, you already know Dawg Night last Friday was a huge day for the future of Georgia football. Mark Richt picked up 5 verbal commitments, with two being in state kids and 3 top out of state players. First up, the one most expected would land in Athens, just a matter of when he announced, John Theus. A massive and very talented OT from Bolles in Jacksonville, this kid will have a legit shot to come right in and start next fall. He is that highly regarded and is a top 10 in the nation overall prospect-probably the highest rated OL ever to commit to UGA. Of course his older brother is already on campus and that I am sure had a big impact on John selecting to join him in Athens. The others, 3 of which are from the class of 2013, Brice Ramsey-a top rated QB from down at Camden County. Charlie Weis wanted him bad, that is all I need to know. From the state of Florida, running back Derrick Henry-a BIG back at 6'4" 222lbs and this kid is just entering his junior year of HS. He might actually get too big to play RB, you never know. Last, receiver Tramel Terry out of South Carolina, not a big kid at 5'11" 170 but runs a legit 4.4 and is a playmaker. Finally, a class of 2014 kid also made his decision-a small running back Apalachee HS, at 5'7" 175lbs but ran a 4.28 40 time at camp. For UGA, who many often complain about waiting too long to offer, to offer a kid entering his soph year of HS, this kid must REALLY be special. Of course, when kids give pledges two-three years in advance, there is great chance they don't honor their word so I am still a little bit skeptical but certainly for kids to make that announcement this early in the game, they love UGA and love our coaches. I think they stick with it unless Richt and company are no longer in Athens. Numerous other prospects also attended and looks like UGA did well for themselves with a lot of kids that before attending maybe had not had us very high on their lists.
First Ealey, then King and now Thomas. Yep, Carlton Thomas will miss at least the first game of the season for violating team rules, per various news sources. Of course last week Richard Samuel moved back to RB, and now he becomes the only back we have with game experience. This is unbelievable, I have never quite seen a situation like this before. Needless to say, I am glad Richard is back and he better be ready to play a lot now. Not that Thomas was anything more than a situational back but still, Crowell and Malcome both have had injuries in high school, now they are playing up a level. Our lack of run blocking and balance could have Aaron Murray running for his life. More and more it looks like we might have to hope our D is MUCH improved over last year, they might have to carry us early in the season. There are just so many questions on our O, I am nervous. I love Murray but he MUST have help and right now, I feel like he has Orson Charles and Tavarres King as proven receiving targets. We really need a couple WR's to step up and then we have to hope our 3 RB's can provide some balance. Still though, the D needs to stet the tone and let's hope that is the case. We face a couple of good looking offensive teams early in the season, no doubt the season is going to start off with a bang.
First Ealey, then King and now Thomas. Yep, Carlton Thomas will miss at least the first game of the season for violating team rules, per various news sources. Of course last week Richard Samuel moved back to RB, and now he becomes the only back we have with game experience. This is unbelievable, I have never quite seen a situation like this before. Needless to say, I am glad Richard is back and he better be ready to play a lot now. Not that Thomas was anything more than a situational back but still, Crowell and Malcome both have had injuries in high school, now they are playing up a level. Our lack of run blocking and balance could have Aaron Murray running for his life. More and more it looks like we might have to hope our D is MUCH improved over last year, they might have to carry us early in the season. There are just so many questions on our O, I am nervous. I love Murray but he MUST have help and right now, I feel like he has Orson Charles and Tavarres King as proven receiving targets. We really need a couple WR's to step up and then we have to hope our 3 RB's can provide some balance. Still though, the D needs to stet the tone and let's hope that is the case. We face a couple of good looking offensive teams early in the season, no doubt the season is going to start off with a bang.
Friday, July 15, 2011
It is official, Samuel back to RB, Nerds on probation without ACC title :)
Well, I guess maybe I should pay closer attention to the twitter world, as sure enough Richard Samuel is moving back to running back, a decision that the coaches say was his alone. Now, I have to say that while I am sure the coaches told him to make the decision, they strongly hinted they would prefer he make the move. One thing I will say about these kids that do offer to make position changes, they LOVE their university and teammates-they want to do whatever they can to help the team win. So, I admire Samuel for making this move and perhaps, being older and wiser, his weight now up to 243 but I would imagine will be trimmed back down closer to 235-240 by the time the season arrives, he might really be a factor in our running game. There is no doubt he gives us experience and we needed that badly after Caleb flunked out. There is NO WAY he makes this move if King is still around-or at least not very likely unless we had an injury.
I have read many people are furious with this move and I simply can't figure that out. Samuel was a backup linebacker-we moved a starting safety to his position after he had spend an entire year learning it and playing it on the scout team. What does that say about him? Now, that being said, I personally was excited to see what he could do at LB just because of his combination of size and speed. We have no experience at the running back position, Carlton Thomas is NOT going to be an SEC caliber tailback, he just isn't. Crowell and Malcome, lots of promise but no experience and both injury prone. Simply put, Samuel likely gets more playing time now in the backfield than he would have had linebacker. So, people say the coaches must not think Crowell can do it etc etc. This move was not made to say Crowell is not good or can't play for us early this year, it was made because Crowell can't do it alone and certainly we need someone that we can 100% rely on back there, which would be Richard Samuel. As for the LB position, I think this also says that the coaches have high hopes for our trio of LB recruits, Kent Turene (well, read today he still is waiting to be approved by the NCAA clearinghouse) Ramik Wilson and Armarlo Herrera. Needless to say, Todd Grantham's meeting with media could not have been better planned out, today there will be a LOT of questions for him. I am still not sold on Richard Samuel at tailback, but, I will be interested to see how he plays now that he is a veteran player and has that bulk. You can imagine how effective a brusing back can be late in the 3rd and all the 4th quarter when the defense is getting tired.
Tech got 4 years probabation, I think really got off pretty light in that they didn't lose any scholarships or have any post season bans. They do have to vacate the 2009 ACC title but to me that is bunch of crap. Sure you take it out of the books, take banners down etc but everyone still knows they did it on the field. Kind of like USC losing the national title because of Reggie Bush, yeah, they now don't get that title but not like Auburn now gets the title. I just think taking wins off the books is pretty lame but maybe that is me. But, for the arrogance that Georgia Tech shows, claiming how they are such a high and mighty academic school and not a football factory, not like the slime balls including UGA, I find it pretty funny they have been caught 2 times recently and this time, they knew about players being interviewed and tried to control how these guys answered questions. Sounds to me like they are just as dirty/slimy at the elite academic institute as EVERYONE else that they claim not to be like. Can you say hypocrite-yeah, you can't spell that word without t-e-c-h.
A few tidbits, I noticed the betting lines for UGA to win a national title, 50-1. In the SEC, Bama was ahead-actually Oklahoma is the favorite, Bama is second. Also ahead of UGA, LSU, UF, SCarolina, and Arky. So, based on that, looks like the odds makers put us 3rd in the east. UGA placed 6 players on the 1st team all SEC preason team, QB Murray, TE Charles, OT Glenn, KR Boykin, P Butler and K Walsh. Three more made second team, C Jones, DE Tyson, CB Boykin. Not too shabby for a team coming off a 6-7 season. Finally, tonight is the Big Dawg Night, the elite camp where UGA invites the top players in the region to visit campus and compete against the best of the best. A great recruiting tool, this has become an event that usually produces some commitments. Tonight maybe the biggest prize that COULD make a pledge would be John Theus, that 5 star OT from Jacksonville, Fla. Kid is ranked the #7 overall prospect in the nation and of course we already have his older brother in Athens. He has narrowed his list to UF, UGA, and Texas-a school he has yet to visit but includes them just because our old OL coach Searels is there now. Most expect it to be UF/UGA but certainly UGA sits in a great spot as he and his brother are very close. His brother made his plege to UGA last year at Dawg Night, so many are hoping he does the same. A lot of the best will be in Athens, let's hope it is a great night and we do make a lasting impresssion with kids in the Class of 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Have a great weekend and Go Dogs!
I have read many people are furious with this move and I simply can't figure that out. Samuel was a backup linebacker-we moved a starting safety to his position after he had spend an entire year learning it and playing it on the scout team. What does that say about him? Now, that being said, I personally was excited to see what he could do at LB just because of his combination of size and speed. We have no experience at the running back position, Carlton Thomas is NOT going to be an SEC caliber tailback, he just isn't. Crowell and Malcome, lots of promise but no experience and both injury prone. Simply put, Samuel likely gets more playing time now in the backfield than he would have had linebacker. So, people say the coaches must not think Crowell can do it etc etc. This move was not made to say Crowell is not good or can't play for us early this year, it was made because Crowell can't do it alone and certainly we need someone that we can 100% rely on back there, which would be Richard Samuel. As for the LB position, I think this also says that the coaches have high hopes for our trio of LB recruits, Kent Turene (well, read today he still is waiting to be approved by the NCAA clearinghouse) Ramik Wilson and Armarlo Herrera. Needless to say, Todd Grantham's meeting with media could not have been better planned out, today there will be a LOT of questions for him. I am still not sold on Richard Samuel at tailback, but, I will be interested to see how he plays now that he is a veteran player and has that bulk. You can imagine how effective a brusing back can be late in the 3rd and all the 4th quarter when the defense is getting tired.
Tech got 4 years probabation, I think really got off pretty light in that they didn't lose any scholarships or have any post season bans. They do have to vacate the 2009 ACC title but to me that is bunch of crap. Sure you take it out of the books, take banners down etc but everyone still knows they did it on the field. Kind of like USC losing the national title because of Reggie Bush, yeah, they now don't get that title but not like Auburn now gets the title. I just think taking wins off the books is pretty lame but maybe that is me. But, for the arrogance that Georgia Tech shows, claiming how they are such a high and mighty academic school and not a football factory, not like the slime balls including UGA, I find it pretty funny they have been caught 2 times recently and this time, they knew about players being interviewed and tried to control how these guys answered questions. Sounds to me like they are just as dirty/slimy at the elite academic institute as EVERYONE else that they claim not to be like. Can you say hypocrite-yeah, you can't spell that word without t-e-c-h.
A few tidbits, I noticed the betting lines for UGA to win a national title, 50-1. In the SEC, Bama was ahead-actually Oklahoma is the favorite, Bama is second. Also ahead of UGA, LSU, UF, SCarolina, and Arky. So, based on that, looks like the odds makers put us 3rd in the east. UGA placed 6 players on the 1st team all SEC preason team, QB Murray, TE Charles, OT Glenn, KR Boykin, P Butler and K Walsh. Three more made second team, C Jones, DE Tyson, CB Boykin. Not too shabby for a team coming off a 6-7 season. Finally, tonight is the Big Dawg Night, the elite camp where UGA invites the top players in the region to visit campus and compete against the best of the best. A great recruiting tool, this has become an event that usually produces some commitments. Tonight maybe the biggest prize that COULD make a pledge would be John Theus, that 5 star OT from Jacksonville, Fla. Kid is ranked the #7 overall prospect in the nation and of course we already have his older brother in Athens. He has narrowed his list to UF, UGA, and Texas-a school he has yet to visit but includes them just because our old OL coach Searels is there now. Most expect it to be UF/UGA but certainly UGA sits in a great spot as he and his brother are very close. His brother made his plege to UGA last year at Dawg Night, so many are hoping he does the same. A lot of the best will be in Athens, let's hope it is a great night and we do make a lasting impresssion with kids in the Class of 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Have a great weekend and Go Dogs!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Samuel maybe back to RB, Nerds in trouble again??
Latest rumor section would include another social media check with our football team. Of course last week, tweets by Caleb King led folks to believe he was leaving UGA which of course turned out to be true. Now, tweets by Richard Samuel, saying something like, about to make a life changing decision, leads us to believe the coaches have approached him about moving back to RB. Now, I will NOT believe this tweet crap until I get more evidence, same as with Caleb, but I do have to admit that when I did hear the official word on King, I also did give some though to Samuel. But, there are two problems with that thinking. First, been there and done that. Richard started his career at running back and his competition was King and Ealey-and bottom line, those guys were better than him. If those two were better, one would have to believe Crowell is also better. Richard had the size and speed but little else to be a great SEC caliber RB. Second, after a year spent getting bigger and learning the college level LB position, he weighs a reported 240, which is perfect for MLB but not so good for RB.
Now, one thing that Samuel would provide is depth. As I mentioned before, I think losing King really hurts our football team, I might be in the minority but I really did think King would have a strong year. Even if he didn't, he would have at least been a nice insurance policy. An experienced player that knew the offense better than any back currently on the roster-and a guy that is more than capable of getting the job done. We are one ankle injury or knee sprain away from having SERIOUS issues at the RB position. I just don't have the confidence in Thomas being an every down back in the SEC and Malcome, the jury is certainly out on him. So, moving Samuel over, a kid that also knows the offense, would make sense to provide depth. But, unless Richard has impoved/changed his running style and ability, he has no NFL future at RB. Playing LB, he at least has a chance. It appears though, if this position change is what Samuel is tweeting about, the coaches are leaving it up to him. Per Seth Emerson, Todd Grantham is supposed to meet with the media tomorrow so maybe we will all get more answers at that time.
The Georgia Institute of Nerds football program looks to be in trouble. I can't decide if I like Nerds or Insects better but either way, they look to be in more hot water with the NCAA and this time, the genius himself might be guilty-Paul Johnson. A 3pm press conference has been called and at that time the NCAA is expected to announce something although it sounds more like a penalty will be announced. I didn't even know they were under investigation but maybe I just missed that. Course also, today the NY Times reports that AU coach Chizik asked the NCAA at the Destin coaches convention, when they would announced that AU was in the clear for the Cam Newton case, saying it is hurting recruiting. The NCAA person told him you will know when we are done, we are not done!! I love it. I am sorry but there is no way I am believing there is not going to be something to come out of the Cam Newton deal. Funny how Chizik is now viewed as such a great coach, he was horrible at Iowa State, AU folks were NOT happy when he was hired. He now has won a title and written a book. The title is due to one player, Cam Newton and that one player is reason for investigation-so, is Chizik really all that??
Derrick Lott was injured in a scooter accident as I mentioned and should be good to go in 4-6 weeks, my money is on 4 weeks, fall camp starts in 3. For all the gloom and doomers, UGA fans have to be some of the most pessimistic on the planet, I think Lott will be just fine for the opener against Boise. He will be a top reserve on our DL but better for this accident to happen now than 3 weeks from now. Now I just hope we can close the book soon on the Jarvis Jones deal-I still maintain in my opinion, he should not have to sit out ANY games. We shall see if the NCAA agrees but hopefully all will know sooner than later.
Now, one thing that Samuel would provide is depth. As I mentioned before, I think losing King really hurts our football team, I might be in the minority but I really did think King would have a strong year. Even if he didn't, he would have at least been a nice insurance policy. An experienced player that knew the offense better than any back currently on the roster-and a guy that is more than capable of getting the job done. We are one ankle injury or knee sprain away from having SERIOUS issues at the RB position. I just don't have the confidence in Thomas being an every down back in the SEC and Malcome, the jury is certainly out on him. So, moving Samuel over, a kid that also knows the offense, would make sense to provide depth. But, unless Richard has impoved/changed his running style and ability, he has no NFL future at RB. Playing LB, he at least has a chance. It appears though, if this position change is what Samuel is tweeting about, the coaches are leaving it up to him. Per Seth Emerson, Todd Grantham is supposed to meet with the media tomorrow so maybe we will all get more answers at that time.
The Georgia Institute of Nerds football program looks to be in trouble. I can't decide if I like Nerds or Insects better but either way, they look to be in more hot water with the NCAA and this time, the genius himself might be guilty-Paul Johnson. A 3pm press conference has been called and at that time the NCAA is expected to announce something although it sounds more like a penalty will be announced. I didn't even know they were under investigation but maybe I just missed that. Course also, today the NY Times reports that AU coach Chizik asked the NCAA at the Destin coaches convention, when they would announced that AU was in the clear for the Cam Newton case, saying it is hurting recruiting. The NCAA person told him you will know when we are done, we are not done!! I love it. I am sorry but there is no way I am believing there is not going to be something to come out of the Cam Newton deal. Funny how Chizik is now viewed as such a great coach, he was horrible at Iowa State, AU folks were NOT happy when he was hired. He now has won a title and written a book. The title is due to one player, Cam Newton and that one player is reason for investigation-so, is Chizik really all that??
Derrick Lott was injured in a scooter accident as I mentioned and should be good to go in 4-6 weeks, my money is on 4 weeks, fall camp starts in 3. For all the gloom and doomers, UGA fans have to be some of the most pessimistic on the planet, I think Lott will be just fine for the opener against Boise. He will be a top reserve on our DL but better for this accident to happen now than 3 weeks from now. Now I just hope we can close the book soon on the Jarvis Jones deal-I still maintain in my opinion, he should not have to sit out ANY games. We shall see if the NCAA agrees but hopefully all will know sooner than later.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Another day, another player maybe out?? 2012 schedule, I like it.
Ok, so maybe not but I have heard that soph DE Derrick Lott got injured on his scooter yesterday and could miss some time, but how serious the injury is depends on what rumor mill you read. A deep cut to the bone or just a simple scratch, bottom line, unless the leg is broken or there is some tissue/muscle damage via a tear, I am going to say this injury shouldn't be that bad. I am sure more updates will be available later today. I know a lot of UGA faithful tend to believe the sky is falling with all this player movement, injuries etc but I just chalk it up to normal. In years past, we have had the players leaving or getting suspended due to off the field issues, so to me this off season is no different except that this year the issues have not been players breaking the law. I admit that I am concerned about losing Caleb King, I hated that Brent Benedict left, and of course the worst of them all, the injury to Trinton Sturdivant. But, we have to move on with the horses we have and I personally still think we have a lot of talent and ability to have a great season.
A few more tidbits before I get to the 2012 schedule, Brent Benedict is headed to Virginia Tech. I wish him the best and I am happy he picked a school we will not face unless it is a bowl game. He will have a chance to help VaTech beat up on the Insects so I hope that pans out. The AJC has an interview with Brent today, confirming that he had issues with Joe T and our strength/conditioning program. Now, I am no expert on weight training but I have to believe VT will have a pretty strong weight training program there. In reading the Q/A, it sounded to me like he didn't like the strength program under Coach T, talked to Coach Richt about it in hope he would allow him to do workouts like he wanted-in other words, be given special treatment, and when Coach Richt said no we can't do that, both parties agreed he should move on. I know Brent had a bad knee injury but UGA stuck with him after he injured the knee in HS, they brought him in and were patient allowing the knee to recover-helping him rehab the knee back to health. The kid does have a lot of good things to say about UGA etc but after reading what he said, I think Coach Richt made the right call. You can't start giving players special treatment-then others will want special treatment etc etc and that is when it becomes a lack of control within the program. I think honestly a lot of our problems in the past couple years were due to a lack of control-a lack of disicipline (both on and off the field), a lack of respect for coaches and teammates, lack of work ethic, entitlement, you name it. I am NOT saying Benedict was a kid that fits that description but I am saying I think Coach Richt is tired of being a guy that lets things slide. He realizes that he has to shape up the program or he will be shipped out. The fact remains, Benedict would have likely played some this year for us and been in line to start next season, if he would have just been able to deal and make the best of Joe T's workout program. To date he is the only player we have lost that has made it public they wanted out because of this reason. So, best wishes to this guy but I think we will be ok without him as well.
Caleb King made an official announcement yesterday, he is entering the NFL supplemental draft. Well, I hate to say it but I DOUBT Caleb will be drafed. He will be a free agent and I doubt a team will take a look at him-I hope he at least gets a shot but he REALLY needed his senior year to make a statement. Instead he made a negative statement by flunking out of school. I still say his best shot is to try the Canadian Football League or Arena Football.
As for our offense now that King is gone, well, this is just my opinion but this is what I believe we will have to some of the time at least. Both Murray and Crowell played in almost a spread offense during their HS years-QB in shotgun formation, with one back in the backfield. I doubt we turn our offense into a spread but I DO think Mike Bobo might have to actually think outside the I-formation box this year due to lack of depth at RB. We could employ the two back set-putting Figgins or Olgetree in the backfield or putting Figgins as an H-back, but I honestly do believe we need to run the spread type offense a good bit this year. Murray is a mobile QB that can move and throw the ball well on the run, Crowell is a guy that is good in space and has good cutback ability. I hope for us to run out of this formation a good bit but then also use the I-formation as is our normal base offense. I am also curious to see if Nick Marshall does indeed line up some in the wild dawg formation. I can see this maybe being the case a few times a game but simply put, Aaron Murray is too valuable to our offense to not have him under center or in shotgun formation 99% of snaps. Just throwing that out there, I have read others say the same thing, UGA running a spread, or NO WAY UGA should run the spread. I am just of the belief that you run plays that best utilize the talent you have at your disposal. I also think this type offense suits Carlton Thomas much more than does our traditional I.
Finally, our 2012 schedule appears complete and I REALLY like how it is set up.
Sept. 1: Buffalo
Sept. 8: at South Carolina
Sept. 15: Florida Atlantic
Sept. 22: Vanderbilt
Sept. 29: Tennessee
Oct. 6: at Alabama
Oct. 13: at Kentucky
Oct. 27: vs. Florida
Nov. 3: Ole Miss
Nov. 10: at Auburn
Nov. 17: Georgia Southern
Nov. 24: Georgia Tech
So, why do I love it, well here are my reasons. As much as I like having tough opponents to start a season, it can hurt you as well sometimes. The jury is still out on how this Boise game will help us this year, obviously a win is great but a loss, how does that impact us going into the key SEC game the next week. In 2012, unless we have a Michigan letdown, we beat Buffalo in game one and hopefully get a lot of PT for our reserves. Of course SCarolina is always tough regardless of year or location. We follow that up with another school we should handle before playing Vandy. Granted, Vandy can beat us as they did a few years ago but I really like us playing Vandy before UT as the chances of getting beat us still remain higher playing UT than playing Vandy. Now, of course the drawback to playing Vandy first is that then we have to play UT and Bama back to back which kind of stinks. But, at least UT is at home, so no back to back road games there. The next week is at Kentucky-that will be a tough game because it follows two physical games and it is also on the road, but talent wise we should always have the edge on UK. We then get another week off before the game in JAX, then play a home game against Ole Miss, on the road at AU. Two home games back to back to close the season against state rivals, but I like playing Ga Southern later in the year, as opposed to first game. Why, because a team in that division of football doesn't have the depth we have and the later you play them, the more beat up they are and the more film you have on them. They run a very similar offense to that crap the Insects run so we get back to back games against that offense, which I think helps us out. The one schedule change I wish we could make would be to play our west opponent-say like Ole Miss in the spot where we play SCarolina-flip those two. SCarolina is never going to have the quality depth like we do, they are improving in that area but still, I have always felt it is typically better to play SCarolina later in the year than early when they are fresh and healthy. If you look at this schedule though, I can see a 9 win season without question, maybe better. I think again, win the SCarolina game and 9 wins should happen-Buffalo, SCarolina, Fla Atlantic, Vandy, UT, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Ga. Southern and GT, that leaves Bama, UF and AU. Win one of those three and you have 10 win season. With Murray a JR, with Crowell a year wiser, hopefully the OL reserves will play some this year and give us some depth, another year of the D grasping the 3-4 and some of our stud D players being a year older, I think 2012 can be a really solid year. First things first, having a 9 or better win season in 2011. I think if we can win 9-10 games in 2011, the stage will be set for us to have a 10 win 2012 and when you start talking about double digit win totals, you never know what might happen.
A few more tidbits before I get to the 2012 schedule, Brent Benedict is headed to Virginia Tech. I wish him the best and I am happy he picked a school we will not face unless it is a bowl game. He will have a chance to help VaTech beat up on the Insects so I hope that pans out. The AJC has an interview with Brent today, confirming that he had issues with Joe T and our strength/conditioning program. Now, I am no expert on weight training but I have to believe VT will have a pretty strong weight training program there. In reading the Q/A, it sounded to me like he didn't like the strength program under Coach T, talked to Coach Richt about it in hope he would allow him to do workouts like he wanted-in other words, be given special treatment, and when Coach Richt said no we can't do that, both parties agreed he should move on. I know Brent had a bad knee injury but UGA stuck with him after he injured the knee in HS, they brought him in and were patient allowing the knee to recover-helping him rehab the knee back to health. The kid does have a lot of good things to say about UGA etc but after reading what he said, I think Coach Richt made the right call. You can't start giving players special treatment-then others will want special treatment etc etc and that is when it becomes a lack of control within the program. I think honestly a lot of our problems in the past couple years were due to a lack of control-a lack of disicipline (both on and off the field), a lack of respect for coaches and teammates, lack of work ethic, entitlement, you name it. I am NOT saying Benedict was a kid that fits that description but I am saying I think Coach Richt is tired of being a guy that lets things slide. He realizes that he has to shape up the program or he will be shipped out. The fact remains, Benedict would have likely played some this year for us and been in line to start next season, if he would have just been able to deal and make the best of Joe T's workout program. To date he is the only player we have lost that has made it public they wanted out because of this reason. So, best wishes to this guy but I think we will be ok without him as well.
Caleb King made an official announcement yesterday, he is entering the NFL supplemental draft. Well, I hate to say it but I DOUBT Caleb will be drafed. He will be a free agent and I doubt a team will take a look at him-I hope he at least gets a shot but he REALLY needed his senior year to make a statement. Instead he made a negative statement by flunking out of school. I still say his best shot is to try the Canadian Football League or Arena Football.
As for our offense now that King is gone, well, this is just my opinion but this is what I believe we will have to some of the time at least. Both Murray and Crowell played in almost a spread offense during their HS years-QB in shotgun formation, with one back in the backfield. I doubt we turn our offense into a spread but I DO think Mike Bobo might have to actually think outside the I-formation box this year due to lack of depth at RB. We could employ the two back set-putting Figgins or Olgetree in the backfield or putting Figgins as an H-back, but I honestly do believe we need to run the spread type offense a good bit this year. Murray is a mobile QB that can move and throw the ball well on the run, Crowell is a guy that is good in space and has good cutback ability. I hope for us to run out of this formation a good bit but then also use the I-formation as is our normal base offense. I am also curious to see if Nick Marshall does indeed line up some in the wild dawg formation. I can see this maybe being the case a few times a game but simply put, Aaron Murray is too valuable to our offense to not have him under center or in shotgun formation 99% of snaps. Just throwing that out there, I have read others say the same thing, UGA running a spread, or NO WAY UGA should run the spread. I am just of the belief that you run plays that best utilize the talent you have at your disposal. I also think this type offense suits Carlton Thomas much more than does our traditional I.
Finally, our 2012 schedule appears complete and I REALLY like how it is set up.
Sept. 1: Buffalo
Sept. 8: at South Carolina
Sept. 15: Florida Atlantic
Sept. 22: Vanderbilt
Sept. 29: Tennessee
Oct. 6: at Alabama
Oct. 13: at Kentucky
Oct. 27: vs. Florida
Nov. 3: Ole Miss
Nov. 10: at Auburn
Nov. 17: Georgia Southern
Nov. 24: Georgia Tech
So, why do I love it, well here are my reasons. As much as I like having tough opponents to start a season, it can hurt you as well sometimes. The jury is still out on how this Boise game will help us this year, obviously a win is great but a loss, how does that impact us going into the key SEC game the next week. In 2012, unless we have a Michigan letdown, we beat Buffalo in game one and hopefully get a lot of PT for our reserves. Of course SCarolina is always tough regardless of year or location. We follow that up with another school we should handle before playing Vandy. Granted, Vandy can beat us as they did a few years ago but I really like us playing Vandy before UT as the chances of getting beat us still remain higher playing UT than playing Vandy. Now, of course the drawback to playing Vandy first is that then we have to play UT and Bama back to back which kind of stinks. But, at least UT is at home, so no back to back road games there. The next week is at Kentucky-that will be a tough game because it follows two physical games and it is also on the road, but talent wise we should always have the edge on UK. We then get another week off before the game in JAX, then play a home game against Ole Miss, on the road at AU. Two home games back to back to close the season against state rivals, but I like playing Ga Southern later in the year, as opposed to first game. Why, because a team in that division of football doesn't have the depth we have and the later you play them, the more beat up they are and the more film you have on them. They run a very similar offense to that crap the Insects run so we get back to back games against that offense, which I think helps us out. The one schedule change I wish we could make would be to play our west opponent-say like Ole Miss in the spot where we play SCarolina-flip those two. SCarolina is never going to have the quality depth like we do, they are improving in that area but still, I have always felt it is typically better to play SCarolina later in the year than early when they are fresh and healthy. If you look at this schedule though, I can see a 9 win season without question, maybe better. I think again, win the SCarolina game and 9 wins should happen-Buffalo, SCarolina, Fla Atlantic, Vandy, UT, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Ga. Southern and GT, that leaves Bama, UF and AU. Win one of those three and you have 10 win season. With Murray a JR, with Crowell a year wiser, hopefully the OL reserves will play some this year and give us some depth, another year of the D grasping the 3-4 and some of our stud D players being a year older, I think 2012 can be a really solid year. First things first, having a 9 or better win season in 2011. I think if we can win 9-10 games in 2011, the stage will be set for us to have a 10 win 2012 and when you start talking about double digit win totals, you never know what might happen.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Caleb is gone, I am concerned
Ok so now Caleb King is officiallly off the UGA football team forever. I feel horrible for the kid but not too horrible in the fact that this kid is 23, has been at UGA for 5 years almost, has tutors available to help him and has been given plenty of opportunity. I feel horrible for him in the fact that this was his last chance and I always want to hope for the best. I personally thought he was going to have a big season for the Dogs this year, maybe I am the eternal optomist but I really did think this was his year to help us out quite a bit. He knew the scheme, he was the veteran, this was his shot to show the entire world-meaning mostly the NFL scouts, that he could be a potential player. Now all of that is lost. I hope the best for Caleb, maybe he can land with the CFL or arena ball and maybe eventual get his shot at the NFL-you just never know but certainly odds are against him now.
As for our running back situation, I have said before that I think Richt promised Crowell the first carry in the Dome, but no way did I think he would come in and be expect to be our starter in year one. But, that would appear to be the case now. Carlton Thomas for now, by default, jumps to starter on the depth chart. But, sorry to say, that kid is NOT SEC caliber down after down. He is a situational back and possible kick/punt returner. Ken Malcome will certainly get his shot and I did like what I saw from him in the spring game but that was the spring game. I think it will come down to Crowell and Malcome, but we are one injury away from having a big mess at RB, and again, that is where I think Caleb not being around hurts us. I would hope now we are in great position to land another quality back for next year. Bama already lost their top FR recruit for the year before the season even started, we have to hope that our backs as well as OL will stay healthy or else. It appear our D will have to be very solid early as the offense gets all the wrinkles ironed out. It scares me we are playing two teams out of the gate that have the potential to be very strong offenses. I am concerned that we can't win shootouts right out of the gate. Let's just hope the D is vastly improved and the offense can take the new parts and make it all work.
As for our running back situation, I have said before that I think Richt promised Crowell the first carry in the Dome, but no way did I think he would come in and be expect to be our starter in year one. But, that would appear to be the case now. Carlton Thomas for now, by default, jumps to starter on the depth chart. But, sorry to say, that kid is NOT SEC caliber down after down. He is a situational back and possible kick/punt returner. Ken Malcome will certainly get his shot and I did like what I saw from him in the spring game but that was the spring game. I think it will come down to Crowell and Malcome, but we are one injury away from having a big mess at RB, and again, that is where I think Caleb not being around hurts us. I would hope now we are in great position to land another quality back for next year. Bama already lost their top FR recruit for the year before the season even started, we have to hope that our backs as well as OL will stay healthy or else. It appear our D will have to be very solid early as the offense gets all the wrinkles ironed out. It scares me we are playing two teams out of the gate that have the potential to be very strong offenses. I am concerned that we can't win shootouts right out of the gate. Let's just hope the D is vastly improved and the offense can take the new parts and make it all work.
Friday, July 8, 2011
What newcomers will make a big splash?
Ok so now that we are less than a month away from fall practice starting, a friend asked me to give my thoughts about which of our new arrivals will make big impacts this season. So, first of all I will list the players I fully expect will redshirt-of course just my opinion but I feel pretty secure in most of these.
Devin Bowman
Chris Sanders
Nathan Theus
Xzavier Ward
Hunter Long
Justin Scott-Wesley OR Sanford Seay, possibly both although these guys could stick on special teams
Zach DeBell
Sterling Bailey
Quintavious Harrow-he could play special teams but will stick him here
Christian LeMay-I believe the coaches would really prefer to have two years between he and Murray. Only a Murray injury pulls the shirt off LeMay.
Now let's move to guys I THINK will play but probably will not be impact players.
David Andrews-I feel like we need to go ahead and play this kid, even if Burnette shifts to center after this year, we need more depth at center.
Watts Dantzler-we have a lack of depth at OT and from what I have heard, this kid reported to school in very good shape. He already had the ideal size for a tackle at 6'7" and 315lbs. I think he is more ready to play than DeBell thus he is listed here.
Jay Rome-kid will play more than likely just because of his upside, I would love to see him redshirt personally. Simply put, just too much depth ahead of him for him to make a huge impact at his position.
Chris Conley-because he was around in spring, I think he gets a shot at playing some, over the two kids above that I have redshirting.
Corey Moore-I do see him playing and think he will be very good but he has a lot of talent ahead of him so I can't see him making a giant impact this season-could be wrong with this one because this kid is going to be good.
Damian Swann-again, he has some really good talent ahead of him and I just don't see him making a huge impact. I think he can be a solid backup this year and have a legit shot to start as a soph.
The trio of LB's, Amarlo Herrera, Ramik Wilson, Kent Turene-I think it is possible one or maybe two of these three redshirt actually but I can't begin to predict which one that might be nor can I honestly see one of these guys being a major impact-we have in my opinion a solid group of LB's already on the roster. But one or two of these guys can certainly provide quality depth/backups for the starters.
Five to watch, possible high impact players-
Isaiah Crowell-he plays a position of need first of all. You might say, not really because we have 3 guys, 2 of which have extensive playing time, ahead of him right now. But, none of the 3 players we have beside IC are home run threats. I personally hope and believe Caleb King will have a BIG senior year. I think everything is in place for this to happen. This is his 5th year in the program, in case you have missed this, he avergages 5 yards a carry for his career. Has he been all that we expected coming out of high school-uh NO, but has he been a pretty solid SEC back, YES. Not to mention he knows the offense better than any back we have, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he can pick up the blitz, Caleb is our best back by far right now. That being said, Crowell comes in with the hype and also flat out, the kid can play. I fully expect him to be King's backup this year, I have said before I DO NOT like Carlton Thomas as an every down back-I think he can be useful as a kick returner and situational back. Ken Malcome, he looked strong to me in G-day but has had some injuries here and there. I expect that he will be #3 on the depth chart and could also get some significant snaps this season but Crowell will be given a shot to make a big impact no doubt.
Ray Drew-while we have a lot of quality players and depth at LB, I think this kid is a beast and I believe he will eventually push Cornelius Washington for PT at OLB. He could also benefit should Jarvis Jones get suspended for a game or two due to the Columbus situation. Less face it, right now on the depth chart at Drew's position, Reuben Faloughi and Chase Vasser. I am not saying either of those guys are bad players, far from it but there is no doubt Drew is in my opinion much better.
John Jenkins-until we all witnessed the outstanding play of Kwame Geathers in G-day, this guy was a lock to start at NG and I think was the biggest need in our recruiting efforts. Now with Geathers in MUCH better shape and looking like he is ready to be a real star, Jenkins comes in still to me the odds on favorite to start but maybe not-worst case, provide us with a great luxury at a position that is TOUGH to play. From all accounts, Jenkins is tearing up the weight room, the guy is hungry to play and ready to play being a JUCO guy-a rising junior. I think when all is said and done, this kid could end up being the one that has the greatest impact on the 2011 season. Let's be honest, DeAnglo Tyson did his best at the nose last year but it was not his position. The kid just did what the coaches asked of him to try to help the team out. If we would have had Jeff Owens, Atkins, or Weston last year, I doubt we would have suffered the damage done to our interior via the run game. Now that Tyson has moved back out to his position, he will no doubt be a great player and Jenkins/Geathers in the middle SHOULD really allow our DE's and LB's to make a lot of plays.
Nick Marshall-this kid makes the list of impact players because of his all around ability. I fully expect he will earn time over Swann as a reserve DB and because he is a former QB in HS, and a VERY good one at at that, I think the coaches are already picturing him working some behind center in the "wild dog" formation, I think him working that position is better than Branden Smith because while Smith is faster than Marshall (probably not much though), Marshall can throw the football. I have watched him enough to know this, he was recruited by a lot of schools as a QB.
Malcolm Mitchell-I have been saying for a while now that a big worry for me is who will step up oppositve TKing at WR. I still hold out hope that Marlon Brown will live up to his hype this year, I also hope that Wooten and Troupe can play a role, as well as Michael Bennett. But to me, Mitchell appears to be the standout WR that can make a big impact immediately. I think Conley will get a chance as well but I don't see him as being a kid that will really be a game changer his first year, Mitchell can be that guy with speed and athletic ability. I think the fact that this kid was a star CB and WR, the coaches IMMEDIATELY said he would play WR speaks volumes-I think the coaches realize the type impact he can have opposite King who likely draws most of the attention early in the season along with Orson Charles at TE of course.
So, there you have it, I believe 5 newcomers have a shot to make a HUGE impact. I believe it is possible 4 of the 5 could actually start at some point during the season-I don't think Marshall will get that nod but all others I could see starting a game this season. Those that read this, feel free to add your thoughts via a comment. I think one thing is for sure, our coaches are on the hot seat this year, and they also are only a few years removed from the Moreno decision. We only got two years from a kid that was simply an outstanding football player. Those two factors together mean that our coaches are going to give ALL our young guys a fair shot and WILL play those that can help us win now, rather than playing the conservative game with them. Jim Donnan has said before, he regrets that he didn't play David Greene during his last year in Athens-yeah, remember that Quincy Carter 5 INT game that year in Columbia coach!! We will all find out pretty soon as I expect after a week or two of practice, the coaches will start making decisions on who they plan to play and who will head for a redshirt-even if they don't make it public until a week or 10 days before the season, I suspect they will begin to make those calls pretty early in the practice schedule.
A few more tidbits before I check out. First, Athens paper has some pictures of the new scoreboard at Sanford Stadium. Looks nice, I don't know the specifics of how it differs from the last one-which I thought was really nice.
http://www.athenscms.com/oa/zenphoto/070611-sanford-stadium-sports-new-scoreboard/
Finally, to close out this week, I copy/paste a free article from the Dawgpost, about our players making the trip to Camp Twin Lakes to visit kids with cancer or those in recovery, what is called Camp Sunshine. With all the negative about athletes, especially pro but college kids get some negative pub as well, I always enjoy reading stories like this one about what a big difference these guys make and how much kids really look up and respect the young men playing in Athens. Also nice to read the comments from our players on how much they enjoy spending time with the kids.
http://georgia.scout.com/2/1084797.html
Hope you all have a great weekend. Go Dogs!
Devin Bowman
Chris Sanders
Nathan Theus
Xzavier Ward
Hunter Long
Justin Scott-Wesley OR Sanford Seay, possibly both although these guys could stick on special teams
Zach DeBell
Sterling Bailey
Quintavious Harrow-he could play special teams but will stick him here
Christian LeMay-I believe the coaches would really prefer to have two years between he and Murray. Only a Murray injury pulls the shirt off LeMay.
Now let's move to guys I THINK will play but probably will not be impact players.
David Andrews-I feel like we need to go ahead and play this kid, even if Burnette shifts to center after this year, we need more depth at center.
Watts Dantzler-we have a lack of depth at OT and from what I have heard, this kid reported to school in very good shape. He already had the ideal size for a tackle at 6'7" and 315lbs. I think he is more ready to play than DeBell thus he is listed here.
Jay Rome-kid will play more than likely just because of his upside, I would love to see him redshirt personally. Simply put, just too much depth ahead of him for him to make a huge impact at his position.
Chris Conley-because he was around in spring, I think he gets a shot at playing some, over the two kids above that I have redshirting.
Corey Moore-I do see him playing and think he will be very good but he has a lot of talent ahead of him so I can't see him making a giant impact this season-could be wrong with this one because this kid is going to be good.
Damian Swann-again, he has some really good talent ahead of him and I just don't see him making a huge impact. I think he can be a solid backup this year and have a legit shot to start as a soph.
The trio of LB's, Amarlo Herrera, Ramik Wilson, Kent Turene-I think it is possible one or maybe two of these three redshirt actually but I can't begin to predict which one that might be nor can I honestly see one of these guys being a major impact-we have in my opinion a solid group of LB's already on the roster. But one or two of these guys can certainly provide quality depth/backups for the starters.
Five to watch, possible high impact players-
Isaiah Crowell-he plays a position of need first of all. You might say, not really because we have 3 guys, 2 of which have extensive playing time, ahead of him right now. But, none of the 3 players we have beside IC are home run threats. I personally hope and believe Caleb King will have a BIG senior year. I think everything is in place for this to happen. This is his 5th year in the program, in case you have missed this, he avergages 5 yards a carry for his career. Has he been all that we expected coming out of high school-uh NO, but has he been a pretty solid SEC back, YES. Not to mention he knows the offense better than any back we have, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he can pick up the blitz, Caleb is our best back by far right now. That being said, Crowell comes in with the hype and also flat out, the kid can play. I fully expect him to be King's backup this year, I have said before I DO NOT like Carlton Thomas as an every down back-I think he can be useful as a kick returner and situational back. Ken Malcome, he looked strong to me in G-day but has had some injuries here and there. I expect that he will be #3 on the depth chart and could also get some significant snaps this season but Crowell will be given a shot to make a big impact no doubt.
Ray Drew-while we have a lot of quality players and depth at LB, I think this kid is a beast and I believe he will eventually push Cornelius Washington for PT at OLB. He could also benefit should Jarvis Jones get suspended for a game or two due to the Columbus situation. Less face it, right now on the depth chart at Drew's position, Reuben Faloughi and Chase Vasser. I am not saying either of those guys are bad players, far from it but there is no doubt Drew is in my opinion much better.
John Jenkins-until we all witnessed the outstanding play of Kwame Geathers in G-day, this guy was a lock to start at NG and I think was the biggest need in our recruiting efforts. Now with Geathers in MUCH better shape and looking like he is ready to be a real star, Jenkins comes in still to me the odds on favorite to start but maybe not-worst case, provide us with a great luxury at a position that is TOUGH to play. From all accounts, Jenkins is tearing up the weight room, the guy is hungry to play and ready to play being a JUCO guy-a rising junior. I think when all is said and done, this kid could end up being the one that has the greatest impact on the 2011 season. Let's be honest, DeAnglo Tyson did his best at the nose last year but it was not his position. The kid just did what the coaches asked of him to try to help the team out. If we would have had Jeff Owens, Atkins, or Weston last year, I doubt we would have suffered the damage done to our interior via the run game. Now that Tyson has moved back out to his position, he will no doubt be a great player and Jenkins/Geathers in the middle SHOULD really allow our DE's and LB's to make a lot of plays.
Nick Marshall-this kid makes the list of impact players because of his all around ability. I fully expect he will earn time over Swann as a reserve DB and because he is a former QB in HS, and a VERY good one at at that, I think the coaches are already picturing him working some behind center in the "wild dog" formation, I think him working that position is better than Branden Smith because while Smith is faster than Marshall (probably not much though), Marshall can throw the football. I have watched him enough to know this, he was recruited by a lot of schools as a QB.
Malcolm Mitchell-I have been saying for a while now that a big worry for me is who will step up oppositve TKing at WR. I still hold out hope that Marlon Brown will live up to his hype this year, I also hope that Wooten and Troupe can play a role, as well as Michael Bennett. But to me, Mitchell appears to be the standout WR that can make a big impact immediately. I think Conley will get a chance as well but I don't see him as being a kid that will really be a game changer his first year, Mitchell can be that guy with speed and athletic ability. I think the fact that this kid was a star CB and WR, the coaches IMMEDIATELY said he would play WR speaks volumes-I think the coaches realize the type impact he can have opposite King who likely draws most of the attention early in the season along with Orson Charles at TE of course.
So, there you have it, I believe 5 newcomers have a shot to make a HUGE impact. I believe it is possible 4 of the 5 could actually start at some point during the season-I don't think Marshall will get that nod but all others I could see starting a game this season. Those that read this, feel free to add your thoughts via a comment. I think one thing is for sure, our coaches are on the hot seat this year, and they also are only a few years removed from the Moreno decision. We only got two years from a kid that was simply an outstanding football player. Those two factors together mean that our coaches are going to give ALL our young guys a fair shot and WILL play those that can help us win now, rather than playing the conservative game with them. Jim Donnan has said before, he regrets that he didn't play David Greene during his last year in Athens-yeah, remember that Quincy Carter 5 INT game that year in Columbia coach!! We will all find out pretty soon as I expect after a week or two of practice, the coaches will start making decisions on who they plan to play and who will head for a redshirt-even if they don't make it public until a week or 10 days before the season, I suspect they will begin to make those calls pretty early in the practice schedule.
A few more tidbits before I check out. First, Athens paper has some pictures of the new scoreboard at Sanford Stadium. Looks nice, I don't know the specifics of how it differs from the last one-which I thought was really nice.
http://www.athenscms.com/oa/zenphoto/070611-sanford-stadium-sports-new-scoreboard/
Finally, to close out this week, I copy/paste a free article from the Dawgpost, about our players making the trip to Camp Twin Lakes to visit kids with cancer or those in recovery, what is called Camp Sunshine. With all the negative about athletes, especially pro but college kids get some negative pub as well, I always enjoy reading stories like this one about what a big difference these guys make and how much kids really look up and respect the young men playing in Athens. Also nice to read the comments from our players on how much they enjoy spending time with the kids.
http://georgia.scout.com/2/1084797.html
Hope you all have a great weekend. Go Dogs!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Dog days of summer, nothing going on-which is a good thing
A friend of mine has asked me to give my thoughts about biggest impact freshman/newcomers for the 2011 season, so hopefully I will have time to do that tomorrow. Right now, just not much going on to blog about with it being summer and a month before practice starts. I guess though, considering the past few years, we should all be thankful all has been quiet during the spring and summer THUS FAR-HUGE knock on wood there. Of course being a huge Braves fans, I am really enjoying the current run they are on and hope it continues. When you look at their payroll vs the Phillies and Yankees, you look at how little guys like Uggla and even Heyward have contributed, looking at young kid playing 1B that is 21, Prado has been out for a month, Hanson and Beechy have both been on the DL, everyone worried a bit about the young guys in the set up and closer roles, I mean, this team can get even better in the second half. I think this team have a genuine shot to challenge those other two high spenders for a Series title this year. I am not sure they even need to make a move, just really depends on whether the Braves brass think Schaefer and or McClouth can get the job done in center. Oh yeah, Brian McCann is just a special player as well. All for today, I will blog tomorrow hopefully about UGA football. Remember, if you all have any ideas on something you want me to research/discuss, post a comment.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
What is going on down in Columbus?
Yeah, I know this is old news, the deal about Jarvis Jones and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope but I have not discussed it here on the blog yet. So, here is the deal from all I have read-
Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver-Columbus who played football for one season at Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville.
Read more: http://www.macon.com/2011/06/27/1610531/scandal-may-put-uga-duo-at-risk.html#ixzz1RFU4J3Xv
Adams and Porter would be-Parks and Recreation Department director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter. These two guys are invovled with the Georgia Blazers, an AAU basketball team based out of Columbus, Ga.
To me the biggest issue in play here is that these two guys are being investigated by the police, I am sure the NCAA will be looking into this but a few things stand out to me. First of all, the trips to LA for Jarvis and guessing his Mom.
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 1 at a cost of $339.20.
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 17 at a cost of $144.60.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at a cost of $175.00.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Oct. 9 at a cost of $169.60.
The total cost of the flights was $828.40.
As I just flew to LA, my total round trip was $278 so all the fares would be for one person with the exception of the first one, which appears to be for two. Being that college kids typically report to college early to begin prep work for the upcoming season, I am betting that the first trip was Jarvis flying to LA with his Mom to check in. Based on the the next flight, are we to believe that Jarvis flew back to ATL on his own dime between June 1st and June 17th, only to fly back to LA on the 17th. Then, you have the other two flights, from LA to ATL, both during the USC football season?? Now, on Sept 19th, Jarvis and the Trojans were playing against Washington in Seattle, so not sure how he could have been on 17th flight. October 9th, that was the Trojans off week. Bottom line, these flights took place back in 2009 when Jarvis Jones was a student athlete at Southern Cal, not at UGA. Now, I can see where Jones or his family might be required to pay back the total cost of flights, but not sure how flights taken two years ago while a member of another schools football program should have any impact on his playing status for Georgia this fall. NOTHING the NCAA does surprises me so if he gets a game or two suspension, I will not be surprised. But, that being said, I don't think he should lose any playing time.
Now, as to Caldwell-Pope, the issue involves the AAU team paying his Mom's cell phone bill-
The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwell’s phone bill using Porter’s credit card and money from the Blazers’ bank account.
This might qualify as something worthy KCP losing a few games this upcoming season perhaps, but then agian, you look at the date of the payment, July 2009. Caldwell-Pope was not yet a junior in HS. These guys have no connection with UGA so again, how can this possibly be that serious.
You never know how these investigations will pan out but in just my opinion, I see NOTHING that should get these two guys any missed time on the field/court. I have not read any updates on this situation but until I read something besides what I have read to this point, I think the story is dead.
There is a lot of talk on the boards about the impact of Isaiah Crowell and as I pointed out there, I don't expect a ton out of him but I think what he does offer is the homerun threat we have been missing. Caleb and Ealey are both plenty fast but they don't have that Branden Smith type speed, and certainly they don't have much ability to be elusive and break tackles. Course now Ealey is history so we say, Caleb doesn't offer those abilities. But, and this is a huge BUT, Caleb once did have those abilities and I firmly believe braking his leg in HS really has had a major impact on CK. But, this year is different for him and maybe I am dreaming but I really sense a big year ahead for #4. If he were playing pro football this would be considered his contract year, the year he shows how good he is because he is looking to secure that next big contract. Well, for Caleb, he is simply trying to secure draft status. The departure of Ealey really opened up the door for him and I think we all will see a new CK this fall. No way does he want to be passed by a true FR. I firmly believe that the Dream Team itself might well be more a factor in what it brings about with our veteran players than with how much the young guys actually contribute themselves. What you have happening with this group is that they come in collectively with a lot of hype, a lot of swagger. If you have ever been a part of a team sport in high school or above, you know full well that when a young guy comes in you do everything in your power to beat that kid out. Nothing is worse than to be a soph, jr, or sr and have a freshman come in and take your spot. Couple that cockiness/confidence that our young guys bring in with the fact that our coaches are coaching for their futures, I think you can see where this provides a LOT of competition for all positions.
Granted the season starts off with a bang but I am firmly convinced that if our young pups can come in and push our vets to the next level, if we can get more 3 and outs on D and have another WR step up opposite TKing, if we can establish a run game to allow Murray to open up the offense and provide balance AND if we can avoid injury and turnovers in those first two ballgames, a 2-0 start is certainly there for the taking.
One more note and this involves the state rival GT insects, I found it funny that the beat writer for rivals had this to say about the back that is supposed to take the place of Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen at B-back. Now, first of all Dwyer was listed at 6'0" 235, Allen 6'0" 230. The beat writer said he believe Charles Perkins will step right in at B-back and, as he put it, "is more competitive than Dwyer or Allen which is a good combination for that position." Perkins is 6'0" 207, unless he has bulked up quite a bit. I have been questioning who will play that crucial role for the Insects and now we have the answer. Maybe Perkins will be a stud but I have my doubts he as a redshirt FR will be as good in that offense playing basically the fullback position, than was Dwyer or Allen.
All for now, hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July.
Police records show that an unauthorized bank account controlled by Adams and Porter was used to pay for flights to and from Los Angeles for Jarvis Jones, a two-sport star at Carver-Columbus who played football for one season at Southern California, and for the cell phone bill of the mother of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a five-star shooting guard from Greenville.
Read more: http://www.macon.com/2011/06/27/1610531/scandal-may-put-uga-duo-at-risk.html#ixzz1RFU4J3Xv
Adams and Porter would be-Parks and Recreation Department director Tony Adams and top lieutenant Herman Porter. These two guys are invovled with the Georgia Blazers, an AAU basketball team based out of Columbus, Ga.
To me the biggest issue in play here is that these two guys are being investigated by the police, I am sure the NCAA will be looking into this but a few things stand out to me. First of all, the trips to LA for Jarvis and guessing his Mom.
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 1 at a cost of $339.20.
From Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 17 at a cost of $144.60.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Sept. 17 at a cost of $175.00.
To Atlanta from Los Angeles on Oct. 9 at a cost of $169.60.
The total cost of the flights was $828.40.
As I just flew to LA, my total round trip was $278 so all the fares would be for one person with the exception of the first one, which appears to be for two. Being that college kids typically report to college early to begin prep work for the upcoming season, I am betting that the first trip was Jarvis flying to LA with his Mom to check in. Based on the the next flight, are we to believe that Jarvis flew back to ATL on his own dime between June 1st and June 17th, only to fly back to LA on the 17th. Then, you have the other two flights, from LA to ATL, both during the USC football season?? Now, on Sept 19th, Jarvis and the Trojans were playing against Washington in Seattle, so not sure how he could have been on 17th flight. October 9th, that was the Trojans off week. Bottom line, these flights took place back in 2009 when Jarvis Jones was a student athlete at Southern Cal, not at UGA. Now, I can see where Jones or his family might be required to pay back the total cost of flights, but not sure how flights taken two years ago while a member of another schools football program should have any impact on his playing status for Georgia this fall. NOTHING the NCAA does surprises me so if he gets a game or two suspension, I will not be surprised. But, that being said, I don't think he should lose any playing time.
Now, as to Caldwell-Pope, the issue involves the AAU team paying his Mom's cell phone bill-
The Verizon subpoena revealed a payment for $280.90 on July 27, 2009, made for Rhonda Caldwell’s phone bill using Porter’s credit card and money from the Blazers’ bank account.
This might qualify as something worthy KCP losing a few games this upcoming season perhaps, but then agian, you look at the date of the payment, July 2009. Caldwell-Pope was not yet a junior in HS. These guys have no connection with UGA so again, how can this possibly be that serious.
You never know how these investigations will pan out but in just my opinion, I see NOTHING that should get these two guys any missed time on the field/court. I have not read any updates on this situation but until I read something besides what I have read to this point, I think the story is dead.
There is a lot of talk on the boards about the impact of Isaiah Crowell and as I pointed out there, I don't expect a ton out of him but I think what he does offer is the homerun threat we have been missing. Caleb and Ealey are both plenty fast but they don't have that Branden Smith type speed, and certainly they don't have much ability to be elusive and break tackles. Course now Ealey is history so we say, Caleb doesn't offer those abilities. But, and this is a huge BUT, Caleb once did have those abilities and I firmly believe braking his leg in HS really has had a major impact on CK. But, this year is different for him and maybe I am dreaming but I really sense a big year ahead for #4. If he were playing pro football this would be considered his contract year, the year he shows how good he is because he is looking to secure that next big contract. Well, for Caleb, he is simply trying to secure draft status. The departure of Ealey really opened up the door for him and I think we all will see a new CK this fall. No way does he want to be passed by a true FR. I firmly believe that the Dream Team itself might well be more a factor in what it brings about with our veteran players than with how much the young guys actually contribute themselves. What you have happening with this group is that they come in collectively with a lot of hype, a lot of swagger. If you have ever been a part of a team sport in high school or above, you know full well that when a young guy comes in you do everything in your power to beat that kid out. Nothing is worse than to be a soph, jr, or sr and have a freshman come in and take your spot. Couple that cockiness/confidence that our young guys bring in with the fact that our coaches are coaching for their futures, I think you can see where this provides a LOT of competition for all positions.
Granted the season starts off with a bang but I am firmly convinced that if our young pups can come in and push our vets to the next level, if we can get more 3 and outs on D and have another WR step up opposite TKing, if we can establish a run game to allow Murray to open up the offense and provide balance AND if we can avoid injury and turnovers in those first two ballgames, a 2-0 start is certainly there for the taking.
One more note and this involves the state rival GT insects, I found it funny that the beat writer for rivals had this to say about the back that is supposed to take the place of Jonathan Dwyer and Anthony Allen at B-back. Now, first of all Dwyer was listed at 6'0" 235, Allen 6'0" 230. The beat writer said he believe Charles Perkins will step right in at B-back and, as he put it, "is more competitive than Dwyer or Allen which is a good combination for that position." Perkins is 6'0" 207, unless he has bulked up quite a bit. I have been questioning who will play that crucial role for the Insects and now we have the answer. Maybe Perkins will be a stud but I have my doubts he as a redshirt FR will be as good in that offense playing basically the fullback position, than was Dwyer or Allen.
All for now, hope you all had a happy and safe 4th of July.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Long weekend approaches, Happy Bday America, a lot of numbers!!
This country is messed up, I will say that, but it is still the best country in the world to live. So, I say Happy Birthday America on Monday. This post will be brief but I did want to update on something I just came across this morning. I was curious as to what numbers our DREAM TEAM class would wear so I went to the Rivals site and clicked on roster and sure enough it had the FR numbers so here you go-
1-Isaiah Crowell, shared with Branden Smith
5-Damian Swann, shared with Blake Sailors
6-Jonathan Jenkins-ok not a FR but member of the DREAM TEAM and the biggest single digit guy you will ever see
8-Chris Sanders-will seem strange not to see AJ wearing the #8
16-Christian LeMay
26-Malcome Mitchell, shared with Marc Deas
27-Nick Marshall
31-Chris Conley
37-Devon Bowman
39-Corey Moore
43-Q Harrow
47-Ray Drew
52-Armarlo Herrera
58-Sterling Bailey, shared with Ben Reynolds
59-Nathan Theus
61-David Andrews
63-Xzavier Ward
66-Hunter Long
72-Zach DeBell
78-Watts Dantzler
84-Sanford Seay
86-Justin Scott-Wesley
87-Jay Rome
Missing from this list would be the two late arriving kids from Floriday, Kent Turene and Ramik Wilson, then of course Chris Mayes who is headed to JUCO.
Now that it is July, I would expect the two kids from Florida to soon be joining the team and they will get numbers, I remember Turene had a hat made up with his name and number 3, and I have read Wilson wants 51. So I will say for now-
3-Kent Turene
51-Ramik Wilson.
Just thought I would throw that out there, just in case folks didn't know this already. Not sure why but I have always been interested in what numbers the new players will be wearing. Makes me more ready for the upcoming season and to see some of these new kids play. On that note, here are a few more of interest from the kids that redshirted or transferred in but have not played yet for UGA.
24-Ken Malcome
29-Jarvis Jones
41-Brandon Burrows
44-TJ Stripling-played a little last year before injury
66-Kolton Houston-not sure how/why they gave Hunter Long the same number??
82-Michael Bennett
92-Dexter Morant
96-Mike Thornton
There could be others you could add to that list below but those are a few that I think could make an impact this year.
Hope you all have a great long weekend, I will be back early next week.
1-Isaiah Crowell, shared with Branden Smith
5-Damian Swann, shared with Blake Sailors
6-Jonathan Jenkins-ok not a FR but member of the DREAM TEAM and the biggest single digit guy you will ever see
8-Chris Sanders-will seem strange not to see AJ wearing the #8
16-Christian LeMay
26-Malcome Mitchell, shared with Marc Deas
27-Nick Marshall
31-Chris Conley
37-Devon Bowman
39-Corey Moore
43-Q Harrow
47-Ray Drew
52-Armarlo Herrera
58-Sterling Bailey, shared with Ben Reynolds
59-Nathan Theus
61-David Andrews
63-Xzavier Ward
66-Hunter Long
72-Zach DeBell
78-Watts Dantzler
84-Sanford Seay
86-Justin Scott-Wesley
87-Jay Rome
Missing from this list would be the two late arriving kids from Floriday, Kent Turene and Ramik Wilson, then of course Chris Mayes who is headed to JUCO.
Now that it is July, I would expect the two kids from Florida to soon be joining the team and they will get numbers, I remember Turene had a hat made up with his name and number 3, and I have read Wilson wants 51. So I will say for now-
3-Kent Turene
51-Ramik Wilson.
Just thought I would throw that out there, just in case folks didn't know this already. Not sure why but I have always been interested in what numbers the new players will be wearing. Makes me more ready for the upcoming season and to see some of these new kids play. On that note, here are a few more of interest from the kids that redshirted or transferred in but have not played yet for UGA.
24-Ken Malcome
29-Jarvis Jones
41-Brandon Burrows
44-TJ Stripling-played a little last year before injury
66-Kolton Houston-not sure how/why they gave Hunter Long the same number??
82-Michael Bennett
92-Dexter Morant
96-Mike Thornton
There could be others you could add to that list below but those are a few that I think could make an impact this year.
Hope you all have a great long weekend, I will be back early next week.
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