Caleb King’s loss no big deal for Dogs — it’s Crowell’s show
Washaun Ealey (left) and Caleb King blew their opportunities at Georgia. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
(Last update: 4:50 p.m.)
We saw what Washaun Ealey brought to the table for Georgia. It wasn’t good enough.
We saw what Caleb King brought to the table for Georgia. It wasn’t good enough.
So sorry if I’m not all bent out of shape about the sudden news that King has been declared academically ineligible for the Bulldogs in the fall. Nothing against the young man personally, but in terms of how this impacts the fortunes of the football team, it’s close enough to zero. Fact is, the Dogs were going to rise or fall next season on the strength of freshman Isaiah Crowell, any way.
Coach Mark Richt has certainly let it be known on occasion that Crowell was the only running back he really cared about. How often does a college coach say on national letter of intent day something remotely close to this on a recruit: “ I wouldn’t be shocked to see him running that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play if he does what he’s supposed to do”?
Richt was talking about Crowell. He had pretty much had it with Ealey, who a week later was suspended, eventually was granted his release and transferred to Jacksonville State.
Having King for depth purposes might’ve been nice. But what in the last three seasons — given injuries, a lack of production and his own off-field issues — would lead you to believe he could be counted on?
Scouting services had him as one of the top running backs in the nation and the first overall player in Georgia back in 2006. Either they were wrong or he figured he would just let the resume do the work for him in Athens. He had one great game in three years (166 yards against Georgia Tech in 2009). He was injured too often. He was arrested last year for failing to appear in court for a speeding ticket (which came to be something of an epidemic in Athens).
King is 23 years old and would have been a fifth-year senior. How can a fifth-year senior with everything to play for not stay academically eligible? This was not somebody whom Richt could count on.
Some Georgia fans will belabor the lack of experience behind Crowell. That’s a legitimate concern. But in three seasons over four years, King offered no guarantees.
Richt said in a statement, “We wish him the best in whatever he decides to do. However, we have to move forward and this will provide more opportunities for others to step up.”
Others won’t have to step up too much.
Success next season was always going to hinge on Crowell, and certainly the offensive line in front of him. Caleb King was just a name on the depth chart.
By Jeff Schultz
♦
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627 comments Add your comment
UGA sixth in the East
July 9th, 2011
10:09 am
UGA could lose all 22 starters and they would still think they had a shot at the SEC crown. What color is the sky in Athens?
Fan
July 9th, 2011
10:13 am
Jeff I think the point is not how a football team will do but rather what is happening to our youth and our schools – athletes are courted, idolized, protected – just because they can play a game. They are only as valuable as their last play and if they can’t play anymore they are not needed. The sad thing is what happens now to an uneducated former football player.
longtime bulldog
July 9th, 2011
10:13 am
It has been a quiet summer.I think the bulldogs are primed and ready to have a great year.
Palmetto State Dawg
July 9th, 2011
10:14 am
How good is Boo Malcome? I know nothing about him, only that he was a 4-star. I hope he can pass block! GEEEEEZ!
bamadawg
July 9th, 2011
10:16 am
This is GREAT! Got some studs ready to step up!!! Boo-thomas-IC….it’s all good in Athens!!! SEC champs, mark my word!
Mobile Dawg
July 9th, 2011
10:21 am
Tom, if you had one shred of sense you would realize that’s exactly why I didn’t get into the Newton thing. My response was to Cane, nobody jerked your tail.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
10:23 am
Here is what is also sad about the King saga.
“Somethings u cant control, and what seems bad right now might turn out good. Too all of my homeboyz hold UGA down don’t let them brake u….”
If you can read what he says here, he is actually blaming UGA for his problem. I am afraid I can’t find it in me, to see how he expects to go through life, blaming others for his own actions. UGA did not break (Brake) him down and cause his failure, he did that himself. He threw away a terrific opportunity that other young folks would sacrifice a lot to have had.
Maybe he can brake in with Midis Muffler shop as I am sure they need clean up folks, to go behind their technicians. He will need to grow up and take responsibility for his life.
Bull Meacham
July 9th, 2011
10:24 am
Could Richard Samuel possibly re emerge in O backfield?
AlpharettaFan
July 9th, 2011
10:37 am
What I find sad about this whole story is that yet another young man has totally wasted an opportunity for a free college education at a fine university with a chance to alter the entire course of his future life and actually have a chance to be a productive member of society, but instead will probably never graduate from college, flame out at a chance at pro football and be just another burden to society, his family and possibly many illegitimate childern when he never is able to get a job and do anything with his life. Very Sad indeed. Hopefully I am wrong and he will learn from this, but from his tweets, it looks like he thinks it is out of his control
playmeortrademe
July 9th, 2011
10:39 am
Caleb King twitter post, July 2012: “french fries r hard, sometimes u cant control. wasted oppurtoonitee at UGA. hope Ronnie Mac wont brake me. see u wen its 2 4 1 egg mcmuffin.”
I’m a UGA grad and it’s just keep getting more embarrassing for this program. At least if you are going to have this kind of crap every offseason, at least put up some championship caliber seasons since these bricks are supposed to have world-class talent. I think Richt has to at least win the East or he’s out, the big-time donors have to be getting tired of this stuff.
morons
July 9th, 2011
10:43 am
hahahahahahahahaha, if you people would spell dog correctly maybe that would be a start to higher learning but you just can’t in hopes that after 31 years, this will be the year, NOT….I assure you Crowell is not the way, truth and the life…just a matter of time what he is all about…mark my word
cannot make this up
July 9th, 2011
10:48 am
what is so funny is once again how Richt was a saint down in Honduras or wherever he was and now he is a no good so and so….told you….you cannot make this up…but why didn’t the education dept. give Richt heads up while he was away..maybe he could have brought back with him a recruit that knows how to run…hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
We (UF) own UGA
July 9th, 2011
11:01 am
Let’s look at a few common issues when comparing King to Crowell shall we….
-They both came to UGA with all the hype in the world.
-Both are not the brightest kids when it comes to academics.
With that said, how is Crowell going to be the “savior” for CMR? Intelligence on the field goes a LONG way towards a successful career. Crowell will NOT have the season Marcus Lattimore had for South Carolina last year, and the loss of King hurts more than CMR lover nerd Schultz or any UGA fan wants to admit.
King may have fumbled in key moments the past couple of seasons, but he also had very productive games. BUT the biggest asset he brings to the field….He is a very solid blocker and knew the system and blocking schemes. Crowell doesn’t.
I guess when the next 2 academic casualties are announced, Schultz and UGA fans will again spin it as a positive.
Enjoy 7-5!
Black Moses
July 9th, 2011
11:02 am
I really like Jeff Schultz…especially after listening to you talk on 790 the Zone sports talk radio. But…what in the hell have you been smoking dude. I hope Crowell is the 2nd coming of Herschel Walker…but to suggest that Crowell is ready and this is no big deal…is obviously CRAZY. I wish Georgia the best….but my money is on Boise St. all day.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
11:02 am
Good Grief,
Now Hines Ward has benn arrested in Georgia and charged with a DUI. These NFL folks need to get back to work. Somehow I am sure that someone on these blogs will find a way to blame this on CMR or UGA as a whole, LOL.
cannot make this up
July 9th, 2011
11:03 am
AJC and all your shameless photos of your man in Honduras, suntan head..well let’s see, Ealey gone, King gone, Crowell? just a matter of time
cannot make this up
July 9th, 2011
11:04 am
Steelers receiver Hines Ward arrested for DUI in DeKalb County
that’s correct I blame Richt
cannot make this up
July 9th, 2011
11:05 am
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
GT Man
July 9th, 2011
11:11 am
Before Jan Kemp, this would never have even been looked at. His grades would have been changed
Dirty Dawg
July 9th, 2011
11:12 am
Once again I offer to you ‘The Camilla Comet’…mild-mannered, wide-receiver (so-far), 4-star recruit, 100 meter and 200 meter dash champion, bulked up to over 220-plus (and still probably the fastest guy on the squad), reputation for having both ‘moves’ and tackle-breaking power, incoming freshman that if he’s not given a look-see at RB now I’ll be most distraught.
‘
Oh yeah, his name is Justin Scott-Wesley.
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
July 9th, 2011
11:19 am
So we assume there are no more white running backs in the USA anymore! Wow…
D-MAN
July 9th, 2011
11:19 am
Maybe this is the last of the soulja boys,god i hope so!Program has been in downfall since Stafford-Moreno days.UGA has no speed and athleticism crime dawg,what a friggin moron!
I’ll scream when I’m done yawning. | Get The Picture
July 9th, 2011
11:22 am
[...] just that, like Jeff Schultz, I’m feeling this “it’s Caleb King – how worked up should I get?” [...]
RMikel58
July 9th, 2011
11:23 am
JEFF SHULTZ- How can you say its anyones show? He hasnt ran 1 down in college and youre already claiming him as a saviour to the team. Sure i’d love him to break out and rush like Herschel Walker did in his debut against Tennessee but thats foolish talk.
What indications have come to your attention that Crowell is a god-send RB? Players are better, quicker and stronger in college lest you forgot that. In a perfect world it would be a huge i mean huge blessing if Crowell was just that type back.
It has been many many moons since Georgia had a RB thats NFL Quality and i guess Edwards was the last one to come to mind and besides Georgia’s Offense is set up more for the passing game than running game.
We just hope and pray no injuries, grades, team violations, and committing of a crime befalls this guy. Talent will keep you at Georgia but Bad Character will land you in jail.
Theres still weeks left before the season opener and lots can happen. To be honest i just want Georgia to show up on both sides of the football against Boise St. and keep it close and show us flashes of how good their gonna be and i’ll keep the barf bag next to my recliner when i see Bobo calling the plays.
But the one aspect that i agree with JEFF SHULTZ on is maybe just maybe i could see Richt use Crowell some to see what he’s capable of doing.
I bleed red (and black)
July 9th, 2011
11:32 am
Amen Born 2 Bark – ACCOUNTABILITY/CONTROL
I hate to see these things happen but I am so disappointed by Caleb’s comments. He was given ample opportunity that began with a scholarship, facilities that are first class, education, coaches/staff/fans that cared about him and being able to play in Sanford Stadium for the Georgia Bulldogs! That is an honor and don’t disrespect it!
(Open up your eyes, get the chip and attitude off your shoulder and realize that.)
On another note – I want to say a big THANK YOU to former and current bulldawg football players that give of themselves to help other people. The community service that you perform is appreciated, recognized and an honor to you and your university. Life is all about what can we do for one another!
We certainly thank you at Bulldogs Battling Breast Cancer and we will see you on The Georgia Club links Monday to raise more money to help our community!
Skeeter
July 9th, 2011
11:40 am
You would think that Richt would make sure his starting tailback would be making good enough grades to stay on the team since he is so important. I guess he’s too busy on Missions overseas to do his job at UGA ?
Now UGA has to settle for a freshman straight out of high school. Richt has failed UGA again.
Jordan
July 9th, 2011
11:41 am
http://isportsweb.com/2011/07/09/caleb-king-ruled-ineligible/
RMikel58
July 9th, 2011
11:50 am
For all you name-sayers from Florida and Tech you’ve got alot more to worry about than you ever did. Floridas program is in the tank, they got a new coach and the personnel they have is geared up to only pass with a miniscue running game.
They have no game breakers like they used to, the coach is gone, i think this will be the worst team Florida has had in 50 years. It’ll take 3-5 years for them to just become a respectable team again. Look to lose 2-3 games at “The Swamp” and 2-3 on the road and 1 game this year to Georgia.
As for Tech nothing ever changes. They will always i mean always wish they had any talent to put on the field. If they were in the SEC this year i’d say the only game they would win could be against a Div. 11 team other than that i really dont know if they’ll win 3 games this year.
Georgia has the best opportunity of those 3 teams to have a very good season and the other 2 teams needs to just pray for a .500 year.
I dont say this out of hatred because those are the facts. Florida St. and Miami got most of the Florida Recruits leaving Florida with the crumbs. You were very lucky to have maybe one of the greatest QB and Coach in college football, basking in the sun having a great time seeing your beloved gators crush schools but now its on the downward cycle and you’ll have to learn how to sit there and watch them lose with clinched fists, cursing, and gritting your teeth.
I would say to make alot of appointments to your orthdonists, drink very heavily and buy yourself a punching bag.
As for Tech…….. wont be atleast another decade before you may win the ACC well atleast in football. Up n down coaching, over achievers i would just give away your season tickets.
Go take up a hobbie like scrabble and listen to the games on the radio. We just dont want alot of people having heart problems this season and maybe they should give free heart exams before games.
You know those things that are in the trailors.
Or if you just miss being downtown then i would suggest that you hang out at the Varsity and devour on those dogs n burgers with lots of grease and fat and calories.
Honestly dont consume yourself with Tech, watch them in the fall in basketball.
Gator Man
July 9th, 2011
11:54 am
Dummass, Florida is projected to finish 2nd in East and UGA 4th this year. After losing your top 2 running backs I expect UGA to fall to 5th or 6th. Go Dawgs ! That’s funny right thar !
Raggedy Richt
July 9th, 2011
12:03 pm
Malcome is last on depth chart behind a “walk-on”. That sounds about right that he is the best UGA’s got.
Will
July 9th, 2011
12:09 pm
You may be correct ASSUMING:
1. Crowell will be as good against SEC defenses as he was against high school defenses.
2. Crowell can read, cipher, and write to the level required by UGA academic minimums for athletes.
3. Malcome (who has never had a meaningful rush in college football) and Thomas (who is a physically frail back relative to college football athletes) can provide adequate backup for Crowell
4. Crowell does not get hurt.
That’s quite a list of assumptions for your premise that UGA will not miss nor need two running backs that have proven experience against SEC defenses (and have performed at least to the level of being adequate).
nut
July 9th, 2011
12:13 pm
King really didnt show me anything special, but was adaquate,I dont know much about boo but from what I’ve read the guy is a special talent. I do know a little something about crowell and believe me when I say the guy is the real deal far as a pure tail back hopefully the young man will take advantage of the misfortunes of others and not make the same mistakes. Also the coaches should stay tough on him to have him physically and mentally ready not give him the super star treatment. I think if we can get both of these guys up to speed on everything conditioning, playbook, off the feild pressures and mental state. We can have a two head monster similar to what oregon had, maybe better.
BEEFENSE
July 9th, 2011
12:21 pm
You leg humpers can “whistle past the graveyard” all you want–the bottom line is y’all lost your TOP 2 rb’s from last year and are counting on a totally UNPROVEN frosh rb to deliver the goods. GET REAL, it ain’t gonna happen–UGAG will be lucky to win 5 games this year and I am gonna LOVE every minute of it–To HELL with Ga.
Chester C
July 9th, 2011
12:25 pm
Ealey & King were the top two backs for a reason. They were the # 1 & 2 backs. To now say they weren’t any good or aren’t needed is just stupid. Carlton Thomas is the best UGA has (assuming Crowell doesn’t get forced into starting). That means a 170 lb. runt against SEC defenses. Sad.
Chester C
July 9th, 2011
12:27 pm
I’m 6′0″ 220lbs and I could man handle Carlton Thomas one on one. Imagine him against 6′4″ 260 lb linebackers that run 4.2 ?
Tossed Salad
July 9th, 2011
12:45 pm
If Nebraska suddenly sunk to the center of the earth, would anybody notice?
Lasso
July 9th, 2011
12:49 pm
UGA will be fine. I keep LMAO at those who think football is rocket science. Think about it. Our dumb as dirt former RB was an excellent blocker in pass protection. How difficult can those assignments possibly be? Ealey knew them, too, he was just too much of a pansy to stick his nose in there and do it. Assuming Malcome and Crowell aren’t girls, they will handle this job with ease.
gt4ever
July 9th, 2011
12:50 pm
What a expert you are Jeff….. Crowell is a high school football player…. High school doesn’t always translate into a college football player. Matter of fact, the ODDS are dead against Crowell becoming a superstar at the collegiate level… I mean, some times I wonder how in the world you come up with crap like this… Crap like Ealey NOT GOOD ENOUGH…. King NOT GOOD ENOUGH…. Those two were studs in the backfield for UGA.. The only reason they didn’t do any better was because of the pitiful line play… How long have you been watching football? Good Grief…
gt4ever
July 9th, 2011
12:52 pm
Those were the good ole days GTman…. Vince could teach Richt a few things…
russell
July 9th, 2011
1:15 pm
our running game has been ok at best the last couple of years. the backs ran better from the police than they did against defences. give the new guys
a chance and lets see what happens
HardTruth Soldier
July 9th, 2011
1:17 pm
It’s amazing as I read some of these blogs, that some of you grown men(with family’s) are so childish in your assessment of this young man. Yes he failed, yes he’s had academic problems, yes he didn’t pay some speeding tickets. Now lets look at this from your side of wrong doing. Caleb King came to UGA with academic struggles (Georgia knew this), but with the pressure to win(from people like you) the Coaches, President, and Alumni, as well as boosters, Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, and any other big time program lets these kids in. Many of them African American without any other chance of ever getting in school.Charlies Hayes for example says these kids are GIVEN SCHOLARSHIPS. Not so fast my friend! How many stairs did you run, how many weights did you lift, what meals did you sacrifice to eat what was healthy? You guys who has never played this game beyond high school(if you even played at that level) think you know these young men. You don’t ! Isiah Crowell a year from now may be subjected to this same treatment, let’s see what Jeff Schultz article will say then. I wish the kid(King) nothing but the best, and hope that he grows from this. There’s also a lesson that you adults must learn, that these are young men, most from tough backgrounds, most giving everything they have to stay ahead. The “Average” student couldn’t and wouldn’t have the heart to do what these kids do, and most of you negative critics who drink, drug, cheat on your spouses, and lie your way into jobs, or wouldn’t have nothing if your trust fund, or mom and dads check book didn’t get you into school need to shut the f#@k up with your whining.Good luck Caleb, good luck Isiah, because wherever you go both of you will as long as you are on a college campus be nothing more than a part of the cash cow machine, Just ask the players at Ohio State.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
1:18 pm
Folks,
Starve the fire and it dies.
If you don’t know what the term means, “troll” refers to an online personality that uses his/her anonymity to “bait” users or turn valid discussions into full-blown arguments.
Objective observer
July 9th, 2011
1:23 pm
@RMike.
“Watch them lose with clinched fists, cursing and gritting your teeth”.
That sure sounds like the voice of experience to me.
HardTruth Soldier
July 9th, 2011
1:28 pm
Oh and one other assessment. When Isiah has one bad game lets see how quick he’s the front page joke of this Racist State. Just run Boy, and help us win and when you’ve loaded up Georgia’s pockets don’t you dare ask for a dime, because like A.J. we may have to sit you down and drill you negatively in the newspaper.
D.J. Mase
July 9th, 2011
1:28 pm
I heard all the hype about this guy when i moved him….I didn’t see him dominate high school talent…All i seen was him transfer from school to school which is a obvious RED flag…..Crowell looks like he has gr8 potential, but because of the Georgia busts at rb, we’ll see…Now if UGA could have landed James Wilder!!!!.. Now he’s a football player Maybe if uga got Taurean Poole like my vols did, chances could have been better…
D.J. Mase
July 9th, 2011
1:28 pm
moved here…..my bad…..
CHDawg
July 9th, 2011
1:31 pm
After reading some of the stories on this it is becoming increasingly obvious that Richt knew this was coming. Maybe that is why we didn’t see much of King on Gday. One article said he missed 5 academic meetings, which got him disqualified from the bowl. Think CMR might have seen a small problem coming? When you realize Ealey was in deep trouble last winter, CMR’s ESPN comments about Crowell on signing day last winter make a lot more sense: “I wouldn’t be shocked to see him running that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play if he does what he’s supposed to do.”
Hairy Dawg
July 9th, 2011
1:34 pm
I tolds every ones that being a Christian is the difference in winning and losing that why we gots to keep Coach Richt.
Just look at the sign in the photo with Cromwell replacing #3 Ealy and #4 King. #3 and #4 make #34. Herschel got to lets Crowell wear #34 cause Crowell goning to break Herschel records and takes us to several SECs and BCS champs.
This is exactly why we gots to keep Coach Richt for being Christian and getting Gods help with Dawgs winning as best team in SEC and nation.
HardTruth Soldier
July 9th, 2011
1:40 pm
Mark Richt’s Sublimital message of ” I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED TO SEE HIM LINE UP AGAINST BOISE STATE” was a message to the fans that they (King/Ealey) are outta here. Comes as clean as water now Dawg Nation.
afan
July 9th, 2011
1:42 pm
Damn 5 Star? are just another Pulpwood Smith….
Hairy dawg~~God helps all Christians where they’re dawg fans are not. but thank God for Richt.