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
CHDawg
July 9th, 2011
1:44 pm
Hard truth, although I agree with a lot of what you say, you can’t judge GA by this blog, buddy. There are loads of people who hate UGA pretending to be fans and making ridiculous comments trying to make UGA look bad. Every fan I know (and I know a lot) considers AJ one of the greatest WRs to wear the RandB. He also appears to be a good kid who made a very dumb mistake. Thankfully, he will be a multi-millionaire soon, and close to 100% are happy for him. I hope Caleb tries out and makes the pros, and most real fans wish him well. Don’t fall for the trolls pretending to be Dawgs. Apparently King made some very bad decisions, too. I hate it for him, but they have to learn from their mistakes or they aren’t going to have good careers at UGA or in the pros.
Mike Bbbo 17 INT
July 9th, 2011
1:44 pm
No surprises here, King was academically challenged before he arrived at UGA, which proves that UGA will drop their acacdemic standards for their football factory. There are too many issues surrounding the UGA program, and King is just the tip of the iceberg.
The King issue, the 2 UGA fans in Jax beating up on the disabled man at the Publix in Jax, CMR on the bubble, and the Ealey issue. Athens continues to fan the hate flames for this program, and these are the reasons that this program receives no respect, and the the laugh of D-1 football.
The arrogrant and overrated fan base is more concerned about getting drunk, and being as obnoxious as they can on game day, as opposed to being respectful and students of the game.
I am so looking forward to 2011…….so much material….so little time….
afan
July 9th, 2011
1:45 pm
HardTruth Soldier..not river water!
Mike Bobo 17 INT
July 9th, 2011
1:45 pm
The score will tell.
Expect NFL lockout will end because money trumps stupidity | Jeff Schultz
July 9th, 2011
1:46 pm
[...] Earlier: Caleb King’s loss no big deal for Dogs — it’s Crowell’s show [...]
Mike Bobo 17 INT
July 9th, 2011
1:47 pm
Crowell look great and would excel at any other program aside from Athens. The arrogance, and lack of coaching will tank his potential…..just stick around. All anyone hears from Athens is about next year, and not the 6-7 season last year with an embarassing loss to UCF.
In addition your own boy went to Florida, and will continue the winning streak against UGA, which is a hugh slap in the face of the UGA program.
CHDawg
July 9th, 2011
1:52 pm
Hard truth, although I agree with much of what you say, you can’t judge GA by this anonymous blog, buddy. These events attract busloads of UGA/Richt haters who pretend to be Dawgs and post stuff real fans normally won’t post. Don’t fall for it.
CHDawg
July 9th, 2011
2:04 pm
Hardtruth, one other point: what was as clean as water was that King and Ealey weren’t meeting the minimum standards to remain at UGA. I understand they are kids, but if you are failing and not attending class or tutoring sessions, and you miss 5 meetings to talk about solutions, there is a big problem. That isn’t Richt’s fault. He appears to be one of the nicer guys you will find. I think everyone but the warped UGA/Richt haters here wishes these young men well. I hope they both make the pros, but I hope both get their degrees just in case it doesn’t work out.
gt4ever
July 9th, 2011
2:34 pm
CHDAWG,
When you recruit guys are are substandard Academically…. Whose fault is it…. You guessed right if you guessed Richt! I mean really, are you that dim….Coach Richt is NOT surprised with any of this….
CHDawg
July 9th, 2011
2:46 pm
GT, be honest. You don’t know what you really have when you recruit, now do you? That is why 5 stars wind up being average and 3 stars sometimes win the Heisman. It is also why sometimes kids that underperform academically wind up doing well in college, and some drop out. Yes, if you limit your recruiting pool to kids that scored 1400 on the SAT you won’t have a lot of academic problems. Again be honest, GT: you are the head coach, and you see a 5 star recruit who has weak scores and grades. Are you going to try to recruit him and tutor him up to speed, or just give up on him? I suspect you would sign him if you thought there was a remote chance of him making the grades. We all love stories like “Blindside,” but you wouldn’t have signed Michael because he didn’t test out high enough, assuming your answer was no. These things happen in life, and the best thing to do is for everyone to learn a lesson. There are some deeper questions here, that hardtruth alluded to–money and NCAA football, but that is for another message.
Hairy Dawg
July 9th, 2011
3:35 pm
GT don’t know good recruiting if it jumped and bit behind. That why pestky bugs always low ranking in recruiting.
Al Gore's Message Therapist
July 9th, 2011
3:57 pm
Make no mistake, loosing King hurts our offense. Caleb is dumber than a box a rocks, but he could be counted on to not only teach Crowell the ropes; being a former starter, but he could also provide valuable relief. Asking a true freshman to carry the load is a fools game.
Something is going on in Athens that nobody is getting the scoop on. I’ve never seen so many pre-season defections in 30+ years of following the Dawgs. There was no logical reason for Brent Benedict to leave the program, when he was so close to being a starter. Same holds true for A.J. Harmon.
5150 UOAD
July 9th, 2011
4:13 pm
So the Dawgs will not win the SEC, the SEC East, or the MNC now? Is this not THE YEAR again?
CHDawg
July 9th, 2011
4:18 pm
@algore: “loosing King hurts our offense. Caleb is dumber than a box a rocks,” Careful, you are loosing credibility as you speak…
5150 UOAD
July 9th, 2011
4:23 pm
What kind of “HOUSING” will King buy without all the NFL money? That Housing Degree will take him far. I know all the UGA alums will be great to him in the future.
King can you say ” What ya have? What ya have? What ya have?” The Varsity is Athens has a job waiting for you.
Dawg Tired
July 9th, 2011
4:39 pm
You may be right on this one Mark. However, many folks on here seem to think that the blocking scheme, etc. used by the offensive system is just too complex for young Crowell to learn before the first game. After reading King’s tweet from yesterday, I am convinced of one thing: to wit, if the guy who typed that tweet can learn the scheme, it ain’t complicated.
Dawg Tired
July 9th, 2011
4:40 pm
5150 – He won’t be taking food orders at the Varsity. Too complicated.
Dawg Tired
July 9th, 2011
4:43 pm
AL – Agree with your thoughts about something being amiss in AThens with all the defections we’re seeing. However, that freshman running back thing worked pretty good in 1980.
Dawg Tired
July 9th, 2011
4:44 pm
Sorry Jeff for calling you Mark.
Hairy Dawg
July 9th, 2011
5:16 pm
Exactly right Tired D. We got a freshman RB that replacing the stinkys bums Ealey and King. The picture is a sign that Crowell filling in for #3 and #4, or #34 that be Herschel number. We just got show faith in Dawgs and Coach Richt and then God rewards us with making sure we win SEC and BCS. That kind of signs is God showing us we just faith that we rewarded with what we deserved and due based on Dawg fans as best in nation.
CapeCodDAWG
July 9th, 2011
5:27 pm
I’m fully comfortable with Crowell,Malcolm and I HAVE to believe that Thomas will finally sieze his chance to get some carries….if he can just HOLD ON TO THE EFFIN BALLL!!!!!!
I also think that Harton can beat out Thomas. That kid is hungry.So we’ll see
Obviously,we could’ve used king in the rotation.Any injuries and we’re in trouble.
5150 UOAD
July 9th, 2011
5:42 pm
Crowell just stopped working out hard. His Head just swelled 4 sizes and now he fears nothing. How long until he gets arrested in Athens?
At least he thought he was going to have to compete with King to start the year. Now, what does Crowell fear? Nothing. This kid had a ego already because he reads his own press, but now what kind of Beast will be created? Murray better keep this kid grounded and focused this off season.
Snoop Dawg
July 9th, 2011
6:52 pm
Let Snoop Dawg use “Marjoe” Mark Richt’s schtick:
“The stone that was rejected (by Richt) will become the cornerstone.”
Richard Samuel, step right up! The Preacha Man’s Medicine Show needs you to go back to the offense…
GATA!
but…. we need to fire da Preacha Man. Mark this Caleb King/Washaun Ealey SNAFU as Exhibit 234… If it weren’t so sad, it would be funny how Richt screws absolutely everything up.
RamboDog
July 9th, 2011
6:53 pm
Jerry80
Last thing we are worried about is a bunch of hillbilly cross breaders like UT, ya’ll sucked last year, get used to it…. Fulmer is gone
Snoop Dawg
July 9th, 2011
6:55 pm
Caleb King’s “headed for the ‘Frisco Bay.” He’ll be sitting on the dock of the bay, watching his time float away… Great character development, Preacha Man…
5150 UOAD
July 9th, 2011
7:14 pm
RamboDog
July 9th, 2011
6:53 pm
Jerry80
Last thing we are worried about is a bunch of hillbilly cross breaders like UT, ya’ll sucked last year, get used to it…. Fulmer is gone
Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky all had the same record and looking down at only Vandy & Ole Miss. Don’t get to High there RamboDawg your team ain’t scaring NOBODY right now either.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
7:18 pm
Starve the fire and it goes away,
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.
5150 UOAD
July 9th, 2011
7:19 pm
McCann crushes a 2 run homer.
RamboDog
July 9th, 2011
7:26 pm
BEEFENCE
You can BET that 1 win for sure will be GayTech !!!!! We OWN you, and ALWAYS will.
wreckmaniac
July 9th, 2011
8:00 pm
Perfect example of warped, twisted values. A young man loses his chance to get a degree and no one cares. A running back is removed from his football team and we now have an endless blog conversation. Whether he ever graduates is meaningless. A perfect example of what “big-time” college sports is all about. Disgusting.
wreckmaniac
July 9th, 2011
8:06 pm
Ask Caleb King now what the UGA “experience ” is all about and you will see what your Dream Team is about to learn over the next two years. Caleb may never get a degree but he is 50 times wiser than these high school “dream team” seniors who are, at this moment, convinced that they are the greatest thing college football has ever seen.
5150 UOAD
July 9th, 2011
8:26 pm
wreckmaniac
Don’t confuse facts and real life with the Dream of the NFL bouncing around in the heads of 95% of SEC football players.
Hairy Dawg
July 9th, 2011
9:46 pm
You pointy head Techmites just needs to cut it out. Every body know SEC is best with talent and speed and that helps for exposing for NFL to make payday. The players that makes millions from exposing talents know Dawgs is best and if you play winnning football than you not gets cut and released like fumble artist Ealey and King. We got to follow book and cast out players that not using talents to Dawgs win.
Burma Shave
July 9th, 2011
10:33 pm
What’s that comin’
Down the track?
Another train wreck
Wearin’ red and black.
BURMA SHAVE
Oompa Loompa
July 9th, 2011
10:47 pm
Oompa Loompa, do-ba-dee-doo,
I’ve got a perfect puzzle for you.
Oompa Loompa, do-ba-dee-dee,
If you are wise you’ll listen to me.
What do you get when you speed down 78?
Fail to appear at an August court date?
What is the deal not going to class?
Step on the field and get knocked on your @$$?
Another losing season…
Oompa Loompa do-ba-dee-da,
Get a real coach and you will go far.
You will live in happiness too,
Like the oompa loompa,
Do-ba-dee-doo!
Hairy Dawg
July 10th, 2011
12:11 am
Now that Yechies lost there NFL talents and caint recruit no mores. In the name the Lolly Pop Guild we welcome the pestky bugs to irrevalant munchin land football at bottom of barrels in stinky ACC. Not the SEC where the big boys plays with speeds and talents.
LeecBessinger
July 10th, 2011
12:49 am
Crowell may be like Dyer and Lattimore…great as freshmen. I am a gamecock, but we pull for the Dawgs unless it is our week to play them. Good luck with Crowell. By the way, Richt is first class.
KayKay
July 10th, 2011
1:25 am
I think all these negative comments about Caleb are completely uncalled for, and Jeff you and your
Caleb bashers should just drink bleach and because Caleb will be just fine.
Hairy Dawg
July 10th, 2011
2:35 am
Enter your comments here
Hairy Dawg
July 10th, 2011
2:39 am
There aint no need to make fun of King. He goning be just fine in making of the big bucks as pro. We just need make room for Crowell to explode onto sceen and take over SEC. Moving out Ealy and King gots rid of fumbles to gets Crowell speed that burns and taking it house.
Hairy Dawg
July 10th, 2011
2:43 am
And another thing I telling you pointy head Techmites. You stinks so bad at football that beating you is like fish shooting int he barrel. We goning do sames to you again this year after we pays back all rest of SEC that we owning beat down.
big yards
July 10th, 2011
7:36 am
Relax—crowell is the real deal—he’ll put up huge yards from the first game on. I’ve heard he’s better than lattimore at USC. GA upsets south carolina, blows out florida and wins the SEC east!!!!
Hairy Dawg
July 10th, 2011
7:52 am
We have Crowell. This will be our 30th consecutive preseason National Championship!!!
Caleb King - Page 4
July 10th, 2011
8:09 am
[...] [...]
Big Dawg Cobb
July 10th, 2011
8:17 am
Caleb had his problems and didn’t pan out but he was a senior with both running and blocking ability and he knew the playbook. He will be missed and I have to imagine CMR is sweating bullets right about now. How many true freshmen start on their very first eligible game?
This is a huge loss for the dawgs. Add up the number of game played experience all of the current running backs on the roster have. It’s a very small number.
Yellow Fuzz Dawg
July 10th, 2011
8:37 am
adding lots of vodka to my koolaid this fall. can’t take another year of verbal beatdowns from florida, central florida, alabama, auburn, tennessee, mississippi state, south carolina and Tech fans.
Success hinges...
July 10th, 2011
8:53 am
success hinges with Crowell …you mean the kid the scouting services were so high on; the same services that hyped #3 & #4…want ice for that kool aid…from watching his highlight footage, and his running style, he is going to get lit up…if he’s that fast teach him how to run pass routes and ship him to the slot, that is if he can catch the ball
chazzo
July 10th, 2011
8:58 am
Does anyone else wonder what hit Tweet meant: “…don’t let them [break] u. Don’t let who break you? The coaches who are trying to make you a better player? The university that is giving you a place to live and a college education? WTF is that all about?
It is probably just talk, just something to say to sound cool and deal with his emotions, but it just seems odd that his perception would be that the system is trying to break him. I feel for the guy. It sucks what he’s going through, and I wish him all the best. There is something about that text, though, that may be indicative of some of the disciplinary problems at UGA.
techbuzz
July 10th, 2011
9:52 am
caleb’s tweets—he must be an english major at the university of football—where football players get a “high quality” education.
BullDogMike
July 10th, 2011
10:22 am
What if Crowell can run the ball, but can’t block a lick? Murray will never last out the season. This scenario has happened before. Usually the red shirt year is for teaching all the little things it takes to be a complete runner. No chance this will happen at UGA. There’s just no depth and no time. Back up QB’S…….BE READY!