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
Jeff Schultz
July 8th, 2011
9:54 pm
St. Richt — what does the offensive line, WRs, and defense have to do with this story? Plug in, chum.
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
9:55 pm
Boise will introduce IC to big-time football…
Peter
July 8th, 2011
9:55 pm
so let me get this straight. you lost your best receiver, the best in the game, and your second best receiver, both who accounted for about 3/4 of your receiving offense and now you’ve lost 75% of your rushing offense and you think this will be a good season? LMFAO. Wow there are some really stupid people who are fans of georgia.
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
9:56 pm
Flying Tiger – I am glad everybody is concerned about UGA. I wonder why so much attention is given to UGA?
Jeff Schultz
July 8th, 2011
9:56 pm
PaulieOldSchool — Thanks for the comment.
Dawghater
July 8th, 2011
9:56 pm
Typical Ga responses. Ever heard the term “student athlete”?
It is all about who the next player for that position who may flunk out or n
Be arrested! Cromwell?
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
9:58 pm
that’s why we are here…to read moronic comments…this is a target rich environment…PS: my first wife’s name was Kerry…she was dumb too; gotta be a coinsedence…
Zoli
July 8th, 2011
9:59 pm
Let’s open it up….get crafty. It seems we have a lot of young speed coming in. Utilize it, adapt, spread it out, outscore everyone with our speed. Throw J. Scott-Wesley, Crowell, Smith in the backfield and play some spread option. Throw some five wide sets. Boo up the middle with Figgins leading the way! We have to play young guys. Bobo if you are reading this let’s open it up!
kerryb
July 8th, 2011
9:59 pm
Hey Dawgsfanshateyou, I think UGA players had the second highest graduation rate behind Vandy in the SEC.
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
9:59 pm
great post, Darah…
kerryb
July 8th, 2011
10:00 pm
Murray country mystic is about the dumbest handle I have seen on here.
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
10:01 pm
murray county mystic – I can see why she put you on the road.
Big Earl
July 8th, 2011
10:01 pm
Anybody think we should give Richard Samuel another look at TB. He’s a backup LB and we need some depth in our backfield. He didn’t impress me before, but at 6′2″ 243 he’s got to be more of a man now than when he was playing TB at age 18. He had speed to burn not much lateral stuff…maybe he could really run over some people now. Just sayin it’s a thought.
Jeff Schultz
July 8th, 2011
10:02 pm
Hit A Single — The father who died at the Texas Rangers game was an awful tragedy, no question. Can’t imagine what that little boy is going through.
Mobile Dawg
July 8th, 2011
10:03 pm
Hate repeating myself, I said this on Bill’s blog. Plug Jenkins and Geathers in as tailback, rotate them every series. Oline problems dimished greatly, and the Dline will be worn out by mid third quarter. Can’t lose.
Mobile Dawg
July 8th, 2011
10:03 pm
Hate repeating myself, I said this on Bill’s blog. Plug Jenkins and Geathers in as tailback, rotate them every series. Oline problems dimished greatly, and the Dline will be worn out by mid third quarter. Can’t lose.
Stan
July 8th, 2011
10:03 pm
Kerry is about the dumbest name for a man I have seen on here. It’s a girls name you tool.
St. Bernard
July 8th, 2011
10:03 pm
Who is Boise St.’s starting rb?
Jeff Schultz
July 8th, 2011
10:04 pm
Folks, just went through and deleted several comments. Please keep it clean or I’ll have to close the blog to comment. Thanks. JS
Stan
July 8th, 2011
10:04 pm
Kerry’s mommy must have wanted a girl.
Concerned
July 8th, 2011
10:05 pm
Crowell is not exactly winning hearts over this Summer. He’s out of shape, has struggled to complete workouts, and decided to skip the workout that Herschel Walker put the team through. Word is that the Upperclassmen are not real impressed. First impressions,…….you only get one chance.
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
10:05 pm
and the handle “kerryb” evokes memories of the writings of Hemmingway and Thoreau…or for you Ga grads, Bevis and Butthead…
Mobile Dawg
July 8th, 2011
10:06 pm
Where did you get your info Concerned?
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
10:07 pm
I really believe that Ken Malcom will be number one on the depth chart and will have a great year. He has alot more potential than King. He is stronger and it will take more than one to tackle him.
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
10:08 pm
Joe T. will take care of Crowell. If he doesn’t work he will put him on the road like he did Ealey. That was his problem, didn’t want to work.
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
10:11 pm
thanks Tiger…
JDawg1785
July 8th, 2011
10:11 pm
I definitely feel for Caleb as a person but I see what you’re saying, Jeff. I’ll be cheering for him in the game of life.
In terms of Georgia’s RB situation, smart money says Boo will start the Boise game and rightfully so. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a stud.
Flying Tigers
July 8th, 2011
10:12 pm
hehehe….murray, you’re so funny. can i polish your knob?
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
10:13 pm
I agree JDawg1785. I like Boo and this could be a blessing for the Dawgs. King needs to get his life straightend out and realize that no one owes him anything.
tech engineer
July 8th, 2011
10:13 pm
how can a football player possibly flunk out at the university of football? they stick the players in developmental studies classes that are basically at a middle school level and keep them eligible with special tutors, academic coaches, etc. This dude must be beyond dumb.
LogicalUS
July 8th, 2011
10:13 pm
Bahhahaannahjahha……told ya so!
NOTHING and I mean nothing can deter the sunshine pumpers at the AJC. And everyone wonders why the UGA fans end up in Sept screaming and cursing their own players from the sidelines, look at this delusional nonsense they are fed.
UGA loses their best WR since Hines Ward and the number 2 possession WR, along their leading RB from the PAST TWO SEASONS and the only other RB available, the OL is wafer thin and is going to be playing guys who spent last season on the DL, yet the delusional homer are screaming….”ALL IS WELL, ALL IS WELL”
But it is not, this team which struggle to score against a Big South level, Central Florida, is going to be pulverized this season.
Mobile Dawg
July 8th, 2011
10:14 pm
I feel more for Kings “ex-teamates” for the selfishness displayed by King. With the aid available no way King couldn’t have made it if he had wanted it.
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
10:16 pm
Tech engineer – What is a Sports Management Degree? How many Tech players are really engineers when they graduate? Don’t sit there and think you are the all academic program.
The AJC
July 8th, 2011
10:18 pm
Promoting the liberal agenda and uga football since 1969
Brad
July 8th, 2011
10:19 pm
He must have gone to a city of atlanta high school
Brucerugby79
July 8th, 2011
10:20 pm
Good on ya Marine dog—anyone who has been in the fight knows-don’t desert your brother when he is down 1st armour div 71-74
Hit A Single
July 8th, 2011
10:20 pm
Well I have enjoyed it tonight but I have some experiments I need to do up here in the Atlantis.
4
July 8th, 2011
10:21 pm
That’s how many people are on the final space shuttle misson. Oh and one is a GT grad. Just sayin…
just the truth
July 8th, 2011
10:22 pm
I agree Jeff, keep it clean but also the AJC shouldn’t be anointing UGA because of wins when their so called STUDENT/athletes are barely graduating from high school and then majoring in a made up football degree ( I can name over 25 now) just for the sake of winning. Most should be at a jr. college or a community college. There are way more deserving athletes. Cut out the stupid degrees so when they don’t end up a professional athlete ( and most will ) they’ll have something to fall back on. About time to come down on the ignorant athletes and write stories about what a true s/a is.
Mobile Dawg
July 8th, 2011
10:23 pm
What position did he play?
Gambs
July 8th, 2011
10:26 pm
So, without an experience RB and counting on a true freshman, UGA is one high ankle sprain from not having a running game at all.
Yep, that’s how you enter an SEC schedule.
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
10:35 pm
good point Gambs…this bunch is in real trouble…Boise will expose them and Sc will dispose of them…long season in Athens…good post Tigers…but if you used the criteria you laid out, there would never be any UGA posts…
Josh
July 8th, 2011
10:37 pm
So it’s no big deal but you write this–
“Scouting services had him as one of the top running backs in the nation and the first overall player in Georgia back in 2006″
So the scouts are right on IC but were wrong on CK. Okay, your logic is soooo sound! Good grief! Do any ajc writers have any cognitive writing skills?
CHUCK UGA
July 8th, 2011
10:51 pm
King was as overrated a running back as any in Georgia high school history. I have never coached football and stopped playing in 7th grade, so why is it I was right when I told EVERYONE who would listen after UGA signed him that he would be a bust? He became better than I thought from working very hard, but he did not have the academic smarts to succeed long term (left Parkview for Greater Atlanta Christian? Huh? Grade fixing?!) GREAT kid, as nice to be around as any. Signed everything. Just a shame because had he attended Ga Southern or Tenn-Chattanooga, he would have been a stud. Instead, Bobo the clown (great recruiter, terrible scout) thinks he is the real deal and brings him to Athens where he rarely made a difference. Mr. Richt continues to have problems from his poor hiring decisions and also needs to stop using these completely moronic, OVERRATED RECRUITING SERVICES like Scout and Rivals. These idiots know less than I do, they just want all the sheeple to pay the $100 per year to read all the nonsense they publish (sue me). The coach needs to hire a real scout to go out and find the REAL talent that Georgia continues to fail to sign (Jonathan Dwyer, Jamal Lewis come to mind). Only then will UGA ever reach it’s potential. For now, Richt has to hold his breath that Ken Malcome and Isaiah Crowell are as good in games as they are in practice. If not, we’ll be welcoming a new coach come January.
Charlie
July 8th, 2011
11:01 pm
Should be fun watching a 165lb RB (Carlton) block DE and LB this Fall. Crowell is immature and it showed in the playoff game in Calhoun. He got two penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct after Calhoun took over in the game.
Answer to Murray County Mystic
July 8th, 2011
11:02 pm
And you know that Calhoun keyed heavily on Crowell all night. Crowell still broke a long TD run that ended up being called back. Even Calhoun fans said that Carver’s offense was more effective when they had Crowell on the sideline because they became balanced and the defense couldn’t key on anyone. But Carver’s staff didn’t capitalize on that. Can’t blame that on Crowell.
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
11:11 pm
the mystic knows all…even more than “Calhoun” fans
GT Fan ...
July 8th, 2011
11:11 pm
1980 was 31 years ago. Plus Herschel was a freak of nature, even if he was, “My God, only a Freshman” now ….. Div 1 football has gotten a WHOLE LOT tougher since then. \
You can’t put all your eggs in ONE tailback’s basket. He will be done by game 7 if MR & staff overuse this guy. He might be every bit as good, or better, than Lattimore, but SC even ended with 4 Ls if I’m correct and they had a better WR corpse in 2010 than UGA does in 2011.
Hope the kid doesn’t get hurt, and the coaching staff doesn’t think he’s their only option. This is a GREAT opportunity for someone on the team to make his mark.
Don
July 8th, 2011
11:13 pm
Hey Jeff, while you’re laughing over the comment about Saban waiving a back, how long do you think Caleb King would have lasted playing for Saban at Alabama with academic problems, run-ins with the law, failing to live up to commitments he made to the coaches, etc.? My guess is that he would have been gone after one year. Saban gets rid of the cancers, Richt coddles them and lets them infect the rest of the team. How many arrests has Alabama had in the last 3 years compared to Georgia?
And this is a black eye on GAC. It was not exactly a well kept secret there that Caleb King was a lost cause academically. I don’t know how UGA managed to keep him eligible for as long as they did.
CHUCK UGA
July 8th, 2011
11:25 pm
GT Fan, overuse Crowell?!! LMAO, they couldn’t even figure out how to get Moreno on the field when he was more than ready. If Richt and Bozo had Herschel Walker today, he would end the season averaging 10 carries per game and finish with 850 yards rushing. Trust me.
Don, thanks for confirming what I knew in 2007, that King was not only overrated, but that GAC took him in to save him academically so he could qualify to get in to a Division 1 school. Overrated as they say. Knew it all along.