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
murray county mystic
July 8th, 2011
11:30 pm
Miles @ LSU would have run him too…it comes down to respect from the players toward the coaches and the institution…I give UGA fans a hard time, but I wish them no ill will. The problem in Athens starts and ends with CMR…he is without doubt a good christian man…sadly, I think his time in Athens is done…too comfortable, edge is lost…great record, but is front-end loaded in the what have you done for me lately world of the SEC…
Colonel Reb
July 8th, 2011
11:34 pm
Don,
I agree.
Neither King nor Ealey would have lasted at any other SEC program for more than one year.
Richt has been more interested in saving souls and the players took advantage of him.
Now he has a new AD, his job is on the line, and these decisions have been taken away from him.
The problem for Georgia is most of those decisions should have been made years ago and those scholarships would have already been given to players who are willing to put forth the required effort to win.
Now you see all the moves finally coming in the same year and there are no experienced players to step in on the offensive line, at running back, and at linebacker. Georgia will struggle this year because of it.
It’s too late for Richt to save his job this season. He’s gone. But long term, this house cleaning will help your program.
big john 360 lbs
July 8th, 2011
11:47 pm
@Little Ten nebraska
No, UGA hasn’t been relative since 2008, but I was in 4th grade the last time the Cornshuckers were relative.
My 4th grade teacher taught me that year what relative meant.
John
July 8th, 2011
11:51 pm
Good luck with reading defenses, picking up blitzes, and pass protection. Spin it however you want, but this is going to hurt the offense a lot. Defensive coordinators will be licking their chops. UGA coaches will have to limit their play calling for at least a few games if not the whole season.
Wonderful Ohio on the Gulf 'Dog
July 8th, 2011
11:57 pm
I cannot believe I’m writing these words:
You are right, Jeff Schultz!
Caleb’s expected 2011 role at Georgia was to show Crowell how to block and, then, to slowly ride into the sunset.
If King did everything the coaching staff asked of him, CMR would give Caleb a few totes here and there as King’s last resort chances to impress an NFL scout or two. So long as Caleb maintained ball security and reliably picked up a few yards when called upon, Richt and Bobo were prepared to give King a few more carries while the younger backs figured out blocking schemes.
Now, though, with Caleb gone, our young backs will have fewer downs to transition into real SEC running back starters.
Fortunately for Isaiah and Boo, though, Georgia’s fortunes against Boise State and South Carolina have always hinged on Georgia’s defense, not on its running game. Losing Caleb makes that truism a tad more true, but only a tad.
Losing Caleb will not change Boise State’s defensive strategy one whit. They’ll send a highly-motivated Billy Winn et al. at us all night like they came at Tyrod Taylor and the Hokies last year. They were going to do that anyway.
In that scenario, Bruce Figgins and Zander Olgletree were and are going to be more important in the first half than Crowell and Malcolme anyway.
If Grantham’s defense holds as we all pray that it does, Bobo should be able to work Isaiah and Boo into the game more and more as it progresses and we aren’t losing badly. If the D doesn’t hold, it’s simply not going to matter that we don’t have Caleb King anymore anyway.
Look for a reprise of Boise State in the South Carolina game, where we’ll face more talented, but maybe, maybe, a team of less motivated players led by Lattimore and Alshon Jeffrey.
Don’t expect Isaiah and Boo really to start showing their stuff until Coastal Carolina and thereafter. By the Mississippi State game October 1, we’ll know whether we really have an SEC running game in 2011.
Thanks, Caleb, for all you have contributed to Georgia football, especially your and Washuan’s wrecking the NATS Thanksgiving weekend 2009. Best wishes and Godspeed.
But your untimely departure from the Classic City is not “the end of the world as we know it.”
Dawg Whisperer
July 9th, 2011
12:02 am
As a UGA fan, I suppose I should dig up all my dawg bones in the backyard and move to Alabama where the world is crimson and all is beautiful. Naw….
wes durham's gigantic bottom
July 9th, 2011
12:06 am
Alabama is a toilet and GT fans are ugly.
Douglasville UGA
July 9th, 2011
12:10 am
Jeff I agree not always but on this I do.
If I remember correctly it was Ealey and King who fumbled at the goal line on several occasions last year that cost us games.
And what may I ask is all the Mark Richt talk, He is not responsible for King not hitting the books. He is a good coach and a better man be glad we have him. We could have Tressel or someone like him Then you when them all and then give them back,
Go Dawgs!
Don from Cumming
July 9th, 2011
12:27 am
Jeff….Don’t really like I ton of what you write but…On this topic you could not be more correct. Caleb doesn’t have the goods upstairs nor in his legs Downstairs……Never did. Always super shy when interviewed and played the same way…Scared. Young guy…I do wish him the best going forward (FB truly is not everything) but…let’s be honest..he was Never going to be in College football with that disposition and vigor…anything beyond an also ran…a few yards…after most of the others are spent..kind of RB. Anyway…nice kid I am sure… but football is def. not his calling.
Fussball Fan
July 9th, 2011
12:49 am
Funny how Jeff writes an article about having a true Freshman RB as the starting and only reliable RB on the team and it is no big deal, because he is a UGA Homer. If it were another team, he would have written the same article stating that (insert team Jeff does not like here) is in deep trouble due to not have a dependable running game. I guess when you have the pen, you can spin it any way that you please.
William
July 9th, 2011
12:49 am
Please learn your facts before you post and learn to spell. I’ve never seen so many misspelled words and incorrect usages of words.
CHOKE! THE OFFICAL DRINK OF THE GEORGIA BULLDAWGS!
July 9th, 2011
12:49 am
uga another 6-6 season at best.
Big friggin deal
July 9th, 2011
1:02 am
No King means more reps for the guys who need them in Crowell and Malcome. They’ll be game ready and have more impact this year than King did his entire time here.
Hairy Dawg
July 9th, 2011
1:11 am
This proofs how good Cromwell is. Coach Richt cut loose the stinkys boys Ealey and King cause he knew he had a real mans for reloading in Crowell. That allowed Coach Richt to release fumble artist and bad attitude Ealey. Then he able to trumps up charges and stick King with bad grades to free scholly and give Crowell more toting of the rock.
Crowell is finally real deal for Dawgs at RB and goning break Herschel records. That put Dawgs to dominants East and just got to beat Bammers to play in BCS title. Glad we cut stinkys loose in Ealey and King to gives us more schollies to bring in talent and lets Crowell explode onto sceen as freshman. Tough luck for Ealey and King but Ealey deserving for bad attitude and both got to be casted out for not exposing talents and SEC speed.
Go Dawgs!
"CaneDawg": That's it, enough is enuff....
July 9th, 2011
1:46 am
MobileDawg: I respect your opinion about Newton, but we really don’t have all the proven facts and he may have been a hired gun though no paper trail has surfaced. All we seem to hear is scandal after scandal in college football today. But AU will pay if Newton is dirty. I really don’t care about them anyway, but the stuff that is going on at UGa is ludicrous. Now there’s rumors leaking out that before long Crowell, will make CK & WE3 look like choir boys is absolutely mad and more bad news to come if true. Mobile Dawg, where and why are bad seeds deliberately being recruited to UGa ? Does their character and academic background mean anything ? Is the staff conducting any research on these kids or are they so desperate to keep their jobs they are throwing caution into the wind and grasping at straws in their recruitment ? Last week the news was a severely injured O-lineman was brought to UGa, despite the fact he has sustained career threatening damage to his knee. UGa spent thousands and thousands of dollars on the kids’ rehab before a mutual decision was made that he would be better off resuming football elsewhere. We were barely over that debacle and today the CK academic debacle and before those two left, Ealey, Harmon, and Gray abandoned the program. All these kids where in the program for years and when they leave huge amounts of money have been thrown away and wasted with the exception of Gray who graduated before his transfer. Now comes incoming freshman, young and immature IC. I may be wrong for saying this but I’m going to say it anyway. I got a bad feeling when I saw Crowells’ appearance on pictures, some with gold encased teeth. I said to myself is this what it has come down to at UGA. Is Richt bringing in wanna-be rasta men to UGA ? He appears to be heavily influenced by Little Wayne and the only thing missing are the tattoes, which I’m sure he will have soon before long during his stay in Athens. It doesn’t matter about him being the top RB recruit in the nation. What matters is will he go to class and seek an useful education along with being a responsible representative of the University of Georgia. How can he be capable of doing the right things and staying out of trouble when he has the appearance of a saggy panted, entitled, tatted, troublemaker with dreads & gold teeth. It make sound prejudiced, but it is what what it is a question that needs to be asked while there’s a revolving door for players spinning at UGA. At Miami a kid can get away with that image if he keeps his nose clean, but this is Georgia and Bulldogs were traditionally held to a higher standard. This paradox maybe the final chapter in the book of MR that could ultimately cost him his job at UGA if Crowell goes the way of CK or WE3.
Jeff is right!
July 9th, 2011
1:47 am
No Big deal and No Big loss since UGA wasnt gonna do much this year anyway. O line still cant run block under Boo Boo the clown. But UGA still will go 5 – 7 so not much has changed….
Buh Bye Mark Richt
July 9th, 2011
1:50 am
Hope you sell the lake house too in this weak market.
Red Dog 77
July 9th, 2011
2:02 am
For once Shultz is right-on as far as Caleb offering alot to the offense this year. Our main thrust will be with IC, Boo, and Figgins………I’m still optomistic, knowing Richt will have to take over alot of the play calling duties……..Dude is certainly smart enough to pull a rabbit out of a hat, and utilize his talent on the O side of the ball………Moving pocket, helps a mobile Murray, Let Boo take the lion share of the “tween the tackles” carries, let IC play “his” game by spreading the field out a little, get the kid in “space”……….He’ll make plays…….Wrs are unproven, but will do well, especially with Orson Charles in the game……….Key to 2011……..Our Defense !…..Coach Todd Grantham has his troups ready, which will creat alot of “team chemistry”………..I’m not worried !………I’m a GEEEOOOORRRGIA BULLDOG……………AND you heard it from me!……..and I’m right most all the time……….10 wins this year……..11 after the bowl game………Richt survives, picks up two more backs in the next class………Wins the National Championship in 2012………Yup, you heard it from me………….I’m RED…………GO DOGS!!!!!
cb
July 9th, 2011
2:35 am
First of all Jeff: You were gone so long I thought I’d open The Oregonian and see your column or the 4 letter network had swooped ya up! No question this is a big loss but we gotta move on. Crowell is the knight in shining armour!
This is what happens when...
July 9th, 2011
2:50 am
This is what happens when no one tell a kid from day one that it will take hard work. He went to three different high schools because of academics. Started at Columbia, then Parkview, and left for a private school his senior year (tore ACL). His academic struggles have been well documented since he began high school. I unlike most people on this site really wish that he gets himself together outside of football and take care of business. Good luck son! A persons true self measure comes when they are dealing with setbacks and hitting rock bottom. Continue to grow as a person and you will be ok.
gadawg79
July 9th, 2011
3:30 am
I am usually a huge fan, but I must say that this an extremely classless article. Yes, he may be 23, but he was still just a kid (he’s in college). This borders the fried chicken column about the Oklahoma State QB that spurred my favorite soundbite of all time. “I’m a man!!!! I’m 40!!!” Come on Mr. Schultz. Sure you have more integrity than that.
Stinger2
July 9th, 2011
5:56 am
To all UGA fans: I have never seen so much to do over nothing. King`s being ineligible is a non-event.
As Jeff said, Crowell was going to be the man anyway. CMR had already decided and said this in so many words. Also, Crowell has said his goal is to gain 1000 yards and be an All-American as a freshman. So relax guys and cool off. It is still hot outside but your first game is in the cool Dome.
legionaire
July 9th, 2011
6:17 am
I agree Jeff. King was not going to be a factor. He would just eat up some downs and time. It could be that Crowell will be able to step in and at least not fumble games away in the red zone. Unless the line play inproves the running game will be a moot point anyway.
crowell for 150
July 9th, 2011
6:40 am
crowell will run all over boise state–their D is terrible. My people in athens say that crowell may be the best back since walker. King? a bust from day 1–good riddance!
Big Canoe
July 9th, 2011
7:02 am
You’re right, Jeff!
Beast from the East
July 9th, 2011
7:11 am
“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.”
Jeff,
That is EXACTLY why folks should be worried. You could very well be typing that same line about Crowell in a couple of years. There is no way of knwoing how any recruit is going to pan out and you’re saying UGA should be fine with pinning their hopes on one? Sensible folks sure as heck should be worried.
Win P.
July 9th, 2011
7:17 am
Jeff, I agree with your assessments of CK. Injuried too much, suspended too much and attended classes too little
gcs
July 9th, 2011
7:24 am
That’s right. Keep heaping all this pressure on Isaiah Crowell. Just don’t complain when he doesn’t live up to your ridiculous expectations.
.
Sunshine Falcon
July 9th, 2011
7:35 am
Lets let the games play themselves out. What I am really concerned with is an O line injury, to one of the starters. Everyone knows we have no depth there.
Dawgs Win East!
July 9th, 2011
7:41 am
This dawg team is loaded! Murray’s the best QB in the league and Crowell will light it up. GA beats sc and fla and wins the East–bet the house.
Native to the ATL
July 9th, 2011
8:08 am
Im a Jacket fan and hate the Dawgies, but to see these same type kids staying eligible at Auburn, Florida and of course Alabama makes you wonder what the curriculum is at those schools as compared to Athens. For the most part thye are all recruiting the same type student. No way those kids over there are taking same cousr loads. the other shoe is going to drop soon on the SEC soon i think as far as academics and some schools are going to be just as embarrassed as the APS (Atlanta Public system) is atm.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 9th, 2011
8:10 am
I see two glaring comments that are complete misrepresentations of the facts, and in fact ignore the facts all together. 1. Only get athletes from Atlanta area. Let’s see, King finally landed at ATLANTA Christian Academy, so that worked out well. Two of the four robbers in the Auburn jail right now, are Atlanta city products. That worked out well. 2. UGA has got to stop allowing people like King to enter college. Just how many other schools in the SEC, or for that fact in the country, also tried to get King out of high school?
How about we try to get the NCAA to raise the standards up a little bit on admission standards in the first place. Would the average athlete, if he was just trying to get into school based on academics alone, have the 3.2 GPA, that is suppose to be the nation wide minimum, for other students that are not athletes? I think we know the answer there. The problem with folks like King, starts long before they ever get to college.
Where are the parent(s)? Did the high school coaches and teachers decide that he could slide through school as long as he could tote the rock? Would we even know who C. King is, if not for his athletic ability? If we could have a positive solution to just these few things, maybe we would not have so many C. Kings now. What will become of him now. He is not literate enough to function at an acceptable level to get a decent paying job and he is only 23 years old. How do you motivate him, to take the time to want to learn? Who’s job is it to teach him responsibility? If society gets the answers to that, we will all be better off in society. Quit filling these kids heads up with notions that they will all be in the NFL in a couple of years. Make them do real college level work in order to play sports at that level. Push these rich bunch of NFL owners to form a real minor league where kids can go, if they are not academically qualified but have special gifts as athletes. UGA is by far the only school guilty of offering a scholarship to kids that have no place in college. If the standards for admission got tougher, maybe our athletes might be better students. No dumb down courses for athletes. might help also.
johnny reb
July 9th, 2011
8:20 am
UGA has zero offense. Counting on a freshmen rb with offensive line? Nice coaching. Time for a new coach.
Win P.
July 9th, 2011
8:23 am
JB, still time to sell short. Negative comments about dawgs does not make you a hater. To discount problems is not a good thing. Richt started out so well for the program to be where it is today. In my opinion, Richt is probably the best person to stand on UGA’s side line as a fb coach.
Lebrick
July 9th, 2011
8:24 am
We need to start recruiting nerds.
» SEC: It’s Crowell’s show at Georgia as King is shelved John Clay’s Sidelines
July 9th, 2011
8:44 am
[...] Loss of King is no big deal, argues Jeff Schultz of the AJC. [...]
Lakedawg
July 9th, 2011
8:45 am
Dawg fans you are going to see a couple of other true freshmen in special sets out of baclfield this fall.Red Dog you are a whole closer to record that Cane who doesn’t have a clue about the Dawgs.
Big Ten Champs Nebraska
July 9th, 2011
9:04 am
Again, this does not happen at Nebraska.
Dave Cutler
July 9th, 2011
9:14 am
I honestly cannot believe this. It’s like groundhog day. Every single year we hear the same thing from UGA. How many running backs is this now that Richt has destroyed and UGA fans just write off and say, “well the kid didn’t have it” No! Your coach doesn’t have it. In 10 years he has produced two 1,000 yard rushers (Smith and Moreno) and ended the careers of over a dozen solid prospects. Your schedule is easy so you will still go bowling and win 8 games, but stick a fork in Richt. He is done. You will lose one to either Boise or SC, TENN, FL, AUBURN or Miss State, and maybe GT. I don’t want to hear about the defense and the added nose guard Jenkins. This team has no chemistry and face it, if Richt was going to win it all, he would have done it by now. His better days are behind him.
Tom
July 9th, 2011
9:24 am
Mobile Dawg said: I strongly disagree with your position on Cam Newton. He was a paid gun for one year. I won’t even start discussing or debating specifics on that with you.
——————————————-
That’s because you have no specifics dipstick. Respond with one single credible article, source, or anything that isn’t a blog or some blowhard trying to bring Auburn down that proves Cam and Auburn are dirty and then we will talk. Until then shut your mouth, you just come off as sour grapes.
P.S. Where are the wiretaps and recordings everyone said existed? You know that trial over Victoryland is going on right now. What happened to all that garbage about Auburn paying kids through the casino fans have heard for 25 years now?
Dogs Smell
July 9th, 2011
9:27 am
Had this been a RB from Auburn you “Homers” would be all over it. There is no dept at this position , no one to split time and this will be a very long season for the powerless pups !
A realist
July 9th, 2011
9:28 am
Hey, if the Dawgs’ season goes down the pooper, turn your eyes toward a team down in Statesboro. Georgia Southern will be REAL good this year. I wish UGA the best, but all will not be lost in all of the Peach State this season thanks to the GSU Eagles.
Troll Power Ratings
July 9th, 2011
9:32 am
Nebraska boy: Ok, we get it. You think Nebraska is the end all. Super. We don’t care what you think or do we give a second thought about Nebraska, Ohio State, South Cal., etc., etc. We may not be happy short-term with what is going on at Georgia, but you want find too many Georgia grads or fans that are interested in trading places with you or anyone else. Thanks for caring.
I will concede it is somewhat disconcerting when Ol Ms. black bears come out of the woodwork and start taking shots….
Summit Dawg
July 9th, 2011
9:38 am
Dittos on your post, Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Richt is a joke, and has no idea how to handle players on or off the
field!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Come on guys
July 9th, 2011
9:40 am
Bring back Pulpwood Smith and sign his brother Chainsaw!
will
July 9th, 2011
9:45 am
Considering that every major school has tutors, writers, special help, etc. it is interesting to have a player flunk out in the 5th year. I am not sure but I think progress(NCAA standards) has to be shown at all schools to keep a player eligible. By the way Nebraska is what I think of when I think academics>yeah sure ahead of Stanford, Vandy, Duke, and Rice. What is their major corn growing or learning Larry the Cable guy jokes?
Homepage | MrSEC.com
July 9th, 2011
9:49 am
[...] 3. Jeff Schultz: “We saw what Caleb King brought to the table for Georgia. It wasn’t good enough.” [...]
hsteacher
July 9th, 2011
9:54 am
checked out the Facebook page after reading about it in the comments. I feel sad for these young men and women that grow up in an environment that encourages such poor language and life skills. Hey, why don’t we take pictures where we look smoked out or are shooting birds? Just looking at the written comments and photos, it looks like Mr. Crowell will be another bust, dragged down by the lack of education and integrity that he idolizes and is surrounded by.
rm
July 9th, 2011
10:00 am
It’s Boo time!!!
UGA in Milton
July 9th, 2011
10:09 am
Is Crowell really as good say as a Marcus Lattimore? I hope he has that kind of impact, we are really depending on a 18 year old to make or break our season which is very scary. I still say we win the SEC this year and make a run at the NC like AU did last year…our schedule sets up perfect…