Will Murray flourish or wilt in the spotlight?
Let's go ahead and put the ball in Aaron Murray's hands. (Johnny Crawford / AJC)
I know many UGA fans at this point are tired of talking about the Zach Mettenberger situation, especially since it doesn’t look like we’re going to get the full story about why Mark Richt kicked him off the team any time soon.
There are a lot of rumors circulating, but no one in a position to confirm what happened is talking. Suffice it to say from what we’ve seen of Richt over the years, you have to assume that when additional information about what happened in Remerton reached him, it crossed some boundary that made tacking on a few more games’ suspension not enough punishment. Possibly the head coach found out he’d been lied to.
I do know one thing: Richt wouldn’t throw this kid’s UGA career away lightly. He’s bent over backwards to near-contortionist levels to give players a second chance in the past.
He anguishes over having to deal with wayward players. After the Touchdown Club of Athens meeting last week, I was thanking him for the classy way he’d handled the taxi incident allegations and the sorry saga of Montez Robinson. Richt said he appreciated it and shook his head over the Robinson affair. You always hope that you can turn a kid like that around, but sometimes you can’t, he said with a sad look on his face. “And you wonder why you couldn’t connect with him completely.”
Added Richt: “I really hate that it was so public, too.”
Well, I said, that’s the other side of the coin for big-time college athletes. He agreed. Some, he said, love the spotlight and flourish in it. He was probably thinking of Jeff Owens, David Pollack and others. And then there are those who don’t like the attention at all. “Take A.J. Green,” Richt said. “He doesn’t want anything to do with all that. He just wants to play football.”
Mettenberger, obviously, fell into the group who didn’t handle the spotlight well. And whatever he did, his story is, I think, over at UGA. I’ve heard speculation that maybe he could go away to Georgia Military for a year like Odell Thurman did and then come back to Athens, but I think that’s highly unlikely. Usually when that’s a possibility, Richt says so from the start. Plus, Mettenberger probably would just as soon start over at another program.
So we’re left with Aaron Murray and Logan Gray. Some still hold out hope that Gray the “athlete” will prove to be an SEC-caliber quarterback, and there’s always that possibility, but if he winds up as the Dogs’ starter, I think you’re talking more of a caretaker QB until Murray develops or someone else steps forward. Sort of Joe Cox with less of an arm but more scrambling ability.
No, it’s more than likely that Murray is UGA’s best bet behind center. A year ago, everyone was sky-high on the prospect of him playing quarterback for the Dogs. But the fact that he’s a bit short and has been injury-prone, plus his lackluster showing this spring, has cooled fans’ ardor for him quite a bit.
I’m hopeful, though, that he’ll yet rise to the occasion, as Erk would say. You know he’s a tough competitor just based on the way he came back from a broken leg to lead his high school team to a championship. He showed some really good moves at G-Day but kept overthrowing wide-open receivers. Perhaps the competition with the strong-armed Mettenberger had Murray pressing too hard.
We’ve seen that situation at QB before. Remember how awful D.J. Shockley looked at times when he was battling the cool field general David Greene for playing time? Richt usually built a certain number of guaranteed series into games for Shockley (when he was healthy), but D.J. often looked like he was trying too hard, as in that awful interception he threw against Florida. And when he had to relieve the injured Greene against Tech. (Greene, you’ll recall, had to come back in to save the game.)
Once the job was his, however, Shockley relaxed and became the superb quarterback Richt had always thought he could be.
Perhaps that will be the case with Murray, too. Which makes me think it might be better if Richt and Mike Bobo go ahead and make Murray a clear-cut No. 1 on the suddenly tiny QB depth chart as soon as possible, rather than let the battle go on deep into August. So he can get that monkey off his back and settle down.
The spotlight is on Murray now. Keep your fingers crossed he’s able to handle it.
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331 comments Add your comment
A-Ville REanger
April 20th, 2010
12:34 pm
I’m concerned that Bobo and Richt will try to force him into trying to be a straight drop back/ playaction QB.The kid needs time and space to find receivers.If they’re wise enough to use rollouts and the sotgun more he’ll do fine.
If they don’t work to his strengths I’m very concerned for his future in our offense.
CLEVON LITTLE
April 20th, 2010
12:37 pm
As hard as I try, I just can’t come to put a possitive spin on this. It makes me almost sick at my stomach to know that Murray is ‘the’ guy w/o another option.
Maybe I’ll start watching soccer or something. Nah…. nevermind.
CHDawg
April 20th, 2010
12:37 pm
Murray’s ability wasn’t hidden, even on this GDay. Very, very quick release; very good vision, good instinct on scrambling. He had a bad day on overthrows and the Int, but CMR said it was just that–one bad day in a very good Spring for him. Bobo said he had never seen a QB work so hard on the mental part–work ethic great. His height and staying healthy are the only two questions in my mind. He will make some mistakes, but go back and look at Stafford’s stats, or whomever you like, and you will see they made mistakes, too. He threw a lot of TDs in HS, and he isn’t scared to throw it into a crowd–much like Stafford, so I would expect a few Ints, but just looking at his ability, I see UGA’s next Heisman winner. You heard it here first!
Spokesman for the SEC East
April 20th, 2010
12:37 pm
bigdawg, talking a “neutral” game? Rather have it in “hallowed” Sanford where the gators hung a half a hundred on you last time or where you cant even hold serve against Vandy and Kentucky? You are a joke boy.
Yoda
April 20th, 2010
12:40 pm
Spokesman for the SEC East …hows CryBaby Tim doing!!!!!
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:41 pm
last I checked we beat Vandy 3 straight (unless your going to live in 06 and then bag dawgs for livin in the past) plus when did I say it had to be in Sanford, but Jacksonville is a short bus trip from Gainesville. I wouldnt approve of the GA Dome because that wouldnt be neutral either, maybe build a stadium in Valdosta or somewhere like that where both schools are equally far away rather than CLEARLY closer to UF. go back to the Gator blogs son
Spokesman for the SEC East
April 20th, 2010
12:42 pm
Yoda, pretty good actually. Bet he goes somewhere better than Detroit. He’s still thinking about his 3-1 record in his hometown. How is Hershels multiple personalities doing?
Don in DC
April 20th, 2010
12:43 pm
Excellent article
Spokesman for the SEC East
April 20th, 2010
12:44 pm
Bigdawg dumba$$, Jax is the same time by bus is it is by plane from athens, plus they come down the day before anyway. Funny it never bothered Vince.
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:44 pm
he wont start anything on the returning starters because hes another on-his-high-horse-gaytor who refuses to admit that UGA has ANYTHING against them. Ive given up on finding a gaytor I can have an intelligant football converstation with. Lord, even Tennessee hillbillies are more civilized than you!
Spokesman for the SEC East
April 20th, 2010
12:45 pm
Actually, I would rather it be home and home so we could embarrass your lame a$$e$ every other year between the hedges.
IBTP
April 20th, 2010
12:46 pm
It’s just the consequences of UGA holding itself to a higher standard than the white trash in Gainesville. Mettenberger would have made the dean’s list for his actions if he was a UF QB prospect.
CLEVON LITTLE
April 20th, 2010
12:46 pm
CHDawg, you were joking about the Heisman thing, right??
DB
April 20th, 2010
12:46 pm
bigdawg, that’s because he’s Dorsey Hill. Sadly, I’m sure some on here don’t understand that reference.
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:46 pm
youre points are self-conflicting and you are retreating on arguments YOU started
I win.
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:47 pm
give up
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:48 pm
he also wont mention the series record or any other of the multiple stats UGA has against them
Yoda
April 20th, 2010
12:48 pm
Spokesman for the SEC East ….hey, for the kind of money they paid Stafford I’d go to Detroit…bet it beats getting 4 rd money in Jville…as for ole # 34 he’s hanging in there… was wondering about Urbans’ Panic attacks or whatever they are
Spokesman for the SEC East
April 20th, 2010
12:49 pm
You lose dumba$$, you have 10 starters back on a terrible offense and 6 back on an even worse defense. UGA fans are the only ones predicting them winning the East. Not one publication predicts UF coming in second.
Paul Johnson
April 20th, 2010
12:49 pm
UGA sucks and everyon knows i dare any dog fans to say something
Spokesman for the SEC East
April 20th, 2010
12:50 pm
Out clones.
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:52 pm
no even I dont predict them coming in second, maybe third behind us and USC.
the winner of UGA USC goes to SEC title game
but either would be beaten by Alabama
Urb Meyer
April 20th, 2010
12:52 pm
it wasn’t a panic attack i was just tried of beating down on Markie Mark from Athens i thought if they think i was leaving then they would get some hope
Yoda
April 20th, 2010
12:52 pm
Paul Johnson…..quit pulling your slide ruler
SCAR Fan
April 20th, 2010
12:52 pm
He may fly high in week 1 but will wilt or possibly be crushed by Cliff Matthews and company in Columbia week 2!!!
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:53 pm
Paul Johnson, Tech has no argument in football WHATSOEVER
))))))))30-24(((((((
))))))))))))))60-39-5((((((((((((((
stay out of the big boy arguments
anotherdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:54 pm
Have no fear SEC fan, we can run the ball. If you haven’t heard, we run this state. Mix in some passing and an aggressive defense, we’ll be fine.
UGAKev
April 20th, 2010
12:54 pm
People are so ignorant I was at the spring game and saw murray and mett throw side by side, murray has about as much zip on the ball as mett has, the only thing mett had on murray was height. Bobo had Murray come out and hand the ball off two times and throw a screen pass while mettenberger got to come out and sling it down the field. Bobo got mettenberger in a nice rhythm while murray did not have the same set of plays to run. Murray might of overthrown some balls but i guarantee you he does not have an accuracy problem. Murray is a very smart hard worker that knows how to make adjustments.. Look at it this way there is no way macelore is a better qb than murray… lamo at people that think that spring game is exactly the way murray will look in the fall.
jasont13
April 20th, 2010
12:55 pm
Once again people amaze me. I see there are a lot of unemployed college football coaches and talent scouts on the message board today. Murray is 6′1″ and can see over the line, he has a strong arm and runs a 4.5 40. He would have started last year but Richt wanted to let his ankle heal as Murray had surgrey the previous October. Murray will do just fine, there is a reason almost every college wanted him. And that goes for the gator fans too.
Yoda
April 20th, 2010
12:55 pm
Urb Meyer..his eldest at North Ave Trade School told a dear friend it was a Panic Attack fearing his great QB training killed Tebutt in Pros
bigdawg
April 20th, 2010
12:56 pm
for my final comment:
Murray (I pronounce it mur-A, while others pronounce it mur-E i dont know which is correct but whatever) will be a top 3 QB in the SEC in his second or third year, in short give him time
winner of USC-UGA WILL go to the SEC title game but lose to Bama either way
Tech, Gaytors, Awbarn, and rocky Flop all suck
GO DAWGS
good night, and THWGT
11-3 GT
April 20th, 2010
12:58 pm
The big question is whether Murray can handle Shreveport.
jasont13
April 20th, 2010
12:59 pm
People forget that Urban Meyer, Charlie Weiss, Rick Neuhisal and many others wanted Murray really bad. I will take their judgement of QB talent than anyone in this room.
how2fish
April 20th, 2010
1:04 pm
Spokesman for the SEC East 1st once you utter “Book it” no matter what you posted before it proves your a moron..and I wouldn’t bet on the 5-7 year…we have a better D a better O line better RB’s and TE’s than last year if we had a vet QB the East would be shaking in their shoes…if you think we are done you really are as dumb as your “book it” drivel points to.
Bobbi Dud
April 20th, 2010
1:08 pm
Is Urban at the pool or still in his therapist’s office?
Florida Dawg
April 20th, 2010
1:08 pm
By the way… Aaron Murray Height: 6-1 Weight: 209 / Drew Brees Height: 6-0 Weight: 209. All the nay sayers about being undersized etc etc need to check themselves. Murray will do fine.
13 titles
April 20th, 2010
1:09 pm
Gabe Wright
April 20, 2010
Georgia DL on Bama and Saban
Gabe Wright
The star-studded list of unofficial visitors to Alabama for Saturday’s A-Day game included Columbus-Carver, GA standout defensive lineman Gabe Wright. The 6-4, 281-pound Wright was very impressed with what he saw and heard in Tuscaloosa.
“It was a real good visit, a great visit,” Wright says. “It was a little different from my previous visits, because it was a game atmosphere. There was a lot of fans and a lot energy. It was a great visit. I liked everything about it.
“I hung out with Nico Johnson. He’s a great guy. We had a great time hanging out. He did a great job of showing me around.”
There is no doubt that Wright has long been among the Tide’s top defensive line targets. At one point, he named Alabama his strong leader. He’s recently backed off that statement and now says that Alabama and Auburn are running neck and neck atop his list, which also includes Clemson, FSU, Georgia and Tennessee, among others.
“That’s the way I look at it right now. It’s real tight right now,” Wright says. “Auburn has risen up on my list mainly because my mom has had a chance to visit there, but she hasn’t been to Alabama yet. I think once she gets to visit Alabama with me sometime this summer, she will feel the same way about Alabama as she does about Auburn. I feel the same way I’ve always felt about Alabama. That has not changed. I think it’ll be good once she gets to visit Alabama and sees it for herself.”
Opposing coaches have told Wright that Nick Saban will be leaving Alabama soon. While in Tuscaloosa last Saturday, Wright addressed that with Saban.
“I spoke with Coach Saban about all the things I’ve been told that he’s going to leave Alabama,” Wright says. “He answered all of my questions very directly. He’s not the kind of person who plays games. He shoots it straight and direct. He explained to me that he’s going to be at Alabama for a long time. I completely believe him that he’s not going anywhere and I’m comfortable with that.”
Wright says that he’s doesn’t plan to make a decision until after his senior season.
Wright runs a 4.8 40. As a junior, he made 55 tackles, eight tackles for losses and seven sacks. He plans to major in criminology.
CHDawg
April 20th, 2010
1:11 pm
Clev,
I think Murray will be the big surprise in the SEC this year…I believe you will soon change your tune come Sep. I think our receivers are better than people realize–personally, I think they are the best receiving corps UGA has ever had. I am concerned that our O line is not as good as advertised, kind of like last year–that would spoil the prediction completely.
sammiamm
April 20th, 2010
1:12 pm
“Murray received 53 scholarship offers and during his senior season he completed 118 of 195 passes for 2,285 yards and 33 touchedowns with five interceptions. The senior rushed for 257 yards on 26 carries with two touchdowns.
Murray only played in eight games due to a broken leg he received in October but the star quarterback returned in time to lead his team through their semi-final appearance and subsequent 4A title win over Lincoln although visibly still in pain.
Murray was named Hillsborough co-offensive player of the year along with teammate and favorite target, wide receiver Orson Charles. Voted All-Suncoast First Team. He was also voted the 4A Player of the Year therefore making him a finalist and leading contender for Florida’s Mr. Football of 2008. Murray was named Parade All-American, Orlando Sentinel’s All-Southern Top 12 Players SE, Pess Register’s Super Southeast 120 (#10), FSWA All-State, First Team QB.
Junior Stats: Murray completed 201 of 329 passing attempts for 4,012 yards with a 78 long 7 interceptions and 51 touchdowns.”
Just Sayin…
ARdawg
April 20th, 2010
1:13 pm
Dorsey Hill made excellent points. I’ll add Murray will be fine. He’ll make the expected new QB mistakes early but he’ll also learn from them. This kid has all the tools to be a high caliber SEC QB. Whether they develop this year is yet to be seen. I too worry about the inexperience at OLB and DE. If the 3-4 is going to be effective the new guys will have to man up
Don in DC
April 20th, 2010
1:15 pm
Aaron Murray: 6′1″ 208 lbs
Doug Flute: 5′10″ 180 lbs
Bret Favre: 6′2″ 222 lbs
13 titles
April 20th, 2010
1:19 pm
Bama felt right for Pensacola star
Down in Pensacola, the cat has been out of the bag for a while that Catholic HS star defensive end D.J. Pettway was headed to Tuscaloosa. On Monday, the 6-2½, 250-pound standout made it public by announcing his commitment to the Crimson Tide.
Pettway, who had over 20 offers, selected Alabama over FSU and USC.
“It’s a good place. It feels like home,” Pettway says. “It’s not too far away and I like the tradition they have. It’s like a family they have up there. I wanted to get it out of the way and let them know that I want to be up there.”
“I had talked to the coaches at Alabama and told them that I would probably commit to them if I could make it for A-Day, but I went to the NIKE Combine in Baton Rouge instead,” Pettway adds. “I sat down with my parents last night and we discussed everything and decided it was best to go ahead and call Coach Saban this morning.”
“I’m really excited about playing for Coach Saban,” Pettway says. “He’s a great guy. He’s very up front and let’s you know that he wants you. He seems like a good person. All the other coaches are good people, too. They do everything they can to help their players become the best that they can be.
“Coach [Jeremy] Pruitt recruited me. He was very, very helpful during the recruiting process. I’ve been up there to visit a few times and he was always very helpful and took personal interest in showing me around and in talking to me.”
As a junior, Pettway racked up 85 tackles, including 25 for losses, and 16 sacks.
“To my knowledge, he will remain a down lineman in college,” says Catholic head coach Greg Siebert. “He’ll probably be one of the down defensive ends in their 3-4.
“He’s a passionate player. He’s got the ability to put on some very good size. He could carry 280 and remain very athletic. He has great hips and plays with such a passion for the game that is special for a kid his age.”
Pettway will make an unofficial visit this coming weekend.
Will
April 20th, 2010
1:20 pm
Go with Murray and make him hand it off to Washaun 30 times a game! It’s the only way to win the game in the armpit of the south Columbia, SC.
Las Vegas Chainsaw
April 20th, 2010
1:24 pm
Nice watching you Muttenberger fans whine and cry. The kid blew it, it was his fault and his alone. He let down the entire dog nation, it does not seem like it was a simple fake ID underage drinking deal. Now let Murray play ball and lets see what he can do. Murray has more heart than anybody out on the field. Coach Richt recruited the kid hard along with every other SEC team and there’s a reason for that, now shut up and give the kid a chance!
I'm Orsen Charles and I WANT # 7. Give It To Me!!
April 20th, 2010
1:26 pm
He’ll be fine. His boyfriend Orsen Charles went to Georgia just to “play with him.” Orsen’s words–not mine.
I'm Orsen Charles and I WANT # 7. Give It To Me!!
April 20th, 2010
1:27 pm
“Playing with him”, must mean a lot to young Orsen.
Vick=Dog killing thug
April 20th, 2010
1:30 pm
Hope Murray gets the nod and can hold up physically. Logan has never shown me that he can play QB. Maybe wildcat but I don’t think that’s Richt’s style?
Lets hope Hudson is a pleasant surprise?
Dawghater
April 20th, 2010
1:30 pm
Hey “YODA” you’d dream of having a QB even half as good as Tebow! The ones who will whine and cry will be the puppy dawg fans watching Murray throw picks!
SOGADOG
April 20th, 2010
1:31 pm
Dont write Gray off yet. Gray and Murray’s performances at G day were pretty even. In fact, Gray looked more in command. If Gray is given some significant playing time, he may blossom like Shockley did. Gray has never taken any meaningful snaps in a game. Lets see what Gray can do before we presume Murray will be the starter.
$750K
April 20th, 2010
1:31 pm
How about kicking some of the vastly overpaid coaches off the team to show that in a time of educational cutbacks football is less important than academics?