There’s more than one way to keep a quarterback happy
Does Logan Gray really want to play receiver? (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
What to make of the Logan Gray situation?
If it were simply a case of the apparent loser in the battle for the starting quarterback job threatening to go elsewhere to play, you’d have to conclude he wasn’t thinking too clearly.
First of all, Mark Richt isn’t likely to change his mind about who his starter is just because of the threat that the backup might go elsewhere. That didn’t even work for D.J. Shockley’s dad, and D.J. was a helluva lot more talented QB than Gray is.
Secondly, even if you view it from the perspective of what’s best for Gray, rather than the program, it doesn’t make sense. Gray is one injury away from starting for an SEC team. If he leaves, he can either drop down to a lower level for two years of potential playing time or give up a year of eligibility if he goes to another Football Bowl Subdivision team. And what are the odds he’ll waltz in as a one-year QB and start at such a school?
Gray’s high school coach, A.J. Ofodile of Rock Bridge High in Columbia, Mo., who was in contact with the player on Monday about all this, put it pretty well in the Athens Banner-Herald: “I think it would be a very hard decision for him to [transfer] based on the situation. He’s at the school that he wants to be at. Even in this situation, which is probably a worst case scenario, he’s probably an ankle injury away from being the starting quarterback at the school he wants to be at. It’s not like he could transfer to another comparable school without losing a year and most people don’t want a one-year quarterback.” (I added the italics for emphasis.)
However, it’s not clear that this is really about Gray chafing at being the backup QB. Gray talked to the coaching staff after last season about switching positions, probably to receiver. While the decision was left in his hands, he apparently was encouraged to stick with the QB competition at least through spring practice. Had Zach Mettenberger not been kicked off the team, Gray most likely would have gotten his wish come August.
But Macon/Columbus beat writer David Hale says that he understands the problem is that while Gray “truly wants to play receiver now,” that’s “not much of an option at UGA apparently.”
Which is kind of puzzling. Why would that not be an option at UGA? Richt himself said just last week that Gray still might play somewhere other than quarterback: “As far as another position goes, the bottom line for Logan is I want him to be in the best position to help Georgia win, and whether that’s No. 2 quarterback or getting some reps at receiver or something, that remains to be seen. But we just want to get him in the best position to help Georgia.”
While that made it pretty clear Aaron Murray is his QB of choice, it also indicates a willingness on Richt’s part to let his backup QB get playing time at another position. And it’s not like it’s a practice that’s unheard of. Texas A&M’s backup quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, is also his team’s leading receiver.
So if that’s the rub, if Gray really wants to be playing receiver, why not let him? Sure, it’s not an ideal scenario: If Gray gets hurt playing receiver and then Murray gets hurt, the Dogs would face playing a completely inexperienced true freshman at quarterback.
But if Gray transfers elsewhere, that’s still the situation. And the Dogs could use a little more depth at receiver.
So why not roll with it, let Gray follow the Tannehill model and keep him happy while still having an experienced backup?
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199 comments Add your comment
Lowcountry Bulldawg
April 27th, 2010
2:44 pm
Bama Stan,
Do not jinx us by saying the words, “Undefeated heading into Jax.”. I cannot tell you how many years I have looked at a schedule and concluded the same thing, only for the team to deceide not to show up for a game. I would be happy going 9-3 and getting the 10th win in the bowl game. Not a bad season for starting a RS Freshman.
AltamahaDawg
April 27th, 2010
2:46 pm
Cory, wouldn’t it be best to let an actual decision be made before declaring it stupid? Or do you know something that the rest of us don’t? Because I know you aren’t so dumb as to be refering to one writer’s ponderings based on another writers speculation as the objective clarity that you brag about.
BTW when you “give up all ties” to UGA, its no longer a -we- when you talk about it. as if it ever was.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
2:48 pm
I find it interesting that sudden Logan fans, sure didn’t like him too much a few hours ago.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
2:49 pm
What did people mean when they said the qb battle was already ‘over’ when Rcht himself said there’s no clear seperation to declare a starter? Don’t think Logan appreciated that.
Sanford Drive
April 27th, 2010
2:49 pm
Dual threat? For what? Throwing pick-sixes right to defensive lineman?
Bill King is a ..................
April 27th, 2010
2:54 pm
This kind of thing is why we get beat year in and year out. We keep our best athletes on the sidelines. We did it last year and apparently we will do it this year. I said this the other day on BK’s blog…….Give Logan a chance to play QB. All of the pro-Murray’s say we shouldnt base our opinions on Murray’s GDay performance. That he had the best spring out of all the quarterbacks. Well, i say none of us should judge Logan based on the handful of snaps he got to play last year. Until the FL game….the only play Logan ran was a QB keeper around the end. Then once we were so far behind in the FL game….we put this kid in on our goal line and he throws an INT to Spikes. And everybody wants to talk about how bad Logan is. Well, i say this is the same type scenerio we had with Shock and Greene. Shock played horribly when he would come in for Greene. But once he got the start…he did a heckuva lot better. Lets give the boy a chance. Surely he is more deserving of a chance than Joe Cox was last year.
Nay Sayer
April 27th, 2010
2:55 pm
Logan waited too long to transfer and he knows it. Nobody wants a one and done player (especially at QB).Aren’t we thin at wr? Sure would be nice if we found one that could be a possesion wr.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
2:55 pm
What I don’t get, is when Logan averages the SAME on yards per pass attempt as Murray, about the same on completion accuracy, same on td’s, 3x less int’s, so Logan beats Murray by 3x better on the #1 criteria, td to int ratio (2.0 vs. .67), then why wasn’t Logan named the #1 on the depth chart? Players before that, like AJ, were talking about how much Logan had improved and his leadership skills. Don’t remember one single player raving about Murray during the 12 practices before the 3 scrimmages, so I have a hard time believing Murray was better than Mettenberger or Gray, and ALL OF THE SUDDEN, forgot how to play for ALL 3 Spring scimmages. Based on the 3 scrimmages, Gray should have been #1 on the QB depth chart, once Mett was dismissed. It’s really not even close. 3x better.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
April 27th, 2010
2:59 pm
Let the kid get on the field I believe he has stated that he just wants to help make the team better, so put him in , QB package, Slot , returner not catcher let him return the ball, just give him a chance to get on the field, let him play DB in some situations if he is as atheletic as everyone says you have to find a place for him.
Alphare
April 27th, 2010
3:04 pm
Why does a football team need a quarter in the first place?
Florida didn’t have one for 3 years, and won 2 NC’s as a result.
Cojones
April 27th, 2010
3:07 pm
Dawg Report seems to be holding it close to the chest. Seems the word has come from our athletic department.
sbNations headline at the end of their article states:
…”LoganGray has officially requested his release from the program leaving Georgia with just two scholarship quarterbacks for next season.”
anotherdawg
April 27th, 2010
3:08 pm
Crazy dawg, Most of the people on here are either smart a$$es, doomsday lovers, or just plain idiots. Opinions are generally like buttholes, everyone has one, and most stink.
McDawg
April 27th, 2010
3:14 pm
Here is how NOT to use Gray–bring him in very sparingly and run the exact same play that you always run when he is in the game
Alphare
April 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
If you ask me, I will tell you quarterback is the most overrated position in college football. BAMA didn’t have a good quarterback last year but won a NC, Florida had half a quarterback in 3 years and won 2 NC’s.
UGA had the best QB prior to last year, but didn’t even win SEC East.
Who need Logan Gray?
Cojones
April 27th, 2010
3:15 pm
DawgSports has the best article and one that I wholeheartedly agree with.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
3:17 pm
What’s best for Logan? Transfer to a team that appreciates you and will let you start if you beat the other QB by 300%.
Don’t sit the bench, go for it man. Yes, it will hurt Georgia, but Murray is our man, and this is where we’re at.
Mason will prove to be an able back-up, but Logan needs to think about Logan right now.
Richt’s own son transfered when he wasn’t getting enough palying time.
Hey, Columbus Tiger - WAR EAGLE!!!
April 27th, 2010
3:19 pm
No problem with you watering your lawn.
The problem was when you turned the hoses on the fans in your Stadium. That was stupid and reckless.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
3:24 pm
We’ve got to support our Coach’s decision, and like it or not, Coach Richt thinks Murray is our guy. The fans need to come together and give Coach Richt some love, it’s been a tough few weeks here, for real now.
Coach Richt will navigate through these waters and HAD to think that transfers might be an option when he named the depth chart, but let’s don’t get caught up in self serving advice, I think Logan should transfer, he’s an Elite 11 QB ofr goodness sake, he hung with Aaron Murray toe to toe in the 3 srping scrimmages, he deserves to play somewhere, although, that puts Georgia in a tough situation, it’s in Logan’s best interest to do so. I’d like to put it behind us, and get everyone behind Murray a.s.a.p.
Errol Hammonds
April 27th, 2010
3:30 pm
Remember Hines ward? He was UGA’s Mr. utility! QB, RB, WR..Logan Gray can play Qb and WR..Let’s get him on the field!!!
Mike
April 27th, 2010
3:32 pm
Let’s start focusing on Aaron Murray, Georgia needs a leader, and Aaron Murray is among the best QB’s in the country, and he’s our guy, let’s blog a little on him for a change. Richt has been dreaming about this guy for months, now, it starts.
Why was everyone so big on Aaron Murray coming out of High School? I’d like to see some more on this.
Standing on the sidelines
April 27th, 2010
3:36 pm
Murray’s history of injury is not good. Who knows how the offensive line will play? Supposed to be good is not de facto good. What about possible injuries to the offensive line? If things don’t fall Richt’s way and he loses another 4 or 5 games, Richt may be forced to start sitting in a bucket of ice water as the season drags on. Won’t be anybody’s fault but his.
bigdawg8
April 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Gray is probably a good athlete when comparing to other non-mobile QBs. If you compare him to athletes like AJ Green, Ealey or Rambo then probably not so good. Must not be very impressive in the QB meetings, practices, etc. to beat out Cox last year and a redshirt freshman this year. So for all of you who think he is the next Tebow, Hines Ward, etc. need to stop arm chair coaching and rely on the decisions of the actual coaches who know him and see him every day.
Alabama Jack
April 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
No wonder the team is out drinking. No one knows what to do.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Enough of focusing on what Georgia can get out of this guy—fair catching punts? For real? WR? no. Wildcat, no Branden Smith and Wooten much better. Logan’s a QB, and a very good one, as he proved on G-Day out-dueling Murray against the #1 defense. He has QB talent–G-Day settled that, nice QB scramble to save a drive that turned into a TD, nice accurate passing against a very good defense.
Hopefully Richt advised him like a Dad, and like his own son, advised transferring to get playing time, and go for his goal. If Richt’s own son transferred, then it only seems right to treat Logan the same way.
jasont13
April 27th, 2010
3:40 pm
Love the Tech fans calling Murray a midget. Last time I looked at your roster your QB is the same height as Murray.
ugaaccountant
April 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
Mike – He lost and he’s transferring. Get over it.
Mike
April 27th, 2010
3:50 pm
Any of you guys remember this about Mark Richt’s son transferring form Clemson to Mars Hill college:
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/041709/foo_430072771.shtml
St. Richt
April 27th, 2010
3:53 pm
Good luck getting a bunch of other highly rated QB’s to come to Athens. I think Mettenberger and Gray have just figured out that only 1 can be a starter. I guess they were too stupid to realize that when they committed to begin with. Sure, they went there to compete but I think most top QB’s would prefer to be “the guy” going in.. I think Richt’s days of stockpiling 4 and 5 star QB’s to ride the pine are over.
St. Richt
April 27th, 2010
3:56 pm
I see Richt kicked another walk on off the team for his recent arrest. I love how he acts tough with scrub walk ons and gives real players the usual one game suspension. Typical. Very typical.
DUB
April 27th, 2010
4:01 pm
Logan should of thought about this situation from day one. He definitely should of figured this out when he sat behind Joe Cox. That was the true sign that you will never start at QB for UGA.
Tick Tock
April 27th, 2010
4:04 pm
Does a day go by without a Georgia football player getting arrested? Tick Tock. How long will it be till yet another dog player is arrested? Tick tock. Tickety tock. Who will be the next to be arrested?
AceDawg
April 27th, 2010
4:09 pm
UGA semi-shafted Logan Gray last year, let’s face it. There is no way Cox as a fifth year senior needed to stay in on almost all occasions when UGA was having an off year. Cox made enough mistakes that Gray should’ve gotten significant snaps on a few occasions so that UGA fans could at least know what the guy plays like. I don’t count 5 or 10 passes spread out over a season as counting.
That said, if he wasn’t good enough to get more playing time over Joe Cox, should Gray have gotten a chance to compete against Mettenberger and Murray who are more talented than Cox and only needed some time in the program to be ready? Gray could’ve been a convert to receiver already and been ready to contribute significantly this Fall.
I know I don’t know the real details being a bystander fan, but i like to pretend.
I do hope Gray stays though, and I think he can get noticed over the next two years via his contributions on offense outside of the QB position, or at the QB position even in circumstances. If he were going to play at another level ever, though, I’d think it would not be QB.
BAMA STAN
April 27th, 2010
4:11 pm
13 NATIONAL TITLES – 22 SEC TITLES!!!
Low Country – hear what you are saying – still – a lot of IF’s!!! South Carolina is Huge – and so is Arkansas. I just have a positive feeling about UGA in 2010 – and I had a bad feeling about UGA in 2009. One game at a time – I hear you!!!!
OTTO – why do I think the Offense will be better?
1. your entire O-Line is coming back – and I think UGA will be able to sustain a better ground attack. By that I mean it will be more consistent. I think your O-Line players will be improved and as a unit – they will function better.
2. Caleb King finally stepped up to the plate and ran like he wanted to deal some punishment last half of the season in 2009. Before – he looked tentative and scared – and I was thinking he might be a BUST. Kudo’s for him stepping up his game and gaining some confidence.
Ealey will be more consistent as he understands the blocking schemes and should be a better pass blocker. I like him as a runner.
3. TE position – UGA looks really good! UGA will better employ TE’s in the passing attack – this is obvious and will pay dividends.
4. Murray – the midget as some has called him – is another Eric Zier type of QB as far as leadership, accuracy and arm strength. Zier was barely 6′ – Murray is more mobile. I like this kid and think he will be a solid QB and a fiery competitor for UGA.
5. Penalties – I would be willing to bet UGA sees a significant reduction in yellow flags this year – just a hunch.
6. Very IMPORTANT – DEFENSE. Your defense is an important component of your offense.
– How many times did the Offense turn it over – and the defense could not make a stop?
– How many times did your defense come up with a turn over last year?
– How many times did your defense defend the short field or place your offense in great field position in 2009?
– IF UGA’s defense just improves in takeaways and tackling fundlementals – this will help your offense a great deal!!!
The soft zone react defense forced your offense to gamble when your game was on the line – and that resulted in addtional turnovers. If your defense improves – your offense can play more ball control – which UGA is built to do in 2010 – and be more patient – meaning less turnovers!!!
Otto – those are my thoughts as to why the UGA offense will be better in 2010 over 2009. With that said. I called it in 2009 – and I just have a much better feeling about UGA in 2010. 2009 kick started a sense of urgency at UGA – this is a good thing.
UGA wins 9 Reg games in 2010 -and has a serious chance to win 10 games.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!
Rod
April 27th, 2010
4:17 pm
Bill DJ’s dad did not say anything to the coaches about DJ starting or he will transfer. All you have to do ask CMR? DJ thought about transfering because he could have startered anywhere in the sec. He choose to stay and because he loved UGA and the team more. You have been known to take shots at Shockley for some in your blogs for some reason. Shockley helped Greene become the winningest starting QB in the ncaa. I remember several games like the Clemson game DJ saved for DG.
Yoda
April 27th, 2010
4:19 pm
Been Thinking about UGA QB situation……Burp….Sorry, now I’ve got gas…I think the two are related. Burp…
S FL Chapter of the Bulldog Nation
April 27th, 2010
4:25 pm
Dawgustus…..I’m with you! I was thinking about the possibility of Logan out wide and the possibilities of some plays from there. I think it definitely could work!
Cory…..As Champaign Dawg stated: PEACE OUT! And as the great Mike Singletary stated:
“I would not tolerate players” ..or FANS.. “that think it’s about them when it’s about the team….I’m from the old school. I believe this: I would rather play with 10 people and get penalized all the way” ..or in front of 90k rabid Dawg fans.. “until we’ve got to do something else. Rather than play with 11″ ..instead of full capacity.. “when I know that right now that person is not sold out to be a part of this team.” ..Or that every person wearing Red & Black is 100% behind the team!..
“It is more about them than it is about the team. Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can’t do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win.” ..AND FANS THAT BLEED RED & BLACK!
Personally I believe that it is in Logan’s best interest to stay in Athens…obviously I really don’t know the behind the scenes stuff, but I’m shocked that Logan even brought up the notion of transferring when it is truly a neck and neck competition for the starting spot. I’m sure he’s feeling that it’s not going to be a legit race for the job to even think about it, or that he just cant beat Aaron out…I don’t know but I think that he can definitely be an asset to the team and I hope he stays!
chazzo
April 27th, 2010
4:34 pm
Sherlock says it would seem as though people who get drunk in town are getting arrested. Maybe, and it is just a hunch here, players shouldn’t go drinking downtown.
Rod
April 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
All of you bright people that say let Logan play WR are forgeting he would be baried on the depthchart and we still would need a backup QB.
UGA adds flexibility to drug, alcohol punishments
April 27th, 2010
4:45 pm
This is great news for the football program!
UGA adds flexibility to drug, alcohol punishments
April 27th, 2010
4:49 pm
Its great that you guys know what’s in the best interest of a player. Whether he stays or should go. Or that he’d be “baried” on a depth chart.
You guys should form an international think tank and solve all of the world’s problems!
DOGFAN
April 27th, 2010
4:49 pm
Every teams second string QB is one injury away from being the starter. Let it rest people you are talk about something that may never happen….Why panic and the season has not started yet.
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 27th, 2010
5:13 pm
While you fleabags submerge your self in your annual QB controversy, do you know if The Ted will serve beer tonight while GT pounds the your mutts into the ground?
The Uga downward spiral continues
April 27th, 2010
5:19 pm
He’ll be arrested and it will all be moot.
Go Dawgs
April 27th, 2010
5:26 pm
If being the No. 2 QB and 1 play away getting into the game isn’t enough for Logan Gray, then he can pack his A$$ and go.
If we had to use an emergency QB, then Mason got to be ready to go. If you played QB all your life, then you should be able to handle the pressure. Life is tough enough, so stand up and fight the beast.
savannadawg
April 27th, 2010
5:42 pm
What does it matter. If he wants to be at UGA. And he wants to play football for UGA then let him play. Bobo and Richt need to stop worrying about the what ifs. The what if’s are going to put your a$$e$ on the street if you don’t win football games and i mean alot. tired of this BS from the coaches. Hope they’ve tightened up their chin straps. this year is going to be tough. A lot tougher than I thought originally. Better use every weapon in your arsenal boys.
jack bull
April 27th, 2010
5:43 pm
can’t say that i blame him. nobody wants to sit on the sideline and watch(and if you do, i’m not sure that i would want you on my team)..go ahead, Logan, transfer to VSU, Montana,or App State, i would truly understand….a player wants to play, not watch…Cam Newton left UF and will be the starter at AU this fall…do what’s best for you, we all would…
jack bull
April 27th, 2010
5:46 pm
and i don’t really see where Richt and Bobo are worrying, they left the decision totally up to Logan..that whole “i’ll do whatever for the team(as long as i’m playing)” don’t hold water until you start getting paid.
PowerDawg
April 27th, 2010
5:48 pm
Why does everyone assume that Murray is going to to get hurt? Why is everybody always questioning his durability?
For all you football Einsteins out there that think you have all the answers as well as all the doom-n-gloom prognosticators…
Murray does NOT have a durability issue, period.
He got hurt ONCE in four years of high school play. He came back SOONER THAN EXPECTED to lead his team to a championship. The situation last year with his elbow/forearm? Tendinitus. Not an injury, TENDINITUS. Why? Not used to the amount of throwing reps he had to take last year as compared to when he was in HS.
The kid threw about three times more this year than last…no arm issues Why? Proper weight training and preparation in the off season. Aaron Murray is not an injury concern nor is he in any way non-durable.
Matt Stafford wasn’t nearly as mobile as Murray. And he had very inconsistent play from his O-Line for all three years. Matt Stafford never missed a single game in those three years due to injury. Not a single snap. (Unless you count that stupid experiment in 2006 at Ole Miss when Cox started)
The O-Line came together during the last half of last year and Cox hardly ever went down. They only gave up 15 sacks last year, the best in the the SEC and top five in the NCAA.
Murray will benefit from seriously good protection this year.
Stop fretting, people.
Einsteindawg
April 27th, 2010
5:52 pm
Logan Gray should have started the next game after Ok State…then we know what we have. In retrospect, Joe Cox would never have started for any other SEC team, and probably only Duke in the ACC. My questions are: what was Richt thinking last year? Is 2010 going to be a repeat of 2009? Why do we lead the South in arrests, penalties, and turnovers? Is Bobo the best we can get? Why wasn’t Willie fired after the 2008 season? And, what does Damon Evans actually do? Maybe the bigger question is Richt head coach material? I’ve been a Dawg for 60+ years, and something is not right in Athens…just my opinion.
AltamahaDawg
April 27th, 2010
5:59 pm
Power Dawg, good luck with that. I have said almost verbatim to that for days now and I can’t seem to get any of the folks who keep repeating that “injury prone” as if its some accepted fact to answer me about it.