This isn’t how Isaiah Crowell should get the starting tailback spot
It's being reported Washaun Ealey has been suspended indefinitely. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Looks like the Washaun Ealey era at UGA, such as it was, may be coming to an end, and not because of the signing of Isaiah Crowell.
Rumors had been swirling the past 24 hours about Ealey’s status, and I’d just gotten off the phone with my son, who had heard third- or fourth-hand that Dogs football players were saying Ealey was going to be suspended, when I saw an online report by ESPN’s Mark Schlabach citing sources saying Ealey has indeed been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.
If that’s true and Ealey doesn’t return, it means UGA is looking awfully thin at tailback this coming season — especially so if Caleb King doesn’t get his academic house in order.
When I read Steve Hummer’s Sunday piece about the recruiting of Crowell, the bit about Mark Richt having the team line up minus a tailback and asking the recruit if he could see himself starting against Boise State in that position made me wonder what that said about Richt’s view of Ealey and King. Practically promising a recruit he can start as a true freshman is not standard operating procedure.
This concerns me because even if Crowell is every bit as good as everyone thinks he is, it just doesn’t seem like a good situation for the team for anyone to get the starting spot handed to you without having to beat out any competition. As Thomas Brown says, competition is key to a player’s development. Plus, tailback is definitely a position where you need some depth.
So much for our visions of an offseason free of turmoil in Athens!
Meanwhile, the hiring of Will Friend from UAB as offensive line coach surprised some fans who wondered why Georgia couldn’t do better than a no-name coach from a Conference USA program.
I think the fact that the best Georgia could offer was a one-year deal at a program that is facing a possibly make-or-break season probably had a lot to do with it.
On paper, Friend looks fine. He played a part in UAB putting up an impressive offensive output last season and his line ranked 15th in the country in fewest sacks allowed. Overall they were 30th in the nation in total offense (423 yards per game), 24th in passing offense (267 yards per game) and 59th in rushing offense (156 yards per game).
The fact that their rushing numbers were less impressive touches on my one feeling of concern about Friend. He’s basically spent most of his coaching career been mentored by former UGA offensive line coach Neil Callaway, who drew knocks in his time at UGA for the inconsistent offensive line play, especially in the running game. At times under Callaway, Georgia’s linemen seemed not to know what run-blocking was all about.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Friend will be a clone of Callaway, and it’s only fair to give him the benefit of the doubt until we see what he can do with Georgia’s underperforming offensive linemen.
I’m hoping he can whip them into shape (with the help of Joe Tereshinski’s new conditioning program). They’re going to be needed even more if Georgia winds up as thin at tailback as it’s looking.
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307 comments Add your comment
Disgruntled Yellow Jacket
February 8th, 2011
11:00 am
dbc,
Do you honestly want to blame Ealey’s immaturity on Seniors???
Man……. some of you idiots need to stop trying to blame other facets of the program for individuals transgressions.
Disgruntled Yellow Jacket
February 8th, 2011
11:00 am
but we beat UGA 2008!!!!
G8R GRAD
February 8th, 2011
11:00 am
Yes, it is.
I, for one, am proud for the Bulldog Nation that Coach Richt is cracking down on this sort of arrogant defiance.
Good for him and good for Georgia football!
DawgFan
February 8th, 2011
11:01 am
Bill, I don’t think Richt promised, or “practically promised” the starting job to Crowell. He has said if he puts in the work he might be able to start. And your critcism of the new OL hire is pure unwarranted speculation on your part. You and everybody else is entitled to your opinion, but to think you know more than our coaches is laughable. You gotta write something, though, don’t you?
DawgNation
February 8th, 2011
11:01 am
Looks like another scholarship is going to open up. If he thinks he is above running his punishment drill because he feels like he is above such things then he really doesn’t want to play for UGA. OK So be it. Announce your desire to transfer and go. Don’t let the door hit your pompous a$$ on the way out. I am so tired of these kids, and yes they are kids, assuming that the world revolves around them. Let them hit the streets and get a job or better yet join the military and find out what discipline, duty, honor and contentment is all about. Maybe then he will learn what he is throwing away.
HM
February 8th, 2011
11:01 am
Both King & Ealey have proven they’re not that interested in playing. Time to move on with players who care.
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:01 am
I’m gone. Jerry is back and they’ve turned him loose on the computer in the common area. What time to they go back to their rooms?
collegeballfan
February 8th, 2011
11:01 am
With all the problems UGA had in recent years with player “responsibility”, the suspension of Ealey is not the way to start off 2011.
It appears UGA has recruited a lot of players lacking any sense of responsibility. I trust the 2011 class is an exception to what has become the rule.
dawgfan
February 8th, 2011
11:01 am
FAN
This isn’t CMR fault all. This is all on Ealey’s dumb ass
bill
February 8th, 2011
11:03 am
Ealey following in the tradition of Pulpwood Smith…hope that Crowell is a durable back, and that our OL can keep him healthy.
G-Dawg
February 8th, 2011
11:03 am
Maybe Ealey and King were studying and just lost track of time? Or maybe Ealey and King were renewing their drivers licenses? What ever the excuse is you would think by now that both King and Ealey would be extra careful not to mess up!
Athens= God's Country
February 8th, 2011
11:03 am
I am glad the Dawg fans support this decision.
Great job coaches.
DawgNation
February 8th, 2011
11:04 am
Commitment that is. Sorry
Buckeye
February 8th, 2011
11:04 am
E”dawg”71,
No charges to be brought after invstigation by police.
Not signed by Ohio State.
Go back to the trophy case and polish up your Fulmer Cup.
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:05 am
Dawgnation. me thinks his lips are poked out because all the love Crowell has gotten. I Like to think of past Dawgs who made the team sacrifice like D J Shockly, even Joe Cox, who were TEAM players. If Ealey would think, he ought to know he would get a lot of carries.
Jerry's not the brightest bulb in the socket
February 8th, 2011
11:05 am
Something smells fishy. Isn’t this the same trick Richt used to end the Mettenberger/Murray battle, now this, to end the Ealey/Crowell battle.
************************************
Jerry are you for real or just trying to yank our chains? You can’t be that stupid, can you? I would not call sexual assault by Mettenberger a trick used by CMR. Dude did it to himself. If Ealey is gone its his own fault not some ploy by a coach to give a FR the starting job. CMR is challenging Crowell. He still has to earn it.
JT
February 8th, 2011
11:06 am
Bill, Steve Hummer’s piece did not say Richt asked Ealey if he could envision himself in the starting lineup against Boise, it said Richt asked if Crowell could see himself “starting his career” in the Dome. While some (perhaps even Crowell himself) may see that as a distinction without a difference, there is a difference.
G8R GRAD
February 8th, 2011
11:06 am
I only hope that Coach Muschamp rules UF’s program with an equally iron fist.
roughrider
February 8th, 2011
11:06 am
This is a simple solution to a simple problem. Get your attitude right before you can play. Ealey and King have been given too many chances already.
schmeckdawg
February 8th, 2011
11:07 am
@ssidawg, I couldn’t have said it better myself! What really sucks is that this immediately takes away the sweet taste of success from our recriuting class and replaces it with that here we go again crap!
cmac
February 8th, 2011
11:08 am
Hey Jerry (@10:58) –
Your an idiot! The team finishes with only 2 wins without Murray at QB last season. The QB doesn’t play defense & that unit is responsible for the majority of the losses.
As for Ealey being the hardest worker on the team …. so what!!! It is about producing & at S. Carolina & at Miss St, that fumbling bozo played a major part in losing both games!! Oh, & don’t forget about his missed blocking assignments in the Arkansas game that prevented a game winning drive!! HARD WORKER??!! … at what?
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:08 am
G8RGRAD…………..We haven’t seen a lot of Florida trolling on here lately. What’s going on down there?
ARdawg
February 8th, 2011
11:09 am
Follow the rules or hit the bricks
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:10 am
Don’t reply to Jerry. He is on here for the Attention. Nobody is that dense or that much of a flamer.
big root
February 8th, 2011
11:10 am
Malcome should have played last year but COACH love to redshirt players ( Moreno ) Ealey and King go down on first contact Crowell & Malcome will fight for yards
LeDawg
February 8th, 2011
11:10 am
Washout Early and Caleb Not ThinKing are immature punks! Grow up and earn your way to the NFL guys. GATA!!!
Biggdawg33
February 8th, 2011
11:11 am
Bill, I know that it is natural for us Dawg fans to worry when crap hits the fan, but this may be what is needed for guys to get their act in gear. All Ealey and King needed to do was watch that tape on the running they did against Tech a couple of years ago to see what they could do in their time here. But off the field problems tripped them up and they fumbled their opportunity. Mabye Isaiah and Ken will take their opportunity to shine and glow in that backfield.
Jerry
February 8th, 2011
11:11 am
Ealey was suspended indefinately for what? Missing a punishment run? Sorry, the punishment doesn’t come anywhere neat the offense.
Look a lot like the Mettenberger situation to me.
Athens= God's Country
February 8th, 2011
11:12 am
Washaun is the hardest worker on the team? At what? Lets ask Blair Walsh what he thinks about all this!
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:12 am
New line coach and two new running backs is exciting. Gives us hope. I hear Malcomb is pretty tough.
SmyrnaDawg
February 8th, 2011
11:13 am
The real question I have is what caused Ealey to have punishment running? He served his suspension for his wrong doings last season during the season. Something doesn’t add up, maybe it was for missing class or a workout but whatever the case he was still in trouble.
RAID
February 8th, 2011
11:13 am
Ealey, from what I keep hearing was’nt real happy with the new S&C program…..Allong with a few others…..seems as though CJT is cracking the whip!…Thats a good thing!……..Also, no more Mcdonalds and Wendy’s for they are having to report 3 times a day at the cafeteria because of the new neutrition program……
Dawgs97
February 8th, 2011
11:14 am
Bill, I’m a little surprised how negative your column is.
Ealey has been given chance after chance. I don’t want us to be thin at tailback, but it’s February and he’ll have time to work his way back – if he doesn’t leave the program. A message needs to be sent NOW that things are changing in Athens and no more half a–ing it or knuckleheads. People complain when they don’t feel Richt is doing enough and now people complain if he’s being tough? Can’t have it both ways. I stand on the side of our Coaching staff.
From what Buck Belue tweeted, this is all about Ealey failing to perform Joe T’s new S&C program. If that’s the case, then things are how they should be. We’re supposed to make our team a helluva lot tougher in the 4th Quarter and that conditioning needs to happen now. If Ealey can’t hang, then he doesn’t belong in the SEC. Ga Southern will be just fine for him.
I am one Georgia fan who wants to see everyone tougher – you don’t win without physical and mental toughness. Mark Richt and the staff need to be lauded and commended for this.
As for Friend, you maybe right about a 1 year deal, but hey, I have no problem with this – we need to put pressure on Richt and the entire program right now to step it up. If it means giving our new OL coach a 1 year deal, well then that’s another part of the team that will have to work hard and over achieve. Coaches in Athens should feel pressure and heat, it’s the only way they’ll improve.
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:14 am
You follow the rules and do what’s ask of you to make the team successful….or you move on and open up a spot. We all know Richt is more than fair with chances.
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:16 am
I hope this is a sign that “dancing’ on the sideline during the 3rd Qtr. is over.
Athens= God's Country
February 8th, 2011
11:17 am
Amen Dawgs97
JT2 is cracking the whip. The good news is everyone else is on board…
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:18 am
We might lose 2 or 3 more before fall kickoff. It’s D day in Athens. Jobs are on the line. Good Jobs!
Jerry
February 8th, 2011
11:19 am
Hmm, odd that Richt never chooses anyone with nthe name of Murray, Crowell or Jenkins to “make an example out of”.
Lake Mary Gator
February 8th, 2011
11:19 am
Once again we see the shallow, shameless character of Mark Richt. No matter what this kid’s practice transgressions, Richt disrespected him big time with the fawning over Crowell. What a bozo.
He’s also creating a huge attitude problem for his incoming class by calling them the dream team. Remember, these guys are 18-year-olds… Richt has gone a long way toward making them potentially uncoachable.
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:20 am
Jerry is a unemployed Engineer sitting at home in a yellow wig is my bet.
Jerry
February 8th, 2011
11:20 am
Look, this goes backs to Richt’s comments about Crowell startign against Boise State before Crowell earned it.
Ealey did not appreciate that entitlement statement from Richt. I agree with Ealey.
AltamahaDawg
February 8th, 2011
11:21 am
Seems to be a bit of a fever going on in the media right now to see who can publish what each other said about the speculation.
I hope he can get it together. He needs UGA, the team is better off with him, but only a dedicated him. It’ll work out one way or the other.
But from a fan standpoint, from a program standpoint……I don’t cringe half as much when some player gets into trouble internally as I do for some stupid external issue. THIS kind of trouble seems to be a fallout of something going on to try to improve the S&C situation. Wish it weren’t this particular guy, but it’s actually pretty good news if the new programs are producing a few casualties.
Apples II Oranges
February 8th, 2011
11:21 am
Good grief what a over dramatic piece of crap article. Now we are going to question CMR over lining the team up less tailback to show Crowell what is possible against Boise St.? The kid was the #1 player in the state, top 5 Nationally! What was CMR supposed to do? Recruiting kids of this calibur is high stakes. CMR did exactly the right thing in his recruitment of Crowell, Ealey new he was being recruited! Ealey should have done the right thing! Do the right thing! That should be the motto in Athens. Work hard, keep your head down, none of these kids have accomplished a darn thing yet. Time to go to work and Ealey obvilusly was not mature enough to handle it. His lose, not CMR burden to bare.
JB
February 8th, 2011
11:21 am
Lake Mary…………..Go away and figure out a way to plug the leak in the Gators problems. 5 losses with that talent. Really?
Bud
February 8th, 2011
11:22 am
Richt mentions Isaiah C. will probably see some playing time his first year and the next thing you know the AJC ’s got him as “1 on the depth chart. Lord please save us from the press .
murfdawg
February 8th, 2011
11:24 am
Maybe Richt is taking over the team. Morning runs are usually for missing class, missing tutor session or being late for something. If a player decides he doesn’t want to pay the price and do the punishment run, then he should leave the program. I am sure Richt can find ten other guys who can fumble the ball on the one yard line!!!!
Washout Earley
February 8th, 2011
11:25 am
Hey give me a break! Coach is drooling all over some high school kid instead of me now and I run this state – because I can’t drive it! This new conditioning program is too strenuous and they expect me to not eat fast food! Life is too hard – whaaa!!! Not listening to them anymore. I’ll just give up and somehow get to the pros on my own or just go work for a fast food place and eat all the burgers and fries that I want!!
UGA Insider
February 8th, 2011
11:25 am
There will be a few more suspensions to come as well…… We have several head cases on this squad. 2011 is a rebuilding year UGA fans.
Athens= God's Country
February 8th, 2011
11:26 am
Maybe Ealey should just work hard? These are new days in Athens, and I love it.
Bud
February 8th, 2011
11:27 am
If Washaun missed his “mandated run” maybe he had a good reason. Right now the press has him suspended, maybe gone forever, a child molester, and giving money to Cam Newton’s father.