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.
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter.
— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
307 comments Add your comment
Gator Man
February 8th, 2011
1:55 pm
What a desperate program and idiot writers in AJC, here it is Feb and UGA is having a debate over who is starting in 6 mos.
Please UGA act like you have won something before, oh I forgot its been 30 years.
Ramblin Man
February 8th, 2011
1:57 pm
JB,
I assure you Jerry is not a GT fan he comes on GT boards trying to start crap as well. That is of course if it is the same Jerry.
When i hear today's kids bad mouth the 60s
February 8th, 2011
1:59 pm
If kids today bad mouth the toughness of the 60s like in knocking a Joe T or a Coach Casey, then I am hearing the ME attitude coming out. I am hearing that they really are recoiling from hard work. See today’s public schools in Dekalb and City of Atlanta and I rest my case. In the 60s, they were top notch and ranked nationally. Today? These teachers are cheating and playing with the scores. They lack toughness. They are losers.
Football is all about physicality and mental and physical toughness. Yes, nutrition and flexability is a big part of it today.
Discipline however, is the KEY difference in a winning program and a loser. It starts with personal comportment or doing the right thing when no one is looking. Ealey? Please.
Swarles Barkley
February 8th, 2011
2:00 pm
Gator Man:
Shut up. No one wants your opinion.
Dance with what you brung
February 8th, 2011
2:08 pm
In the end, UGA will have to field a team. If these men want to play, then tee it up.
UGA’s backfield will be just fine with a Kenny Boo Malcome and a Carlton Thomas and A Iasiah Crowell and if he is still there Caleb King and Ealey. One SELFISH guy is not worth the entire team.
Geeeeeeeeeeeeez, these twirps think that they today are special. They are laughed at by 75% of the UGA alums.
UGA had Jimmy Poulas, and Glynn Harrison, and Kevin Mc Lee ( RIP ) and Kent Lawrence and Brad Johnson, Bruce Kemp, Al Pollard ( see his AU stats in 76 !!) and Rodney Hampton and Tim Worley and Keith Henderson and Lars Tate and 12 -15 other backs that WILL BE REMEMBERED, like smiling always Thomas Brown and Moreno and Danny Ware,etc.
Waushuan King and Caleb Ealey??? Who are they?? No, the above UGA running backs were real men.
DawginOH
February 8th, 2011
2:12 pm
This is a true shame. Ealey is a phenomenally talented athlete but his head has just never been in it at UGA. I wish him all the best, but it’s starting to sound like he’d be better off playing elsewhere. Good for CMR for cracking down on this kind of nonsense, though. This is getting really old.
Ugaclassof2004
February 8th, 2011
2:15 pm
What is the matter with this idiot? Is he intentionally trying to screw up his life? He’s already in the doghouse. He should be spending this offseason getting in shape, staying out of trouble, and preparing himself to be the player that he was in 2009! Instead he’s still acting like a moron. And Caleb King isn’t much better, being suspended for the bowl game. Neither one of these guys did much to earn their scholarships last year and they sure are exhibiting some loser qualities. I suggest they grow up and adjust their attitudes before they have them adjusted for them. Because contrary to popular opinion, we’re capable of going 6-7 without them!
washun ealey
February 8th, 2011
2:17 pm
iz is sory everibody. icouldnt make it cuz i gots stuk in traffik.
Sam Robards, Dawg Fan
February 8th, 2011
2:17 pm
It sucks for Ealey because he does have potential, but he did it to himself.
As for the situation in general, we were saying the same thing about Aaron Murray when Mettenberger was kicked off the team last year, and he turned out pretty well.
Besides, We’ve got Ken Malcome and, in a worst-case scenario, Carlton Thomas to help carry the rock. As for Caleb King, I’d use him for pass-blocking … and that’s about it.
Good players make good plays, regardless of how they get there. ‘Nuff said.
Van Gorder
February 8th, 2011
2:22 pm
Brian Van Gorder was a no name coach until he became a big name coach. He proved it within two years or three.
Such is life, folks. Opportunity has presented itself to young Mr Friend. Let us watch him work. Go Dogs.
For you nay sayers that stay at home and hate …………… it is like any job offer. You weigh it and you take it or reject it for many reasons. Maybe you liked living in Athens on a prior assigment there. Maybe your wife has friends and family in metro Atlanta. Maybe you wanted to get into the Big Boy SEC.
Van Gorder when he was hired, I thought, “gulp, this guy ( Richt ) knows no big name coaches”. Well, um, I was wrong.
I took a job in 1973 and every one, including my parents and my sales management told me that I was making the biggest mistake of my life. I was fresh out of UGA and I had also just gotten married a month prior. Well, it worked out. I retired after 34+ years and I ran the firm for years and years and traveled all over the USA and the world. It was a pretty good move and in the face of doubt. Always read your gut.
Coach Friend?? Time till tell for him. I suspect that he is very excited and will do well.
Mike
February 8th, 2011
2:28 pm
JYD …
Maybe so about Calloway … but think about this: Musa got 1K+ under Calloway. Danny Ware made a name for himself … and a few other dawgs who didn’t quite pan out in the league.
Knowshon is the only back we’ve had that was consistent under Searels … and Knowshon covered a lot of the flaws our offensive line through his elusiveness. He was hitting spin moves and eluding folks in the hole all the time.
Tech=Losers on and off the field
February 8th, 2011
2:31 pm
So tired of the Tech fans posting comments on our blogs. You spend way too much damn time on our sites wondering what is going on with our school and our football team. I have never and dont plan on ever getting on a GT website or blog because they are are not even close to being on our level. UGA is much better without Ealey and his antics. I’m sick of hearing of his off the field issues and believe we are much better off without him. UGA has the best RB in the country coming in that is built like #34 and a kid by the name of Ken Malcome who will be his back up. No worries on my end and hopefully Ealey will transfer to Georgia Tech and never step foot back in Athens again unless its w another team ready to get crushed by Big John and Co!
TiredFan
February 8th, 2011
2:35 pm
We’ve all been crying for CMR to get control of his program, restore discipline, and instill a sense of accountability among his players. None of us knows what Ealey’s attitude has been since the Crowell signing. But now, Ealey will have to make the case as to why he should be allowed to fight for his position on the team. If he can’t see his way clear to do that, then CMR really has no choice but to send him home. I’ve got no problem with youthful foolishness. But Ealey’s in the big time now, so if he wants to be foolish, he’ll need to pay the price. As for Crowell’s road being too easy, if he’s good enough to be entitled, then so be it. Let’s just be sure he proves it on the field and not only in our press releases.
10 to 6
February 8th, 2011
2:38 pm
Kick that thug off the team now. Im sick of this crap. Im sick of Mark Richt’s Boys home of the South.
jalexan49
February 8th, 2011
2:39 pm
Washaun don’t let this episode get to you. Go out and do what you are capable of doing. A lot of Georgia fans are rooting for you, myself included,and feel that when you want to be you are as good as any running back in the nation.
You haven’t lost your starting role. In fact, you are the one to beat. I can’t help but to believe that with a better offensive line production you and your teammates are going to rock the house.
If you can quit bringing attention to yourself in a negative way then there is no limit as to what you can accomplish at Georgia. Get it together, play hard and show the team,fans,coaches and NFL what you are all about.
Best of luck..
Zoomie
February 8th, 2011
2:41 pm
Bill, gotta take issue with the tenor of this piece.
It’s been evident for some time that Ealey and King are on Richt’s poo-list. We have no idea how deep it goes, but we’ve all seen enough in the papers, blogs, and on the field to know that it’s justified. You carried on about Ealey and King, but failed to mention Malcome or Thomas (who, granted, has been misused in the offense). If you want to hand-wring about being thin at TB, at least list the entire roster and then make your points.
No one has said that Crowell won’t have to compete for a job (well, besides you). I didn’t take the “O-formation minus TB” story that way at all. Every person who pays attention to UGA football knows that the running game is in serious trouble, at least partially due to the attitude, activities, and performance of the two “top” running backs. The other part is due to the dismal performance of the offensive line — which brings us to the last of your Chicken Little points:
Friend is an unknown at this point, but he has history with UGA and with Richt. You want a name brand? Gene Chizik’s OC came from high school, for goodness’ sake. Let’s wait and see what Friend brings to the table before we put The Martinez on him.
There are a lot of subtle changes taking place at UGA. The cries for exactly these sorts of changes have been loud and long from the UGA faithful. Don’t tear down the staff’s decisions before we even know what we’ve got. If history is any indication (and it always is), there’ll be plenty of time and reason for the weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth in the future; no need to try to get ahead of the power curve, there’ll be plenty for everyone to complain about.
Vick=Dog killing thug
February 8th, 2011
2:47 pm
Out with the bad dawgs, in with the new dawgs. I think we have at least one scholarship available??,
Grab another juco kid for a stop gap fix.
TallaDawg
February 8th, 2011
2:51 pm
Bill –
I think you missed the point of the empty backfield. It simply was a tool (a very good tool) to allow Crowell to see that he would have the OPPORTUNITY to earn the top spot. This is exactly what you, I, and every other UGa fan have been saying: allow the players to compete and let the best one play. I do not think this was a guarantee of any sort.
shankit
February 8th, 2011
2:55 pm
Malcolm Mitchell can play tailback
or any other offensive slot. Talented.
sogadog
February 8th, 2011
2:58 pm
The Dawgs two starting tailbacks constantly have off field issues and they fumble the ball at critical times thus costing the Dawgs games. The arrests, suspensions and poor production on the field reflect on Bryan McClendon their position coach. Coach McClendon needs to step up and get a handle on his players. He only has six or seven players to coach at the running backs position. I am aftraid CBM is just too young for the job and he does not have the respect of his players.
wolfman
February 8th, 2011
3:01 pm
“we run this state”… How do you spell arrogance????
Contractor
February 8th, 2011
3:01 pm
I’m sick of this garbage. Boot King and Ealy off the team. First and foremost is the education these guys are getting. Caleb King has not shown up for class, meetings, tutors, etc. He needs to be gone because he hasn’t been worth a damn in four years academically, athletically, or in a leadership way. It is not right to use boosters hard earned money to go to some clown that doesn’t hold up to his obligation, and waste $40,000 a year in tuition cost, plus whatever else the athletic department gives him in clothes, books, room and board.. Not to mention his spot could go towards someone well more deserving.
I was big on Ealy coming out of high school, just thinking about what he could do for the team. Even though he had issues with his grades and fooling around with a teacher, I didn’t look at the big picture and dismissed the hard evidence sitting in my face. Well, I was burnt like everyone else, and he hasn’t done a f’ing thing with his career either. Wrecking with a suspended license lands any one of us in jail probably, but he gets suspended, but keeps on playing. Now, not living up to his discipline issues is over the line. When people start breaking the law and commitments, they have no regard for the law or coaching. Boot his sorry butt off the team and see if he can handle the real world alone, like he apparently wants it. He had it on easy street, was given a second chance when they welcomed him to Georgia, then he keeps messing up. I’d say his and King’s fourth and fifth chances should be enough to warrant their dismissal.
Don’t forget the fact we have Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcom still in the backfield. I would much rather see them back there than the fumble twins anyway. Thomas has speed and runs hard, just needs to break more tackles, and Malcom just needs the opportunity to show us what he’s got. Crowell won’t have it easy by any means, but if he’s touted like Lattimore and Dyer, he will start early on athleticism alone and transform into a great back. Just hope character issues never show up or become a problem, as they have with Ealy and King, and other Bulldogs as of late.
Fairley Fan
February 8th, 2011
3:03 pm
Now that plenty of running backs are once again on the roster, coach Richt can have high standards when it comes to discipline.
Fairley Fan
February 8th, 2011
3:06 pm
Foundations for the next set of excuses are being laid as we speak……too thin at running back. Have a tissue cry babies.
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:23 pm
Fairley Fan great article enjoy !
Cyrus Kouandjio To Alabama: What It Means for the Tide, Tigers and the Iron Bowl
Preston
February 8th, 2011
3:23 pm
sogadog, get real man! You can’t blame what these kids do off the field on their coaches. There is no way the coaches can keep up with what these guys are doing all the time. In fact, our coaches are probably serving their players right by not getting things swept under a rug like other coaches are obviously doing. They’re held accountable for their actions at UGA instead of getting special treatment at other schools.
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:26 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/599950-cyrus-kouandjio-to-alabama-what-it-means-for-alabama-auburn-the-iron-bowl seems there wasn’t 180,000 reasons for him to stay…
bigdsel
February 8th, 2011
3:30 pm
Good make them work, If ealey would run sprints in the off season, he wouldn’t get chased down by defensive tackles in football games. He isn’t that fast. He hasn’t broke a 30 yard play for a td.
Class of '98
February 8th, 2011
3:32 pm
For those complaining about the credentials of Friend, recall that Brian Van Gorder was a no-name D-coordinator at Western Michigan before coming to Athens.
terayaki dawg
February 8th, 2011
3:33 pm
the only facts in this case are Ealey sucked, currently sucks and will suck in the future.
kb
February 8th, 2011
3:38 pm
Caleb King is still at UGA will be at spring practice and compete for playing time, he was suspended by Richt not the university for the bowl game, he was academically eligible. Message sent to Caleb to step up, work hard do the right thing . Now Washaun is being sent the same message, will he step quit?
Left the Barn door open
February 8th, 2011
3:39 pm
terayaki dawg I don’t completely agree with you but that was funny !
Jaydawg
February 8th, 2011
3:41 pm
A leopard does not change its spots.More of the same from Richt-questionable judgement on playing time distribution and making below average hires.It’s almost like Richt is scared to bring in a strong willed,experienced, successful assistant coach instead hiring friends,former players, or the young and unproven.In his 10 years in Athens he has made all of 2 excellent hires(Van Gorder and Belin) and both of those are now gone.Poor hiring decisions more than anything is why his days are numbered.The amazing thing is that he still does not even realize this.Its a miracle he has won as many games as he has.
Bama Mike
February 8th, 2011
3:45 pm
Wonder if the Crowell’s would like to revisit their decision. The parents gut was to go with Saban and Alabama.
rogeriter
February 8th, 2011
3:55 pm
Most of the comments on this blog indicate that the bloggers are no more mature than Ealey and the other players they are talking about.
chris
February 8th, 2011
4:05 pm
King and Ealey both transfered to other high schools when they were in high school, it all started then.Their mentality, “I dont get my way I’m gonna pout, if I got to do it the right way I’m going to rebel, If forced to do it the right way well I’m gonna leave”.
HWJ
February 8th, 2011
4:09 pm
Ealey or King will play next season, but I don’t think you will have both of them. I don’t know why this article fails to mention Ken Malcome. I saw Malcome run in high school he is the real deal and may even start next year. Also, enough with the Crowell parents talk. That is blown way out of proportion. I’ve heard different reports that the Crowell’s loved UGA.
chris
February 8th, 2011
4:11 pm
Bama Mike, my man let me do a little correcting. First it’s spelled Crowells’ (plural my man meaning more than one). I spoke to Ms Crowell and I quote “I wanted my son to go to UGA since middle school”. Get your facts and grammar straight.
Buck Blew
February 8th, 2011
4:30 pm
everyone needs to calm down. ealey is the next herschel walker and will be the starting tailback next season. run lindsay run.
Dogs Smell
February 8th, 2011
4:36 pm
Once again Dogs tell the listening subscribers just how great it is to be a DOG? Ealey gone A.J gimmie Cash Gone ! Expect a repeat of 2010 except with an additional loss to UT.
Hairy Perry
February 8th, 2011
4:41 pm
Guys,
Ealey and King had one good game against a crappy G-Tech defence and people are still thinking these guys are great backs that are just in some kind of slump. I think they are going to be forgotten after Crowell starts getting warmed up. I don’t think Ealey or King care about Georgia football anymore that Tech fans. Oh, bad example,exuse me.
Hairy Perry
February 8th, 2011
4:45 pm
Dog fans can we have a restraining order put on Yech fans for stalking? I don’t know, just an idea.
Hairy Perry
February 8th, 2011
4:47 pm
DOGS SMELL,
Your on the mark little buddy. We relly will suck if we loose to UT.
ole richie
February 8th, 2011
4:49 pm
Ive heard from close friends at UGA that King is making a strong effort to get right with CMR and the program. He will be in the mix and with or without Ealy the running game will be fine. Malcome and Thomas are very talented backs. Look for the offense to open up next year and utilize the speed of Mitchell and Wooten, along with the hands of Tavares(? spelling) King, Charles, White, and Bennet
JRW7DAWG
February 8th, 2011
4:52 pm
EALEY needs an attitude adjustment, if he doesn’t do what CMR instructs him to do, KICK HIM OFF THE TEAM, TEAM comes first! GO DAWGS!!!!
kb
February 8th, 2011
5:07 pm
2010 was a bad year , time to learn from it, move on and get over it. The program has taken some hits but will bounce back. @ old richie glad to hear some positive news about Caleb hopefully Washaun will step up and earn some respect and playing time if he doesn’t, there is talent without him.
Snake Doc
February 8th, 2011
5:10 pm
LMFAO – A no name coach, from a no name conference to a team in turmoil.
Only thing the CEO wins this year is another Fulmer Cup. He’s now got a head start on everyone else!
And you boneheads will still make excuses for the CEO. How sad and pitiful your tiny lives must be!
Mike Bobo garbage play calling
February 8th, 2011
5:17 pm
Who cares I dont believe EALEY can get the job done.He doesnt want to play for Georgia anyways.He didnt have a ride
SKB
February 8th, 2011
5:23 pm
I think Will Friend is a great pick, he will turn UGA offensive line into one of the best in the nation. Crowell is the new Hershal Walker, bla bla bla
T3
February 8th, 2011
5:26 pm
Wow. How about all the posts today from UGAG fans
trashing King and Ealy.
Just a couple of years ago, these VERY SAME UGAG fans were heralding these two RBs as the arrival of the Messiah.
And now, UGAG fans are throwing King and Ealy under the bus,
with the…OBVIOUS…PR-machine orchestrated message of:
“They did it to themselves.”
Really? Will ALL of the other players arrested over the
past 3 years…be run out of the program too?
And yet, here we are with the VERY SAME UGAG fans
saying the VERY SAME thing about Crowell.
You see, what this clearly demonstrates for the all world to see,
is what a bunch of hypocrites UGAG fans are.
But, I digress. There’s nothing new here.
***************************************
Let’s just take a quick stroll down
memory lane to see what UGAG’s legacy is:
Here’s a time-honored and memorable quote from the esteemed
Dr. Leroy Ervine (Jan Kemp’s boss at UGA):
And I quote:
“Now, you talk about [how] these kids are not taught in high school. They aren’t. We try to teach them here, but there is no way to do it. I know for a fact that these kids would not be here if it were not for their utility to the institution. There is no real sound academic reason for their being here other than to be utilized to produce income. They are used as a kind of raw material in the production of some goods to be sold…and they get nothing in return….”
So, just to repeat for clarification, Ervine said:
“There is no real sound academic reason for their being here
other than to be utilized to produce income.”
(Almost sounds like he’s talking about Ealy & King, doesnt it?)
*****************************************
And, if THATS not bad enough, try this one, from
that bastion of integiry, former UGAG President Fred Davision,
who himslef was forced to resign in disgrace(before being fired):
Georgia president Fred Davison similarly tried to justify the university’s recruitment practices by saying, “We have to compete [with rival schools] on a level playing field.” Referring to Georgia athletes, Davison also said: “If they leave us being able to read, write, communicate better, we simply have not done them any damage.”
Davison, whose dismissal was called for Sunday in an editorial in the Athens Banner-Herald/The Daily News, testified that it was theoretically possible to offer scholarships to revenue-producing athletes—i.e., football and basketball players—even if they achieved a minimum 400 score on their SAT tests, while non-revenue-producing athletes had to score at least 650. Asked if the standards were lower for revenue-producing athletes because they made money for the school, Davison said, “If you want to ask me if they have utilitarian effect to the university, certainly they do.”
Lastly, who can forget this gem, from UGA Alum attorney, Hale Almand:
And I quote: “We may not make a university student out of him, but if we can teach him to read and write, maybe he can work at the post office rather than as a garbage man when he gets through with his athletic career.”
You see folks:
THIS…is what UGAG is REALLY all about.
THIS…is UGAG’s Legacy.
UGAG fans have ALWAYS known it, but wouldnt dare admit it.
Ealy and King only just now discovered it.