Dogs come out of spring drills with areas of concern lingering
Caleb King and the running game didn't make much of an impression at G-Day. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
There were some aspects of what we saw in the G-Day game that definitely should be encouraging to Dogs fans, particularly when it comes to the defensive side of the ball.
But a lot of the questions facing Mark Richt and his staff as they entered spring drills remain unanswered and could be potential areas of concern.
Since they were split up between two teams, it was difficult to get a real fix on where the offensive line stands, but as I noted in my G-Day wrap-up the run-blocking still was unimpressive and there were too many sacks given up. And, unfortunately, this is one area where the incoming true freshmen aren’t likely to make much of a difference. The OL worries me. A lot.
As for the running game, the best you can grade it after G-Day is an “incomplete,” since Washaun Ealey sat out most of the spring and Isaiah Crowell is still finishing up high school. Caleb King was solid but not spectacular in his handful of carries and doesn’t appear likely to suddenly develop into a game-changer. Ken Malcome is a work in progress but far from ready to be a featured back. And Carlton Thomas did nothing to change the impression that, at best, he should be a change-of-pace back on outside plays.
But if Georgia’s prospects at tailback rely on Crowell duplicating the true-freshman success of South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore right from the start, well, that might be bucking the odds. Still, at least the Dogs are looking at a major talent infusion in the tailback corps come August.
The G-Day showing of the receiving corps was a mixed bag. Tavarres King looked pretty good, though he’s not going to make anyone forget about A.J. Green. But beyond him, there’s still a big question mark. Marlon Brown remains inconsistent. Michael Bennett and Chris Conley are still developing. Come August, Malcolm Mitchell could indeed have an opportunity to establish himself as a freshman like A.J. did. But my money is on hybrid tight end Orson Charles, Richt’s “overall MVP of the spring,” to become Aaron Murray’s go-to guy, especially early in the season.
On the other side of the ball, prospects are definitely brighter on the defensive line and at linebacker after the spring, but we still don’t know who, if anyone, is going to step up at safety. Generally, though, there are fewer questions lingering about the defense than there are on offense.
Those are my concerns coming out of G-Day. What are yours?
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213 comments Add your comment
Dawgtough
April 20th, 2011
1:06 am
Dawg’s lose first two games, Coaches put a more accurate and athletic Christian LeMay in and the Bulldogs win out the remainder of their games. OL is a problem but having a mobile and accurate passer in LeMay will elevate the UGA offense. He can also stretch the field with his arm strength which will help Crowell out in the running game.
Just hope Richt and Bobo aren’t afraid to make the right decision regarding using there younger guys.
Murray is a good QB but not a top level guy who can lead Georgia back to prominance. LeMay will will UGA a National Championship. The key will be to let him get his experience this year.
UGAfan
April 20th, 2011
1:08 am
Some expectations on this blog are far too unrealistic. It would be nice just to win each game by a margin of no greater than one point. To expect more is just too fanciful and unlikely. Winning 14 games by a meager margin of no more than one point would be nice enough. Forget the powerful offense or stifling defense. Eclipsing our opponents by a mere point is good enough regardless how it’s done and it doesn’t necessarily involve potency in any particular area. A victory of 3-2 is just as complete and rewarding as 63-62. Merely winning is not asking too much ……..is it? The most difficult task lies in forgetting last years forgettable 6-7 season. We only need to win 8 additional games by one point to enjoy a decent season………by UGA fan standards. Optimism in 2011 in
consideration of last years outcome will by a rather tricky proposition. Good luck is a very rare commodity and still rarer in the Bulldog Nation. It hasn’t bounced our way for more than three decades. Even the most gifted athletic teams need a heaping measure of good luck. Without it…
forget about a ’special year’. This goes for any team.
RED DOG 77
April 20th, 2011
2:01 am
Yea Bill, worry, worry, worry…………You may enjoy your bummer slant on my BULLDOGS, but I am very optomistic the Georgia team this year will be a vastly improved from what we saw the past couple years………….Case in point : Chemistry is the key to championships. Our Defense will be be improved far beyond anything we have seen in a long time, now do you really think the offense is going to sit back and let our D get all the glory? NO……this is where chemistry comes in, I’ve been following college football for a long time and I can remember case after case where a college football team “feeds” on itself, and all of a sudden a team with question marks in the Spring comes out gangbusters in the Fall. I simply don’t know why you and other BULLDOG faithful don’t see it! Bill there is a feeling of urgency in Athens that hasn’t been there the past few years, and you know it!…………So Bill, quit being such a dadgum crybaby and try to enjoy “our” football team. We may not win the National Championship, or any championahip for that matter, but I firmly believe we will have a team this year we can all be proud of……..oh, but I’m always proud of “my” BULLDOGS………..Regards, RED
Please Explain This One!
April 20th, 2011
2:07 am
@schmeckdawg on his post on page #1
That’s what I’ve been screaming for a while now, and have no idea why no one ever talks about it. Why is Bryan McClendon a former WR our RB coach, and why is Tony Ball a former RB our WR coach? No wonder our RB can’t break a tackle and our WR drop so many balls. Not to mention in ‘05 we had Kirby Smart…where did Richt have him coaching????? RUNNING BACKS!!!!! No wonder he left and wouldn’t come back. And no Tony Ball you don’t get credit for AJ Green, that kid was gonna be great no matter who coached him. The same goes for McClendon and Knowshon Moreno and Fabris and David Pollack. Some players are just great despite the coaches. Let’s hope that is the case with Crowell and Malcolm Mitchell. Seems I get less and less optimistic every year with the coaching staff, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I always hope for the best, but saddly expect the worst.
Please Explain This One!
April 20th, 2011
2:16 am
Dawgtough,
You have no football IQ. Lemay would do nothing but lead us to another 6-6 season at best right now. He is a great talent but has absolutely no grasp of the offense right now. Murray only had the best freshman season in UGA history and came only two TD’s shy of throwing for more TD’s than any QB in UGA history. The stagnant run game, poor run blocking, and a bigger than expected learning curve on D were the problems last year, not Murray. We are lucky to have the kid. If you weren’t so blind you would see that Murray’s and Lemay’s skill set are very similiar, both mobile and can make all the throws. Why would you take the least experienced of basically the same kind of guy? Get a clue man.
Dawgtough
April 20th, 2011
2:58 am
UGA loss to UCF in a bowl game!!!!!! Isn’t that a D2 school? jk so you’re telling me about stats???? Really???? Winning Games, that’s what it’s all about and Richt nows that. Come fall LeMay will know the playbook and then you will see. No grap on the offense…. really, did you not see the winning drive in the G-Day game? Some kids are just winners and LeMay has that. I think worse case Georgia will have a 2 QB system.
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Please Explain This One!
April 20th, 2011
5:18 am
Dawgtough,
You just confirmed my comment about not having a clue when you said, and I quote “did you not see the winning drive in the G-Day game?” Seriously dude? That’s what you’re basing his potential dethroning of Arron Murray on? Oooooo everybody look out! Christian Lemay just led a game winning drive in a spring game against a defense filled with second teamers and walk-on players, he should start now. You’re too easy man. Keep those thoughts in your head and stop embarrassing yourself. Like I said before, UGA had alot of problems last year, but Arron Murray was not one of them.
Please Explain This One!
April 20th, 2011
5:20 am
Look for Lemay at best to have a couple of packages and get a drive or so a game like Shockley did his freshman year, that is if he beats out Hutson Mason for the back up job. Realistically right now he’s headed for a redshirt.
FanSince59
April 20th, 2011
7:04 am
#1 concern: Richt
#2 concern: Bobo
Dan
April 20th, 2011
8:57 am
Scout is saying Richt won’t make it beyond this season, the team ain’t good enough. I agree, add Mr. PANIC at QB, no WR’s, a terrible O-Line= 5-7.
Richt’s gone 2-9 last 2 seasons vs. ranked teams, 7 out of last 8 seasons, wins less games.
IF Richt COULD have fixed things, he WOULD have already.
Dan
April 20th, 2011
8:59 am
Here’s what Scout had to say:
http://cfn.scout.com/2/1065899.html
Mark Richt’s hotseat is as hot as sitting on the sun. Last year, etc.
Troll Power Ratings
April 20th, 2011
8:59 am
Dawgtough is either a 14 yr-old or a tech troll, possibly both. Based on comments by the coaching staff Lemay is a great talent that is doing what almost all qb’s go through at the college level – learning the complexities of the position at the college level and getting used to the speed of the game at the college level. Mason is more than just an average backup and I would be surprised if Lemay doesn’t redshirt.
Lakedawg
April 20th, 2011
9:06 am
Dan–Who gives a crap what Scout is saying. The coaching staff at last nights Lake Country Bulldog Club meeting attented by 500 real Dawg fans had completely different things to say. Look for 10 wins and Boise will be one of them. SC will be a real dawg fight, but it is at home at 6:00pm and everyone will be primed. Could be a 2-0 start and a great year.
Troll Power Ratings
April 20th, 2011
9:06 am
Like Richt or not, I don’t think even his most ardent supporters believe he can survive without a minimum 8 win season, so Scout doesn’t offer any insight anyone with any sense doesn’t already know. I will be disappointed with less than 9 wins. The first two games will probably tell the tale. They have to win at least one of them and play well in both.
CQ
April 20th, 2011
9:08 am
Have they searched Caleb Queen’s room for the rest of the stolen loot?
Joey
April 20th, 2011
9:11 am
Crowell is gonna save our running game?
Jeez! The best running back of Richt’s UGA career (Knowshon) got a red shirt slapped on him, then didn’t get to start til midway through his second season.
Our sophisticated playbook (of 9 plays) keeps the freshmen on the sideline.
Drink up!
April 20th, 2011
9:15 am
Another year of this coming up. Sickening.
http://www.redandblack.com/2010/09/06/weekend-arrest-numbers-spike/
Mobile Dawg
April 20th, 2011
9:20 am
Lakedawg, your unbridled optimism is admirable but I question what you base your predictions on other than “hope”. We have hoped for the last several years that CMR could turn things around. The only thing I can see is reality. I’ve never been one to buy into the hopey, feeley, touchy, changey stuff. You can see exactly where that got us.
Richt has had absolutely no “control” over this program for quite a while. How many of you know the inside story to the now fabled “end zone celebration”? The facts on that alone demonstrate how little control Richt in fact has had over his teams. If you really don’t want to know the details, I suggest you don’t ask.
We always wish and hope for the best, I will wait on results.
Joey
April 20th, 2011
9:20 am
“The coaching staff at last nights Lake Country Bulldog Club meeting attented by 500 real Dawg fans had completely different things to say”
*****************************************
So, Lakedawg, at last year’s meeting, did the coaches tell y’all to look for 7 losses?
I’d be thrilled with 10 wins, but 8 is more realistic, with our O-line.
I bet 8 W’s saves Richt’s job, too.
DawginLex
April 20th, 2011
9:32 am
Scout rates Muschump ahead of richt and Muschump has ZERO wins as a head coach??
the article lost all credibility right there.
This is the same bunch that had UGA in the top 10 last year
Joey
April 20th, 2011
10:06 am
Mobile Dawg, I just know what Richt said about it when apologizing over and over to UF, the SEC, and Urban, and seemingly everybody else. I hated all of those apologies worse than the actual deed, by the way.
What is the inside story?
Better Dawgs!
April 20th, 2011
10:40 am
AJC Really? Televised scrimages do not show much for any program. Why show your cards this early in season. Must be bored to write this kind of eval.
AltamahaDawg
April 20th, 2011
10:48 am
I’m not thrilled about the job McClendon has done so far but I’d be willing to give him a chance to see what affect NOT having Running game Co-ordinator Stacey Searles dictating that area, has this year. More fair to say , not thrilled with ther results so far, I guess. Reamins to be seen what factors there have been. As far as what position he played in college, that has nothing to do with what position he coaches. There is a system and professional coaches are there to made sure the practises are effective. Are you saying that a guy who never played the postion can’t coach it? What about never played at all? Happens all the time. I just have to think there are better coaches in general out there.
Urban Meyer was a DB in college, and coached WR for years before getting a HC gig. Gus Malzahn was a WR and has made a living coaching QB’s. Saban has a former QB coaching WR, and FWIW, Kirby Smart had UGA averagin 162 ypg while he was RB coach. Kirby could coach the longsnaper if he needed to. You could do this all day long.
As far as Tony Ball, he was the longtime WR coach at VaTech, when we hired him, had coached all the record setters there. A long history of coaching WR and RB prior to that. So he is highly qualified, irrespective where he played 20 yrs ago.
papadawg
April 20th, 2011
11:03 am
I’m good with starting with a good defense, the offense will be fine.
dawgfacedboy
April 20th, 2011
12:30 pm
The D should be much improved but the offense is going to have let them catch their breath and put some points on the board. Bottom line the running game will have to be more effective than last year, especially with no AJ.
You could take the best player at each position over the last 30 years on D and if they can’t catch their breath it won’t matter how good they are. Sooner or later you run out of gas.
Bottom line- sooner or later Richt is going to have to put up better results on the field. At what point do those with influence stop saying “he did well in his first 5 years so let’s give him a chance to right the ship”.
dawgfacedboy
April 20th, 2011
12:31 pm
That would actually be 2 “bottom lines”
old time dog
April 20th, 2011
12:40 pm
D A Doubleu G = CONFUSED BEDWETTER. BAHAHAHAHA!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
TechRedNeck
April 20th, 2011
12:48 pm
UGA another 6 and 6 season.
yearofthedawg
April 20th, 2011
1:03 pm
My two biggest concerns coming out of spring are Kellen Moore and Marcus Lattimore.
AltamahaDawg
April 20th, 2011
1:06 pm
He did well his first 8 years, not 5, but it’s not sooner or later to put better results on the field again, It’s this year, or there won’t be another.
dawgfacedboy
April 20th, 2011
1:17 pm
UGA has been relevant once since ‘05. I’ll give you 6 years instead of 5. Once in the last 5 years and a slow decline over that time doesn’t cut it.
You don’t think he might get another year regardless to see how the “Dream Team” pans out??
The Ghost of Wally Butts
April 20th, 2011
2:12 pm
Can we get FULMER CUP points for the arrest of a “recruit”?
Not that we may need extra points, mind you.
UGASlobberknocker
April 20th, 2011
2:36 pm
My main concern about this fall is this:
How many of those awful noon or 1230 starts will we get stuck with this yr? Can we please, dear God , have 3 or so late home games? Hopefully we will be good enough this yr to break out of the losers time slot..
If we get a few late afternoon games allowing for some real tailgating, then everybody will be happier and very good things will happen..it’s a slam dunk.
Any questions?
UGASlobberknocker
April 20th, 2011
2:45 pm
I believe 9-3 is the minimum acceptable standard for the upcoming season. Here is why:.
We have 6 games that should be automatic wins (Coastal Carolina, Ole Miss, Tenn, Vandy, N Mx St, Ky).
Of the remaining 6 games the tougher ones, (Boise St, SC, Miss St, Fla, Aub. Tech, ) only 1 game will be played outside of the state of Ga (Fla in Jax) and only one is an actual true road game (at Tech). So if UGA just splits those 6, I will consider it a disappointment ..but even so that would be 9-3. anything less means that we have a losing record against the decent teams or we lost to a terrible team…so its 9-3 or bust for me.
Dan
April 20th, 2011
3:04 pm
Then again, Richt went 0-6 in 2010 against ranked teams.
Dan
April 20th, 2011
3:05 pm
Ole Miss, Tenn, Kentucky had about same record as Richt last season, teams are about equal to Richt’s.
Dan
April 20th, 2011
3:07 pm
Richt should win Coastal Carolina, New Mexico State, and Vanderbilt. The rest of the schedule is anyone’s guess.
Probably goes 2-3 against 5 ranked teams, and 5-2 against unranked teams to finish 7-5.
AltamahaDawg
April 20th, 2011
4:23 pm
You don’t think top 10 finishes in 07′ and 08′ Uga was relavant? 06 was not a banner year But to those with influence as you say, that was a good job by the coach to finish the year so well, beating 3 ranked teams in a row.
I do think the recruiting is a factor. Its a factor in that, he doesnt have to win the conference or 11 games as long as there is talent in the wings right now. But no I don’t he gets another year to see how it pans out if he does not show improvement on the field.
keith
April 20th, 2011
4:53 pm
I still think we need to go after Butler Blue II…been the the finals 2 years in a row….we could use a little of that MOJO
DawgByte
April 20th, 2011
6:11 pm
Two pleasant surprises for me coming out of last Saturday’s G-Day.
1. Chase Vasser – He made some great plays. His goal line tackle coming around the left end was fantastic.
2. Arthur Lynch – I think he’s going to make a great TE target for Murray. Can you imagine having Lynch, Figgins and Charles on the field at the same time and trying to defend against them? I wouldn’t want that assignment.
Honorable mention goes to Connor Norman. What a stud, he really came to play.
John
April 20th, 2011
7:31 pm
Murray 3rd quarter numbers was impressive? UGA was down by halftime in each of the losses. His numbers was inflated, he performed well when teams was up by 14+ and in prevent defense, otherwise he did nothing when it counts. He isn’t dynamic enough to scare the opposing team off the line of scrimmage. Put 8 or 9 in the box and stop UGA from running, they are average at best. When UGA throw the ball, bring pressure up the middle on Murray, if the outside swing route isn’t open, he’ll throw it away because he can’t see down the field. The pass can open up the run, but even with Crowell if teams put 8 or 9 in the box because Murray gets no respect, the running lanes will be clogged.
John
April 20th, 2011
7:38 pm
How can Auburns OC take a QB in one year win a BCSC and UGA’s offense take so long to grasp? Newton scored 30 passing and 20 rushing in his first year, blowing out SEC defenses, yet “the vaulted offense” of UGA is soooooo complex that it takes a QB years in the system to grasp it. I can guess the plays UGA runs sitting on my sofa with a hot wing in my mouth, I’m sure other DC’s can figure as much.
Mr. SEC
April 20th, 2011
8:36 pm
Hey Me! This time I have to agree with you! Wasted scholarship!
CHUCK UGA
April 20th, 2011
11:55 pm
My concern is the inconsistencies of this team as far as coming together to win the required nine or ten games to keep Richt as head coach. I think this team stumbles to 9-3 with an unexpected win and an unexpected loss. Richt survives, but no way this team wins the SEC East. South Carolina will win it again. 2012 may be the year for Georgia. Muschamp is no Urban Meyer, and Dooley will take a while at UT to make a difference…unless they get hit with probation.
CHUCK UGA
April 20th, 2011
11:58 pm
John,
Clue for you…Murray was a FRESHMAN last year. A FRESHMAN I said. You are ignorant of football if you think he is mediocre. He will tear a new one on any D who does what you describe. Won’t happen. Yes, the UGA O-Line is a mess, but hopefully by September, they will be ready to play. Proves that Auburn grad Searels was MEDIOCRE. Murray is the best QB in the SEC. He will prove it.
DocDawg
April 21st, 2011
12:04 am
Some of the comments are indeed mindless, from folks who wouldn`t know a blits from a burrito. The defense will improve measurably, for one the LB corps this year will be fast and hard hitting with Jones as poster child, nose tackle will be able to actually stop the middle and draw doubles opwning gaps for the LBs, without strong, fast LBs and stop gap nose the 3-4 is ineffective, especially against the run. We will see what Jenkins brings to the field, but he was more impressive on film than Cody, and we saw what he did with SEC run schemes. When you lose a receiver who has speed, size and runs great routes, more opportunities for the TE and backs to make chain moving catches, which opens up the deep routes. Bennett showed more speed than I had heard about him, and he showed he`s strong enough to hold blocks. Fullback with Figgins will be open a couple times a game, and he`s a load, a LB`s nightmare. There are question marks about the deep receivers, but Conley is a big target and will get a serious look, the Valdosta boys can both catch and Wooten is a fast threat. Those of you who bash and never played a down except in the backyard on Thanksgiving with your cousins, don`t drop your dentures when you see what can happen to a kid in 1 year. And no, Crowell isn`t another Herschel, nobody has the speed, strength and hands he did, you`ve seen the fight clips, still a monster. But Crowell also has great hands, can block and will contribute a good bit, especially as the season develops. As for SC, Fl, Boise and UT beating this team, not even remotely close. Some of you will be surprised this year, including Auburn and Fl fans wherever you may be!
StatesBurr
April 21st, 2011
2:06 am
Bill: When you started hosting the Blog you were insightful and interesting. Now it seems you are following the Ledbetter method. Only relying on information and using generalization.
It seems the teams were “drafted” so they did not have a “1st” complete line for the G game. How can you access the play of the O Line from practice?
As I said your blogs are getting as watered down as Ledbetters on the Falcons….
AltamahaDawg
April 21st, 2011
7:13 am
The only clue John can use is what vaulted means. The others are wasted. Seriously, why did Murray have a different type year than Cam Newton? Good grief.