Caleb King as 2011 Dawgs’ savior?
Can Caleb King really be the lead Dog in 2011? (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
I’m afraid there’s probably an awful lot of wishful thinking fueling Buck Belue’s take on Caleb King, but I’d like nothing better than for old No. 8 to be right on the mark.
I think Buck’s right that Isaiah Crowell isn’t likely to be ready to be “the lead Dog” early on, especially considering the pass protection duties a Georgia tailback has.
Belue thinks that leaves King as “a young man in a good position. He’s motivated to have a big senior season. It’s his last shot to impress NFL scouts. He’s in the best shape of his life and can play physical at 220-plus. Caleb can hold up between the tackles, burst it outside, catch it and protect. Solid all-around skill set.”
Of course, Belue allows, King has proved disappointing in the past. “There have been injuries and issues.”
“The track record says Caleb King is going to disappoint you,” Buck writes. “Understand that. But I’m not buying it this time. I see a 1,000 yard season. 200 carries and 12 TD runs. A 5-yard per carry average. And as it turns out, a positive influence on Crowell.”
What do you think? A likely scenario or just a summer fan dream?
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319 comments Add your comment
Chris
June 22nd, 2011
1:44 pm
SUMMER FAN DREAM!!! What has King shown you to give you any reason to believe this season will be any different from the others. He’s never lived up to the hype. Yes, he”ll be the main guy on Sept. 3rd against Boise to ease Crowell into the action but Crowell better be ready in a hurry cause history shows we can’t trust King to deliver.
Keep it Simple
June 22nd, 2011
1:44 pm
DawginLex … Ok … what is there really to talk about … in UGA football? seriously, really … 30 some odd years ago an incredible talent arrive in Athens … 30 years ago a Florida defensive back fell down at the wrong time … and the rest is history … it is really “history” …
UGA is now a senconf rate football program … a long way from where they “accidentally/luckalee(sp)” got to … lets talk about X’s & O’s … strategy … UGA no plan … no consistancy … soft … no will to win …
Bigboy
June 22nd, 2011
1:45 pm
SGD88 You shouldn’t be putting facts out there dude….it ruins the rants!lol
Whiskey Breath
June 22nd, 2011
1:48 pm
Bill you are the opposite of Buck Bulue, so why listen to him? You are sincere, objective and one can expect an honest analysis. Buck makes up rumors and could care less how they turn out.
You are smarter than this, ask somebody that might know. Email Hershel and see what his opinion is.
He carried Buck to the NC.
And.....
June 22nd, 2011
1:51 pm
And UGA goes undefeated, wins the NC, Mark Richt is elected president in 2012, and then UGA has 5 more consecutive undefeated seasons. When will the dreaming ever end in Athens?
DAWGalum09
June 22nd, 2011
1:52 pm
lol @ buck. King’s best year was 2 years ago and he had 594 yards. So now magically he jumps up to 1,000????? I swear I am starting to believe other fanbases when they say UGA fans are DELUSIONAL.
King had 430 yards and 80 carries. He will split carries this year. AT BEST he reaches 700. At best.
We as a fanbase have got to stop these delusional expectations with guys who DO NOT perform
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
1:52 pm
King can do it provided his line is adequate. Last year, the Oline was a major disappointment–no running back, no matter how good, could overcome such a poor run blocking line. At the end of 2009, Caleb was lighting it up when he had run block support. The Oline and not the RB is the problem.
DawginLex
June 22nd, 2011
1:53 pm
HT
thanks for the high praise!
I have never said keep Richt regardless of what happens. If he doesn’t win at least 9 or 10 this year with this schedule, he will get run and I won’t blame McGarity for doing it.
You have been screaming for Richt to be fired and you magically believe all will be right again. That’s what i don’t agree with.
Look at UT, we could end up with someone who turns out to be a crook.
We could end up with someone the players don’t want to play for.
There are more negatives than positives the first year when a new coach is hired.
At Georgia, Richt raised the bar on expectations and now can’t live up to them. The reasons for it can be debated ad nauseum.
Bottom line is Richt needs to win now to shut a lot of folks up or get out of Dodge.
DawginLex
June 22nd, 2011
1:58 pm
Keep it simple
So Nothing has been done in the last 30 years at UGA?
What about other programs?
Michigan has a half title won in 1997 and nothing else. Are they a nothing?
If your standard is winning the BCS beauty contest, then nothing has been done.
My standard is SEC titles becuae those are won on the field. We went from 1982 until 2002 without one. Richt has won 2 and played for a 3rd.
He must win now to keep his job. He has made some changes that remain to be seen if they will work.
I’m still predicting 10 wins including the bowl game. I also have predicted SC wins the East.
If that is delusional then so be it.
Red Grange
June 22nd, 2011
2:00 pm
Cromwell is going to be a disappointed to you begging Dogs
Rick
June 22nd, 2011
2:00 pm
Buck is smoking something. Caleb King has given no indication that he cam do the job. Once again a poor evaluation of talent by the coaches at UGA.
AltamahaDawg
June 22nd, 2011
2:00 pm
Ah, but SGD88 they were not “record” numbers. Just merely over 30 ppg. Terrible job with those guys.
DawginLex
June 22nd, 2011
2:01 pm
Hey red,
Is Nolan Cromwell coming out of retirement?
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
2:01 pm
Insightful post Red Grange. Be sure to post more conjecture without any grounds whatsoever. Very intriguing.
Herschel Talker
June 22nd, 2011
2:02 pm
DawginLex:
The talent is there, we need a guy who runs a tighter ship. Hence why I am confident that we will kill it when McGarity brings in someone tougher. No chance we win 10 games or win the East with the lack of discipline this team always exhibits. A new leader, one with fire, will reinstill discipline and will take us where we need to go.
HT
Keep it Simple
June 22nd, 2011
2:05 pm
And he won with (mostly) Donnan’s recruits … we are be “in the middle” of a “Richt’s Run” … his recruits, his tone, his style … and the records show … it is nothing more nothing less … not “calling’ anyone out personally … just looking and seeing … the results of his efforts … the past is the best indicator of the future …
RiffRaff
June 22nd, 2011
2:05 pm
Red Grange – “Cromwell is going to be a disappointed to you begging Dogs.”
This really makes no sense…..
Travis
June 22nd, 2011
2:06 pm
HAAAAAHA!!! LMAO…If we have to depend on Caleb this year…Coach Richt is in trouble. I would not count on Caleb for anything. I will take my chances with some of the new guys….they may not be ready but it beats the attitude and lack of desire that marks Caleb and Ealey….we got rid of one cancer on this team (Ealey)…….folks…new flash……Caleb is the other. I am one that wished Coach Richt would have let him go also with Ealey……..
tide roll
June 22nd, 2011
2:08 pm
All this Stafford/Moreno talk. Would you UGA fans confirm this. Didn’t Florida beat you 49-10 Stafford and Moreno’s last year. I may be wrong. 49-10 ! Can ya’ll confirm this? If this was the case, what does it take to convince you that something is wrong with your football program? How about CENTRAL Florida 10- UGA 6? Will that do it? Sheesh.
Been There
June 22nd, 2011
2:09 pm
Bobo needed to leave for us to have any chance this year….play calling is not strategic and anybody can guess the next play…not hard to stop when you know what is coming!!!
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
2:13 pm
The ole winning with the other guy’s recruits argument.Well don’t ALL new coaches win with the other guy’s recruits?It seems like the other guy’s problem was that he couldn’t win with them.
AltamahaDawg,DawginLex……what do you guys see as as strengths and weaknesses this year?I’m bored debating the haters.
LagDawg
June 22nd, 2011
2:15 pm
It is dissappointing to know that Crowell did not follow the workout that Joe T. gave all the incoming freshmen. If he wants to be the man, it will start wtih his workout program. I hope he snaps out of it and step up. He is going to ruin his chance at the big game against Boise St. and S.C. To be a top SEC RB you have to be strong physically. Look at Ingram and Richardson at Alabama. Did he not learn anything from old #34?
Boise in ATL
June 22nd, 2011
2:17 pm
Big issue is NOT C, King or I. Crowell or B. Malcome – it is your O-Line.
From what I saw – King is a very good blocker – and a good RB.
Do not know enough about Malcome to comment on his potential – but understand that he is strait line bruiser.
I. Crowell has to learn an entire Offensive system – which will take time – but there are plays that UGA will run that will feature his skill set against Boise.
Also – now that Ealey is out of the picture – maybe the entire attitude and focus is better.
A malcontent and a player not giving his all can do incredible amount of damage.
UGA’s season rests on your O-Line and new receivers.
Your backs are good. Your defense will be good.
With all that said – Boise will beat UGA.
Why?
– UGA is trying to put it together – while Boise has it together.
– UGA is more athletic and deeper – but Boise is more disciplined, plays better as a unit, plays smart – better coached – and will better execute our game plan. Besides that – we are better athletically and deeper than many give us credit – and we have very good team speed.
Again – no blow out – should be an exciting game.
Another way to look at it?
Could UGA beat Oregon in 2009 – NO – but Boise DID.
Was UGA Better than VT in 2010? – NO – but Boise beat VT.
Do you think Boise could have beaten Colorado, Florida, UCF and MS State last year? Definately – and probably South Carolina as well.
UGA is trying to get back to being a top 6 SEC team. Boise is trying to position for a BCS game – and UGA is in the way – it is our season – and our coaching staff will have our boys prepared to out play, out hustle, out execute and out think the collection of incredible athletes runnining around the field known as UGA.
Again – we are who we are – David against Goliath again.
With our staff – and return of incredibly motivated athletes that are better football players – and one of the best QB’s in the nation in Kellen Moore – come CRUNCH time – Boise will get the job done. UGA has not gotten the job done in several years. Like the UCF game – UGA will get
UGA has a history of being out played and outcoached when it matters – Boise outplays and our coaches and is better prepared to do so – when it matters come crunch time.
Go Broncos!
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
2:18 pm
It’s rather ironic that Crowell said the guy he looked up to and idolized as a kid was Caleb King….have you ever watched their HS film?They look eerily similar in size,build and running style.The main difference is that King never regained that explosiveness he had as a jr after breaking his leg.I have a feeling the running game is going to be just fine this year.
All the way turnt up
June 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm
At least Belue isnt defending Willie Martinez anymore. He is awful on the radio.
1st in 10
June 22nd, 2011
2:23 pm
Bobo has got that little flat pass down to a science. Throw it to the little guy and let him make people miss.
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
2:26 pm
Boise,
I completely agree with you regarding the oline. Behind a focused, productive oline at the end of 2009, CK was great.
Regarding your claim that Boise could beat CO, FL, MSU and perhaps SC and UGA could not beat OR or VT in past years, I disagree. If UGA only had to get up for 1 game a year, they could beat either of the teams you mentioned. Similarly, if Boise had to play week in and week out, they’d lose a lot more.
I do not make any more UGA predictions after the last few seasons which have become increasingly disappointing, but I will say, UGA appears to likely be better than last year and Boise seems to be down having lost a ton of starters. Should be a good game though.
Eat and Tweet
June 22nd, 2011
2:28 pm
The Puppies whole team was out of shape last year which was evident by the 2nd qtr. during the South Carolina game. Hands on Hips never gets it done! It will take at least a year and a half for the new strength program to pay significant dividends. Mark Richt has let that part of the program slide for the past three years because of his buddy Von Van Halanger. Too bad Richt may be gone to see the fruits of Joe T.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
2:29 pm
Boise in Atlanta…Nobody knows who would beat who without actually playing.VT lost to James Madison in their next game too last year.What does that mean?James Madison was the best team in the ACC if they played in that league?As for this year’s game in the Dome…BSU only lost what 3 starters off of both sides of the ball right?That tells me BSU will be pretty much the same team on both sides of the ball which gives UGA a good look at what you have and to game plan for you.While UGA will be drastically different on Defense and look significantly different on Offense.It looks like you guys will be facing a lot more unknowns than us.That’s a decided edge in my book right there.. without going into the overall talent and depth issue
DawginLex
June 22nd, 2011
2:30 pm
I’m not convinced Virginia Tech could have beaten Georgia last year.
Vt lost to James Madison the week after Boise squeaked out a win vs VT.
We lost confidence after the Arkansas game when we had them on the ropes and let it get away.
I’m not convinced Boise has enough playmakers to win with Young and Pettus being gone.
I’m also expecting our defense to be much better than 2010.
UGA 21
Boise 17
Ace
June 22nd, 2011
2:34 pm
Listen people, I’m hearing that Crowell is out of shape. Now my take on that is, yes he probably has gotten out of shape a little, but it’s JUNE he has time to get into shape before practice starts which isn’t until AUGUST. Everyone calm down. What should be more of a concern is making sure the big nose guard is in shape.
Keep it Simple
June 22nd, 2011
2:41 pm
UGA would have beaten VT … VT has a good mindset but they play poorly, they lack confidence against SEC teams … a SEC team would have to play badly for VPI to win … not saying anything bad against Beamer … just that history shows …
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
2:44 pm
I would not say UGA would have beaten anyone last year, b/c they hardly beat anyone. That said, I think the key point is that Boise only has to get up for 1 game a year, and if UGA had that same luxury, they could easily go undefeated year after year. Likewise, if Boise played in the SEC, they’d lose a lot more and finish 6-7 sometimes.
jay
June 22nd, 2011
2:49 pm
I hope Buck is right but King seems to have very little passion for the game. I mean Knowshon Moreno, Hines Ward, David Pollack passion.
PaleRider
June 22nd, 2011
2:51 pm
Out of shape on June 22? Damn, if a kid can’t get in shape in 10 weeks, let’s just drop out of the SEC and play Chess. These guys will be ready. Count on it.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
2:51 pm
I’d wager that if you flipped the two team’s schedule last year UGA would have a better record than BSU
john T Dawg
June 22nd, 2011
2:51 pm
I think King’s problem all along has been Ealey – now that Ealey is gone we will see a different King – Ealey brought King’s attitude down to the level of Ealey’s – you guys can go on and on all you want but an 18-20 y/o is easily influenced by his peers – I am sure Ealey spout negativity at every moment and it had to wear on King – only time will tell – but to me he seems to have a better attitude and focus that I have not seen in him for some time
jay
June 22nd, 2011
2:52 pm
Boise in ATL, your record with Dawgs schedule would have been about what
the Dawgs did with it. Dawgs will be a little better than last year (hopefully a lot better, but they were awful at times) and Boise will
be a little down from last year. Dawgs 21 Boise 10.
WDE
June 22nd, 2011
2:53 pm
@kevin good post .
Richt`s Hammer
June 22nd, 2011
2:54 pm
Boise State 66 Dawgs 3
South Carolina 54 Dawgs 7
Krispy Kremes 45555 Choakdawg, Crowell 0
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
3:02 pm
WDE,
Thanks,
Richt’s Hammer,
Idiocy.
Florida Guy
June 22nd, 2011
3:04 pm
Hahahahahaha. Here’s hoping UGA’s hopes and dreams come true—Only to have the repeating crash at JAX year after year. HAHAHAHAHAHA. Give us a call when you want to be a “Rival” again. Until then, you keep helping us tune up for the BCS like the practice squad you are!!!
Boise in ATL
June 22nd, 2011
3:07 pm
kevin – I can agree some with what you are saying – but keep in mind – Oregon and VT would have gotten up to play UGA – just like Colorado or OK State the year before – and going by the fact that UGA got beat by Colorado and UCF – two teams that it had ZERO business losing – tells me exactly how good UGA;s program was last year. UGA had all the time in the world to prepare for UCF – come the 4Q – UCF won the game – they looked like the better team – because they were the better team. But that was last year – and I do expect UGA will be improved in 2011.
Look – it’s one thing to lay an egg and get upset by a lesser opponent – like VT did against James Madision. But to go 6-7 – with losses to COLORADO, UCF and how UGA was put away by SC, ARK and MS STATE in the 4Q should tell you exactly what state your program is in.
Again – lots of respect for the Oregons, VT’s and UGA’s to play us.
Playing Boise is almost a NO WIN situation for UGA – except for having some fun and playing football!
If UGA beats Boise – then everyone says UGA did what they were supposed to do – and put little Boise back in their place.
IF Boise beats UGA – then you are in an embarrasing situation – kind of reliving the UCF loss.
I would love it if Boise could play more UGA’s out there – we have tried to move to a better conference – but TCU and BYU skipped out on us.
I would be great if somehow Boise could get into what remains of the B12 or Pac12 – but the reality is – there is no TV market to bring to the table – and you have to get an invite to join a fraternity. No invites for Boise. So, we will do the best we can – and hopefully – teams like UGA will continue to schedule us. Let’s make no mistake – the UGA game is our season – period. We lose this game – and we have ZERO shot at a BCS game.
Boise will be ready – the question is – will UGA be improved enough over last years embarrassing season to hang with Boise and pull out a victory? That is a lot of ground to make-up for UGA. Can UGA play with BOISE for 4Q’s?
I am expecting an exciting game – and a BOISE victory. but do think UGA will improve and get better in 2011 – and may end up having a season like the year they beat Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. UGA started off losing a couple of early games in that season as well. The potential is ther for UGA – is the coaching and there?
Snoop Dawg
June 22nd, 2011
3:08 pm
Don’t fall for the diversion. Caleb King reported to Preacha Man as a high school kid, raw clay to be molded. Now he’s a fumbling senior that seems rather disoriented in general. Whose fault is that? Is Caleb King alone? Every back we have seems to suffer from the same malaise. Does anyone see a trend? Anybody connecting the dots? Well, the dots connect and the line through them points to RICHT and BOBO. As long as these dufuses are at the controls, we are driving off the cliff down into an abyss.
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
3:09 pm
Florida Guy,
You’re right that UGA has underperformed against UF the last 20 years. Though, you also were pretty terrible last year. And we warmed you up for an underwhelming Bowl game that featured 2 unranked teams–not the BCS. Year before last was your last year to boast. UF will be worse this year than last. Have fun!
Snoop Dawg
June 22nd, 2011
3:14 pm
Hey folks-
Snoop Dawg says lay off Buck Belue. Buck Belue was the quarterback for the best teams in UGA history and earned us a national championship. For that he gets a permanent bye. He can be a radio announcer fot the Dawgs for life. He can write books. He could coach much better than da Preacha Man. He is Mr UGA.
So lay off Buck Belue. The Bulldawg Nation is forever indebted to the man.
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
3:18 pm
Boise,
Good post. It should be interesting either way. And, as I mentioned in a prior post, after years of more or less being able to predict the caliber of UGA’s play, I am at a loss now. For the last 3 years, we have been all over the place–making bonehead pllays, not executing fundamental skills like tackling and not finishing games. Jeez, if UGA could have just finished games they would not have lost last year!
It should be an exciting game no matter what–best of luck to you!
Nate the Great
June 22nd, 2011
3:22 pm
I’m a delusional UGA fan, so I really hate to say it but I really think Boise will come in overly confident (and they have earned every right to be confident with their recent success) which will be their ultimate downfall in the game. Once they get hit in the mouth and are down two quick TDs in the first qtr to a faster, stronger, more athletic team, they’ll realize that their season is over before it began.
That same confidence, pride, and moxey will be what makes them dig deep and play the rest of the game tight. The score will be close in the end and it won’t be a blow out, but the game will be over in the first quarter.
AltamahaDawg
June 22nd, 2011
3:24 pm
SGD. I think the problem is that for some folks, IF it was a problem last year, the assumption is that it’s a weakness this year. Case in point…this topic, Caleb King. His history of being less than steller, could certainly be listed as a weakness. I actually don’t think because a player has failed, he will always fail. TO me, Kings issues were never due to ability, but a bunch of peripheral stuff. IF you could remove that, he could a very capable, experienced, valuable guy back there.
The other problem is point of reference. You will see a lot of folks who seem to hold last season as the most important factor. NO WAY do they see we can be any better than last season. Last season tells you how we are going to be this season. Last season is the point of reference. But when you question them about this year’s team as it relates to specific situations that existed last year, the response is often something like “we should be winning National Championships”. Its just very difficult to have a conversation when the 2005 Sugar Bowl is the answer for everything.
But since you asked, me and I DO have a proper point of reference:
I’ll put in the most simple terms possible, as far as a complicated and sorted situation can be.
The losses that made the difference last year between losing season having what would have been a pretty good year came down to single scores and in some cases single plays. That was with some isses that are easily identifiable, and a bunch that aren’t as easy. If you forget about all the other stuff (because there is always going to be a laundry list of issues with any team), and look at just the 2 or 3 worst issues that you would never want to go into a season with, issue that you can absolutely say “this cost us that game”, 2 of them don;t exist any more.
So now check out this positive spin. I would count as a strength THIS year, that we ONLY lost most of the game LAST year by very small margins.
chazzo
June 22nd, 2011
3:29 pm
Keep it simple: Donnan must have been recruiting guys in elementary school. Dawgs won SEC in 2005. They also tied for the East in 2003 and 2007. They finished ranked #2 in the nation. Oh, and way back when they won it in 2002, they did so with Greene and Pollack, 2 Richt recruits. Even if they were all donnan’s recruits in 2002 (and they weren’t), Richt coached ‘em for two seasons at that point. Two years after Donnan left a program with its wheels off, Richt’s Dawgs took the SEC.
Your argument has no legs.