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
AltamahaDawg
June 22nd, 2011
5:38 pm
Doug, I would say if Dream Team is all you hear/read, you have restricted your reading to the trolls comments. They certainly are hung up on that. But I doubt you have hear/read very many Actual Dawg fans talking very much about the Dream team, and even less have said they were going to be some kind of end all to problems. Now if you would like to focus on a specific playing in this past recruiting class and why or why not somebody aught to have hopes for thier future at UGA, any of us would be glad to have that debate. I’m pretty sure thats what actual Georgia fans have done, while the trolls have tried tirelessly to say somebody is claiming they are all going to be the next HW.
Try again when you have an actual point to make, sport.
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
5:38 pm
ARDawg,
You’re post is quite confusing as you seem to say that Boise will win and then that UGA will. Either way, predicting a UGA win is great and all, but we all predicted UGA to win a lot more than they did last year. I too think UGA can win against Boise, But, I am still full from the 7 helpings of humble pie UGA received last year and refrain from saying “UGA by 2 TDs” against, what is now, a perennial top 10 team.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
5:42 pm
Overtime games could have went either way.There is nothing to crow about winning those type of games or games settled by 3 pts or less.It just means on that day you were slightly better than the other guy.Same two teams tee it up 5 straight and it could easily go 3-2 for the other team.
Dawg Squeeze
June 22nd, 2011
5:44 pm
At least Notre Dame’s sign is not inbred.
Kerryb
June 22nd, 2011
5:47 pm
How does that poster who posted in the first few comments know that Crowell and Malcome are out of shape. My guess is that he doesn’t. He’s just a troll trying to start something up. From what I’ve read the Freshmen were sent Coach T’s program and instructed to get on board. I doubt that Crowell would have thrown it in a corner and forgot about it when he wants to be the starter this year
Kerryb
June 22nd, 2011
5:49 pm
Dawg Squeeze, better than a bug or a reptile. One you squash with a fly swatter and the other you make shoes out of.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
5:49 pm
When I look at the team overall to be honest I have a hard time seeing the 09 or 10 teams having more talent than this bunch.Experience maybe but talent?No
shane#1
June 22nd, 2011
5:50 pm
Richt said Crowell will play in the Dome, so he will play, barring injury. King has had a chance to solidify his posistion as lead dog, and to quote ol’ Lewis, “if you ain’t the lead dog on the team the scenery never changes.” King has had four years to take the starting RB spot and has not stepped up. I see no reason that this season will be different. I hope King proves me wrong but I think Crowell will be starting RB by mid-season.
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
5:50 pm
SD88,
Okay, but by that logic, Georgia was nearly 12-1 last year. Yet, they weren’t. Whatever the case, whether you do not consider wins over OK, OR and VT compelling, what about just playing them tough. I am not sure your point is. So, do you have evidence apart from a BSU loss to UGA 6 years ago, that BSU cannot hang with UGA. Despite my thinking UGA will win, it’s foolish to claim that BSU cannot line up with UGA when they have lined up and beaten (though everso slightly which somehow does not count) similarly good football programs.
fpice
June 22nd, 2011
6:00 pm
Did you mean to say Caleb Queen?
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:00 pm
Simply because Bsu has never played a similiar schedule to Uga.Playing 10 cupkakes and 3 decent teams every year does not make you a great program.Playing in a tough league and having success carries more wgt Imo.Which is also why Bsc caliber teams usually only win big games by slim margins IF they win at all.
SugarHillDawg
June 22nd, 2011
6:02 pm
I think Ol’ Buck is wishfully thinking. What we’ve seen so far is what we get with CK.
AltamahaDawg
June 22nd, 2011
6:07 pm
MarineDawg, I would actually go a lot further than to say it’s not “impossible” to address some of the main issues and have a turnaround in one year over the last in the case of this particular Georgia team. I’d say when you break down what those main issues were, it’s actually quite “improbably” that they don’t.
kevin
June 22nd, 2011
6:07 pm
SD88,
See my previous posts where I argue it’s important to acknowledge that the scheduling differences. Clearly, if BSU were in the SEC they would lose a lot more. No question about it. And, if UGA had to play 1 really hard game all year, they too would often finish without a loss. Though, that’s not the point. I have given 3 examples of BSU lining up and beating big name schools in recent years. It defies good reason to suggest they cannot do it again. Do I think they will? No, but denying the possibilty out of hand is senseless as there is no evidence for it.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:07 pm
I seriously doubt either Okl or Vt considered BSU to be on their level when they played them.Regardless of BSU’s previous record.They both lost though….in overtime.So in essence BSU’s entire claim to fame is beating up on one of the weakest conferences in the nation and a couple of overtime wins.Oh yeah they beat Oregon…wow
ARdawg
June 22nd, 2011
6:15 pm
kevin
Perennial power? Nah, I ain’t drinking THAT kool-aid. I never said Boise would win. Dunno how you read that. Boise is a good team for a couple of games each year. They will likely play Georgia a good game, maybe all the way to the end. Maybe not. Beating Oregon twice a few years back, Oklahoma even longer than that and a weak VT last year doesn’t make them a perennial power.
7 slices of humble pie. I with you brother and nobody remembers more than I. We were beat by bad teams. Are you calling that a trend? Listen, were have probably the premier QB in the league, a much improved (hopefully) defense that keep us in every game last year and some much improved offensive weapons. Boise is now the hunted but really no other dynamics have changed. Georgia wins this game
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:15 pm
My point is basically the same point I make in most of my posts.A lot of things look a certain way on the surface but when you take a closer look at it most of the time the “perceptions” are not quite the reality of the situation.
Bigboy
June 22nd, 2011
6:20 pm
Bill’s blogs are getting better lately.Usually they are done after a couple of pages
'CaneDawg loves POWER-aid !!
June 22nd, 2011
6:29 pm
@ kevin: sorry, no paragraphs to conserve space, you rocket scientist. now you can go back to drinking your kool-aid w/ your english teacher.
dmr
June 22nd, 2011
6:37 pm
New season. Clean slate. Everyone deserves to start fresh. The opportunity is there for the taking for King. Crowell is the future. King is the present. It’s up to him to take command of his position. As a Georgia fan, of course, I am pulling for the young man to have a breakout year. He’s shown glimpses. Also, the failures of the offensive line are not King’s fault. Regardless, this is the time for no excuses. Give it everything you’ve got, cause tomorrow ain’t guaranteed.
Ga.
June 22nd, 2011
6:40 pm
Boise, Keep looking at 2010 and thinking that”s the same Georgia team that will show up in September. Boise 20011 = Hawaii 2007.
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:42 pm
Cuz
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:44 pm
Ole Dawg
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:58 pm
DawginLex…AltahamaDawg…Chazzo….all top notch UGA bloggers.Blogger “Dream Team”Imo
SOUTHGADAWG88
June 22nd, 2011
6:59 pm
Peace fellas.I’m out
Hello?
June 22nd, 2011
7:07 pm
” especially considering the pass protection duties a Georgia tailback has.”
So, pass protection is peculiar to a Georgia tailback ??!??
You do it differently from EVERYBODY else at Georgia, do you ?
I DON’T THINK SO.
D man
June 22nd, 2011
7:25 pm
First, Dough!!!
Caleb King
June 22nd, 2011
7:47 pm
I’m gonna shock the Dawg nation this year! I know I’ve had problems in the past, but I was injured and lost a lot of speed. I lost my confidence. With the new approach of the coaches I’m reborn! I ‘ve gained a lot of my speed back, I’m stronger than ever, I have a lot of experience, and I’ve finally matured some. I’m ready to have a HUGE season and show everybody why I was rated so high coming out of HS. GO DAWGS!
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 22nd, 2011
7:57 pm
These two young men will be in shape when the season starts. For Crowell, it is his first few weeks in a real S and C program at the college level. He will probably spend a bit more time, hanging his head and emptying his stomach but he will be in shape come the season opener. His S and C will not be a major problem. He needs to learn the system and take on blocking. The kid will do OK.
Malcome will also get into the shape that is needed to succeed at the college level. Some folks just do better at it to start off than others. He is a strong kid that just needs to get into football shape. He will do that.
I would be a lot more worried if, one week before the season started, neither one of them was in football shape, but I will bet that will not be the case. Remember these kids have pride and I know they will get hassled by their team mates and kidded, so that will prod them on also. At least we know that Crowell isn’t being treated any differently than any other player, no matter how high he was rated. These two have to earn their way onto the field just like the other folks, and they will.
I hope that Caleb King has matured enough to help out a great deal in the backfield. He represents a seasoned, if unspectacular RB and will be needed to provide leadership and for his ability to run. He knows he has one chance to prove to the next level that he can play there so I suspect, we will see a different King, both in attitude and physical ability out there this season.
Paddy
June 22nd, 2011
8:00 pm
Hey folks, players are not out of shape until the season starts. Way too early to label players in June. Has nobody ever played this game????????
MarineDog
June 22nd, 2011
8:04 pm
AltamahaDawg,
I think that UGA is being overlooked by opponents this year and they are going to sneak up on a lot of people. Boise is a good team and a well coached team. I think that they are going to get worn down over time and UGA will win this game. I think that SC is overconfident and riding on the success of last season. In addition, I will never count out UF and Tenn. The east is not going to be a cake walk for anyone. Defense will decide both the USC and Boise games. I think that UGA has the ability and talent to win both. Should be an interesting season,
Bigboy
June 22nd, 2011
8:18 pm
SC lost 5 games last year folks…it aint like they are some Juggernaut or anything.
Mr. SEC
June 22nd, 2011
8:21 pm
Bill I’m glad you are a Dawg fan, but “Caleb King”? Really!
PowerDawg
June 22nd, 2011
8:41 pm
I hope none of these kids read this blog. If they did they would know beyond any doubt that they made a huge mistake by coming here to play for such ungrateful, pessimistic, and two-faced “fans”.
These young men will never, and I mean never be able to perform well enough to satisfy some of you. Why should they even try?
Who would blame them if they just cruised and got their free education and flipped us all the bird as they drove away? I wouldn’t. And if I were them I would hate to know that I have to go through the physical agony of training and practice, all while struggling to keep my grades up, for a bunch of idiots like the guy that said our team would be “stellar” in 2012 if we fired Richt. Or the moronic fools that say things like I’m a cancer or that I’ll never amount to any thing because of my coaches’ tuteledge.
You people that spew nothing but negative, degrading and vitriolic garbage should be ashamed of yourselves.
Do all of DawgNation a huge favor and just take a hike. We don’t need you and we don’t want you.
Douglas
June 22nd, 2011
8:47 pm
I agree with Borntopass: Bobo always looks to pass first and then run. Richt is the same way. Until they learn you have to be able to run the ball and wear the defense out and then pass, we will never win an SEC championship or the SEC east again.
CHUCK UGA
June 22nd, 2011
8:47 pm
Read KDOG’s post on page one. He is dead spot on. UGA moves the ball up and down the field but has too many three and outs because Richt and Bozo do not play ball control, don’t run enough and call too many high risk plays. When it is working, it looks great. When it doesn’t, like when UGA is playing a TOP 15 TEAM, it looks pretty bad and they lose. This is why Richt will not be around much longer in my opinion.
Bigboy
June 22nd, 2011
8:49 pm
PowerDawg let the haters hate.That’s what they live for trashing the Dawgs.
bug
June 22nd, 2011
8:49 pm
Last time I saw CK….he was pretty fast!
Bigboy
June 22nd, 2011
8:55 pm
I’m on the fence about running the ball down everybody’s throat.That’s very hard to do in a league like the SEC.Sounds good in theory but really the spread teams like FLA and AUB are the only ones who have done such and it was their QB doing most of the damage..you need balance if you don’t have a 240 plus QB to ram the ball down people’s throats.
Ga.
June 22nd, 2011
9:11 pm
The stats are contrary to perception Uga rush pass ratio higher to the rush than to pass than all but 4 SEC teams. auburn 2.58/1 , M. state 2.23-1 , LSU 1.7-1. S. carolina 1.4-1 Ga 1.33-1 , Florida 1.17 /1 ,alabama 1.13 to 1. this is Rush pass in SEC games. Tenn., Arkansas, Kentucky passed over 50% of the time.
GT4EVER
June 22nd, 2011
9:13 pm
Do players read these blog?Maybe some do but football players are weird…a lot of them don’t even watch football in their off time.I think their ego is so huge this stuff doesn’t bother them.
Pat
June 22nd, 2011
9:33 pm
Buck isn’t too solid with his analysis.
William
June 22nd, 2011
11:33 pm
Caleb King can’t help he is not HW. At least he is here. He tries. He pass blocks well and runs well when given the chance. Maybe if he is given the ball 15-20 times a game he will gain big yards. Let’s give him a chance. The season hasn’t even started yet.
gt fans = booger eaters
June 23rd, 2011
12:37 am
gt fans eat boogers
RED DOG 77
June 23rd, 2011
1:21 am
Buck Belue is dead on the money!……….
RED DOG 77
June 23rd, 2011
1:38 am
As I was Saying before this blog chopped me off…………..Buck Belue is dead on the money!…….Caleb King is finally ready for his breakout season. This kid is no cancer, just been a slow starter……..I’m looking for caleb to gain 1000yds rushing this season, and I.C to do pretty well himself………..and who said IC can’t pass block?…….heck, as talented as this kid is, it’s not a matter of the “playbook” it’s a matter of sticking his head in there and poping a threat to his QB!……………DOGS will be fine this year, and after we get passed Boise St. and South Carolina………….we have a few “cream-puffs” for IC to learn the ropes against………..DOGS win at least 10 games this year, take the SEC East………..and beats the poop out of Arkansas in the SEC championship game………….Yea……..you heard me!……Arkansas wins the West……..and “My” GEEEOOOORRRGIA BULLDOGS……..win the SEC Championship game……..GO DOGS!! GATA…………..WOOF…….WOOF………WOOF
athdog
June 23rd, 2011
2:05 am
Chill, dudes. It’s June. There’s still a month and a half before PREseason camp starts. The guys are always out of shape this time of year.
chazzo
June 23rd, 2011
6:54 am
Ga. produced some interesting stats:
“The stats are contrary to perception Uga rush pass ratio higher to the rush than to pass than all but 4 SEC teams. auburn 2.58/1 , M. state 2.23-1 , LSU 1.7-1. S. carolina 1.4-1 Ga 1.33-1 , Florida 1.17 /1 ,alabama 1.13 to 1. this is Rush pass in SEC games. Tenn., Arkansas, Kentucky passed over 50% of the time.”
Alabama is the real surprise here. Richt has been more run oriented since his fist season when Tuberville told him he had to run to win games in the SEC. UGA’s run by committee has made the running game a little deceptive (granted it hasn’t been real solid the last 2 seasons). Who cares if we have a 1000 yd. rusher if the team is getting 2000 or so yds. rushing?
wyedawg
June 23rd, 2011
8:59 am
We are in trouble if we have to depend on Caleb. He is a good pass blocker and that’s it. I watched him in high school (Parkview and GAC) and was baffled when CMR gave him a scholarship. Malcome has the skills to be a top SEC running back. Crowell has the skills also. We will never be able to run the ball in the SEC without changing the “zone block” scheme we have used in the past. GATA
Tim Howard
June 23rd, 2011
9:12 am
“especially considering the pass protection duties a Georgia tailback has.” There in lies the problem. Do you think that pass protection duties kept the south crackolackey back off the field to start last season? Obviously not huh? Let athletes be athletes! Put IC on the field and let him tote the rock!!!!