On a rival’s troubles and a Dawg being jerked around
Richard Samuel's move back to tailback isn't likely to be in his best interest. (Special)
The NCAA/Georgia Tech story was being discussed Thursday afternoon at the afternoon news meeting in our newsroom when one of the senior editors cracked, “Bill, what’s that big smile on your face?”
OK, I’ll admit it, as was probably true with any other UGA die-hard, I couldn’t help taking some pleasure in the “Institute” being caught once again with its frequently trumpeted integrity not quite in place.
But considering the fragile nature of “good standing” in the world of the NCAA, it’s not a good idea to spend too much time crowing about a rival getting slapped, as you never know when your own school is going to have to deal with another eligibility issue.
I will say note, though, that last year Georgia’s coaches determined that they would sit A.J. Green rather than risk using an ineligible player, and that kept Jerseygate from turning into something much bigger and nastier, like what has come down on the Flats.
I’ve no idea what, if anything, will transpire in the Jarvis Jones case. But I’m betting until Mark Richt and his staff know, Jones won’t take the field.
Meanwhile, before it was official yesterday that Richard Samuel would be returning to the tailback position, I wrote that I thought it was a bad idea, and I still do.
Oh, I fully understand why Richt is doing it, and you can make a good case that from the team’s perspective it’s the right move. Georgia has a startling lack of experience at the tailback position right now, and Samuel has experience, albeit in the somewhat distant past.
But for Samuel’s development as a player it’s not the right move. Having already gone from starter to benchwarmer in the backfield once, the young man stood a better chance of getting sustained playing time as a backup linebacker. At tailback, he may start out the season getting a decent number of carries spelling true freshman Isaiah Crowell, but as Crowell gets acclimated to college ball, Samuel’s likely to find himself back on the bench again.
I’d love to be wrong about that and for Samuel and Crowell to develop into a one-two punch in the backfield, but what we’ve seen of Samuel in the past indicates that his best use would be as a linebacker.
The back-and-forth with Samuel brings to mind the UGA career of Kiante Tripp, who the Georgia coaches moved from defensive end to offensive tackle to tight end back to offensive tackle back to defensive end. And he ended up excelling at none of those positions.
I hate to see the same thing happen to Samuel’s career.
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207 comments Add your comment
puppydawg
July 15th, 2011
4:05 pm
Bill, obviously you’re entitled to your opinion but you’re off base here. What’s good for the team is good for the individual. There’s no “i” in “team”. I’m glad that #22 realizes that. I’m also glad that you don’t get a vote.
Athens= God's Country
July 15th, 2011
4:11 pm
Bill
Come on. what is up with the Doom & Gloom? He adds depth and hasn’t done anything in his career. What is all the fuss about?
truedawg
July 15th, 2011
4:13 pm
guys read the interview. IT WAS RICHARDS CHOICE. He wants to be a RB. always did. Nothing to blame coaches here in this move. CMR needed a vet RB and Richard jumped to the chance. I think he’ll do better than many think. DGD I wish him all the best. GATA GO DAWGS!!!
OLD DOG
July 15th, 2011
4:14 pm
WAIT AND SEE HOW CROWELL RUNS THEN TELL ME IT WAS A BAD MOVE TO PUT SAMUEL BACK AT TB. CAN’T COUNT ON CROWELL WAIT AND SEE.
anotherdawg
July 15th, 2011
4:14 pm
Good points heeldawg! I can’t see how this can be called “jerked around” when a player is asked, not forced, if he would consider going back to a position that he has more experience at than any other player on the team. Just from his willingness, shows he has maturity, and rather than look at it from a negative, he sees it as a positive, a chance to get more playing time, plus help the team. Who knows, he’s probably alot stronger, and if he still has that good speed, and can do a decent job at holding on to the ball, it may benefit him as much as the team. Those who criticize this move need to understand that this is simply an adjustment brought on by conditions caused by the failure of players that are no longer here, not by the ones that are, or by the coaching staff.
Dumbo
July 15th, 2011
4:18 pm
I’ve enjoyed watching the sanctimonious self righteous jerks twisting in the wind on North Ave.
ARdawg
July 15th, 2011
4:36 pm
I for one am looking forward to seeing Samuel’s cleat marks on the backs of some defenses
P_The_Ricker
July 15th, 2011
4:42 pm
Bill,
you’re writing an article about a position change that you know nothing about. i’m sure with all of the inside knowledge you have of the program that you know all of the factors that were considered….believe it or not, there was more at play than just the presently thin list of rb candidates.
Bill the #1 IDIOT
July 15th, 2011
4:54 pm
Jan Kemp, Jim Harrick, AJ, Mettenberg, Montez Robinson, The Richt Cup….
SEC1
July 15th, 2011
5:04 pm
I’m not particularly excited about this move since we have seen him at RB before. He has speed but not vision or elusiveness. He does not break many tackles and he seems to run “scared” at times.
People talk about the 80-yard run versus Arky. I saw the play. The hole was huge and it basically entailed a straight line sprint to the endzone.
It clearly shows that we are in need of help. I just hate to see his talent misappropriated.
To RS – I hope you prove me wrong. You deserve to be successful!!
GO DAWGS!
shane#1 STREET AGENT
July 15th, 2011
5:14 pm
Bill, I am not going to point my finger at Tech. UGA has certainly teed off some football god somewhere. I am just going to have a couple of yuks and move on. I am going into the agent business as I am only held back by a few minor details. Like not having a law degree, a license, connections, clients, or having any money. According to the NCAA I can qualify as an agent so here I go, a new career in my golden years, what a country!
Bob
July 15th, 2011
5:28 pm
First of all, anyone on here thinks the NCAA is anything other than a bad joke? As a Dawg fan, $312…give me a break. How much do you think Radakovich and the other Tech elite were given by Bowls, alumni, etc? And with Scam Newton, Tressel, Lame Kiffin all laughing in the background. Just my opinion, but I think the NCAA will be relegated to the same staus as the AAU in a couple of yesrs. The new governing body for college football will be the BCS…it’s all about the money.
Dawg30080
July 15th, 2011
5:32 pm
I think samuel’s lack of production had a lot to do with a crappy OLine than it did with his skills. Searles “catch and release” blocking philosophy is inferior to Friends’ “hat on hat and knock you man backwards” philosophy. Samuels will be the starting tailback in the dome. Mark it down…
Bob
July 15th, 2011
5:38 pm
Dawg30080,
Why did we hire Searles in the first place? Is this an indictment that Richt is a poor head coach? I’m thinking 14-12 the last two seasons and more losses than Donnan the past five years, and cain’t beat UF certainly qualifies him as done.
There's a difference and it's huge
July 15th, 2011
5:59 pm
Read Sean Bedford’s open letter to the NCAA. Now read Caleb King’s post on Twitter about leaving UGA.
Need any more evidence of the difference between Tech’s student-athletes and the illiterate goons at UGA?
Hardtruth Soldier
July 15th, 2011
6:04 pm
Although I commend Richard Samuels on his move for the team, I’ve got to question this move. Let’s do a quick what if. What if Crowell comes in and is just incredible, then where is Richard then. What if it takes Crowell time and Samuels is having a helluva season, do you leave him at tailback and give him a chance to go pro at that position. Do you then redshirt Crowell? What if Samuels has a fifteen hundred yard season, but decides if wants to come back,and Crowellis prepared to take the helms next year. How does that effect the kid in Carolina with our recruiting of him. Decisions oh decisions. But hey it.s good to be a dawg nowadays, and not on the North Ave train to probation:-)
dont get it
July 15th, 2011
6:05 pm
@Bob – preach brotha!!!!!
Bob
July 15th, 2011
6:07 pm
@There’s a difference… I understand that Sean asked Caleb and Washaun to proof-read and help in organizing his thoughts. The final draft was actually written by Pupwood Smith, and I thought it was very well done. There is no truth to the rumor that Caleb put in a good word to his shift manager at McDonalds that got Sean his job.
Pete
July 15th, 2011
6:16 pm
Crowell has already missed class and meetings (5 that I am aware of). This is the real reason Samuel moved back to tailback. The word is the Crowell thinks he is already the star and deserves special treatment. If you look at the big picture, most of the athletes from the Columbus area don’t receive a whole lot of discipline in high school and struggle when they get to the next level.
Bob
July 15th, 2011
6:25 pm
Thanks Pete…if this is true, why does Richt allow this? Can’t he see the consequences of past mistakes?
big john 330 lbs
July 15th, 2011
7:03 pm
@tede roll and everybody else who sez IC isn’t going to produce:
yes he might be pukin’ during wkouts but nobody would be saying anything if he went w/ Sabin and was pukin’ during Bama’s wkouts. Everybody would be spinning it in Bama’s favor and he would be the best incoming freshman.
GeoffDawg
July 15th, 2011
7:09 pm
There’s a difference and it’s huge – do you remember listening to Joe Hamilton speak after getting that DUI? I’m not sure that was even a real language.
PowerDawg
July 15th, 2011
8:57 pm
I like Richard. Did from the first time I met him at Picture Day.
He is truly an unselfish player that puts aside his personal desire and actually wants to do something, anything positive to help his team win.
He will gladly help tote the rock until IC gets comfortable with the playbook and, depending on how healthy Malcome stays, could very well move back to LB and is talented enough to play both if future need arises.
If he gets hurt at either position, all bets are off and the gallant effort by Richt and the staff will have been for nought.
I think it’s a bold move and a huge gamble, and I am cautiously optimistic, but in the end I support the team, the staff and their decision.
Let the scrutiny begin.
Dawg Whisperer
July 15th, 2011
9:04 pm
Things have a way of working themselves out over time and so will this situation. Society has been corrupted by self-centeredness. Mr. Samuel had a choice and elected to put team first. Isn’t that the attitude that all fans desire from the players but few seem to exemplify.
To sacrifice self for team may not be typical in today’s sport’s world but Richard is demonstrating the character model displayed by coach Richt. It’s absurd to conclude that Richt is somehow saving his job with this move. It is a good example for all on the team. That is how teams come together through adversity and sacrifice. Congratulations to Richard for a life lesson well learned and applied.
aarh
July 15th, 2011
9:10 pm
HotReciever- No, Hines Ward started out at WR, then RB, & then QB. I agree that you prefer not to do that to players, & you’d rather try to develope them at one position. That was the same situation though, bc the team was devasted w/ injuries that yr. as well. so there didn’t seem to be a lot of choice. It did seem to workout though…as you say.
mgdawg
July 15th, 2011
9:10 pm
I’m not in total agreement with the samuel move, but I think everyone saw it coming. My idea was to use him much like logan gray last year, let him take a few snaps at runninback at every practice, but let him stay at lb unless someone goes down with injury. Having said that, I understand the move from a team perspective, it has been over a year since he has taken a snap so if he’s going to get any amount of carries he needs a lot of practice. Also, it’s not like he is getting a lot of time at linebacker, he is a backup at best right now.
Dawg89
July 15th, 2011
9:12 pm
I find no reason to be joyful over the plight of Tech. I hate to see young men get hosed due to mistakes made by administrators. I don’t care what team they play for, that’s not right.
What does a vacated season mean anyway. They did the same thing to FSU. What did it accomplish? Nothing.
Hunker down
July 15th, 2011
9:35 pm
i HATE to read of others gloating about others misfortunes. I too am a dye hard Dawg. However, what comes around goes around and ussually bites you in the back side. UGA has lareay had its share of distractions this summer. GT is a formable oppenant and while I like us winning I do not wish them under distress of the NCAA. Let’s play them tough on the field and let the chips fall where they may.b If you enjoy seeing a program scrutinized and coming under sanctions of the NCAA then you probably also enjoy seeing a rival carried off the field in pain. For anyone who has ever loved the game and played it with passion I say shame on you if you put competion ahead of the well-being of the student athlethe. Go Dawgs!
Jwebb
July 15th, 2011
9:37 pm
You may be right, you may be wrong, but consider this: 1. He may be a better linebacker; 2. He may be a better tailback; 3. He may be a better dawg! I’ll take #3 every time. I know your thinking about the young man, but young men choose to make sacrafices every day. Don’t discount that. Embrace it and be thankful we have a great dawg.
AltamahaDawg
July 15th, 2011
10:01 pm
Ward was a RB first. At least that was what he played on his first snaps, in game 1 of his Freshman year.
murray county mystic
July 15th, 2011
10:05 pm
I know you followers of the ole mystic know I am far from a fan of UGA…that being said, I have been a fan of Richard Samuel…to play in the SEC at seventeen (even though it was at UGA, on par with UK or Vandy) is impressive…and he played well…CMR gave up on him too quick…IC is nowhere near the player or the person that RS is…IC ends up in Jackson as state property in the next 10 years…Richard Samuel is making his family proud in whatever endeavor he chooses in the next ten years…because the mystic says so…
UGA Hall of Shame
July 15th, 2011
10:12 pm
Red Panties
Jim Harrick Sr.
Jim Harrick Jr.
Fulmer/Richt Cup
#1 Party School
14 football players arrested in 2010
Caleb King
And our Blessed Saint Jan
59bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
10:25 pm
He’s a big strong kid. How about fullback if Crowell gets a fast start?
kerryb
July 15th, 2011
10:50 pm
Murray and shame come on here all the time and show how they are totally obsessed with UGA football.
ReddDawg
July 15th, 2011
10:57 pm
Tech is smashed and Auburn kissed ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, go figure ……… someone must have paid money to the NCAA as well as to a quarterback’s dad.
Matt
July 15th, 2011
10:57 pm
Theus is a dawg
RanDawg
July 15th, 2011
11:35 pm
-I don’t agree Bill…We need Samuel at RB and the decision was HIS,so let him play it…Hey,remember Robert Edwards?…Could be that Samuel and Crowell(or vice versa) could be a great combo….Plus Samuel is older now,more experienced,more confident,etc…I like it…
RED DOG 77
July 16th, 2011
1:41 am
@Bill………Perhaps you are confused about the difference between the NFL and College Football. You talk about Richard Samuel’s move back to RB is perhaps not in “his” best interest as far as his career goes……….Career? did you really say Career?…….Bill, this is college football, and if you were a true fan of the game you would know that college football is all about “TEAM” you goober!!!!……………The very fact that Samuel is willing to help “his team” by doing whatever the coach believes is in the “TEAM’S” best interest, only strengthens the Georgia Bulldogs………Bill……..wake-up fella !!!…….The move has a lot less to do with Richard Samuel, than it does on his “TEAM” members seeing him do whatever it takes to make his “TEAM” better……………Samuels move will have more to do with good “TEAM” chemistry than just about anything you could cook-up on paper Bill……………….I said, WAKE-UP !! Bill……….This is College Football we are talking about here……….Not the NFL !……………..Regards, RED………………………………….Oh and by the way Bill, do you have what it takes to respond to my post?………..I’d really like to hear it………….RED
Thomas Brown
July 16th, 2011
1:59 am
(1) REPEAT VIOLATOR
(2) LENGTHY PERIOD OF PROBATION
(3) SUBSTANTIAL FINES
(4) VACATE FOOTBALL RECORDS
(5) AGAIN SUBJECT TO REPEAT VIOLATOR YET AGAIN NOW
(6) FOUR (4) YEARS OF PROBATION from 7/14/11 – 7/13/2015
(7) RECRUITING DAYS REDUCED BY 2 – FOOTBALL
(8) NO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS TO 1ST BASKETBALL HOME GAME
(9) LIMIT OF ONLY 10 PERMISSIBLE OFFICIAL VISITS BOTH 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 BASKETBALL
(10) Vacate all games WON after November 24, 2009 and ending after the bowl game.
(11) PAUL JOHNSON cannot count the win over Climpsum Farmers in his total.
(12) No team who subsequently HIRES Paul Johnson can list the win over Climpsum or the ACC Championship, now VACATED.
(13) INFORM ALL PROSPECTS THAT GEORGIA TEK IS ON NCAA PROBATION.
(14) PUBLICIZE THE NCAA PROBATION IN FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL MEDIA GUIDES ANNUALLY.
(15) REPEAT VIOLATOR – FOR 5 YEARS FROM 14 JULY 2011 THROUGH 13 JULY 2016.
15 PENALTIES in the public report by The NCAA.
staffordinfection
July 16th, 2011
6:15 am
hey, if you team is slumping and you have nothing else to do. I guess you should troll other teams boards. sad. j. theus + the dream team + murray = national champhionship
legionaire
July 16th, 2011
7:16 am
I don’t ever want to hear a snide remark about Jan Kemp from the bug fans. Samuels has to realize he is not NFL material and is willing to be a utility player where needed. I don’t think it will make any difference to UGA where he is plugged in.
chazzo
July 16th, 2011
7:29 am
I like that UGA will have a 230-240 pound running back with a lot of speed. I think that Samuel is a far better mentor for Isaiah than King would have been (not knocking King, here). From the interview with Grantham, I didn’t get the impression that Samuel was going to be ‘the man’ at LB. He could have greater impact at TB and prove to be a positive influence for other backs. From his interview, I gather that he is pretty happy with the idea.
As far as GT is concerned, as much as I would like to razz some of the Trolls on these blogs, it is a bunch of miniscule horse hockey that happened years ago. The NCAA is ineffective and corrupt. These allegations and investigations are prompted by other coaches who want to destroy another team. Case in point, AJ last year at UGA. Case in point, Jarvis this year. They will ass around and drag crap out into the season, creating uncertainty, dissension, and speculation.
They need to either govern or get the hell out of the way.
chazzo
July 16th, 2011
7:33 am
PS. Samuel and Figgins pass protecting. Say no more.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 16th, 2011
8:47 am
I don’t think Crowell will have trouble learning what needs to be done in pass blocking situations. His problem will be actually, being able to do it, right out of the starting gate from day one. It takes time to learn an offensive scheme, and for him, as with any other back, it is not only just about toting the rock. One he gets his assignments down, he will do well I believe. As long as he remains humble and willing to learn, he can succeed at UGA. He has the raw athletic skills and they just need to translate to the field of football. The move for Samuel, is a smart move, in that it will give him a chance to play regularly as well as give Crowell a chance to get his feet wet, rather than stick him in there unprepared to be banged on. I don’t see a lot of linebackers beating down Samuels and if he holds on the the ball, he can get those tough yards because this young man is an athlete. What he did as a 17 year old kid at UGA, may have little bearing to what he can now do at 20. He is an outstanding team player and that is one of the things UGA has had a shortage of the last few years at RB. With Figgins and Samuels in the backfield, you have a formidable running duo and two good folks to help protect the QB and give him the time he needs to work his magic.
LakeHardingDawg
July 16th, 2011
8:57 am
Tech plays with ineligible players and they lose their championship. Auburn plays with ineligible players and not only do they win the national championship, but they get to keep it. The NCAA has lost all credibility.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 16th, 2011
9:45 am
LakehardingDawg,
I wouldn’t be so quick to convict the NCAA of letting Auburn slide on anything until the investigation is over and it is official. It must be a pretty convoluted mess since there is not even a preliminary report so far. The jury is still out on the Auburn case as well, as what punishment THE OSU will receive. THE OSU has penalized itself a lot but I would say there is more to come when the NCAA announces their penalties on them as well. Nobody will ever accuse the NCAA of being a fast train on the track, for sure.
claytondawg
July 16th, 2011
10:15 am
@Tide Roll…You may have had your names wrong, but the “play by play” was very funny. Very well thought out. Now, let’s just hope it comes to fruition.
BirdDog
July 16th, 2011
10:18 am
Samuel was given the choice to move back and he took it. So stop with the getting jerked around crap. He is a team player and will see much more playing time at RB. I bet he has a 100 yard game against Boise.
Old Coach
July 16th, 2011
10:21 am
@ Bill
Why don’t you stay to blogs and let coaches determine what is best for the TEAM! You come across this time just like the know-nothings that frequent YOUR blog.
Mobile Dawg
July 16th, 2011
10:44 am
I don’t know young Mr. Crowell, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. That said, most of us aren’t privy to the inner working of CMR’s staff and the team. We hear this and that about how Isiah showed up in Athens and how he’s faring. There was a reason Samuel was moved back to tailback. I for one think “two” years of physical development and maturity can make a tremendous difference in his ability and performance. I’m looking forward to seeing what Samuel can do. I only “hope” this staff has it’s act together, unfortuately I have my doubts about that.