New Dogs will find fan buzz can be awfully fickle
The heat got to big John Jenkins at the first practice. (Brant Sanderlin, / AJC)
It’s been amazing to watch the fluctuations in the fan buzz for the two most anticipated members of Georgia’s Dream Team.
For much of the early summer we had the nervous nellies prematurely declaring Isaiah Crowell a “bust” on the basis of rumors he wasn’t giving his all in summer workouts.
But since camp started and the coaches and veteran players have been talking about how hard he practices, how quick he is and how he’s doing a good job of picking up the playbook, the buzz-o-meter has flipped and the excitement is building again.
The opposite seems to be the case with big John Jenkins, who had some heat-related issues the first practice and currently is running second on the depth chart to Kwame Geathers, with coach Rodney Garner saying that Jenkins is “a very talented big man, just very inconsistent. … He’s going to have to improve his fundamentals to play at this level.”
Suddenly you’ve got fans questioning whether Jenkins is really going to be another “Mount” Cody.
Here’s an idea: How about we wait and see what they actually do on the field in a real game before declaring either player a legend-in-the-making or a bust?
They’re both new to the lineup and no doubt will be eased in, sharing time with the more experienced players. That’s why Richard Samuel was moved back to tailback, which so far seems to be working out to the coaches’ satisfaction. And Geathers appears to have picked up where he left off in the spring, so it’s only right that Garner is letting Jenkins know he’s going to have to earn his playing time.
It’s way too early to be passing judgment on either Crowell or Jenkins.
Meanwhile, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to seeing more of the good old toss sweep this season with big Bruce Figgins (6-foot-4, 274 pounds) leading the way at fullback. Put 240-pound Samuel behind him and, like Figgins said, “I think people will be a little intimidated by it. That’s 500 pounds moving right there. And Richard’s not slow at all. I have to speed up just to get going ahead of him because he’ll run up your back if you don’t. I think we’ll be able to move some people out of the way.”
Here’s hoping Mike Bobo uses that weapon wisely.
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247 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:27 pm
swim teamer is exactly right. The running game will improve WAY more on Murray ability to manage the game, than some perception that Coach Bobo should stop wanting to make it more difficult to win the ball game.
tide roll
August 9th, 2011
12:27 pm
You pass on instate kids like Brandon Green fromm Cedar Grove (Ala.) and Joe Harris from Lithonia (S. Carolina), fail to land Vadal Alexander from Buford, and instead take a flying leap on a kid who plays in the lowest classification in Maryland. Parents, Coaches and Administrators who support High School football in Georgia should be outraged. They’re who made Richt/Bobo what they are today, and this is the thanks they get. They shouldn’t send another prospect Georgia’s way until Richt/bobo diaplay some damn loyalty. This crap has to end. NOW!
Still@theBAR
August 9th, 2011
12:28 pm
dawgman
Last I heard AJ PRACTICED pretty well at UGA too.
Remember that about CROWELL too.
The NFL DBs said AJ was unbelievable. That is not some 5′10″ 180 lb. 21 yr. old kid saying that.
LawDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:30 pm
Elsie: That is just wrong and another annoying aspect of many UGA fans. We saw the G-Day game and only the G-Day game as an indication of how the QBs stacked up. Richt and the rest of the staff saw them in every practice; yet, you think that your two hours of spectating means you know better than the coaches who should start.
That is an awful lot of hubris and that is a strange example to use since it was undoubtedly the right choice. Mason better than Murray? Idiotic. Also, I am willing to bet that Samuel starts against BS and they split time approximately equally, depending on what happens between now and then.
Elsie
August 9th, 2011
12:32 pm
South Carolina, UCF, Miss St., Bobo the Great scored 1 td, in 3 games. Couldn’t score 30 on Colorado (geez, Kansas scored 56 on Colorado, KANSAS!!!). If Bobo scores 14, beat UCF, scores 25, beat Miss St, scores 21, beats SC, scores 30, beats Colorado. The offense needs to AVERAGED 30+ against RANKED TEAMS like 2007.
Still@theBAR
August 9th, 2011
12:32 pm
Have they, the Silars(?) selected Uga IX yet? If so what is his given name.
LawDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:35 pm
tide roll: “Parents, Coaches and Administrators who support High School football in Georgia should be outraged. They’re who made Richt/Bobo what they are today, and this is the thanks they get. They shouldn’t send another prospect Georgia’s way until Richt/bobo diaplay some damn loyalty.”
This is just a stupid comment. Their loyalty is to the University and its financial backers. Also, pretty sure Alabama is not part of Georgia.
Elsie
August 9th, 2011
12:35 pm
On G-Day, Lemay looked the best, then Mason, then Murray. Murray took a safety on the 1st play, didn’t score a td (oh yeah, B. Smith scored 1 on the 1 yard pass B. Smith turned into a TD). Murray missed on G-Day on EVERY DEEP PASS. Murray couldn’t RUN AUDIBLE on G-Day, backs had a terrible game. Mason threw more td’s than Murray over Spring this year. Lemay & Mason BOTH had late game scores on G-Day, Murray didn’t. Murray played good in the 3rd quarter, then again, he always does. Murray is Mr. 3rd Quarter.
ARdawg
August 9th, 2011
12:35 pm
The Ga playbook was mighty small last year and the reason was ability and a 1st year QB. That’s not uncommon at any school I don’t blame Bobo for that and the look of it is predictability and to a degree it was but that wasn’t Bobo’s fault. What was his fault was calling Thomas up the middle on 3rd and long or making that a dump off play
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:39 pm
Come on now… Don’t tell me Richard Samuel is the best back UGA has got. This is the same Samuel that couldn’t beat out Ealey & C.King. You know, the guys we didn’t need any way. So the guy that couldn’t beat out two ruuning backs is now THE GUY ? Damn…
Chris
August 9th, 2011
12:39 pm
I have no expectations with Bobo calling the plays. He’ll call that toss sweep one time, it will gain about 5 yards, and we wont see it again for the rest of the year.
He’s the most predictable boneheaded OC in college footbal……..FIRE HIM!!!!
Mean Machine
August 9th, 2011
12:40 pm
I’ve heard enough from the armchair coaches out there who continue to blast Bobo for his play calling. It’s the execution of the play that make a coach either look like a genius, or a boob. In reality, fans criticize Bobo for his play calling, and they have no idea what is going on behind the scenes. Certain plays must be avoided when personnel packages are hindered by injuries, suspensions, etc. On other plays, a player misses an assignment, runs the wrong play, etc. The bottom line is Bobo will look like a genius if this OL blows open holes, and protects Murray. So until you have a knowledge of what is going on with the players, shut up! Bobo is one of our own, a true Dawg!
Elsie
August 9th, 2011
12:41 pm
The odds of any RB developing into a 1000 yard season type of guy, is about 20 to 1, only 2 have done it since Richts been at Georgia. Crowell will have a hard time matching Moreno’s 1st season’s numbers, or even Ealey’s 5.7 ypc 2 years ago. You’ll likely see a guy that gets about 4.5 ypc score 4 td’s, and runs for 300 yards.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:41 pm
If the G-Day stuff is true then why is Murray #1,Mason #2,and LeMay #3 ? Why isn’t there a competition at QB and let the guy that plays best be the starter ? Why Mr. Richt ?
Joey
August 9th, 2011
12:42 pm
Wouldn’t you think that by Richt saying he was “going to start studying football – cutting edge football” is a bit of an acknowledgement that what we had been doing on offense was getting a little stale or predictable? Like, maybe we weren’t cutting-edge anymore?
ToccoaDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:43 pm
I have to agree with Ed. Bobo called the right plays last year time and time again only to have the players drop wide open passes or fumble the ball on the 2. Bobo cant make the plays only call them.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:44 pm
This reminds me of when Joe Cox was starting but better QB’s were sitting on the bench. The starting QB should be judged by his play not his name…
Alex
August 9th, 2011
12:45 pm
I would love to see a power/goalline set for the dawgs this year. Murray at QB, A tackle lining up as a TE, Figgins lining up as another TE on the opposite side of the line. Behind Murray would be Geathers and Jenkins lining up as twin fullbacks, and then Samuel lining up behind them as the lone running back. The smallest player outside of Murray would be Samuel at 6′2 240 and running a 4.5. How would you like to see 600+ pounds of Kwame Geathers and John Jenkins running at you? I bet the field would collapse under the weight! Loving the possibilities on short yard and goalline situations!
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:45 pm
Bobo is Mr. Vanilla. He calls the same plays that don’t work over and over. Run,run,incomplete pass,punt…
ARdawg
August 9th, 2011
12:47 pm
Tebowed
Samuel was a good TB 2 years ago and he’ll be a better one now. There were a different set of dynamics then as opposed to now. Stop with the poo poo on the guys ability. He was very strong in speed and strength. Areas that King and Ealy lacked. Samuel’s weakness could have easily been corrected given the time, vision and holding on to the football. Rather than be 3rd for playing time, he opted for defense because he CAN. He has the ability there also. The guys an athlete and he’ll leave his mark on the Jorts this year.
Edwards
August 9th, 2011
12:47 pm
How many fumbles on G-Day? Thomas had a couple. Malcome had 1 or 2. Why can’t Bobo figure that out. All those losses last year because of red zone fumbes, no correction.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:47 pm
If Crowell isn’t better than Samuel then UGA’s in BIG trouble…
CHDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:48 pm
There are more trolling vampires here today than real Dawg fans–the ones that are for UGA, the staff, and the team. BTW, the word is that Marlon Brown is having a great summer so far. The Dream Team lighting a fire under the upper classmen perhaps?
BackHomeDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:48 pm
The number of experts in their field (coaching) must be second only to economic advisors in the Obama administration. With the coaching wizards on this blog, no need to worry about cocahing talent availability for college and NFL openings for the next thousand years.
Just wish I was as smart as they are.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:49 pm
ArDawg, Samuel couldn’t beat out C.King or Ealey so he was moved to defense rather than sit. Don’t try to tell me what happened. I’m a season ticket holder and friends with a coach I won’t name.
Still@theBAR
August 9th, 2011
12:49 pm
Nobody answered so I guess the Uga IX has not been selected. Has there been work when that will happen this year? Will Russ get to do the Job all year? Russ might get a chance to have a better than an even win loss record. The dawg players owe RUSS that much. Send him out a winner.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:51 pm
Backhomedawg, well Uga was under .500 last year and the economy is in shambles. So I think many people here could do just as well as Richt at UGA and Obama as President. It would be hard to do worse than they have done….
SSIgator
August 9th, 2011
12:51 pm
Word is da Preacha Man is going to change the UGA uniforms for the UF game this year to look like the Munster Family. Then, after the game he is going to take the team out to “trick or treat” in Jax. Is that leadership or what?
BackHomeDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:51 pm
Oh…I forgot, everyone is the third cousin once removed from a UGA coach or other knowledgeable ‘insider.’ Geez
Still@theBAR
August 9th, 2011
12:52 pm
Run,run,incomplete pass,punt…
But UGA has the best punter in the country. the Dawgs has to showcase his talent as often as possible. Same goes for the field goal kicker. Why do you think Richt and Bobo didn’t go for it against UCF?
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:53 pm
Alex, I guess you think Boise St,SC,Tenn,Auburn,etc. has 100 lb midgets at DT,DE,and LB ? These teams have speed and size to take on UGA’s size.
Edwards
August 9th, 2011
12:54 pm
G-Day 2009, Mettenberger looked the best, then Gray, then Murray. Richt just plays who he wants, doesn’t put a lot of stock in performance.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:55 pm
And you are just a jobless blogger. I’m glad I know the coach. Gets me tickets.
SSIgator
August 9th, 2011
12:55 pm
Still@theBAR -
Russ will have to be it this year. He is still trying, but he keeps firing blanks. Maybe he should talk to BooBoo about how that pro-creation thing works. He certainly seems to be pretty good at it.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:56 pm
Mettenberger’s gonna get his revenge on UGA at LSU. Just wait & see.
ARdawg
August 9th, 2011
12:58 pm
Tebowed
Why waste your time Mr. Coach’s friend season ticket holder? Can’t you find a team more suitable for a “man (sic) like you”?
ARdawg
August 9th, 2011
12:58 pm
Tebowed
you sound strangely familiar like a nerd troll
Dogz
August 9th, 2011
12:59 pm
UGA GOT TEBOWED, I am sure the coach you call friend is embarassed to be seen with your dumbA**. If you know so much about UGA football and coaching why are you taking orders for hotdogs and fries at the varisty. Get a life you moron. Go Dogs, real fans stand behind their team and their coach!
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
12:59 pm
The good coaches have a competition at each position. Richt just promises players spots when they sign with UGA. It doesn’t matter if they earn it or not.
Edwards
August 9th, 2011
1:00 pm
Aaron Murray has really stuggled in his last 2 public games.
UCF:
O Td’s, 2 interceptions, 80 passer rating, no long completions, poor run audibles
G-Day:
1 TD, Sacked for a safety, no long completions, poor run audibles
Still@theBAR
August 9th, 2011
1:00 pm
SSIgator
Yes Bobo scores on his wife’s Defense as well as he scores against teams with losing records.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
1:03 pm
Wow! The 4,000 different name jobless blogger is getting mad. Go talk trash on the Braves blog. Wait, I forgot, you got every blog pulled up and just sit there all day doing nothing. Wasting your life away.
Joey
August 9th, 2011
1:03 pm
Mett better keep his fingers to himself, or he may find himself in the pokey when we play next year.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
1:05 pm
Bill’s head is really big. Look at his blog pic.
UGA Got Tebowed
August 9th, 2011
1:06 pm
Bill’s head weighs 95 lbs and his body 45 lbs.
Still@theBAR
August 9th, 2011
1:10 pm
UGA Got Tebowed
That was uncalled for. Bill works hard on his Blog so you can run your trap. If you want to pick on somebody then try Chip Towers. Chip actually tries to make a living writing his crap.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 9th, 2011
1:10 pm
September 10, 2011
4:30 p.m.
The Lattimore Show – Part Deux
Dont Miss It
Boise in ATL
August 9th, 2011
1:10 pm
Wow! All the hate toward UGA’s OC – Bobo.
Did’nt UGA average 32 points per game last season with a feshman QB – questionable O-Line, inconsistent and underachieving RB’s?
The issues last year – from my opinion- was a defense that was in transistion – a group of players that were not disciplined away from the field and on the field – which all effected the ability to turn this unit into a team. And one last important element was leadership – from players and coaches.
Nothing like 6-7 to provide clarity and enable the coaching staff to focus on the true issues as to why a program is underachieving.
“Team” was inconsistent – more of a rebuild last year in that UGA should have won 8 regular season games and won their bowl game = 9 wins.
So – what now?
I have to be impressed that CMR has changed S&C, let go players that were not “all in”, had a great recruiting class with very athletic kids that can impact the team – and moved personnel around to better the team.
So – what’s the payoff?
– no arrests this year
– new focus and energy for the team
– better leadership from players and coaches
All of this will mean better results on the field.
However, UGA starts off the season with back to back killer games – and UGA needs some like action to develop continuity due to the large amount of areas that are being upgraded.
So – I figure UGA will lose to Boise – and that game will improve the team – but will it be enough to be better than South Carolina???? I am not so sure – but we will find out!
The scary thing about South Carolina is that their Defense will be better this year – and the team, the staff – and Spurrier KNOW that they can beat Georgia – this is huge and has been South Carolina’s downfall for many years. Kind of like FLORIDA knows it can beat UGA – and have done so at will – even when UGA had the better team.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 9th, 2011
1:13 pm
The scary thing about South Carolina is that their Defense will be better this year
——————————-
Actually the scary thing about South Carolina is that their O-Line has shown improvement from last year.
Bad news for opposing defenses as we saw what Lattimore can do with a mediocre O-line last year.
ARdawg
August 9th, 2011
1:14 pm
I’m thinking Boise has it’s own 1st game issues to deal with as well and most like a “W” for the Dawgs. The SCe game likely will prove more difficult than will Boise and the pivotal game of the season IMHO