Spring practice didn’t answer Dogs’ biggest questions
Replacing the likes of Cordy Glenn on the offensive line remains a work in progress for the 2012 Dogs. (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
While Bulldogs fans did come out of G-Day reassured that the defensive front will continue to be a major Georgia strength and that prospects are encouraging at running back, backup quarterback and tight end, most of the major questions hanging over Mark Richt’s 2012 team won’t be answered until the fall.
The biggest of those uncertainties remains the rebuilding of the offensive line, because of the impact that has on other aspects of the game: running, passing, quarterback protection. While I was pleasantly surprised with how well the tentative first-team OL held up against one of the best defensive lines in the nation on G-Day, there still was inconsistency and not much depth — the second-team OL looked pretty woeful. Most observers see true freshman John Theus having a real chance to start come September if he lives up to advance billing.
On the other side of the ball, the linebacking corps looked solid and should be able to sustain a possible suspension of Alec Ogletree, but we didn’t really see anything in the spring game to alleviate the worries about how the secondary will handle Missouri with starters possibly suspended, since designated two-way player Malcolm Mitchell wasn’t able to play because of another hamstring problem.
And while speedster Justin Scott-Wesley showed some potential, we’ll still have to wait and see how the receiving corps handles having Mitchell, its biggest playmaker, spending time on defense.
And, of course, one of the biggest problem areas that needs shoring up — special teams — won’t really be addressed fully until August, when the likely new punter and placekicker join the team. While coaches still have to address who’ll be returning punts and kickoffs, the larger issue that must be resolved is coverage, where Georgia stunk last year, ranking 116th nationally in punt coverage and 88th in kickoff coverage, with a tendency to give up big returns at the worst possible times.
Spring work on special teams was mainly concerned with drills designed to see who’ll be populating the coverage teams come fall, Richt told the Athens Banner-Herald. “The goal in the spring for the special teams was to get a lot of guys involved and do a lot of drill work that will help us. First of all, evaluate, ‘Can a guy do what we’re going to ask him to do. Can he get off a block. Can he tackle in space? Can he protect a kick?’ We were just wanting everybody to understand that everybody and anybody could end up on a special team — a starter, a second-teamer, whatever it is.”
Kirk Olivadotti, who oversees the kickoff-coverage unit, indicated that in terms of approach, it won’t be so much wholesale change as tweaking coverage and changing up personnel.
Hopefully, that’ll be enough, but I’m more encouraged by Richt’s contining emphasis this offseason on the need to up the Dogs’ game in special teams play, which hasn’t always been a high priority during his tenure.
“My guess is, we will have more live kicking reps in the fall than we’ve had in a while,” Richt said, though he allowed that “some of that is because we’re going to be breaking in a new punter and a new kicker. They need to be under pressure as much as possible, and it’s hard to create that pressure unless you’re doing some live situations.”
Offensive line. Secondary depth. Special teams. All three could be make-or-break areas for the Dogs this season and the picture unfortunately remains pretty hazy with all of them. Any other lingering concerns you have coming out of spring practice?
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212 comments Add your comment
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
11:59 am
Is Mark Richt too laid back to win a National Championship? I am starting to wonder.
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
11:59 am
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
11:56 am
Is there some way to use all 3 QB’s in certain situations, playing to their strengths?
**********************
Nope
murray is the starter and will play 98% of the time
Mason will redshirt
Lemay will enjoy the 2nd half of the Buffalo game but after that will be a clipboard carrier in 2012. He is 4th on the depth chart behind 1 of the walk ons.
Sorry. Those are the facts.
your endless what ifs are a waste of time and energy.
move on
What practice tells us
April 20th, 2012
12:00 pm
Dooley once said in pre season that freshman Walker, “looked like a big, stiff back with no moves.”
Dooley also said about un heralded Terry Hogue that he “was tall, very skinny with no speed”.
Practice is practice. Some kids are very hungry to play and want to shine, while others go throught the motions. It is what it is and will always be.
This season, barring more law issues and injuries, could be very fun for loyal Dogs. Time will tell.
Go Dogs
UGA class of 71 & 73
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:02 pm
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
11:52 am
evil empire forgets the 2 easy TD’s dropped in the SECCG that would have made the score 21-0 and would have changed the game
DawginLex knows this for certain because his ouija board told him so. This year he is going to start using tarot cards as well. He even might start staring into that crystal ball he just bought to see if that does any good. Gotta try something new. The Kool-Aid they are mixing in Athens is just not strong enough any more.
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
12:04 pm
Will special teams, depth issues at o-line/d-backs, 2nd half conditioning issues, poor QB play against ranked teams, poor running game, or poor defensive scoring against ranked teams and red zone td’s, be too much for Richt to fix in one off season?
DIT
April 20th, 2012
12:05 pm
I love how people on here say that the other two QB’s would do a better job than Murray based on a SCRIMMAGE!!!
My guess the ones on here saying that never played in a real game compared to a scrimmage and know the totally different type of atmosphere each has. Scrimmages you are so much more relaxed and will more than likely do better. Murray was up against the 1st string defense as well.
Hey, I have been dissapointed with Murray up until now with some of his poor decisions. We can only hope that this year he can overcome that and learn from the past. Y’all might as well support Murray now (if you’re a Dawg) because he is the starting QB unless he get’s hurt.
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:10 pm
“Spring practice didn’t answer Dogs’ biggest questions”
Nope, sure didn’t, like:
Who is going to be the fashion consultant for this years UGA football uniforms? Vougue Magazine wants to know.
Secondary ok with no more injuries . . .
April 20th, 2012
12:10 pm
Bill, I agree in part and disagree in part. Bowman and Moore played well and made me feel a lot better about taking on Misso in the fall. Bowman especially showed his ability for tight coverage. O’line looked good against the D-Line. Really thinks we can plan with the best this year and weather the suspensions.
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:14 pm
“Spring practice didn’t answer Dogs’ biggest questions”
Nope, sure didn’t, like:
What kind of music will the players be dancing to while standing on the benches during the games? How about the Macarena? Then the fans can join in the fun.
ARdawg
April 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
SSI
With the problems your Gators are having you brazenly troll on the UGA blog? Troll
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
90% sure Richt will rotate QB’s in 2012 like he did with Shockley & Greene, can’t see Richt wasting all that talent at QB, or becoming too dependent on 1 QB when you have 3 great options. I know he wants to redshirt Mason, so the rotation will likely be between Murray & Lemay. I also think this rotation will keep Lemay from transferring, as he will be getting valuable playing time.
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:19 pm
“Spring practice didn’t answer Dogs’ biggest questions”
Nope, sure didn’t, like:
Will UGA be giving away promotional items at home games this year like they do for Braves games? Someone in the athletic department said they were going to have sample bottles of SprayTan for the home opener.
Ghost
April 20th, 2012
12:20 pm
@ssigator ,”Who is going to be the fashion consultant for this years UGA football uniforms? Vougue Magazine wants to know”. Hopefully not the person that designs the Florida uniforms.
:http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2011/8/23/2379405/florida-gators-uniforms-new-pictures-images-exclusive-must-credit
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
12:22 pm
SSI understands football so well that he thinks a team that is down 21-0 instead of 10-0 has the same mindset going forward.
Are you Jon Gruden?
Is your hair pulling, chick dragging tight end still on the roster in Gainesville?
Oh, he is starting? No suspension?
I thought Muschump was draining the sewer of all the Meyer dregs??
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:24 pm
“Spring practice didn’t answer Dogs’ biggest questions”
Nope, sure didn’t, like:
Will all of the UGA fans that buy game day programs this year still get the 25% off regular treatment price at Richt’s Tanning Center? Halfway through the season last year most of the fans at the games looked like they had just spent a weeks vacation in South Beach.
Dawg Haus
April 20th, 2012
12:26 pm
For anybody worried about the secondary, check out the G-Day repeat on ESPN3. Bowman and Moore both looked ready to go.
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
12:27 pm
Hey SSI
Were you the unidentified “helper” who distracted the Taco Vendor so Erving Walker could run off with a $3 taco?
You must be so dam proud.
Did you have your picture made in front of a Taco Bell and send it to Erving?
Ah, those Florida student athletes……..
Dawg Haus
April 20th, 2012
12:28 pm
Lex, that taco incident was classic! Definitely not a value meal.
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
12:29 pm
SSI
and 90% of your fanbase still enjoys the 2 fer 1 mullet cut special at the Gainesville Mall cost cutters.
The same 90% also takes advantage of the Sunday coupon for $10 jorts at Gainesville Mall
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
12:34 pm
Can a green o-line handle South Carolina’s d-line?
Kyle
April 20th, 2012
12:34 pm
Another dog
you classless baboon
bill grew up in Athens and his family knows a ton of people
If you don’t like what he writes, don’t read it and don’t respond to it
And yet another “class” posting by Dawginlex……for those of you who dont know this know it all, if you dont agree with anything he and Bill have to say, this is the type of response you will receive. Its an embarrasment to say this guy supports the same team as I do….
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
12:36 pm
Will Murray handle pressure come Fall a lot better than he did on G-Day (7 for 17, 1 td)?
Red Stick
April 20th, 2012
12:37 pm
Anybody else interested in seeing DawginLex and SSIgator put on boxing gloves?
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
12:37 pm
Kyle
So you agree with another dog and his response about Bill’s family?
If you do, then yes, I am ashamed to be on the same side as you.
I doubt you are a Dawg though as you claim to be.
Kyle
April 20th, 2012
12:37 pm
Dawginlex…..perhaps you should keep your mouth shut to Gator Fans…..when we are a what, 4-21 against them doesnt leave us much room to smack talk…..come to think of it, with the exception of Tech, we dont “own” anyone in the SEC……
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
12:39 pm
redstick
I ain’t getting near him if he is wearing gloves.
I hear he likes to do involuntary prostate checks
not interested
Kyle
April 20th, 2012
12:40 pm
Dawginlex…..yeah, I am a dawg….born (St. Mary’s)and raised in Athens…UGA grad…..the whole package……I may not agree with people’s opinions (in Bill’s case) but he is no different than the rest of us….we all have one…..
Red Stick
April 20th, 2012
12:40 pm
Meanwhile…It’s hard to get a read on any team based on a spring game.
Say what you want about Murray, but he will have a much better chance of winning a big game with solid OL play. It’s a no-brainer that the o line is the Dogs’ biggest question mark. Certainly is the case if you are counting on a true freshman (Theus) to come in and start.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Bill Lee
April 20th, 2012
12:41 pm
Looks like mediocrity to me…. What that translate to as far as won/loss depends on how poor the opposition is….
DawginLex
April 20th, 2012
12:42 pm
Kyle
so you are a gator?
that explains a lot
I don’t talk smack to gator fans in general, I talk trash to SSI who 100% deserves it.
Care to get in line?
I can abuse you too
If you bash me for calling out that idiot for making fun of Bill and his family, you are one big dumb moron.
So you shutup
i’m out of here. I have zero tolerance for dumb
Kyle
April 20th, 2012
12:42 pm
and before you comment on above post…”with the exception of Tech, we dont own anyone in the SEC…I know tech isnt in the sec…..bottom line- we dont own anyone anywhere….except Tech
Kyle
April 20th, 2012
12:44 pm
Dawginlex…….no I am not a gator….and its good to know you have no tolerance for yourself….hopefully that means you wont be back on the blog…..
Dawg Haus
April 20th, 2012
12:45 pm
That’s a good way of looking at it, Red Stick. I love how these Murray haters say that HE loses games to ranked opponents when Georgia’s main problem is in the trenches. I was encouraged by the play of some offensive linemen at G-Day, but depth is still a serious concern.
RHall55
April 20th, 2012
12:45 pm
Problems come to head for your past sins: !) Poor roster mgt: underrecruiting, loss of players, loss of top recruits in needed positions, etc!! 2) Poor S&C from previous years!! 3) The loss of the hold of the state in recruiting: due to poor seasons, the lack of production from Coach Rodney Garner, and at times, being stubborn, and saying we are UGA and don’t need to outwork the other schools for in-state recruits!! 4) And CMR holding onto underperforming coaches longer than he should: Coach Willie Martinez, Coach Dave Van Hallenger……..and maybe, guys on present staff!! If they do not beat a ranked team this year, then time to make changes!!!
some sense
April 20th, 2012
12:45 pm
Bill,
Two columns in a row w/out BoboBashing.
ADogFan
April 20th, 2012
12:45 pm
Murray went 6-7 with the most experienced o-line in the nation in 2010, wonder how he’ll do in 2012 with one of the 10 least experienced?
Kyle
April 20th, 2012
12:46 pm
Dawginlex….I do have to agree about SSI…….i will give you that one……
dawgfan
April 20th, 2012
12:47 pm
I don’t know Bill. 79 yards rushing on 57 carries in the spring game. To me that answers the question: We still cannot run the ball worth a lick.
Thanks.
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:48 pm
“Spring practice didn’t answer Dogs’ biggest questions”
Nope, sure didn’t, like:
Is RayBan doing the same promotion again this year at UGA home games? Last years “Buy two pair of Mark Richt endorsed sunglasses and get a third pair free” was a real winner. Half the people in Athens look like they are walking around on Sunset Blvd.
RHall55
April 20th, 2012
12:48 pm
BTW: I knew we had issue w/ Coach Will Friend when CWF went on vacation after being on the job for a month or so while Jessemen Dunker came to visit!! C’mon Man, get some OL!! C’mon Man, do your job!!
RattleRabbit
April 20th, 2012
12:49 pm
Does it really matter how good the offensive line is in big games, if Murray keeps turning the ball over 3 times a game like he did against LSU and Mich St? No, it doesn’t.
Or throwing 4 interceptions for td’s in 2011 instead of taking a sack? No.
RattleRabbit
April 20th, 2012
12:49 pm
We rushed for 130+ yards in g-day, but Murray’s sacks took off 50 yards.
Red Stick
April 20th, 2012
12:50 pm
Dawg Haus, I agree and as you know any QB can be ineffective if you put enough pressure on him.
It’s not always the QB’s fault when you lose and many times the QB gets too much credit when you win.
I heard Munson say years ago that the game is won in the trenches. He is right about that.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
CMR
April 20th, 2012
12:52 pm
One thing spring ball settled, baring injury A.Murray is our starting QB..if you don’t like that..find another team to pull for he gives us the best chance to win period and I’m sticking with him.
Dawg Haus
April 20th, 2012
12:54 pm
Right on, Red Stick. Best of luck to y’all this season!
SSIgator
April 20th, 2012
12:54 pm
Kyle -
“Care to get in line?
I can abuse you too”
Watch out Kyle, DawginLex is really into that abuse and self abuse stuff. The local porn shop in Lexington featured him in one of their ads as their #1 customer of their 2012 Dom Collection. You know how those Dawg fans love black outfits.
tide roll
April 20th, 2012
12:57 pm
John Theus played in a private school league in Florida. He is as slow as molasses. Coaches at his high school all-star game easily recognized this, and moved him from tackle to guard. In doing so they mercifully avoided a quarterback being decapitated. The much better left tackle prospect was Atlanta Cedar Grove’s Brandon Greene. Nick Saban recognized this and signed him for BAMA. Greene tested better than Theus in every category, is a superior athlete, and MOST IMPORTANTLY,played in a much more competitve league. Armed with this knowledge,, one can only wonder what it could be that possibly motivated Booboo and Friend to go after Theus instead. I wonder what it could be. don’t y’all? 31 years and counting. Still doing it “The Georgia Way”
dawgfan
April 20th, 2012
12:59 pm
“We rushed for 130+ yards in g-day, but Murray’s sacks took off 50 yards.”
50 yards worth of sacks? Good grief. That’s comforting. We have no running game AND our QB is going to get killed. Great.
Whaler
April 20th, 2012
1:00 pm
One thing is settled, Aaron Murray can’t beat a top 20 team.
RattleRabbit
April 20th, 2012
1:02 pm
No, nothing to do with the o-line, they protected Mason & Lemay, both were not sacked, just Murray is too indecisive, Murray was the most sackable QB in the SEC in 2011, gave up 34 sacks last year.