Which true freshmen are likely to be impact players for the 2012 Dawgs?
True freshman Keith Marshall started school early and went through spring drills. (University of Georgia)
It’s that time of summer when various media outlets start predicting which true freshmen taking the field this fall will have the greatest impact.
Last year at this time, it was Isaiah Crowell and Malcolm Mitchell who rightly were predicted to be impact players as freshmen for the Georgia Bulldogs. When it comes to Mark Richt’s 2012 Dawgs, the two names that you’ll see most often as these lists roll out are highly rated tailback Keith Marshall and offensive lineman John Theus, both of whom are seen as being among the top new talent in the SEC.
The speedy, elusive Marshall, who started school in January and went through spring drills, is expected to push starter Crowell for playing time, while Theus, a Parade All American, is seen as a virtual lock to start at left tackle on the rebuilt Georgia offensive line — a rarity for a true freshman. Both have the potential to be dominating players.
And, of course, placekicker Marshall Morgan and punter Collin Barber are expected to step into starting roles as well.
But who else from UGA’s class of true freshmen is likely to earn playing time and perhaps have a significant impact?
It might take a while for Josh Harvey-Clemons, who can play inside or outside linebacker, to work his way to the top of the depth chart on defense, but Richt already has mentioned several times possibly using him as a receiver in the red zone, so he could make a mark early on.
John Theus is expected to be the rare true freshman who starts on the offensive line. (AJC file)
Some observers think the other incoming tailback from North Carolina, Marshall’s buddy Todd Gurley, might be redshirted, but I’m not sure Georgia is going to redshirt any running backs post-Knowshon Moreno. Gurley will start out green but could get playing time as the season progresses, especially if one of the more experienced backs ahead of him falters. And there are some who believe he’ll wind up outshining both Marshall and Crowell.
Then there’s Quayvon Hicks, the nation’s top-rated fullback prospect, who also could wind up as a starter fairly quickly since the depth chart at that position currently is topped by a walk-on. Said Richt of Hicks: “He looks like a fullback. About a 255-, 260-pounder. He’s really put togther. You can see it in his eyes he can’t wait to get after it. He’s got to learn what to do, but I’d love to see him learn what to do and get his hat in the ring.”
Of course, in order for Hicks to make an impact, Mike Bobo first must rediscover the lost fullback page from his playbook.
A lot of people also are high on Jordan Jenkins to eventually wind up at the other outside linebacker spot opposite Jarvis Jones, though he’ll have to beat out some experienced, if not spectacularly talented, veterans.
And nationally ranked cornerback Sheldon Dawson could move up the depleted depth chart in the secondary, though his main impact might be in a year or two.
Which freshman do you expect to have the greatest impact? Marshall? Theus? Or one of the other first-year players?
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139 comments Add your comment
MiracleMouse
June 28th, 2012
1:16 pm
Clemons SHOULD start over Robinson, as he’s probably got 300% more talent, but he won’t.
Pilfer Dawg
June 28th, 2012
1:17 pm
Yes SSIGATOR— You really are obsessed with everything that is UGA football right? The AJC covers a lot of teams in football but this particular one by Bill King is ALL DAWG. What in tarnation as a supposed dawg hater are you doing here? Do you like to be surrounded by UGA folks? The last place I would want to be is around a bunch of mullet wearing gaters. Get the point? Any other questions?
81Reverse
June 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
Gurley, not even close.
Pilfer Dawg
June 28th, 2012
1:18 pm
gators
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
1:30 pm
My guess is that even though LSU and Alabama are in much better shape as far as 3 deep depth chart, and probably aren’t counting on impact from as many freshman (”impact” being a completely subjective term posed by Bill King and I would imagine that our coaches are using the term “contribute”) but I would still think that they end up playing somewhere around 3-5.
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
1:41 pm
And for all you trolls who are so quick to jump on the theme of this story, if you read it (actually) Bill is asking if 1, or 2, or three perhaps freshmen will make an impact. Then list a few intriguing candidates for those. Are you seriously suggesting that any good team couldn’t possible have a couple of freshmen taking prominent roles? Because that doesnt happen all the time, right?
Spanky
June 28th, 2012
1:49 pm
YYYYep, I do think the North Carolina connection of Marshall and Gurley are going to make a pretty sizable inmpact!!….Josh Harvey-Clemons as a red-zone reciever??..I LLLike that!! Now the staff may seem to be getting creative!! Anybody got the count-down going? Go Dawgs!!
Dacula Dawg
June 28th, 2012
1:53 pm
None of that explains your obsession with a team you’re not a fan of. Do you have that much free time? Do you need us to help you find some sources that cover gator sports so you can keep up with your team? Are you a DB to your fishing and golf buddies in person also, or only on blogs where you can hide behind a keyboard?
Just simply don’t get it, partly because I don’t get trash talking in person either. I certainly see my share of it when I go to games throughout the southeast. Some of it gets ugly (usually alcohol induced), some is good clean fun. But I simply can’t see why someone would put on his tebow pj’s every morning, then anxiously wait for a story about another team so he could copy/paste comment, after comment, after comment. But then again, I have met plenty of gator fans so maybe it’s coming into focus after all….
Dawg Haus
June 28th, 2012
2:01 pm
Yes, sir, Spanky! 64 if you don’t count today. Go Dawgs!
timthebrave
June 28th, 2012
2:04 pm
Theus…Without the line coming together it won’t matter who’s running the ball
AlathamaDawg
June 28th, 2012
2:09 pm
LSU has a special teams coach making 300k p/year.
Brainiac(Dawg/Richt fan for life)
June 28th, 2012
2:09 pm
@ SSI gator:
Thanks dude!!!!!!
I was afraid we wouldn’t hear from you today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brainiac(Dawg/Richt fan for life)
June 28th, 2012
2:22 pm
@ Flo-ri-dah:
There are ZERO vacancies on the UGA COACHING STAFF!!!!
However, ST are a huge concern for UGA and one would think that SOMEBODY would find a way to address this problem in an organization which has a MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR budget!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suggestion for tide roll
June 28th, 2012
2:26 pm
Before making any more posts that expose you to ridicule, shouldn’t you be studying the Bama media guide so you can make a decent case of being a Bama fan? If you did, you would realize that a white, private school kid was Bama’s best OL. You would know that, horror of horrors, Bama started more whites on their OL than UGA did last season.
Finally, how do you propose UGA sign Brandon Greene? He was offered a scholarship and recruited by the Dogs. Surely you are not suggesting a Godfather type “deal he cannot refuse.”
Brainiac(Dawg/Richt fan for life)
June 28th, 2012
2:27 pm
To whoever/whomever posted as Brainiac at 2:18 pm!!!!!
Thanks for helping me but I believe your use of another blooger’s handle is illegal in Bill King’s Kingdom!!!!!!!
Brainiac(Dawg/Richt fan for life)
June 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
Sorry but that should be “bloggers” / “booger’s” whichever comes first!!!!!!!!!!!
Red Stick
June 28th, 2012
2:37 pm
AlathamaDawg
June 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
“I wonder how many freshmen LSU and Bama are counting on this year?”
I don’t know of anyone, including the 5 who enrolled early in January, that will get significant playing time with LSU. There may be a couple of guys who get some snaps at linebacker as that’s where the Tigers are thin, but I can’t imagine any freshman playing alot except maybe on special teams.
I know some Georgia fans expect Theus to start. If he does then the Dogs are really hurting on the O line.
LSU signed La’el Collins, who was the top or 2nd rated, depending on the recruiting service, O lineman in the nation in the 2011 signing class. He didn’t play much as a freshman and is battling for a starting spot on the line for this season. He is very talented but as good as he is, it’s taken him at year to get acclimated to the college level.
I just don’t see Theus coming in and being able to handle SEC defensive linemen effectively as a freshman.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
2:43 pm
Pilfer Dawg & Dacula Dawg -
Don’t know how to make it any clearer, but the UGA fans here on “the island” are certainly not as sensitive as those that post comments on blog articles. When we are playing golf or out fishing together, the comments run both directions and are similar in tone. I think the only difference is that the further one is from Athens the less potent the Kool-Aid is and the clearer the realization that in the overall scheme of things it is really not worth getting that worked up about.
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
2:55 pm
“Which true freshmen are likely to be impact players for the 2012 Dawgs?”
and
“Which true freshmen are likely to be:
a) Part of the Doobie Brothers crowd
b) Involved in a scooter accident
c) Disrespectful to the coaches
d) Given a tour of the Athens-CC Jail to learn the ropes
e) Assult one of the female Athens residents
f) End up back at GA Military Academy
for the 2012 Dawgs
Dacula Dawg
June 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
ssig – very well thought out and written response, which leads me to finally speculate that you are neither 14 years old or stupid, as I had previously guessed….but that just makes all the time spent on ananomous blog-smack that much harder to comprehend….but, if that’s how you entertain yourself just keep those same old tired comments ready for your copy/paste functions, and have at it
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
3:00 pm
Simple test. Do your golf and fishing buddies know who the character named SSIgator really is? Is that something that you openly admit and invite them to read your witty comments in the Georgia blogs every day?
Chris Mike
June 28th, 2012
3:16 pm
First of all tide roll, I will compare UGA players to Alabama player anytime anyday. Just look at Pro Roster and pay attention to how are they playing now rather than when they got drafted. Hint Hint: Tay Cody v/s Geno Atkins! Alabma guy that could not see the field and the Georgia guy who is a Pro Bowler. Like I said anytime any where! Back on the subject Marshall is going to make the biggest impact. He is going to have every oppurtunity to do so. This don’t mean he would end up being the best player, because Josh Clemons would win that.
DawginLex
June 28th, 2012
3:20 pm
alt
Bingo
They don’t know what she posts on here or they would never hang out with her.
Of course she is running out of options since florida folks have disowned her and banned her from numerous gator sites.
Probably only play golf with her because it gives them an excuse to tee off from the red tees with her
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
3:23 pm
Wow, you and Nancy really need to decide what you want. She said she will refuse to comment on anything I post and then turns around and calls me names. Whatever. You say you don’t get worked up about it, but then post “even immature blowhards like you” which sounds rather opinionated to me. Now you put on your G-Man badge & Columbo outfit and want to stalk me. For someone that claims not to care you seem to show a lot of interest. But to answer your question, we all know who each other is and as far as I know, all read and/or post on AJC sites.
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
3:27 pm
I know a couple of gator fans down here. Trust me, that HAVE disowned “that guy”.
PaulPaul
June 28th, 2012
3:27 pm
Theus and Marshall will make the most impact. Anyone remember Ben Jones? Made a huge impact as starter freshman year. If you had seen videos of him blocking at some of the camps you could tell he was fierce and hard to whip. Theus has the same mentality and maybe more ability. Crowell gained gained 800 yards last year hurt most of the time. Marshall with his speed will be a good compliment. I think our run game surprises this year. Easier for lineman to run block and we have some young men who can lay the wood at fullback. I think Hicks eventually starts at fullback. He likes to hit. Oh I forgot Rome at tight end. The moat athletic we have ever had there.
PaulPaul
June 28th, 2012
3:34 pm
Sorry I went brain dead. Rome was a red shirt.
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
3:34 pm
It was opinionated. Very. I can do that an not get the least bit worked up.
I realize that you can’t believe anybody posting something other than” repeat zinger #3″ wouldn’t have had to put great thought into it.
DawginLex
June 28th, 2012
3:56 pm
Elvira
The only person stalking is you. You stalk us and UGA everyday.
Sounds like YOU are getting all worked up about someone knowing who you really are
LawDawg
June 28th, 2012
4:00 pm
The way Bobo has been scheming, it is hard to imagine a FB could make an impact. Hopefully Theus is as advertised, otherwise next season could be rough to watch on obvious passing downs (no pass protection and slow-developing routes = ouch).
CrownedRoyalUgaDawg4Life
June 28th, 2012
4:04 pm
Marshall…Because He Enrolled Early Plus RB Is The Easiest Position To Transcend To As Long As You Know The Plays And Can Develop As A Blocker…The Rest Will Comes Natural…
Nick
June 28th, 2012
4:06 pm
Marshall, Gurley, Theus, Barber & Morgan I think are shoe-ins.
Also love seeing those unexpected guys make an impact early and often.
CrownedRoyalUgaDawg4Life
June 28th, 2012
4:09 pm
So When Georgia Wins A National Championship Will It Silence The Critics? NOPE..Florida Fan’s Urban Meyer Is Gone…Please Go Back To The Swamp…Spurrier Has Had A Nice Run But We Are Going To Whip Them This Year In South Carolina…I Want To See How Bama Looks This Year After Losing So Much Talent…Hopefully The Roll Tide Bandwagon Will Be Silenced….Roof……….Rooof…Roof…Sic Em
Dewayne
June 28th, 2012
4:12 pm
The one who better make a good impact is Marshall Morgan!!!
Dawg Haus
June 28th, 2012
4:12 pm
Does anyone know anything new on Mark Beard, the JUCO OL transfer? Last I heard, he wasn’t doing so well, but was working hard.
GATiger
June 28th, 2012
4:16 pm
AltamahaDawg, the answer to your question concerning freshman LSU will rely on this fall is “none”. Several will play, including RB Jeremy Hill (that’s right, we’ll play 5 or 6 RBs again this year – how do you think they were so fresh at the end of the season?) and probably all of the new LBs.
CrownedRoyalUgaDawg4Life
June 28th, 2012
4:18 pm
Mark Beard Is Going To Be A Interior Lineman, The Only Problem Is That He Wants To Play OT, LT to Be Exact He Doesn’t Posses The Long Arms Of A OT So He Should Play OG. Also He Has 3 Years To Play..Although A JUCO Guy He Redshirted So He Is Actually Just Getting Back To Competing…
Doodaddy
June 28th, 2012
4:20 pm
tide roll
- all caps? really? Is your weenie THAT small????
Dawg Haus
June 28th, 2012
4:20 pm
Thanks, Crowned. I find it hard to see Beard challenging Kenarious Gates at tackle. I’m interested in how the guard positions fill out and hope Beard is part of the equation.
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
fellows, pay attention. THIS guy never asked about LSU. Childish imposter did. Tell him. I think LSU is great shape depth wise, ( I say that very often in here), much better than Georgia right now. Thats pretty obvious. I can’t imagine them relying on too many freshman to make an “impact”, but will play a few just like everybody else.
ARdawg
June 28th, 2012
4:29 pm
lucky21
I agree with you to a point. 10 years or so ago so did most college coaches but, the world has changed as has college football. Most Freshmen have wanted to play first year but expected not to. Nowadays with recruiting being what it is, promises are made over and above talent levels.
I don’t believe BK expects all those freshmen to be “impact” players. Likely he was just chumming for ideas on who the bloggers thought might make a difference. Chances are great, none of them will but, with a little luck one or two might
ARdawg
June 28th, 2012
4:31 pm
I saw Theus in the playoffs his Jr year and he is as good as billed
GATiger
June 28th, 2012
4:37 pm
Sorry, AltamahaDawg, I thought I read the question in one of your comments. I actually consider you one of the more insightful commenters here, so I guess your name was on my mind when I responded.
Bill King
June 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
To make it clear: Bill doesn’t expect all those freshmen to be impact players. Probably only two or three at most will be. But these are the names who look most likely to contribute as freshmen.
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
5:08 pm
Dacula Dawg -
Missed your previous post, but I will try to answer as best I can. One of our neighbors lost his vision a few years ago and he calls me from time to time (since he is a shut-in) during the day to have me read UGA related sports topics from the AJC to him. He likes Bill King’s blog the most which is why I usually have it open on my system tray on the computer. He has always been a (very old school) UGA football fan, but became disenchanted with them after they got rid of Dooley. He also does not understand the continued infatuation with Mark “I can win games – just not the big games” Richt (a phrase that he coined – not me, even though I must say it fits) when, in his opinion, Richt should have been alot further along with making UGA a NC contender. So the long and the short of it is that some of the items I post are actually his thoughts while some of them are actually mine. He is a nice guy as I am sure some of the other anti-Richt “fans” that post negative comments are in real life. He doesn’t understand why people are only “real fans” if they just drink the Kool-Aid and nod their heads.
jaglaw
June 28th, 2012
5:11 pm
Nice clarification Bill.
TO THOSE NON-UGA FANS: How about freshment that helped your team win a NC? UF-Harvin & Tebow Bama- RIchardson & #8 LSU-Honey Badger
While your arguments are valid as a play on words, apply the question to your own school before transcending your arguments to criticizing UGA and its fabulous freshmen!!!!!
DIT
June 28th, 2012
5:57 pm
Agree Bill, one or two at the most will be heard of. I also agree with what the LSU gent said. If we have to rely on a Freshman on the O-Line we are in trouble. Hopefully not. Substitute yes, start no.
Beast from the East
June 28th, 2012
6:22 pm
My money would be on either Matshall or Gurley, as RB is about the easiest position to adapt to at each level. At least that’s what I’ve always witnessed from the past. As someone said earlier, relying on a true freshman as a starting offensive tackle is a scary proposition no matter how talented they were in high school.
GATiger
June 28th, 2012
6:41 pm
jaglaw:
Mathieu was a sophomore last year, and we didn’t win a NC. But thanks for the compliment.
Columbia Rules
June 28th, 2012
6:44 pm
USC will win by two touchdowns this year. Take it to the bank!