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
Ghost
June 28th, 2012
6:53 pm
Clemmons, Gurley, Marshall, Theus, Jenkins, Taylor and Deloach, will get playing time, doubt any will start unless there are injuries. Hopefully a FG kicker will step up, 2011 is the only season in recent memory when UGA FG kicker was a liability. The schedule sets up nicely to get some of these players valuable experience so they may be called on to provide depth later when SC, Florida , Auburn games .
HardTruth Here
June 28th, 2012
6:59 pm
GTBob, Who said a word about starting man? The article was about having/making and impact. Geez just another reason people know Techies don’t comprehend to well.
bham dawg
June 28th, 2012
7:05 pm
Marshall is a given, but Quayvon Hicks will have the biggest impact of any freshman this year.
Dekalb fan
June 28th, 2012
7:35 pm
Farthest position from the ball has the biggest chance. WR Tibbs is going to make an impact he is a true WR that has been trained all through out his high school career by NFL receiver coaches.
IPDog
June 28th, 2012
7:40 pm
Georgia has so many dream team stars, I’ve lost count. The running game may be the best in the SEC with all this talent and the D will dominate. Ga wins the SEC in 2012—take it to the bank.
uncledaddy
June 28th, 2012
7:58 pm
The question should be, “Which true freshmen are most likely to be booed by Dawg fans in 2012?”
Red Stick
June 28th, 2012
8:25 pm
Columbia Rules
June 28th, 2012
6:44 pm
“USC will win by two touchdowns this year. Take it to the bank!”
Okay hotshot I will gladly take Georgia and 14. Let’s see if you have the balls to make an attention-grabbing bet.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
Brainiac(Dawg/Richt fan for life)
June 28th, 2012
9:03 pm
I can’t believe the LARGE number of IDIOTS on here that for some unGodly reason(s) got the impression that Bill was asking how many freshmen one expects to become starters/All-Americans/All SEC.!!!!!!!
The blog simply asks “Which freshmen do you think will have an impact”? Any player can have an impact without displacing the experienced starter that may be injured, ill, suspended.etc.
kingdaddy
June 28th, 2012
9:18 pm
Great piece Bill…
I expect the two new kickers to have an earlier impact. Later in the year, we won’t have to rely on the kickers as much because the offense will be hitting on all cylinders. In the second half, it will be Hicks and Theus opening it up for Crowell and Murray who will have a monster second half of the year. Neither LSU or Bama will take us lightly by the end of the year…
GymRat
June 28th, 2012
9:25 pm
Faton Bauta. Out offensive red zone woes were hideous. Need Bauta to come in with a red zone package and lead this team in pressure moments (we all know Murray can’t–Murray chokes). If Bobo has any braincells at all, he will use Bauta in a red zone package to save the season.
kingdaddy
June 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
SSI says the BULLDAWGS on St. Simon’$ aren’t as emotional as our bloggers, lol. That’s a lie and he knows it. BULLDAWGS ARE THE SAME EVERYWHERE!
bitter vince dooly
June 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
HICKS WILL OPEN GIANT HOLES—-THE DIAMOND IN THE RUFF
Paul in NH
June 28th, 2012
9:44 pm
I think USC is going to have a heck of a year this year and could well be in the BCS championship game. They get the Ducks at home. Their toughest game will be in Palo Alto.
bitter vince dooly
June 28th, 2012
9:49 pm
Lissen NAY SAYERS—–Coach richt and bobo have both been straight with aaron murry
produce and early or ride the pine———-they know that hudson mason is a field general
and one bad half by tampa boy and its a one way ticket back too the ORANGE GROVE
MURRY will not disappoint???????????????
bitter vince dooly
June 28th, 2012
9:54 pm
Anyone seen the 14th street fry cook———-whiped him like red headed step child last night
hahhaahahahahahahah———-fry cook——-a person so dumb——blahahahahahah
kingdaddy
June 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
Bitter, you miss Smart???
T-Dawg
June 28th, 2012
10:24 pm
Chief Justice John Roberts, explaining his Supreme Court decision on ObamaCare:
“Barack Obama is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.”
GtDawg
June 28th, 2012
10:24 pm
Put JHC at Safety for the Mizzo game. Especially if something crazy happens like Mizzo getting in the red zone by some strange fluke or something.
Mobile Dawg
June 28th, 2012
10:27 pm
Bill, since you asked, and brought up Bobo, we could have at least four freshmen contribute offensively, “IF” Bobo could get creative and utilize all his weapons. Theus could be a functional left tackle “if” the DC didn’t know what play was coming most of the time. Hicks could have a solid year “if” Bobo’s playbook utilized the Fullback for something other than blocking all the time. Marshall and/or Gurley could have productive years if the DC isn’t able to predict with regularity what play is coming. If the Dawgs could develop the dominant running game like Bama, or LSU, then Bobo doesn’t have to be as creative.
kingdaddy
June 28th, 2012
10:47 pm
Mobile Dawg
Our success this year depends on CMB using ALL OF HIS WEAPONS. From the inside/outside running game using the fullbacks again and two tight-end sets. Also getting Jay Rome involved in the passing game. Rotating our running backs and OL & WRs. Keeping the long bombs to a minimum. Establishing the running game as priority to set up the pass. Eat the clock with ground game to keep CTGs Defense “fresh & mean”…
Mobile Dawg
June 28th, 2012
10:59 pm
That should be the norm every year kingdaddy, Bobo doesn’t seem to be as creative as he needs to be. Seems easy to an armchair QB like me, those quick misdirection passes over the middle, the shuttle pass, toss sweeps, misdirection, misdirection, misdirection, keeps a defense guessing, if you get my drift. Creativity, and nonpredictability will mask a lot of weaknesses. Bobo just doesn’t know how to play chess. Like countless people have said, if I can predict the plays with regularity, a skilled, knowledgeable DC with a stable of atheletes, can certainly create havoc for us.
SEC Historian
June 28th, 2012
11:55 pm
Alabama: you are impressive under Saban.
LSU: you have been impressive for 11-12 years.
Florida: Tebow is gone…and it shows. 8-4 will be great for you any season in the future.
Auburn: Cam Newton is gone. 8-4 every year as well.
South Carolina: you have been impressive the last 2 years. Your Coach does not discipline anyone. Never has, never will.
Since Mark Richt became coach, what program has won the most games in the SEC? LSU by one over UGA. Who has lost the least games in the SEC? UGA has lost 2 less than LSU. Not bad, but we need SECs and NCc in 2012 and 2013. We are crazy young this year and everyone comes back that does not go pro for Fall 2013. The future has never been brighter. Now please Coach ‘em up. Go get ‘em Dawgs!
All Saints
June 29th, 2012
7:39 am
In tribute to our beloved martyred Saint Jan Kemp, let’s all bow our heads for a few moments of silent prayer. Thirty years ago, this courageous young lady risked everything to expose the corruption and academic fraud instigated by Vince Dooley, sleazy practices that continue to this day under Mark Richt.
And now, let us all pray for Saint Jan…
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Thank you, you can now resume your normal activities.
DogsWin!
June 29th, 2012
7:50 am
SEC east: Ga, USC are the 2 best teams
SEC west: Bama, LSU are the 2 best teams
West: lsu beats alabama
East: Ga beats lsu
SEC: Ga 27 lsu 20
Dogs win the SEC–bet the house!
DIT
June 29th, 2012
8:06 am
Good point about the 2 new kickers. If positions need to step it up it’s those 2. Hate to think how many points we missed out on from field goals and filed position, lost opportunities from average punts. Many times I felt we shuld have not kicked the ball to the return man.
Go Jackets
June 29th, 2012
8:11 am
Someone needs to go down to Clark county Jail and bail Crowell out……felony possession of a firearm……OUCH.
Go Jackets
June 29th, 2012
8:16 am
btw…..from a Jacket perspective, I think ur two incoming running backs are gonna HAVE to make the biggest impact, seeing as ur starter is about to be gone. Couldnt happen to a nicer guy. lol….
Lakedawg
June 29th, 2012
8:21 am
Believe with this mornings news Marshall and Gurley become the 2 that have to produce. Mr Crowell will never carry the ball again at UGA.
kingdaddy
June 29th, 2012
8:26 am
I get a kick out of the trolls jealousy of this incoming class. I am really looking forward to watching Hicks “road-kill” some SEC LBs & DBs for the next 3/4 years. If Coach Bobo doesn’t re-establish a fullback mentality this year, I see him on a noose. Red Zone could be interesting with Bauta, Hicks, Lynch, Rome and J.H.C. There are a lot of options in this package. The BIGGEST QUESTION that must be answered this year : CAN BOBO GROW-GROW? If you can’t score with this talent, then you have no business being the OC at UGA!
The Trolls hate CMB anyway, so they can keep their hateful opinion to themselves. They can take the non-funny jabs and jokes somewhere besides the Junkyard blog…
Go Jackets
June 29th, 2012
8:31 am
Hate to keep gloating, but…..u would think u guys would stay away from Columbus Ga after the Jasper Sanks fiasco. Columbus is this states Memphis. LOADS of talent with LOADS of baggage.
Snake Doc
June 29th, 2012
8:42 am
Who ever helps UGA this year it won’t be Crowell.
Only title the CEO will ever win at UGA is the Fulmer Cup.
LMAO
James
June 29th, 2012
8:50 am
Rev. Richt has another player in jail. Was Barry Switzer this bad?
Snake Doc
June 29th, 2012
9:09 am
Dream All Convict Team
chazzo
June 29th, 2012
9:33 am
Isaiah Crowell: LSU’s signature back 2014.
chazzo
June 29th, 2012
9:34 am
James. richt didn’t have anything to do with this. Crowell will do his time and go to LSU where that kind of behavior is acceptable.
OleBallCoach
June 29th, 2012
9:41 am
Ah yes, another stellar recruiting class for UGA. I predict that the UGA coaching staff will turn Keith into the next Easley, King, or Crowell. Hmm, let’s see, where are those fellows now?
chazzo
June 29th, 2012
9:49 am
Okay trolls and downer dawgs: Who didn’t recruit the #1 TB in the nation? Would you not have signed him? This would have happened anywhere. Crowell is a troubled young man, and quite frankly I feel for the kid, having just screwed up a lot of potential. Your teams will be licking their chops when Crowell gets out.
SEC Football Morning Coffee: Alabama’s Nick Saban Named ‘Most Intimidating’ | SEC Football
June 29th, 2012
10:12 am
[...] King of the Junkyard Blawg on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests that John Theus and Keith Marshall are two true freshmen who could make waves at [...]
NickTheSaint
June 29th, 2012
10:14 am
Recruiting isn’t the end of it. You have to coach them and teach them to be responsible adults. Otherwise, you have what you have and will continue down the same path unless something changes. I think you all need some kind of boot camp for the fellows you bring in and teach them to respect their team on and off the field. You need to lay down the law with zero tolerance for bad behavior.
Doing stupid stuff like Crowell and the others have done in the past shows they don’t have respect for the team. Too many dawgs in the past few years have been getting into all kinds of trouble. Is anyone looking into why this seems to happen at your school year after year?