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
EDawg71
June 28th, 2012
10:50 am
Ah, one of my favorite articles each year. Means we’re getting close boys and girls! Nice job as always Bill!!!
Tana
June 28th, 2012
10:54 am
I think that Hicks and Theus will have ahuge impact! We need better blocking to make the RB and Murray even better. The Crowell Marshall duo should be exciting, and I expect Gurley to get a reshirt since we will have depth issues downthe road considering Crowell and Marshall started as a true Freshman.
Dawg Haus
June 28th, 2012
10:57 am
Theus is the guy the Dawgs need to be an impact player right away, which is a little unnerving. Hicks is another guy I’d keep an eye on.
Frank Lane
June 28th, 2012
11:00 am
Marshall is my bet.
whatya got loren
June 28th, 2012
11:06 am
We need Theus to be a MAN (thanks coach gundy) and dominate on the O line. That’s our BIGGEST concern other than our “not so” special teams.
Excited to see how these DAWGS work together for a great year!
UGA 93
June 28th, 2012
11:06 am
Do not forget about Jonathan Taylor. He may not have an immediate impact but this guy is a beast. He is a D lineman but I think his future could be as a dominant offensive lineman.
Dawg Haus
June 28th, 2012
11:09 am
UGA 93, Taylor definitely looks like a beast. I hope he gets some playing time this season, but we might have to wait to see him since Washington and Drew look to be moving to the line.
Sam
June 28th, 2012
11:10 am
if we’re counting on more than one or two freshmen, then we’re in trouble.
duronimo
June 28th, 2012
11:19 am
I’m going with Gurley. He’s large enough for SEC play. I think Marshall will end up like Crowell .. not quite durable enough. Hicks is also SEC material. We’ll have great players but we always do. The questoin is, “can Richt & company coach these players to their potential. Can they give them a chance to win?”
Greg
June 28th, 2012
11:19 am
The kickers and Theus must come up big. Most of the others mentioned will see the field. I really like Sheldon Dawson.
Taco Meat
June 28th, 2012
11:20 am
I’m glad someone mentioned J. Taylor, the kid is a beast. I think that Theus, Jenkins, Marshall, Hicks and Gurley will all make an impact if given the opportunity.
tony
June 28th, 2012
11:22 am
Jordan Jenkins and Todd Gurley
GTBob
June 28th, 2012
11:23 am
Are you guys really relying on that many freshman to make a big impact? How does that happen when you have top 5 recruiting classes every year?
Jasper Fraaaanks
June 28th, 2012
11:30 am
BLAKE BARNES!
Sunny Cloisters
June 28th, 2012
11:32 am
Can any of these dummies read and write above a 5th grade level?
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
11:33 am
It is like Spurrier used to say – all of those four and five star players that UGA gets – misused and abused – and never heard from again.
Flo-Ri-Duh
June 28th, 2012
11:35 am
Both kickers must be consistent. Walsh was terrible last year and UGA had no special teams coach to show him how to return to his 2010 greatness. UGA needs a special teams coach but Richt stubbornly hangs on to his out dated philosophy of piecemeal coaching for the special teams. John Theus will play early but not start the 1st game. Marshall will alternate but Crowell will start and Samuel will get a chance to be #2 RB. Not sure about Gurley this year as he came in late.but he is good. Probably a red shirt for Gurley unless injuries set in. The defense is set for this year – but several freshmen will get some playing time.
Booger Presley
June 28th, 2012
11:36 am
9 of last 10 GTBob.
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
11:37 am
Is the question, why would a team go ahead play a few of the top players from a top 5 recruiting class? Not really sure what you are asking there, Bob.
Flo-Ri-Duh
June 28th, 2012
11:38 am
Richt has sent more impact players to the NFL than Spurrier. All those great college QBs Spurrier sent to the NFL rode the bench – none started for any length of time – just like Spurrier when he was in the NFL. And Stanfill sacks Spurrier again!!!
Tomas Browne
June 28th, 2012
11:39 am
Are you guys really relying on that many freshman to make a big impact? How does that happen when you have top 5 recruiting classes every year?
That’s a really, really good question. The answer is that Richt loses most of them from flunking out of remedial reading, DUIs, beating up their girlfriends, plus a few who transfer because they’re smart enough to figure that Richt is a 3th rate coach who will never win big.
tide roll
June 28th, 2012
11:40 am
PLEASE GET OFF THIS THEUS CRAP. HE’S SLOW AS MOLASSES. CAME FROM A PRIVATE SCHOOL LEAGUE, AND WAS MOVED FROM TACKLE TO GUARD IN THE US ARMY GAME TO PREVENT SOME QB FROM GETTING BEHEADED, THIS IS THE VERY REASON UGA WILL NEVER ‘GET THERE”. IT’S THE FANS WHO STUBBORNLY REFUSE TO OBJECTIVELY LOOK AT FACTS THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO GENUINELY QUESTION RICHT/BOOBOO’S DECISION MAKING. BRANDON GREENE WAS, IS, AND WILL BE A SUPERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN TO THEUS, BUT YOU LET HIM GO TO BAMA. IT’S NO DIFFERENT WITH ANTHONY JENNINGS. HE PROVED IT IN HEAD TO HEAD COMPETITION WITH RAMSEY, YET RICHT/BOOBOO DON’T OFFER THE KID AND HE’S HEADED TO LSU. THESE ARE THE VERY TEAMS THAT PLAYED FOR A NATIONAL TITLE LAST YEAR. I THINK THEY KNOW WHAT THEY’RE DOING, DON’T YOU? THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS DAWG FANS SHOULD BE ASKING AND THEY SHOULD DEMAND ANSWERS. NOT HIS ONGOING “KOOL AID DRINKING” RATIONALIZATION. IT’S WHAT’S KEEPING YOU FROM “GETTING THERE” 31 YEARS IS ENOUGH, DON’T YOU THINK?
Flo-Ri-Duh
June 28th, 2012
11:42 am
Taylor is a DT and will be red shirted as he has two of the top DTs in the country ahead of him. He will get his chance in 2013 when Jenkins leaves.
DIT
June 28th, 2012
11:42 am
Theus, we need all the help we can muster on that O-Line.
GTBob
June 28th, 2012
11:48 am
Not really sure what you are asking there, Bob.
I guess I am asking why the incredible talent that UGA has recruited the last 3-4 years would have any chance of losing playing time to a group of unproven freshman. Those guys were just as talented in high school, have been playing against the superhuman cyborgs in the SEC, and have had the benefit of UGA’s amazing coaching. In other words, what happened to the guys who came before these guys?
T-Dawg
June 28th, 2012
11:51 am
Earth to AJC… Atkins flunked his ACT test by two points. News?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
11:53 am
Flo-Ri-Duh -
“Richt has sent more impact players to the NFL than Spurrier”
That is exactly the point. Spurrier is by far the better college football coach than Mark “I can win games – just not the big games” Richt because while Richt may have the raw talent, he doesn’t know what to do with it. It takes the NFL scouts to identify and then develop that potential. Kind of like Cam Newton would make a good tight end. But hey, at least UGA wins ten games a year sometimes.
Flo-Ri-Duh
June 28th, 2012
11:56 am
Tumble Bug – You lack intellect……. Theus was the top rated OL in Florida and he played in the top classification in the public school system there. EVERY major college offered him a scholarship including Bummer. Grow up!
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
11:58 am
Because due to some recruiting shortages, some attrition, and a couple of classes prior that were far from a top 5, we are looking for depth and some of these guys are more talented than the typical freshman. Does that answer your question?
Flo-Ri-Duh
June 28th, 2012
12:04 pm
SSIgator – Richt didn’t send “raw” talent to the NFL ……. most of them were starters in the NFL from day ONE. That means they were “developed” in college by hard work and coaching. Georgia’s OL has been lacking the last 4 years and that has held them back. This year the OL is still the big question mark as well as special teams. Urban Meyer saw a train wreck coming and quit ahead of it. Florida’s “D”will be good but they are not good enough on the “O” – especially at QB to win the SEC this year and I predict their head coach will b on the HOT SEAT if they lose 4 games like I think they will.
Flo-Ri-Duh
June 28th, 2012
12:06 pm
T Brown – you question intelligence when you say “3th”…… you are hilarious.
Willdabeast
June 28th, 2012
12:06 pm
GTBob,
We are looking at the POSSIBILITIES of where these guy would play if given playing time. No one is saying that all 5 or 6 of these guys are starting. The only players who were slated to probably start were a tackle, punter, and kicker. It is guys like GTBob who just to stupid assumptions that make the Tech fan base look ignorant.
Willdabeast
June 28th, 2012
12:08 pm
*jump to stupid assumptions not just to. my bad
Dawg Haus
June 28th, 2012
12:13 pm
Has anyone heard an update on Kolton Houston? Are his NCAA issues (whatever they were) that kept him from playing last season all taken care of? Is he still getting a serious look at left guard?
Old Dawg
June 28th, 2012
12:13 pm
I don’t care which freshman makes a contribution to the team. I just wanna get it done on the field.
Can’t wait for camp to start and the beginning of the season.
Thanks for helping to keep the Dawg fires burning, Bill.
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
12:15 pm
Flo-Ri-Duh -
So the UGA rally cry now is, “We haven’t won a NC in over thirty years (and probably never will with Richt & Co. at the controls) but boy, we are really good at sending great players to the NFL”. Kind of makes all of the NC discussion a moot point as far as UGA is concerned.
UGA – the college football hothouse for the NFL – but no titles
ARdawg
June 28th, 2012
12:24 pm
“So the UGA rally cry now is, “We haven’t won a NC in over thirty years (and probably never will with Richt & Co.”
Your tinfoil hat never goes out of style does it?
Columbia Dawg
June 28th, 2012
12:27 pm
SSIgator- Is there not a Florida blog you could be on? Why are you always on a Georgia blog? Are you that petty you have to come on to another team’s blog and rant and rave?
Pat
June 28th, 2012
12:33 pm
Theus. No doubt.
UGADawg83
June 28th, 2012
12:34 pm
Don’t like the idea of a freshman o-line starter. Also Bill you could have writen this column without taking a shot at Bobo and made your point just as well. Stunts like that weaken your credibility.
lucky21
June 28th, 2012
12:43 pm
I am a Tech fan, but I have to ask why would you ever play a true freshman on offensive line? In any offense the place where you want the most experience is on the lines, especially for OLine where the blocking schemes are so complicated, and have a huge learning curve. There are a few places where playing a true freshman is okay namely running back, WR, sometimes DB, and maybe at DE for pass rushing if the kid is a megahoss already. The learning curve for Tackle and guard is huge, and almost by nature requires a redshirt year, so I want to know why you Dawgs are so keen to rely on them.
UGA 4 LIFE
June 28th, 2012
12:47 pm
i like sheldon dawson on special teams kick return/ punt return electric player
SSIgator
June 28th, 2012
12:52 pm
Columbia Dawg -
I guess every so often I have to explain this so guys that visit the blog can connect the dots.
a) I live on Saint Simons Island or as AltamahaDawg refers to it “the island”
b) The last property tax bill I received indicated that SSI is still in the State of Georgia
c) As you would probably suspect, there are a lot of UGA football fans that live here as well
d) The AJC is a Georgia paper which covers UGA fooball and is read by many people here locally
e) I play golf & fish with a lot of UGA fans that read this blog and we discuss it from time to time
Any other questions?
AlathamaDawg
June 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
I wonder how many freshmen LSU and Bama are counting on this year?
THE Dixie Redcoat Band
June 28th, 2012
1:05 pm
We agree with everybody, UGA has had a Top Ten recruiting class for years and years and now may need some freshmen to “step up”? Amazing coaching staff.
AltamahaDawg
June 28th, 2012
1:07 pm
Flo-ri-duh, I think Blair Walsh had the exact same kicking coach that he had the 3 years prior, so I don’t know if Right had appointed somebody on his staff to “co-ordinate” special teams in 2010, that person would have really just been able to “fix” whatever that was. The outdated model, as you call it, used at Georgia is the same way the vast majority of teams do it. It’s just a product of NCAA limits. The guy with the Vikings (if thats what prompted that comment), has a staff of specialist, you can bet one of them is a place kicking only staffmember, and 6 month to sit back and figure it out.
Now if appointing one of the Georgia position coaches to oversee special team in general would improve things such as kick coverage, thats fine. Debatable, but certainly thats something Richt has done before, and other do as well. I just think a kicker slump is very technical, and rare, and unrelated to the special teams model used.
BKbroila
June 28th, 2012
1:10 pm
Hopefully, Barber and Morgan will have the most impact….It would be nice to win two or 3 games/year rather than lose them because of the kicking game….Hicks needs to have a big season!!!
GG
June 28th, 2012
1:12 pm
They all will!!!
Ok, after looking at last year, once the full contact started, Mitchell and Crowell ended up missing in more games than they played in, and Drew had 3 sacks.
So truly, none will probably make an impact as a Freshman.
SmartiePant
June 28th, 2012
1:13 pm
Bauta after Murray throws his 33rd interception in game 3.
Holepuncher
June 28th, 2012
1:15 pm
If Theus starts, we lose the South Carolina game as Clowney will go off on him. Marshall is too frail to make it through a season uninjured.
How about Gurely.
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!
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?