At least 10 UGA true freshmen likely to make trip to Stillwater
It’s going to be interesting to see how many of Georgia’s signees from the Class of 2009 are going to end up contributing in Saturday’s season opener at Oklahoma State.
Marlon Brown of Memphis very likely will see action in Georgia's opener at Oklahoma State on Saturday. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
I went to the Bulldogs’ pregame news conference Tuesday in hopes of getting some idea. Alas, head coach Mark Richt wasn’t terribly enlightening.
“I don’t want to say right now because we won’t post the travel list until [Wednesday],” he said. “But there will be numerous freshmen on there.”
Based on the Bulldogs’ depth chart, it appears there will be at least 10 true freshman that travel to Stillwater, Okla. That’s assuming Georgia takes all its quarterbacks.
Since it is not a conference game, there are no roster limits, though Richt has said he does not want to take more than 70 or 75. But I suspect offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will want to talk all his options under center. If they took Aaron Murray and not Zach Mettenberger, or vice-versa, I’d imagine that’d be a line of distinction the coaches don’t want to draw just yet.
There are the freshmen you probably suspected would be playing this weekend when they signed with the Dogs last February. Guys like Atlanta’s Branden Smith, who is listed No. 2 at wide-side cornerback, and Tampa’s Orson Charles, who’s No. 2 at tight end. Fellow tight end Arthur Lynch is listed as a third-teamer, as are both freshman wideouts, Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten, who almost certainly will get into the game.
There are others that probably weren’t as certain. Valdosta linebacker Michael Gilliard, who was rated a three-star recruit by Scout.com, appears to be in the playing rotation at Sam linebacker. Defensive end Montez Robinson of Indiana is third-string behind Rod Battle and Cornelius Washington, so he will likely travel. And there was no question Abry Jones of Warner Robins was a good player but, with Georgia’s depth at defensive tackle, it was questionable whether he’d see much playing time early if at all. Now D-line coach Rodney Garner says he may have played his way into the game rotation.
Probably the biggest question mark among the freshmen is tailback Washaun Ealey. For him it may come down to whether or not Caleb King (hamstring) is healthy enough to go. If King goes, Ealey probably won’t.
Richt said he’s as eager as anybody else to find out.
“I’m excited to see what all the freshmen do,” he said. “But the first-game jitters are tough. A kid may struggle this game and five weeks down the road turn out to be a great player. You can’t read too much into it.”
Yeah, but it sure is fun to talk about. Your thoughts?
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87 comments Add your comment
Roddingham
September 1st, 2009
2:44 pm
A ton of talent on that list of Freshman. Damn we recruit well
chipperdawg
September 1st, 2009
2:58 pm
Its a fun time of year to say the least! I say if they’re proving themselves in practice and seem up to the task, put the best players on the field! I believe the coaching staff and if they think a frosh is ready then so be it! Either way,Dawgs will be fine and I also think many media types are gonna be surprised just how solid this team is! I can hardly wait until Saturday!! And, since I just this afternoon aquired tickets to the home opener, I’m about to bust for the following Saturday date with the chickens to get here as well!! Here we go Georgia, here we go!!!
WestCoastDawg
September 1st, 2009
2:59 pm
Nice to have that many guys ready to contribute…really looking forward to this game.
chipperdawg
September 1st, 2009
3:00 pm
“… in the coaching staff…”
BullDawg Rick
September 1st, 2009
3:06 pm
There’s a LOT of talent already on this team… I believe CMR will use the true freshmen however he sees fit.. I am impressed that many are pushing the first teamers.. Goes to show that they are ready & willing to be prepared…
In Richt We Trust!!
Gooooooooo Dawgs!!!!
dogsontop
September 1st, 2009
3:07 pm
not that we need any more reasons to be amped up for this weekend, this is a treat i found for the dawg fans….
http://www.hulu.com/watch/6252/allstate-sugar-bowl-hawaii-vs-georgia
ok st fans may want to watch, but i warn you it is a scary look into your soon to be future….
ks
September 1st, 2009
3:12 pm
Will uga play special teams this year? They did a great job last year lining up the future qb to get killed returning punts. How about putting playmakers back there like Carlton Thomas. -easy call. but CMR “the chosen one” is too smart right? blackout endzone celb. qb kick return bobo play calling penalty city undiciplined D cool aid wannabees!
Tom
September 1st, 2009
3:13 pm
Sorta scary … 10 freshmen … our recuiting classes two, three and four years ago don’t look that great.
nola dawg fan
September 1st, 2009
3:22 pm
nice to have chip putting a UGA blog together… reminds me of the good ol days when we actually had a interative forum to talk UGA sports with a AJC writer (no fault of chip here).
Good stuff above… seems like Early might be heading to a redshirt year. Would not have predicted that before camp, but he is buried on the depth chart right now
Any word if B Smith won the KR job? I don’t EVER want to see samuel back there again trying to catch the ball over his head…
I'm sorry ks...
September 1st, 2009
3:23 pm
…about whatever happened to you growing up that has made you such a hateful person. Maybe you always got picked last or never experienced the sweet, soft touch of a woman. Maybe you don’t have anything to look forward to this season. Not sure.
It matters not though. You won’t bring down the excitement in the Bulldawg Nation. Four days and counting ladies and gentlemen!!
Bubs
September 1st, 2009
3:25 pm
Not really scary, just that talented!!
takedowndawg
September 1st, 2009
3:27 pm
ks, from you comments one would doubt that you’re a Dawg “supporter”. Your colors are shining through too clearly. I am sure that you are “deeply” worried about what happens to our 2nd string QB! What a joke.
Tech First
September 1st, 2009
3:29 pm
DOESN MATTER WHO YA TAKE OSU 34 UNIVERSITY OF GARBAGE 17
takedowndawg
September 1st, 2009
3:35 pm
ks and tech 1st, or you the same person? Or just the same cookie cutter personality type that many tech fans seem to be who post on the AJC blog?
Joey
September 1st, 2009
3:36 pm
ks, just ks it where the sun don’t shine… and get off our blog!
Murphy
September 1st, 2009
3:40 pm
Keep an eye on Marlon Brown.He will play and will compliment A.J Green in a big play manner. I believe T-Boone picked the wrong opponent for his stadium dedication day.
Pago Flyer
September 1st, 2009
3:42 pm
The DAWGS always have a Top Ten recruiting class.
now tha't funny
September 1st, 2009
3:46 pm
Oak State will be jacked up for this one. We better be prepared to wheather the early onslaught of excitment and talent. If we get behind early, it could get ugly. Run the ball Bobo, then run it some more. Use your talent, the O-line. Let the 225 lb back run behind the strength of the team, the line.
Yellow Fuzz
September 1st, 2009
3:48 pm
PASS THE KOOLAID. I’M GETTING EXCITED MYSELF!
ugablows
September 1st, 2009
3:50 pm
it’s pretty obvious that the reason that Richt is bringing so many freshman is that your upper classmen really just aren’t that good
Camden Mark
September 1st, 2009
3:56 pm
When were up by 21 or so I say let em all get some snaps.
Get the jitters out of the way
takedowndawg
September 1st, 2009
3:58 pm
Dawgs, look forward to seeing Orson Charles making his debut this weekend. I think that he will see some playing time. It would be foolish not to present the okies with an unscouted wrinkle or two maybe three!
rondo
September 1st, 2009
3:58 pm
playing those freshmen not a good sign
Camden Mark
September 1st, 2009
4:04 pm
Yea, like playin g AJ Green last year. (Dumbass)
knoxdawg
September 1st, 2009
4:08 pm
Look at the number of freshmen who played last year. Probably as many as this year. Talent is talent they just need to make plays and I know they will.
Big Dan
September 1st, 2009
4:14 pm
Tom our class from a couple of years ago just signed huge NFL contracts early. I think that makes those classes look pretty good myself.
georgiagirl
September 1st, 2009
4:19 pm
Those freshmen are that good and CMR said that he would not redshirt another player that he believe good be a great player for the team.
So all you non believer go cheer from someone else.
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okie fans we have no Picken paying for everything but we WILL play very fast and hard hitting, you will see.
ugablows
September 1st, 2009
4:21 pm
I was just kidding with my earlier post. I actually I realize when you have a top 5 recruiting class every year like UGA that it is obvious your freshmen are talented enough to play. I mean UF, Bama, Florida State, etc. all play a lot of freshmen and we all know they have talented upper classmen. My team is Tech and we never have talented enough freshmen to play their first year for us. I wish we did!
Dawwwwg
September 1st, 2009
4:24 pm
Does anyone really care?
Michael Stipe
September 1st, 2009
4:35 pm
September Firrrrrrrst!
PMC
September 1st, 2009
4:37 pm
Great to hear about Abry Jones they are going to have a fierce rotation inside. I’m still concerned about the D Ends though
powderdawg in denver
September 1st, 2009
4:49 pm
saturday cannot get here quick enough…all you dawg fans in denver..blake streeet tavern 130pm MT
Paddy
September 1st, 2009
4:56 pm
ks….I’ll bet your a load of fun at parties. Remind me to tell you where we park for tailgating. We are having roasted endangered species. Thought that might pick you up. Make sure to wear all black.
Paddy
September 1st, 2009
4:58 pm
Oh and ks, bring rondo with you. Sounds like your kind of guy.
BurningRedBleedingBlack
September 1st, 2009
5:04 pm
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!! SIC EM GATA. Good luck boys over at OSU saturday make us proud. RED AND BLACK!!!!
MoDawg
September 1st, 2009
5:12 pm
I believe he learned his lesson red-shirting Knowshon that first year. You put your best players on the field. If that means a bunch of freshmen, so be it.
Other teams do it with great success, and we showed last year that some of these freshmen are ready for primetime. Let ‘em play!
Go Dawgs!
38-27 Dawgs!
Gerald Ball
September 1st, 2009
5:13 pm
With all those outstanding TEs that I saw make plays downfield against Michigan State in the bowl game (and was wondering where these guys had been ALL SEASON) how on earth is Orson Charles the #2 TE?
TXDawg
September 1st, 2009
5:18 pm
Driving 200 miles or so to Stillwater vs. staying at home in front of 52″ of High Definition for this game.
What would my Bulldog brethren do??
Please someone, help me with this dilemma!!
Billy Bennett's Right Leg
September 1st, 2009
5:20 pm
Recruiting and playing are two different things. When a school recruits a player, there is an educated guess at how that player will turn out with better coaching and experience. But not all players reach their potential, and all schools miss out on plenty of players.
As such, there is always a chance to play if you are a true freshman and have a grasp of the playbook. So just because some frosh will play, doesn’t mean the Sr’s, Jr’s or Sophs are busts, they may have just plateaued.
And none of those freshmen have made the starting 22, BTW, so it’s not like they are beating out those with more experience.
Johnny Test
September 1st, 2009
5:22 pm
I can see Teck first and Yellow Scuzz couldn’t wait to get on this blog. When you are unemployable and have always associated with a loser it feels good for them to be a part of a Dawg blog. As I have always said ” the worst day as a bulldog is better than the best day as an insect nerd.”
Carl Spackler
September 1st, 2009
5:46 pm
Interesting, won’t name Murray, or Met as the 3rd stringer… worried about hurting someone’s feelings…does this coaching staff get off on collecting Elite 11 QB’s, red shirting them, and then putting them on a shelf for another year or two…if Cox has problems, then I suspect we’ll see Gray in short order, or the staff will just throw in the towel for this game/season and stick w/ Cox…on another article a fellow poster, Tony, stated that Murray had out performed (at least stat’s wise) the other QB’s, so what gives…I also read another article where CMR made some backhanded statement about Murray always seemed to be getting the “Big Plays” every scrimmage and he sounded surprised! I guess he didn’t get a chance to watch any of the videos on Murray…Go Cox, here’s the chance that you’ve been waiting for…best wishes for your success this weekend…get it done…
TampaGator
September 1st, 2009
5:47 pm
Reading about all that freshman talent reminded me of the 2007 Gator team that lost 5 games (and they had Tebow winning the Heisman that year). If you have a lot of freshman playing, no matter how good they are, it usually translates into critical errors on the field and loses in the W/L column…but then a much better team in the years to come (i.e. the 2008 and the current Gator teams).
Mikey
September 1st, 2009
6:02 pm
I believe that the Dawgs will pound the rock behind that big line and just keep on pounding…clock control….
It will be an old fashioned smash mouth butt whipping.
Einsteindawg
September 1st, 2009
6:09 pm
Anyone know the status of Dontavious Jackson? He was highly recruited, but seems to be injury-prone. Thanks,
harleydawg
September 1st, 2009
6:18 pm
mr spackler the answer to your question is gray had several drops 2 or 3 on or inside the 5 yard line, he had the better game of all qbs, i was there, and t-gator we may play some freshmen but that doesnt mean they are gonna start or play much, the daogs are loaded with depth, they are a part of the depth
dawgs893
September 1st, 2009
6:22 pm
Where are the Dawg fans gathering in Stillwater
dave
September 1st, 2009
6:23 pm
Some of you are idiots, their is ONE reason Richt is starting freshman. Knowshon Moreno. He knew what Moreno had and redshirted him anyway, Rich won’t make the same mistake twice.
Carl Spackler
September 1st, 2009
6:33 pm
harleydawg, tks for the update…thought Gray looked good in the spring game except when he takes off running and quits looking downfield, hopefully they coached that out of him…
Homer DAWG
September 1st, 2009
6:47 pm
We’re ready here in Denver…see you at Blake St, PowderDawg!!
BobDawg
September 1st, 2009
7:17 pm
TXDawg, Go to the game, man (and make a LOT of Bulldog noise). You can always record it and “break it down” Sunday afternoon! Have fun, brother!
m
September 1st, 2009
7:20 pm
Where are the Tech blogs? Does anyone care about Tech footbal?
BobDawg
September 1st, 2009
7:24 pm
m, NO (duh).
Aj
September 1st, 2009
7:31 pm
I really can’t wait to see what Orson charles can do! I have heard nothing but rave reviews about him and really think he is going to be a problem for other teams D. Also think that Marlon Brown will make a big impact this year, maybe not in the first game but before the season is over.
GatorMan
September 1st, 2009
8:28 pm
Not sure why this is under recruiting news, unless this is something to entice recruits to go to UGA.
Wow!!!!
A trip to Stillwater!! Must be a step up from going to Athens!
You really think this is something to write about?
You farmer boys are too funny!!!
Preston
September 1st, 2009
8:32 pm
Dogs look loaded with new talent that’s already ready to play. Orsen Charles and marlon Brown are going to play immediately and I have a feeling Waushaun is being kept a secret until gameday. Can’t wait to see him breaking tackles and making big plays. GO DAWGS!
ray ray
September 1st, 2009
8:38 pm
everyone is going to see why joe cox should have played more the past 3 years
joel
September 1st, 2009
8:39 pm
teebaby for criesman
Gratefuldawghead
September 1st, 2009
9:43 pm
GatorMan..A trip to Stillwater beats the hell out of opening with Charlston Southern! See you Halloween!
AltamahaDawg
September 1st, 2009
10:12 pm
We aren’t talking about freshmen taking up “starting” roles here. And Knowshon would have never started even if he had not RS his freshman year. He obviously wasnt ready to jump 4 spots (over 3 other NFL picks) or he would have. This is about depth, not a talent vacuum.
takedowndawg
September 1st, 2009
10:18 pm
gatorboy, this year is your twlight year and we all know what happens after the sun goes down. Tebow has left town and Meyers is two years behind him. Meyers knows where his bread has been buttered. First Harvin, then Tebow and Spikes then Meyers. It’s in the cards. Then what will you be left to think about?????? Glory days……like a young girl’s heart……Bruce Springstein. After this year, your best days are behind you. Give credit for having three or four good years. Prepare yourself while you have time. You wouldn’t want an unnecessary shock.
AltamahaDawg
September 1st, 2009
10:18 pm
That’s not actually 4 spots is it?
dawgstephen
September 1st, 2009
10:32 pm
Great rundown. Looking forward to seeing the guys on the field. would love to see orson shatter the gators bcs trophy again. only this time shatter it before they ever get their hands errrr….claws on it.
BREAKING NEWS: Tim Tebow walks to practice today..ON LAND. Contrary to popular opinion, he does still sink in water. Go dawgs.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
DavidPandGA
September 1st, 2009
10:52 pm
I belive Georgia should stick to a smash mouth approach. With starters returning from injury and and 220+ runnung back, we should wear down that soft OSU d. run,run, and play action to Greene.
GO DAWGS!!!
Topdawg
September 1st, 2009
11:03 pm
TampaGator you’re a moron, I know several REAL Gator fans that would like to meet you in a dark alley. You do realize that Tim Tebow’s freshmen year was Urban Cryer’s 1st national championship don’t you? And that team did not come anywhere close to losing five games that year, as a matter of fact I don’t think Urban Meyer has ever lost 5 games at UF. And it was the next season Teabag won the Heisman, if you like I can help with this year’s roster too. Oh and by the way I’m sure you can tell by the screen name I’m a Dawg fan myself, why is it that I know more about “your” team than you do? One word: Bandwagon! You jerks sicken me, you just root for the best team you can find that year. Who’s it gonna be next “TampaGator”, “TampaTrojan”? If you’re gonna go on another team’s blog and comment try not to embarrass the rest of the real fans that root for your supposed team. Geesh! What a douche!!
Flo-Ri-Duh!
September 2nd, 2009
12:16 am
Four! Three! Two! One! Gooooooooooooooooooooo Dawgs!
TXDawg (from Decatur to Mansfield, TX)
September 2nd, 2009
12:26 am
I think BobDawg is right…..I’m goin to the game and just set the DVR to record so I can break down the a$$whippin UGA will put on the Pokes some time on Sunday.
Boy what was I thinkin….I’ve been away from GA so long I’ve gotten used to seeing them on TV rather than actually being in the stadium!!
Say it again Flo-Ri-Duh
Gooooooooooooooooo Dawgs!!
Glenn
September 2nd, 2009
12:43 am
Dawgs 35 Cowboys 17
TampaDawg86
September 2nd, 2009
12:46 am
has anyone heard of redshirting Aaron Murray or not? I’d hate for him to not play this year and not get redshirted.
TampaGator
September 2nd, 2009
7:00 am
TopDawg…you are right, I am a total duche bag. The Gators did not lose 5 games in ‘07. They lost 4 games. It just felt like 10 defeats that year. But Tebow did win the Heisman in ‘07 and the Gators still lost 4 games because they were playing so many freshman…which was my point, which you did not obviously take time to comprehend. And what does the ‘06 NC season have anything to do with my post, dude? That team was loaded with senior leadership and therefore won, which is again my point. I suggest you learn to read better and stop the emotional, personal attacks on people who are just posting an opinion that is logical and makes sense at least (even if they make a minor numbers mistake). By the way, I will take on anyone concerning the Gators football program and history. And I don’t spend time in any dark ally. Nor do I have interest in hurting or insulting anyone.
TampaGator
September 2nd, 2009
7:02 am
Also TOP DAWG…my allegence to the Gators goes back to my childhood and I was a fan of the team before Spurrier arrived. Just wanted you to know.
Big Dawg
September 2nd, 2009
8:05 am
Carlton Thomas will end up being the starting TB for UGA…
MeanMachine
September 2nd, 2009
9:21 am
“KS” is an idiot.
Murray County Indian
September 2nd, 2009
9:28 am
Gilliard can’t be a three star recruit! We don’t take 3 star guys. And if he was then he can’t play, I don’t care what he has done in practice or in college games, the recruiting services can’t be wrong. Because if they were that’d mean 1) our coaches aren’t doing a good job of coaching ‘em up and 2) All the things I’ve posted about yech class is pure bs.
Brent Cunningham
September 2nd, 2009
9:31 am
So Top dawg decides who is a “real” gator fan and who isn’t, he’s the “decider”, lol. Got your but whipped 20 years in a row and counting, quit crying and be a MAN!
BruffDawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:14 am
The key is where the freshman play. They can have huge impacts on offensive skilled positions (other than qb), but be a serious liability on the o-line or defensive secondary. All just how you use them and coach them. AJ didn’t look much like a freshman by week three.
WNC DAWG
September 2nd, 2009
10:19 am
ATTENTION ALL DAWG FANS: DO YOU SMELL WHAT THE RICHT IS COOKING? THIS YEAR COULD BE SPECIAL!
BruffDawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:20 am
Three star recruits can turn into five star college athletes in no time. The starv system is the biggest problem with the recruiting services. I think i remember one of them listing Moreno as a three star, and we all know how that turned out. Was david greene a 4/5 star? I doubt it, but he did win more games than any other qb ever. You just can’t tell till they get there (king; hope im wrong about him).
murfdawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:59 am
The nice thing about the 10 freshmen that may play at OKST is that none of them are OL!!!
oledawg
September 2nd, 2009
1:11 pm
Quiet Good————–that’s the best way to describe this team. You can win a national championship ONLY with a TEAM mentality. Trust me—–this is a TEAM. I personally don’t see anyone beating them.
BigMike
September 2nd, 2009
2:15 pm
2010, 2011 UGA all the way to heaven ! Murfdog C Burnette is in the rotation, and at 6′4 305ibs and a valedictorian I’m sure his ability to pick up the offense is gonna come quick.
BigMike
September 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm
Brent Cunningham “20 years in a row? Are you serious? Let me refresh your memory “The great End Zone Dance of ‘07! Remember that???????
CollegeLevelAthletes.com
September 2nd, 2009
2:38 pm
It’s great to see true freshmen getting a chance to possibly step onto the field this season!
To see all of the nation’s top FOOTBALL RECRUITS… Visit us @
http://CollegeLevelAthletes.com
or Follow us on Twitter @
http://twitter.com/SPORTSRECRUITS
Brookcy
September 2nd, 2009
6:16 pm
They need to let Brandon Smith return punts and kickoffs
TampaGator
September 2nd, 2009
6:53 pm
BigMike…I think Brent “20 year” comment was more like a metaphor than a fact. But I do remember the ‘07 Gator team being filled with and playing a lot of freshman…and lost to Georgia and lost 4 games. You better hope your current season does not depend to greatly on the success of your talented freshman…as they are at least a year or two away from having any idea what they are doing in the SEC. Even A.J. Green will be a totally different player this year than he was last year…and Marlon Brown will just be a talented freshman who will make some great plays and then miss assignments that will cost Georgia a game or two. You win with seasoned talent, not freshman talent. Just saying.
Reality Check
September 3rd, 2009
9:26 am
TampaGator – You make a great point about freshmen. However, I think playing freshmen at the skill positions isn’t always a bad thing. Luckily for UGA, the only spots where many freshmen will be playing will be either at back up roles for the trenches and or skill positions. We have a few talented wide outs and two unreal freshmen tight ends. Our DL and OL have a ton of experience.
shards1967
September 3rd, 2009
12:51 pm
Ten frosh making the trip? NO big deal. That is what ANY school has to do now to recruit SKILL KIDS. The Gators will likely forget that Urban Liar was recently quoted as saying “red shirt is not what we do here” or the “unspoken word”. Last year, they started due to injuries a TRUE FROSH at corner and he was A American by year’s end. If you are good, you play NOW. See Eric Berry and AJ and Juilo as three key examples. Please ……….no more bad mouthing UGA as “having to play frosh out of sheer deseration”, folks. H Walker was a Frosh too and did ok, along with David Green and others.
If the kid is good ( usually a skill kid ) then he can play now and grow.
Enough said. Let’s tee em up all over the USA. GO SEC and Go Dawgs !!!!
Harry Dawg 73
LoelGator
September 4th, 2009
9:09 am
Dontavious Jackson is the smallest looking 200 pounder I have ever seen. I am a Jackson fan since high school and am surprised how dominating he was in HS but is always, I mean always tackled for losses at GA. How then does he stay hurt?