Cox brings vocal leadership to Bulldogs
Still a little bleary-eyed from a long day yesterday updating the blog, interviewing football players, watching an inning or so of baseball through the fence on Rutherford Street (thanks, Diamond Dave) and covering the Georgia-Vanderbilt basketball game.
But we press on. And fresh off of soliciting your opinions on what you want from this blog, I’m here to give you what you want. First a little football.
I spent just a couple of minutes talking to quarterback Joe Cox, who is going to be real tired of the press by the time preseason camp opens in just over five months. But Joe is one of those guys you just have to get a few words with no matter what the scenario because he’s just so accommodating and really energized about the team and his role on it.
In what has become a constant (and perhaps a little overplayed) theme for this offseason, Cox talked about trying to create more energy in the 2009 team through vocal leadership. “Everything was just kind of flat last season,” he said. “I mean, not the whole season, just at times. We’re trying to change that this year. We’re trying to have everybody step up and have more vocal guys on the field.”
One telling story Cox shared was from the first day of off-season conditioning. “The first time we did mat drills I remember the linemen came down from their station and the skill guys and everybody came together in the middle of the mats and started jumping up and down and yelling and going crazy for about five minutes. I’ve never seen anything like that before.”
On another subject, Cox was asked if he thought they’d put in some packages for his fleet-footed backup Logan Gray. “Absolutely. Anytime you have somebody who is a punt returner and a quarterback obviously he has some athletic skills that I don’t have,” Cox said with a laugh. “I could definitely see them doing that. We had put something in last year, we just never got a chance to run it. He’s definitely excited about it and has the ability to be that change-of-pace guy for us.”
Another player had had a brief conversation with was linebacker Marcus Dowtin. The rising sophomore talked about being in the greatest shape of his life and ready to show off for the coaches during spring practice, which starts in 19 days.
“I couldn’t wait for spring time to get here,” said Dowtin, who played in all 13 games and had 17 tackles and a forced fumble as a true freshman. “It’s time for me to work out a little harder and basically get ready to show what I got. I mean, I played a little last year but since the end of the season I’ve been waiting to show what I’ve really got and perform on the field.”
Dowtin doesn’t know where he’ll fit in with the linebacking corps — “we have a pretty strong group,” he said — but he hopes to play middle linebacker.
OK, with that football fix, here’s some links:
Here’s UGA’s report on last night’s Georgia baseball game against Presbyterian in which Bryce Massanari clubbed a grand slam. I missed that inning. . . .
And the carving begins. Coach Houston Nutt announced the dismissal of two Ole Miss players Wednesday for unspecified team rules violations. Neither Justin Sanders nor James Scott saw action last year for the Rebels, who you may recall signed 38 recruits to scholarships earlier this month. While checking out that story I stumbled across another. Did anybody else notice that one of those Ole Miss signees was Jamar Hornsby? He’s the safety that was kicked off of Florida’s team two years ago for running up more than $3,000 on a dead girl’s credit card. . . .
I keep meaning to add this link to a useful package we put together on traveling to Georgia football games this fall. If you plan on going to any you really should check it out. Even if you’re not, for that matter.
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73 comments Add your comment
Wil Walton
February 26th, 2009
3:56 pm
Blue: who is “we”? I don’t currently play for UGA. FYI, I was merely just pointing out the glass house in which most fringe college football fans live in. Not a comeback at all, not trying to “cut” anyone. Just a statement.
SEC lunchtime links: Quarterback job open at Auburn
February 26th, 2009
4:04 pm
[...] Georgia quarterback Joe Cox wants to be a vocal leader for the Bulldogs. [...]
vandy
February 26th, 2009
4:16 pm
Kiffin….if you dont see the Gator fans’ trash talking then you are either not reading, a gator fan, or just an idiot. Hey you could be all three???
Second….of course there are rednecks all over the south including GA….I never claimed any different or said anything about jorts or mullets…besides even you can understand that those types of jokes are good natured, right?
As far as Tech’s fine academic institution….you will get no arguement from me, Tech is a good school. That does not mean that UGA students are idiots. That doesnt mean that UGA is a crappy school either. It’s not like Tech is that great anyways there are plenty of better schools. This is about football though….and you’ll have to excuse us UGA fans if we get a little annoyed by GT fans talking any trash about football considering they have been terrible for years. I know, I know….what about 45-42? OK you got us last year. You do deserve a little trash talk. But calling another fan base dumb wont make your team any better at football, now will it?
Lastly, GT has not won any more Championships then UGA in the “modern era” as you say. I’m not sure what you consider to be the “modern era” but 1980 and 1991 arent very far apart, and GT’s was only a half anyway.
Have a nice day!
gdawginkalamazoo
February 26th, 2009
4:20 pm
Bama Stan, set us straight here for that 31-0 at the half is that your game versus us or the Sugar Bowl versus Utah? Actually a good post there. But can you tell us the difference between Ole Miss and those places that you named for his second chance? Also what’s the deal with Andre Smith? Any word from a Bama fan on what he is trying to accomplish at the combines? Seems like he has some bad advisors.
shane#1
February 26th, 2009
4:33 pm
Haters are on every blog and every school has them in their fan base. Most true haters are people with nothing better to do than hate kids that are just trying to play some football and get an education. They are not worth wasting your time on so scroll past their posts. ‘Nuff said about that. Cox may turn out to be a good leader, which is the most important part of a QB’s job. Also, Jeff Owens, Washington, Sturdivant, and Curran have talked openly about trying to be better leaders and setting an example for the younger guys. I like to hear an OT, DT, and a MLB talk like that because you can’t be a strong football team without being strong up the middle. That is true for offense and defense.
Hunk Erdown
February 26th, 2009
5:15 pm
There’s a couple of reasons beyond his personality that will aid Cox in his leadership role; the first and most obvious is that he’ll be a senior. I think most would agree that we saw with Stafford, talent alone don’t get it done. Maturity makes a huge difference.
The other reason is the fact that Cox has experienced being second fiddle with the vast majority of his game time being mop up duty. If and when some underclassman wide receiver complains that he’s not getting enough passes Cox will not only be able to understand the guy’s feelings but can also put him in his place, if necessary… Cox has paid the price to be where he is. I believe this was a big help to D.J. Shockley a few years ago. It won’t take “a few games to see what Cox can do” to earn the team’s respect… He’s earned it through attrition.
Isn’t it still true that Cox has never lost a game that he started in his whole life?
Jimmy
February 26th, 2009
5:40 pm
I don’t think Cox’s leadership abilities will have anything to do whether this team will win or not in 09. Can he throw a 15 yd out to the long side of the field where only his WR can catch it? Can he throw the fade to the back of the EZ from the 15 yd line where ONLY his WR can catch it?? Remember, UGA runs a pro style offense and the QB has to be able to make ALL of the throws in order to be successful. That means arm strength, accuracy, touch, and intelligence. I wonder how often he’ll be able to audible at the LOS early in the season? Leadership is overrated. If he can’t make the throws, the team won’t win. It’s that simple. We don’t need another Joe Tereshinski on this team.
Jimmy
February 26th, 2009
5:41 pm
Oh, and don’t tell me that Stafford could make all of the throws but he wasn’t very successful. He was very inconsistent, considering he had a gun of an arm. I don’t know how many times I threw crap at my TV as he overshot yet another bomb by a few yards at least. Stafford reminds me of Jeff George. Hopefully Cox will be more like David Greene, able to make all of the throws needed to win in this offense.
BurningRed/BleedingBlack
February 26th, 2009
5:53 pm
I love all of these haters on are blog. Don’t worry tech, UF, and hopefully Bama payback is hell! the dog will bite this year eat it!!!
Vent Cop
February 26th, 2009
6:21 pm
Gators, what do you say about another UF football player being arrested for rape.
Another year and another Florida football felon. Go Gators!
UGASlobberknocker
February 26th, 2009
6:26 pm
Atlanta Gator we all feel the same way. Any one who wants to turn his situation into a Gator bash best look in the mirror before speaking. No program with 85 kids is immune to a bad apple or two. And Meyer did get rid of him. It’s Nutt’s decision that I question, he knows what he is getting.
TampaGator
February 26th, 2009
6:40 pm
Wow! Is most everyone on here a two-year old? I am on here because I was interested in what Cox had to say as a football fan, not at a Florida fan. I read the AJC website because I used to live in Atlanta. And this is not a Georgia blog by the way, it is an AJC blog about football. I think Joe Cox is going to help Georgia be more competitive this year. You don’t have to be a great QB to help your team be great. But you have to have great players around you, and Cox has a lot of great players around him. I hope Cox and his teammates make the Georgia/Florida game more competitive this year. More fun that way. Even though Florida lost two years ago, the game was great to watch. And, by the way, Charles basically eliminated Florida because he does not have the academic records right now to get into Florida and the Florida coaches told him that, and his family knows that. If he signs with Georgia, he may be a non-qualifier there as well. He can get into USC, no problem. Probably Tennessee as well. Sign with Georgia and he has to get his assessment scores up and must improve his grades before the end of the school year. He would not have had the GPA to get into Florida from I have read down here in Tampa..he has not been a good student. Great guy. Wonderful guy. A great football player. Not a good student. So we will see what happens next. But basically he put off his decision because of his grades and qualifying issues. Georgia seems to take more risks on signing players that might not qualify than Florida does…that is not a put down…just a fact.
MountainDawg
February 26th, 2009
6:40 pm
Joe C. certainly has more heart/fire than Stafford (sans the cannon arm). I think he’ll be a solid QB (barring injury). Hopefully the TB’s will be solid as well, as they’re the real offensive question mark. WR Corps, FB, TE & OL should all be good.
patricksulley
February 26th, 2009
7:59 pm
Hi fans Timmie Tearbow here
I will guarantee another NC.
Me and the boyz will have been working hard all off season getting ready for the new
year.
Coach Myers and I will have been spooning together every night in our matching Nascar
PJ’s and we have been going to the hair salon every day after practice to get his spray tan
and butt cut hairdo looking extra special.
And if we don’t look just right I cry….you know like I did after the Ole Miss game. Yeah
I am sensitive I guess. We pretty much cry over everything down here in Gainsville.
I just put an emergency call in to Boy George and he’s going to be on the sideline during
practices. And will sing his number 1 hit single “do you really want to hurt me….do you
really want to make me cry?” everyday.
Gayturd Nation we need your support.
Please ask your bosses for the day off from your fast food jobs and show up for practices loud in proud in your all Orange and blue attire.
In case you didn’t hear Myers is asking for a “jort out” at each game to get everyone pumped up.
GO Gayturds, chomp chomp chomp.
Gamecock Henry
February 26th, 2009
8:33 pm
Hey My fellow mutts. how bout that Gamecock basketball team!!!! Well I think the gamecocks might spoil the big uga football party this year at the less intimidating sanford cow pasture. Can I hear the excuses now???? Oh moreno left early…. Our defensive coach is clueless. We have a new QB and RB… too many injuries.. bwah bwah bwah.. we are still stinging from the Tech loss. The dawgs were again lucky last year with a Gamecock fumble. UGa fans are still sick because their football team just cant put away those Gamecocks!!!!! You mutt fans better get your bottles Pepto ready when the mighty Gamecocks visit Athens!!!!
Nobody is scared of Joe Cox
February 26th, 2009
8:44 pm
mutt 3 loss or more in 09.
Mark Richt
February 26th, 2009
9:12 pm
But can he spoon like Stafford?
BobDog
February 26th, 2009
10:23 pm
Why do we go back and forth with these Tech people. Just ignore them and they’ll quit coming on here. Tech is just another game for Georgia. Yeah, every once in a while we go to sleep on them and they beat us, then we get ticked off and kick their butts for a few years again until we get bored. It’s the pinnacle of the season for them. It ranks just a little above beating Georgia Southern for us. Embarrassing if we lose, but not very satisfying when we win. Ho hum.
BobDog
February 26th, 2009
10:28 pm
And speaking of S. Carolina, we get them early in the season while they still think they have a chance to be something. We’re usually the first step in the tailspin for them, but every once in a while we let boredom get to us and they win. Ho double hum.
FLDAWG
February 27th, 2009
12:17 am
Joe Cox will be good for the Offense. Leadereship can not be overstated for a QB. He also needs some skill, but can overcome a lack of skill and talent by being a great leader. Example, David Green. He was a great leader with good, but not great talent. He didn’t have the strongest arm, he wasn’t the fastest, but he kept the offense on track with his leadership. His leadership was why D.J. Shockley didn’t see the field very much before his senior year. Shock, was the better athlete, with the better arm. However, Green had the leadership ability from the start and then made good decisions and thus never lost the starting job. Joe Cox will hopefully be a blend of Shock and Green providing leadership with more talent. Of course, Aaron Murray, Logan Gray and Zach Mettenberg may have something to say about who leads with the most talent. We have more to worry about with the D. Go Dawgs!
LOLDAWG
February 27th, 2009
8:25 am
It’s amazing all you Non-dawg fans have nothing better to do than browse Dawg blogs? What’s up with that? shameless I think. I just might jump on Tech , Bama, and of Course FL blogs and raise heck.
but–then I’d be like them, Nah, I’m not a loser, Keep posting to our blogs you idiots, It just means we are popular and we’ve gotten under your skin–Otherwise you would not be posting here would you????
FAF
February 27th, 2009
9:05 am
Why are Tech fans here? I’ll say it again – Tech = two 10 win seasons in over 50 years of playing ball / UGA = six ten win or more seasons out of the last seven years in the toughest conference in America…….it’s incredibly funny that when Tech does manage a win over UGA, they are so amazed by the feat that they have rings made to document the event because they know the price of gold may be too high the next time they do it again – so funny. And as for Tech getting better – there is a reason no one runs their offense anymore – see LSU bowl game – now that we know we will be looking at it every year, it will no longer be a novelty. Tech will only impress in the weak ACC…the NEW streak begins this year and it won’t even be close….UGA will romp. It is also beyond funny that a Tech fan would say something like, “UGA will always just be ranked in the top ten around 5 or 6″ What a laugher….UGA is the ONLY team since, I think 1986, that has made the top 25 EVERY YEAR without fail……nobody does it better, folks…..you Tech guys…you REALLY are sad.
DOGGIE IN NC
March 2nd, 2009
7:20 pm
Doggie’s defense will be the difference this year, with a more-than-capable Cox firing accurate passes to some of the best receivers in the nation. Cox will be the man this year – the leader we need. How ironic, Cox beats the Cocks!GO DOGGIES!