Catching up on the receivers . . .
With Wednesday’s word that Kris Durham is headed for shoulder surgery – and won’t play again until 2010 – it was time to revisit the issue of who, aside from A.J. Green, will catch passes for Georgia this year.
For all the talk this spring of replacing Matthew Stafford at quarterback and Knowshon Moreno at tailback, there’s the large matter of replacing Mohamed Massaquoi’s 58 catches last season at wide receiver.
Durham might have been a significant part of the answer, although, granted, he caught only 13 balls last year. Mark Richt said Durham would have been “a big part of what we’re doing” and “at least in our top four” receivers, and his loss “definitely puts a hole in what we would have had.” Durham will have surgery on his torn labrum next month, take a redshirt season in 2009 and play in 2010 as a fifth-year senior.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo frets the loss of Durham’s experience and admits he’s concerned about finding the numbers he needs at receiver.
“We are a pro-I team that plays the fullback, [but] our next formation involves three receivers, a tight end and one back. So you’ve got to have some guys – at least six that can play,” Bobo said Wednesday night. “There’s what we started doing last year – some four-wide stuff. Depth is a concern for me, for us, at the receiver position.”
Green, the SEC’s leading receiver as a freshman last year, has vowed to be better this year. He’s a given. But what about the rest of the receivers? Here’s a quick rundown, with comments from Richt and Bobo after practice Wednesday:
– Michael Moore: The rising senior caught 29 passes for 451 yards last season, had the best game of his career in the Capital One Bowl and has followed up with an excellent spring. “Outstanding, in my opinion,” Richt said of Moore’s spring. “He has been a great leader, and he really knows what to do. And he is one of the best blockers.” Bobo said Moore “has been very consistent [this spring], like he was at the end of 2007 and all of last year.”
– Tavarres King: He missed most of last season with an ankle injury and has gotten mixed reviews this spring. King “has got a ways to go yet,” Richt said, “but he’s progressing.” Richt added that Durham is “really taking TK under his wing right now.” Bobo said King “has got to step it up and be more consistent. He has shown flashes but hasn’t been as consistent as we’d like.”
– Tony Wilson: He missed most of last season with a torn ankle ligament after playing in 12 games (two starts) in 2007. He has participated in spring practice and is steadily working his way back. “Lord willing, he will continue to get stronger,” Richt said. “I see less and less hobbling. Looks like he’s going to be back to normal. And if he does that, it will really help us because he’s a very, very physical football player and has got good hands and is smart.” Richt said Wilson is about 10 pounds heavier than he needs to be. Bobo said flatly: Wilson “is going to have to play for us.”
– Israel Troupe: He played sparingly (four catches) as a redshirt freshman last season. In a scrimmage last Saturday, he was part of the day’s biggest offensive play, a 64-yard TD pass from Aaron Murray. Neither Richt nor Bobo brought up his name yesterday. Will have to follow up about him.
– Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten: Both remain in high school – Brown in Memphis and Wooten in Belle Glades, Fla. – and will report to Athens this summer. “I fully expect when those two young guys come in, we’re going to have to get [them] ready to play,” Bobo said.
— Branden Smith and Orson Charles: Two more members of the 2009 recruiting class who will join the program this summer. Smith was signed principally as a cornerback and Charles as a tight end. But Richt said Wednesday both could chip in at wide receiver. “We could take a guy like Branden Smith and use his abilities,” Richt said. “He’s going to be a corner – we’re not moving him to receiver – but there might be ways we can use him.” And: “Orson Charles is absolutely qualified to play tight end or receiver,” Richt said. “So [the need at receiver] may diversify his role a little bit, although we thought about those two guys anyway as offensive weapons.”
Bottom line: “I think we’ve got a core group,” Bobo concluded, “but we need more consistency.”
So . . . what’s your take on the receivers?
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98 comments Add your comment
hoopdog
April 9th, 2009
1:04 pm
is this really that important? losing a WR who only averaged about 1 catch per game? also, let me speak for stafford and moreno by saying, “eat it you blog nerds…i’m about to make about $20 million!”
Mike_UGA
April 9th, 2009
1:16 pm
I think we will be ok without Durham. Aj and Marlon should start and thats hard to stop already just them two. Then u throw in a quick wooten and king for reverses and stuff and orson will open up the middle of the field. and Smith can be the next percy hervin if UGA uses him right which i doubt they will. In my opinion the I-Form needs to go. Ur not going to win a national title playing smash mouth football. u mite can in the nfl but not college. u need an open playbook like a texas spread or a florida spread wit tebow and percy. i form is easily shut down when playing sec defenses week in and week out. The fullback needs to be used less. we use the fullback more than the tight end last year!! and thats a no no when it comes to UGA becus we constintely have NFL caliber TE’s and they should get the ball!!
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
1:17 pm
Cool. Thanks Tim. It seems like we could just switch up the sets if we become comfortable with Aron and even move him inside/outside occasionally.
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
1:18 pm
Mike_UGA, The spread requires even more wide receivers due to the pace. Right now, we just can’t do it.
Exley DAWG
April 9th, 2009
1:23 pm
Folks, Losing Durham will definitely hurt. Anytime you lose a starting senior its foolish to say it won’t matter. The one thing that helps with this is Joe Cox is very accurate and has a good touch on his passes so some of these younger guys should be able to produce. Not to bash Stafford but we all remember his freshman year when he was throwing rocket passes that none of our recievers could catch.
GradyGrad96
April 9th, 2009
1:27 pm
My faith in this fan base is being restored. Glad we have some folks out there who are not part of the lunatic fringe.
Cameron
April 9th, 2009
2:04 pm
Dawgilama Deux:
Carlton Thomas in the slot? Are your retarded? One of the reasons Durham will be missed is because we’re now left with a bunch of slot receivers…aside from A.J. and T.K. Why in the world would we put a RB in a slot in a 4 wide set?
Let’s see. Carlton Thomas is fast, quick and shifty. He has great hands out of the backfield. If we wanted to run a four WR set and needed someone in a pinch, who would go there? He also has helped make a name for himself with his return game abilities. What makes a good punt returner or kickoff returner? Open field running, vision, and good hands. What are some of the best skills Carlton Thomas possesses? Open field running, vision, good hands. Tell me again, why I am retarded? Obviously, you never played the game of football.
Last year when we lacked depth at TE, Sutherland ended up seeing reps there. Are you retarded? A FB at TE. Oh wait, if you need someone for a position you want to put someone there that has the best skill set for that position. Regardless, of whatever position they are currently playing.
All we have is slot WRs on the roster? Are you serious. The only one we truly have is Tavares King. Mike Moore converted from the outside because he knew that was his best chance to see the field. I don’t even think TK is playing the slot right now. Tony Wilson, outside. AJ, outside. Marlon, outside. Wooten, slot. Durham, outside. Troupe, outside (probably could play slot though). Again, who is the retard?
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
2:14 pm
If memory serves, we did sometimes line up tyson browning as a slot receiver a few times, so it is not implausible. On the other hand, that was a “wrinkle” in the offense and not a full time deal.
austindog
April 9th, 2009
2:18 pm
Huh, do you think either Moreno or Stafford honestly debated not leaving early for the glory of old Georgia? Of course they worked hard while they were here, just like most every other student works hard on preparing for their career while they’re in college. Good for them. Great for them. But an alternate view of how I see it is comparing the college basketball careers of any one-and-done NBA phenom and Tyler Hansborough. That’s a comparison that holds true.
austindog
April 9th, 2009
2:26 pm
and I can’t believe I’m putting any effort into explaining this because those guys made the same decision most anyone would make. But it does bother me when folks try to speak for all Georiga fans collectively and explain the correct way to feel about things. It’s like the Emporor Wore No Clothes, “only those who are are not true Georgia fans would disagree…”
DawgGirl32
April 9th, 2009
2:26 pm
Austindog- From what I’ve heard, Tyler Hansborough isn’t expected to be selected high in the NBA draft….Stafford and Moreno are NFL first-rounders with millions of dollars on the line. Hansborough had no reason to leave early for the draft. I think that might be a key difference.
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
2:46 pm
To me the main criteria is do they come back as alumni. Stafford has already been back. Commitment to UGA is more than five years. At least mine is.
Saint Simons
April 9th, 2009
2:56 pm
45-42!!!!!!! hahahahahaahahaha
oldirtydog
April 9th, 2009
3:24 pm
Anyone who is saying Marlon Brown needs to start without him even have enrolled needs to chill out. I’d like to hear more about Israel Troupe though myself.
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
3:58 pm
31-17, 15-12, 14-7, 19-13, 34-17, 51-7, 31-17!!!!!!!hahahahahaahahaha
Sigh. Nerds.
AltamahaDawg
April 9th, 2009
3:58 pm
You would hope we can return to some semblance of a pass play to the TE this year.
1970dawg
April 9th, 2009
4:49 pm
The only retards I know of are the coaches at UGA that for whatever reason want big tall wide receivers. Thats what they recruit, and that’s why the roster is loaded with big receivers. Durham want be missed at all. The kid was too slow, too thin, and he had absolutely no speed. He wasn’t going to be counted on to be a playmaker this year, truth is the kid has been there 3 years and I can’t think of a big play he has ever made. This is simply the retard coaches at UGA trying to make injuries their excuse again this year for getting outcoached again. Funny thing is I don’t know what excuse they will use after they get out recruited by every team in SEC east except Vandy&Ky. this year. Accept the facts, they are lazy, overrated, and over paid. They got lazy in 2006, and only got 2 of the top 10 players in the state. Looks like the same thing is happening again.
nwizzle dawg
April 9th, 2009
4:52 pm
I dont get how some people think that Marlon Brown wont step in and produce right away, although i agree with that he’s not as good as AJ(Outside of maybe Jones at Ala., who is?). The predominate scouting assesment of Brown’s talent level reminds me alot of Calvin Johnson when he came out of high school. I remember that Rivals had him as a “four star” and ranked #5 or #6(alot like Brown is) and most of it was because he only ran a 4.5(lol), and he played at Sandy Creek, who at the time did not play the best of the best schools, and we all see how accurate that assessment was.
Brown will be huge, and everybody in the SEC knows it.
FLDAWG
April 9th, 2009
5:04 pm
Durham is a loss simply because of his experience in the program. However, there are plenty of receivers with the potential to step up and replace him. Brown as a Freshman has the ability to come in and be that man. Troup and T. King have experience in the program and enough talent to surpass Durham. Then we have Moore and Wilson who also have experience and better athletic ability than Durham. Charle also has talent and size to come in and be a threat. The bottom line for the receiving corps is that someone needs to step up. This their opportunity to seperate themselves from the rest. Will they do it? We will find out.
Deep Ball
April 9th, 2009
5:26 pm
I’m just excited about having a better deep ball thrower in Cox. There’s no question, Stafford could throw the football, but in his 3 years as a starter how many balls did we see get over/underthrown vs long completions (that had arc)? I think Cox will throw the deep ball better than Staff, and I’m excited about seeing some long touchdowns that seem to happen for other top 10 teams a lot more than our beloved Dawgs.
Losing Durham will hurt, but there should be plenty of talent to step up.
Joe Cox=Joe Tereshinski
April 9th, 2009
5:44 pm
Who will catch the bubble screens this year? Time to return to the UGA offense of old, now that you have another noodle arm back there.
SugarHillDawg
April 9th, 2009
6:13 pm
The apocalyse is upon us! Yellowblood telling us we have no QB.Josh Nesbitt will make Reggie ball look like Joe Montana. Why do these Tech Geeks think Cox is a bum?
Joe
April 9th, 2009
6:25 pm
For those of you that think Durham doesn’t have hadns yall are idiots. Yes everyone throws out the one dropped catch at Flordia but he was sliding through the endzone with a db jumping right in front of him its hard for anyone to make that catch. Durham has hands or else he wouldn’t on the field as the number 1 receiver. You are right they don’t look at him to be a big play receiver but whats wrong with that the last few “big play receivers” georgia has recruited never turned out to be that(momass). Everybody also says that all these incoming freshmen are gonna be starting anyway. Well I would rather have an experienced receiver rather then a bunch of potentials. Cause a potential can turn out good but it also can be a bust. Losing Durham will hurt but like somebody said earlier that just means we will have a much more experienced team in 2010 when we know who our starting QB will be.
Hunk Erdown
April 9th, 2009
6:28 pm
I guess this injury is pretty serious compared to his freshman year when he hurt his ankle after stepping into an empty coke bottle.
AltamahaDawg
April 9th, 2009
7:08 pm
I guess you didn’t hear that “retard” has been banned from the current lexicon. Of cource that seems to be the only flaw in your infinate wisdom and overall pleasant personality.
Tom
April 9th, 2009
7:42 pm
No one has mentioned how Durham was injured. Probably trying to set the receivers record for the bench press? This injury matters now and will even more when it is one of 16-18. Also starts the list of “season ending injuries” we all like to tout.
We are deeper at receiver than at DE or DL. Just hope we don’t burn a year on Wooten or Brown and then not use them. (ie Richard Samuel)
Wish Kris the best, hope he rehabs well and quickly, and that he has a great year in 2010 since he has worked awfully hard and had more than his share of setbacks.
Jim
April 9th, 2009
7:52 pm
I think Moore will be the go to guy accross the middle and Troupe will be the darkhorse suprise.
looserdawg
April 9th, 2009
8:20 pm
I think he was injured trying to outrun an Athens Cop to avoid a DUI
hop
April 9th, 2009
8:25 pm
i hope our coaches are not trying to make excuses for the loss of durham.
he is a good kid, who has made a few catches but he is not a go to type of receiver.
we have plenty of receivers plus two- three outstanding frosh who will be playing this year.
lets just hope the defense and offense lines are not hit again with injuries!
Jimmy
April 9th, 2009
8:52 pm
Ironic, how that LOSER poser tried spelling LOSER as LOOSER. It’s ironic, because indeed he is a LOSER, while his mother is LOOSER than most.
About the G Day game. I can’t wait to see how the 1st string O does against the 1st string D.
Fools Gold
April 9th, 2009
8:55 pm
The injury excuse is already creeping in and more will follow. Fire van Halanger and bring back van Gorder is the new battle cry. Strength and conditioning along with Willies progessively inept defense is catching up with the dawgs. Golly darn why does IF have to be such a big word for mutt fans?
big dawg
April 9th, 2009
9:34 pm
not to worry my fellow dawgs, we WILL be playing texas for all the marbles come next january….trust me on this one,,i would not steer you wrong… yes we may lose a game this year,but we will still be there…i’m telling you, there’s an intangable on this team that NOBODY is taking into consideration…
oh yeah, i’ve got a couple of connections out in the midwest area, and they’re saying that if we get by ok.st., who a few of them are predicting to win the big 12 south, that we will truly be a team to be dealt with.
as for all y’all fla folks, we’ve got something for ya this year
for the techsters, we all know,including y’all, know that was a fluke
and the south carolina fans,well, i’ll give it to ya, this is one game that i always worry about
everyone else,including LSWHO,who will struggle at the qb position, this is gonna be a different uga team!!!!!
Jimmy in Gainesville
April 9th, 2009
9:57 pm
We’re looking at the wrong problem. It’s the defense (or should I say lack of defense)? With Willie doing the defensive game plan, the offense can score 45 and still lose. I can’t believe how little I’m excited about dawg football this year. Willie has needed to go for a lone time… maybe this will be the year he goes and we can get a DC that knows how to win and knows how to make defensive adjustments. One WR don’t make any difference compared to a an awful defensive coordinator. I still want a change!!!!!!
Cuz
April 9th, 2009
10:48 pm
Sorry, I have been preoccupied with beer runs for John Daly in Augusta. Is there some other sporting event going on this weekend other than the Masters?
Cuz
April 9th, 2009
10:50 pm
big dawg, I like your dudeattitude. Keep it up.
Hey we are all undeafeated right now, bring it on baby.
Jimmy
April 9th, 2009
10:51 pm
Cuz,
What exactly are you implying my man? YOU tell ME if there is some other sporting event going on this weekend besides the G Day game??
Haha(I refuse to LOL)
Cuz
April 9th, 2009
10:53 pm
I am trying to convince John Daly to come to G-day and play Knocking On Heavens Door with the Redcoat Band at halftime. Well he did it with Hootie and the Goldfish Tuesday night. It could happen.
Cuz
April 9th, 2009
10:57 pm
Jimmy, you are a true Son of the South. I generally refuse to speak in text-a-nese also. Well unless I have to reply to a text and I hate it. It takes me five times longer than calling. Of course I am an old gaseous emmison.
Cuz
April 9th, 2009
11:01 pm
big dawg, can we play football in January instead of marbles. The same kid who stole my lunch money took my best shooter.
Pimento cheese sandwiches anyone. Someone tell the UGA stadium that I got a diet coke today with a souvenier Masters cup for a buck. A buck, what were they thinking?
Cuz
April 9th, 2009
11:06 pm
What happened to Hugh Durham? How did he get injured? Was that him with Bobby Knight in the Guitar Hero commercial. Man the guy is to old to be sliding across hardwood floors in his soxs. Probably a hip replacement, then start rehabing with some Sinatra kereoke.
WR talk - SECTalk Forums
April 9th, 2009
11:41 pm
[...] Catching up on the receivers . . . | UGA Sports With Wednesday’s word that Kris Durham is headed for shoulder surgery – and won’t play again until 2010 – it was time to revisit the issue of who, aside from A.J. Green, will catch passes for Georgia this year. For all the talk this spring of replacing Matthew Stafford at quarterback and Knowshon Moreno at tailback, there’s the large matter of replacing Mohamed Massaquoi’s 58 catches last season at wide receiver. Durham might have been a significant part of the answer, although, granted, he caught only 13 balls last year. Mark Richt said Durham would have been “a big part of what we’re doing” and “at least in our top four” receivers, and his loss “definitely puts a hole in what we would have had.” Durham will have surgery on his torn labrum next month, take a redshirt season in 2009 and play in 2010 as a fifth-year senior. Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo frets the loss of Durham’s experience and admits he’s concerned about finding the numbers he needs at receiver. “We are a pro-I team that plays the fullback, [but] our next formation involves three receivers, a tight end and one back. So you’ve got to have some guys – at least six that can play,” Bobo said Wednesday night. “There’s what we started doing last year – some four-wide stuff. Depth is a concern for me, for us, at the receiver position.” Green, the SEC’s leading receiver as a freshman last year, has vowed to be better this year. He’s a given. But what about the rest of the receivers? Here’s a quick rundown, with comments from Richt and Bobo after practice Wednesday: – Michael Moore: The rising senior caught 29 passes for 451 yards last season, had the best game of his career in the Capital One Bowl and has followed up with an excellent spring. “Outstanding, in my opinion,” Richt said of Moore’s spring. “He has been a great leader, and he really knows what to do. And he is one of the best blockers.” Bobo said Moore “has been very consistent [this spring], like he was at the end of 2007 and all of last year.” – Tavarres King: He missed most of last season with an ankle injury and has gotten mixed reviews this spring. King “has got a ways to go yet,” Richt said, “but he’s progressing.” Richt added that Durham is “really taking TK under his wing right now.” Bobo said King “has got to step it up and be more consistent. He has shown flashes but hasn’t been as consistent as we’d like.” – Tony Wilson: He missed most of last season with a torn ankle ligament after playing in 12 games (two starts) in 2007. He has participated in spring practice and is steadily working his way back. “Lord willing, he will continue to get stronger,” Richt said. “I see less and less hobbling. Looks like he’s going to be back to normal. And if he does that, it will really help us because he’s a very, very physical football player and has got good hands and is smart.” Richt said Wilson is about 10 pounds heavier than he needs to be. Bobo said flatly: Wilson “is going to have to play for us.” – Israel Troupe: He played sparingly (four catches) as a redshirt freshman last season. In a scrimmage last Saturday, he was part of the day’s biggest offensive play, a 64-yard TD pass from Aaron Murray. Neither Richt nor Bobo brought up his name yesterday. Will have to follow up about him. – Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten: Both remain in high school – Brown in Memphis and Wooten in Belle Glades, Fla. – and will report to Athens this summer. “I fully expect when those two young guys come in, we’re going to have to get [them] ready to play,” Bobo said. — Branden Smith and Orson Charles: Two more members of the 2009 recruiting class who will join the program this summer. Smith was signed principally as a cornerback and Charles as a tight end. But Richt said Wednesday both could chip in at wide receiver. “We could take a guy like Branden Smith and use his abilities,” Richt said. “He’s going to be a corner – we’re not moving him to receiver – but there might be ways we can use him.” And: “Orson Charles is absolutely qualified to play tight end or receiver,” Richt said. “So [the need at receiver] may diversify his role a little bit, although we thought about those two guys anyway as offensive weapons.” Bottom line: “I think we’ve got a core group,” Bobo concluded, “but we need more consistency.” So . . . what’s your take on the receivers? [...]
SamoanDawg
April 9th, 2009
11:51 pm
We’ll be alright at WR. Izz Troupe is the kid that I think will be a dependable guy at 3rd or 4th WR.
My top 3:
AJ Green
Mike Moore
Izz Troupe
Marlon Brown still to be determined, we’ll see how quick he picks up the system.
skilet
April 10th, 2009
2:40 am
Samoan.
Your right on the money with that one. We will be fine. It seemed that Durham was always hurt anyway. I was always waiting on something special and it never happened. I did think he was going to break out during Bama last year. He had back to back catches and got hurt on the 2nd. That was his season. Not very impressive.
And if anyone thinks that Marlon and Wooten wont be the real deal are fooling themselves. Look what Aj accomplished, I expect these two to do the same or even more this year. Since Durham is gone, it will give us the Op to use some of the more talented younger guys.
Bamafan
April 10th, 2009
4:20 am
AJ Green and Marlon Brown sure be called lethal weapons 2 coming to Athens in September!!
Hunk Erdown
April 10th, 2009
4:55 am
I am intrigued by the mention (or lack of mention) concerning Israel Troupe. Quite a little cliff hanger there.
I had heard that he was less than passionate about a willingness to practice blocking during workouts and scrimmages, but I didn’t think it was such a big deal. Maybe its something else, but there sure was a lot of hype around his recruitment and signing and not much of anything since. If there is a story with him I sure am interested in hearing it.
Around The SEC East - 4/10/09 | MrSEC.com
April 10th, 2009
9:15 am
[...] coverage… Georgia is hoping for a record crowd tomorrow.UGA: Mark Richt and Mike Bobo talked about the wideouts vying to replace injured starter Kris Durham this fall. (Durham was expected to replace Mohamed [...]
robodawg
April 10th, 2009
9:31 am
Michael Moore had some fantastic catches last year and looked to me like he’d eventually be a starter. For depth and a consistent threat when the starters aren’t in, we’ll need King, Troupe and Wilson to step up and we’ll need some freshmen to be as good as advertised and ready to play. Sounds like the magic number is 6 guys that can be reliable threats and game-ready every week, and out of those, we need at least 2 stars. Barring injuries, I believe we’ll be alright.
Dawg Tired
April 11th, 2009
8:20 pm
Durham can catch the ball! Apparently something many of the receivers can’t do based on today’s G-Day Game.