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
ALBDAWG3000
April 9th, 2009
6:45 am
I dont think losing Durham is that big a deal ……I think a Marlon Brown A.J Green duo was inevitable anyway ……but im telling you Rantavious wooten is going to be a real player for UGA from the moment he steps on campus I saw him play last year and he is a true game changer he patterns his game after another great Belle Glades player santonio Holmes…….dont worry Dawg fans you will see…………..
Spike
April 9th, 2009
6:52 am
Losing Durham will hurt. The guy has great hands, maybe the best on the team. But among those mentioned there is a diamond in the rough if they get healthy. What we really need to worry about is the defense and the kicking game.
Dawg4life
April 9th, 2009
7:54 am
Um, I’m pretty sure there’s a guy named A.J. Green that has the best hands on the team. I don’t think the loss of Durham will hurt that much. I think if at least one the duo that will be there in the spring (Wooten or Brown) shows up and proves he can play right away, then we’ll be fine. Having Durham would’ve been nice, but he was inconsistent at best last year (half his yards came in the first game against GSU). It might be best if he can continue to take guys like TK under his wing and help them this year, so that next year when he returns to full strength, we’ll have even more experience returning.
BHAMDAWG
April 9th, 2009
8:00 am
Durham has never been a breakout receiver. We will loose some valuable experience at the position, but the new talent level is better overall. Our receivers slways seem to play too “tight” and maybe the new guys will let it loose for a change. Green, T.K., Marlon, and Wooten are blazers. Moore and Troup are excellent 3rd down guys. The walk on Spellman kid is not that bad either. We will be fine.
yellowblood
April 9th, 2009
8:03 am
Recievers don’t really matter. UGAG has no QB. I feel another great Tickle Pile Cuming.
reality check
April 9th, 2009
8:08 am
It is going to depend on injuries. We have some talent and experience, and even with the loss of Durham we have enough numbers to get by…but losing another receiver or two to injuries would be a problem.
Bulldawg Billy
April 9th, 2009
8:13 am
Here we go with the injury crap again,what is up with our conditioning program ?
godawg
April 9th, 2009
8:14 am
Please follow up on Troupe. He was such a big signee and I know he was hurt most of last year bur surely he is not turning out to be a bust.
Bulldawg Billy
April 9th, 2009
8:15 am
This years QB will be far superior to the over rated M Stafford.
GeoffDawg
April 9th, 2009
8:19 am
If Orson Charles is all he’s cracked up to be, I think we’ll have the depth. Playing a hybrid role was one of the main reasons he stated he wanted to go to UGA in the first place. Hopefully also, this will be the kick in the pants that some of the players like Tony Wilson need to finally step up and fight for significant playing time. In any case, it’s a blow to lose Durham but at the very least, we’re guaranteed to senior leadership and experience next year when we know that we’ll have a new QB starting again.
BHAMDAWG
April 9th, 2009
8:31 am
Mark Richt– take this as an opportunity to be unpredictable. Run some plays with B Smith, Charles, even Rambo or Nick Williams at receiver. Break the mold and go back to the “ROOTS” of FSU!
ALBDAWG3000
April 9th, 2009
8:39 am
I think Branden smith is best served as cornerback looking at his game film i was extremely impressed ,but there is only one champ bailey , he would be best serving Gerogia as a punt returner and a lockdown corner ……but orson charles on the other hand plug him in immedaitely and get him the ball that guy has the potential to be better than Ben Watson and Randy McMicheal and thats saying something ………..
Voice of Reason
April 9th, 2009
8:52 am
I can definitely see B. Smith taking a good reverse or end around to the house this year.
CurlyHeadedDevil
April 9th, 2009
9:09 am
Apparently the author of this blog did not read the blog on recruiting by Michael Carvell. The dawgs are going to be so talented at every position this fall we won’t even notice Durham’s absence. Not until we take the field against an opponent anyway!
we had a great gameplan but failed to execute
April 9th, 2009
9:16 am
i don’t know if any of them will be able to function without matthew stafford to throw them passes.
i’m sure the dropped balls this year by aj green (every year we have a great reciever as a freshman turn in to a headcase his sophomore year – bailey,gibson,momass, and now aj??) will be primarily due to the fact that we don’t have a quarterback that isn’t a highly regarded NFL prospect.
but in the end, to quote coach richt, “as long as the recievers execute the gameplan, we will be fine.” We are 7 time national champion if we execute our gameplan.
And just for fun, I’m starting today to count how many more times chip towers mentions matthew stafford for the rest of the season. So far, he has been in just about every post.
Anyone want to bet on the over/under????
I’m done mentioning stafford. he is gone gone gone – thank god and greyhound. Joe cox is the man.
p.s.- the truth is that we need hines ward and ben watson to come back and spend a little time with our recieving corps….
Otto
April 9th, 2009
9:18 am
Durham has not been the headliner like AJ or MoMass but he is a 3rd wr that doesn’t get double teamed with sure hands. He is a valuable player on 3rd downs. I am still more concerned about UGA’s DL and DBs.
AltamahaDawg
April 9th, 2009
9:28 am
I think we need to bet the over and under of how many times you whine about game plans.
GeoffDawg
April 9th, 2009
9:59 am
gameplan – you do realize this was posted by Tim Tucker today, not Chip Towers? Try to be a little more on top of things when you bash someone.
Brian
April 9th, 2009
10:20 am
Why do we seem to contend with an unbelievable amount of injuries every year? It seems like season in, season out we always have about 20 guys who have lost a limb! What is going on?
Hearing about our “depth” problems due to injuries is getting old! Someone needs to take some vitamins or figure out a better way to train players.
Huh?
April 9th, 2009
10:21 am
Quite frankly, I have never understood all the hub bub about Kris Durham. The coaches have always talked him up alot but on gamedays I don’t see much production. I’m just being honest. I’m sure he’s a hard worker and all. Losing a potential starter is never a good thing, but I think we’ll be alright.
Huh?
April 9th, 2009
10:28 am
Another day and more whining about gameplans and injuries. You whiners are always right, LSU, Florida, and Alabama do not have to worry about gameplans and injuries. They are perfect. So please be my guest and join their ranks. You will not be missed. I can assure you of that.
exNFLplayer
April 9th, 2009
10:41 am
WR is not exactly a problem area for UGA. Plenty of talent at that position.
Cameron
April 9th, 2009
10:46 am
Wooten was going to see the field A LOT no matter if Durham is healthy or not. He will be Mike Moore’s top backup and offers a skill set that no other receiver we have on campus has. He is a Wes Welker type, but faster. Obviously, he won’t have the route running skills that Welker has, but he has the quickness and home run ability. He will see the field.
You might also see someone like Carlton Thomas play in one of the slots for 4-wide sets. But, maybe this means we will run more smash mouth football. I hope so, our line is going to be nasty and we have a good stable of backs.
WR will not be a problem. What is now a problem is we will have one less scholarship available for 2010. There are some outstanding WRs we after. I hope this doesn’t limit us from taking an extra elite WR. I would rather have the guarantee of Durham, but the limitless potential of an incoming, electrifying WR is very enticing as well.
GradyGrad96
April 9th, 2009
10:48 am
I really don’t get all the negativity around Stafford and Moreno. The entire team, including the offensive line was plagued by injuries last season. Prior to last season the team didn’t have a WR who could always be counted on to catch a pass. A cold maybe, but passes were another problem.
It’s as if the insane fan base expected Stafford to bring home championship after championship each year. If Stafford had gotten hurt last year, the best that team would have done is 6-6, maybe 7-5.
I hope Joe Cox turns out to surprise me. I’m not holding my breath. But if Joe is so great, why could he never crack the starting lineup? Maybe it’s just because he is not as good.
This is one instance where the UGA fan base is proving to be as nutty as everyone describes. The team’s QB last year could very well be the number one draft pick, and a large part of the fan base is hoping the door hits him in the butt as he leaves.
Lot of rose-colored glasses in this fanbase. If you fall into the category of Stafford bashers, why not just admit you expected an SEC and National Championship every year, and you need someone to blame for the team’s failings? You felt as though you were sold a bill of goods full of gold and when you opened the box all you found was lead.
It’s obvious to the sane people. Games are not just delivered. And honestly, UGA was not a better team than Bama or Florida or even Tech last year.
To blame Stafford for all he did to make the team successful is just plain ignorant. If you want to point fingers, point them at the coaching staff or injuries. But to point the finger at the one person who put together a great season is just moronic. I guess it was Stafford’s problem the defense was as horrific as it was.
This fanbase has lost connection to reality.
DawgGirl32
April 9th, 2009
10:53 am
GradyGrad- That’s just one delusional person’s opinion….not the entire fanbase. The majority of the fanbase appreciates Stafford.
ALBDAWG3000
April 9th, 2009
10:58 am
I say let Sander Commings play a little reciever have yall checked out his highschool gametape……..
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
11:00 am
I think it may be okay to mention the players exiting and their production when discussing their replacements. It provides context you haters. I also think Georgia football players don’t cease to be Dawgs when they leave campus; therefore, they are fair game for a UGA blog topic.
Tim/Chip, could one of you follow up on Aaron White as an option too? He came in as a hybrid and despite gaining some weight, he is still not a big TE.
Too bad I haven’t seen/heard much about our RBs being able to catch out of the backfield; that could be the attribute of Knowshon’s (FORMER PLAYER ALERT) absence that hurts the most.
David
April 9th, 2009
11:11 am
I think Georgia will be fine at WR but there is no doubt that losing Durham does hurt but hopefully the young guys can step up and be big time playmakers..after all that’s what Georgia does best!
GO DAWGS
Dawgilama Deux
April 9th, 2009
11:14 am
I’m a big fan of Durham…He’s been a good Dawg, but he’s similar to Kenneth Harris. He’s a big target…He’s fundamentally sound (route running/blocking/catching)…He’s a hard worker…He stays out of trouble. BUT, I get tired of hearing about his GREAT hands. Seriously, I can think of quite a few passes that he’s dropped, and should’ve caught (touchdown in the chest against Florida), and he certainly hasn’t made any outstanding catches. He doesn’t have any Gamebreaking abilities, but he’s an experienced, knowledgable and dependable option at WR, nonetheless. He’ll be missed, a lot, but only because we’re so short (in numbers and height) at WR.
As for the freshmen coming in, you people need to slow your roll on Marlon Brown. He’s gonna be good, he’s got talent, but he’s not nearly as polished a receiver as A.J. as an incoming freshmen. Marlon also played against competition similar to GISA in Georgia. But, he’s obviously got the tools, otherwise he wouldn’t be one of the top incoming WR’s in the country. Just don’t think he’s gonna show up this fall and be lining up across from A.J. on Day 1. This doesn’t mean he won’t EVENTUALLY have an impact…just slow your roll.
Dawgilama Deux
April 9th, 2009
11:19 am
Does everyone just assume Durham is “surehanded” because he’s white?
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?
Huh?
April 9th, 2009
11:41 am
GradyGrad, Joe clearly has the “it factor” that Stafford lacked. What is the “it factor” you ask? Hell if I know, but Joe has got it. For one thing, Joe is a team guy because he has waited his turn as a backup for 3 years, whereas Stafford is all about Stafford because he was selfish enough to take the starting job when the coaches offered it to him. I really don’t care what happens to Stafford in the NFL because having 1st round draft picks and NFL players doesn’t really help us at all. We don’t want to recruit guys that want to start in college and then go on to the NFL. They aren’t team players.
That was sarcasm of course. These idiots are in la la land.
ALBDAWG3000
April 9th, 2009
11:43 am
Him being white has nothing to do with it ……these blogs are about numbers not race ……….
ALBDAWG3000
April 9th, 2009
11:44 am
and i still believe hes not surehanded as well
Dawgilama Deux
April 9th, 2009
11:49 am
Then please explain to me, with numbers, how Durham has validated being “surehanded”. I just think it’s a very common misconception that all white receivers have great hands. It’s annoying to see people say that Durham has great hands, or is “surehanded”, but have no basis for the claim….other than him being white. So, ALBDAWG, him being white actually has everything to do with the point I’m making. I’m not being a racist or making a racist comment, I’m just pointing out a clear misconception made by sports fans who don’t know what they’re talking about. Apparently, you are one of these fans.
Dawgilama Deux
April 9th, 2009
11:53 am
“…Staffor is all about Staffor because he was selfish enough to take the starting job when the coaches offered it to him.”?????????? That’s easily the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this blog.
austindog
April 9th, 2009
11:58 am
GradyGrad, you are correct, but what fan base doesn’t watch their team with rose colored glasses? And the Bama, Gator, and GT fans in here are just as convinced their teams are instead the true “God’s gift.” If you’re looking for a rational debate, discussing college football is the wrong place.
As for Stafford and Moreno, they are great players, but they never won a title and left early, Moreno after 2 years. You think either of them honestly debated not leaving early for the glory of old Georgia? They satisfied their minimum requirements and they were free.
Their time at Georgia will earn them big dollars, I don’t think they’re owed anything more than that.
I-DOG
April 9th, 2009
12:02 pm
What happened to Walter Hill? Maybe I just forgot that he transferred or something… is he still on the team?
Ben
April 9th, 2009
12:07 pm
Dawgilama…
The reason why everyone says Durham has sure hands is because that’s what all the players, and coaches, say about him. Asher Allen said “He catches everything. That guy catches colds.”
So stop making an issue out of something when it isn’t there. Personally, I had predicted a big year for Durham and Moore because opposing defenses are going to be keyed in on Green. Durham had that one terrible TD drop last year, but other than that I don’t recall any glaring mistakes, and I remember him making two awesome catches in a row against Vanderbilt last year. He’ll be missed, but it will also be great to have him next season.
Johnny DangerDawg
April 9th, 2009
12:08 pm
If we had more tight ends returning next season, I think Aron White (6-4, 225) would be discussed as a potential receiver. His body type is more of a TE-WR hybrid than our other tight ends.
DawgGirl32
April 9th, 2009
12:09 pm
Dawgilama….scroll further down…..it was sarcasm…
AD
April 9th, 2009
12:10 pm
Losing Durham will really hurt. Don’t forget that he was the starter until he hurt his wrist diving after an overthrow from Stafford. I think it says a lot about his skills since Green didn’t move into the starting line-up until Durham went down. Michael Moore went nuts in the Capital One last year, so hopefully he’ll fill in the void until Marlon Brown is ready. It’s going to take so much pressure off of Joe “Suck My” Cox when he just has to thrown fades to either side of the field.
Huh?
April 9th, 2009
12:12 pm
“…Staffor is all about Staffor because he was selfish enough to take the starting job when the coaches offered it to him.”?????????? That’s easily the dumbest thing I’ve ever read on this blog.
I agree 1,000%.
Huh?
April 9th, 2009
12:20 pm
austindog, I think they are owed alot more than that. I think they earned everyone’s respect by doing all they could to help Georgia win football games. Stafford was thrown to the wolves as a true freshmen and only briefly had the benefit of an elite offensive line. He never complained. He never threw anyone under the bus like you are throwing him under the bus. He just went to work and tried to get better. And Knowshon was the hardest working player I have ever seen. He was absolutely fearless and risked life and limb for Georgia. Your bitterness towards these guys is an embarassment to us all. If we’ve got guys leaving early for the NFL it means we’ve got some damn good football players on our side. Good luck getting those kind of talents to ever come to Georgia again if this is how they will be treated. Good day.
mo
April 9th, 2009
12:20 pm
plenty of talent on the O-side of the ball…its the D im worried about…SHEESH!!
Dawgilama Deux
April 9th, 2009
12:21 pm
Asher was obviously referring to Durham’s practice performance…or was he reciting some rap lyric. Not sure. Either way, his statement was inaccurate. I can assure you that Durham has dropped more balls than one. But, who cares…He won’t be cathcing any this season. Maybe he’ll catch some of those colds Asher was speaking of.
As for Walter Hill, he was kicked off the team. Actually spoke to a contact on the staff just recently about Hill. He says they haven’t heard anything from, or about, Hill since he was released from his scholarship. Must’ve been on bad terms. Not quite sure where he is now.
AltamahaDawg
April 9th, 2009
12:21 pm
I agree with Huh? who agrees with whatever that name was.
Mark
April 9th, 2009
12:24 pm
I think that UGA will be alright without Durham next year, although I hope his surgery goes well and gets a speedy recovery. They have plenty of depth this year… some young and unproven. Moore had a strong finish last year and I’m sure he will be a starter with Green.
And for Carlton Thomas playing slot receiver? Bobo doesn’t usually put those kind of wrinkles in the offense. I could see Branden Smith playing some because of his speed and experience at wideout in HS, but asking a 5′7 tailback to play full-time wide receiver is a bit much.
MiltonDawg
April 9th, 2009
12:53 pm
We should be ok at WR. Not to mention our RBs to go out for short passes. Anxious to see if Charles & Brown get some playing time right off the bat. We can always line up Lynch & Charles and have Green, Brown, King, etc as wideouts.
Tim Tucker
April 9th, 2009
1:03 pm
uga_b: On your question about Aron White as a WR option, here’s what CMR said yesterday:
“Aron could, but I think Aron has gotten to the point where he’s really playing pretty well at tight end. It’s not like we have a lot of depth there right now. Figgins is hurt. If he comes back healthy, that’ll help. But after that, Ros has no experience and the other two guys have no experience. So it’s not like we’ve got a lot of options at the tight end spot.”
uga_b
April 9th, 2009
1:03 pm
I hate to point this out to the irrational, but Stafford and Cox are best friends. If Stafford never leaves, Joe Cox never starts for the Dawgs. I am not saying that is the main reason he went into the Draft because there are at least 40 million reasons to leave. But it is funny to me that you bash the kid who left that gave the kid you like a shot.
I think what this really does is put more pressure on the TEs to produce so maybe we can stay in more TE sets.
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.