Wrapping up spring football . . .
Athens – The last morsels from Georgia’s spring football practice:
* * *
Bryan Evans had a nice interception in the G-Day game — one week after sustaining a concussion in another scrimmage.
Aside from the concussion, it was a very good spring for Evans, who got notably burned a few times at cornerback early last season but has gained teammates’ and coaches’ confidence at safety.
”There are still things I have to learn, but I think I’ve kind of shown the team what I can do back there at my new position, so I’m excited about that,” Evans said. “It was a new opportunity for me — just to go out with a clean slate. I just wanted to gain their trust.”
Evans, who will be a fifth-year senior in the fall, said he has found that he actually prefers safety to his long-time cornerback position.
“It is more comfortable for me,” he said, “because I’ve always been a person that likes contact. I’m not the biggest safety, but I’m not afraid of contact at all.”
* * *
Mark Richt and Mike Bobo said from the start that newly arrived freshman quarterbacks Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger would not be competing for playing time this spring – but would be learning and adjusting.
That said, it’s hard to overlook Murray’s combined statistics from three spring scrimmages: 13-of-21 passing for 325 yards and three touchdowns, with no interceptions.
Mettenberger’s statistics in the same scrimmages were polar opposite: 2-of-18 for 43 yards, with two interceptions.
Striking as the disparity seems, the coaches don’t seem to be making anything of it. Both Richt and Bobo say they were pleased with both of the freshmen quarterbacks’ play and progress this spring.
“For whatever reason, the balls that Zach has thrown have gotten dropped more than the balls Aaron has thrown,” Richt said. “But both of them have proven to me they’re very intelligent, good fundamentally, can hit their target and have bright futures.”
Bobo said the next few months will be important to both quarterbacks in terms of “processing everything that went on this spring.” He said they will enter the summer as co-No. 3 behind starter Joe Cox and backup Logan Gray, although adding that some separation will have to come shortly thereafter.
”They’re going to have to get ready to compete this fall,” Bobo said. “We can’t continue to rep four quarterbacks. We’ve got to find out who the top, top ones are and get them ready to play. . . . I’d say after the second [summer] scrimmage at the latest we’ll make a decision on those two young guys . . . to see who could possibly be ready to play this fall.”
* * *
As you’ve probably heard too many times, injuries sidelined about 25 players from most or all of Georgia’s spring practice. The good news – as Richt has happily pointed out a couple of times in the past few days – is that when the Bulldogs next take the practice field as a team this summer, there will be “40 to 50″ additional healthy players on hand. All of the injured players except two – WR Kris Durham and OL Josh Davis – are expected back by summer, when the team also will be joined by incoming freshmen.
Between now and summer camp, the coaches have implored the team’s seniors to lead in the weight room, in players-only practice-field work and off the field.
“That’s been some of our biggest discussion points the last couple of weeks with our seniors,” Richt said. “We want them to practically lead this football team.
“I really like the way they are taking on the responsibility of that.”
* * *
G-Day drew a record crowd for a Georgia spring game: 42,458 in Sanford Stadium, not to mention the national TV audience via ESPN.
So . . . what did you think of what you saw on G-Day?
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145 comments Add your comment
RAMBLE ON!!!
April 13th, 2009
11:58 am
I thought Caleb was the second coming of Herschel? 5 star recruit people.
…opps, was that racist?
GeoffDawg
April 13th, 2009
12:00 pm
We’re typically not going to see bama numbers for a spring game in Georgia. 1 – it was on tv, 2 – it was up against the Masters, 3 – there’s too much entertainment in the area to compete against for what is basically a glorified scrimmage. In places like Alabama or Nebraska, that’s basically going to be the only show in town.
squigdawg
April 13th, 2009
12:06 pm
Hate the player, Buford. How he was EVER ranked as the number 1 high school runner in the country is unbelievable to me. I knew we were going to have a drop off in the offensive production this year with Stafford and Moreno gone, but Saturday scared the crap out of me. Maybe I’m wrong and the defense just got alot better. But if the defense is still the Martinez of last year, then the offence is going to perform like the worlds largest Hoover vacuum this year.
Sanford Drive
April 13th, 2009
12:12 pm
Squigdawg, I don’t think it’s not possible for the defense to be any worse than last year. We lost to a high-school team.
Huh?
April 13th, 2009
12:17 pm
I thought it was pretty lackluster overall. The offense was a disappointment. Maybe/hopefully our defense really is that good, but I doubt it given all the injuries. I enjoyed watching the two freshmen QB’s though. I think one of them, probably Murray, is going to really make a name for himself one day soon.
I saw nothing on Saturday that tells me we are prepared to contend with Florida for the SEC East this year. Thank god its only April.
Bo
April 13th, 2009
12:19 pm
Caleb King ia way overatted! I watched him in 2 games during high school and he never impressed me. Hopefully the freshmen Ealey coming in will be able 2 step in, if he don’t we will be in trouble in the backfield this season.
Hunk Erdown
April 13th, 2009
12:37 pm
It always amazes me that so many people try to make such broad judgements about the upcoming season from a spring scrimmage.
I will give you just 3 things that are crucial in a real game/season that you can’t possibly get a look at in a spring game:
Ball control/field position, Momentum, Rythym
Spring scrimmages are important, but only for the purposes that you can truly glean from them. Simulation of game speed and game conditions under a governed set of circumstances is great to help the team gain some cohesiveness and timing, but it is what it is; practice. It will be crucial for our linemen to finally have their own set position so that they can become precise in their assignments and ability to get to know what the guys next to them are going to do. Folks just don’t realize how remarkable of a feat it was for our guys to be shuffled around like they have been the last few years and accomplish much of anything.
Try not to read too much into the dropped passes at this point, the guys are still getting their timing down and getting used to big hits that follow the catch. They’ll get better by the fall, once they get the rust knocked off..
KNelson
April 13th, 2009
12:39 pm
ugaslobber, did you see the same Spring game everyone else did? To say you saw a team capable of beating anyone means that no other team in the country could score 7 points on them. Overall UGA looked sloppy. Joe Cox was at best average and apparently the best QB on the team will not play next year. Georgia needs to improve by 100% in order to win 7 games next season !
PTC DAWG
April 13th, 2009
12:41 pm
Nice to see that both GT fans still care.
Huh?
April 13th, 2009
12:58 pm
Uh, why can’t you possibly get a look at those things in a spring scrimmage? Its live action with all 22 guys on the field. They even had refs, timeouts, penalties, etc. It was the whole kitten kaboodle. I think what you see is what you get.
shane#1
April 13th, 2009
12:59 pm
The defense dominated, as it should in the spring. I liked Houston’s effort and Washington’s, but most of all I liked the attitude and effort put forth by the D. We have to remember that the O line and the WRs and QBs havent got their timing down yet, It is only spring ball. I would be worried more if the defense didn’t dominate. It will take the more intense fall practice for the O to get it together. Logan impressed Me in that last drive and I like Carlton Thomas. Look for him to be in the mix this fall.
Sanford Drive
April 13th, 2009
1:02 pm
Huh, we also had a lot of key players out that will be back this summer, plus the freshmen Richt might play. So, it really isn’t the whole ‘kit and kaboodle’ if you think about it.
Sanford Drive
April 13th, 2009
1:03 pm
It’s true that our D dominated, however, I recall Richt saying that our D was head and shoulders ahead of our offense last summer, and we all know how that turned out.
Jodawg
April 13th, 2009
1:08 pm
Those of you fussing about the drops: two by Aron White, the te (although he caught several others and impressed me) and one by Israel Troupe that would have been a td. All of the other drops were by walkons! Granted, Marquise Brown may earn a scholarship soon, but come on! Renner? Spellman? These guys won’t even be in the equation next year at receiver. None of the projected starting wide receivers (AJ Green, Michael Moore, and Tony Wilson) had a drop. I don’t count the pass Moore had hitting him 100 miles per hour from 5 yards away a drop, nor did the official stat-keeper. When it is all said and done, here is the projected lineup at receiver: starters- Green, Moore and Wilson (in 3 receiver sets) and backups- T.King, Troupe, and either Marlon Brown, Marquise Brown, Orson Charles, or Wooten.
Go Dawgs!
J Dub
April 13th, 2009
1:22 pm
Let me clarify squigdawg. When I said “don’t hate the player, hate the game”, it was a reference to Buford calling out GeoffDawg and his jasper sanks reference being before his. I was not telling him not to hate Caleb. Although, I do not condone hatred, I too am off the Caleb King Bandwagon!!
MoDawg
April 13th, 2009
1:23 pm
The Good -
Logan Gray, Aaron Murray’s quick release and accuracy, AJ Green, Fred Munzenmayer, Shaun Chapas, 42,500 in attendance, Marcus Washington, Justin Houston, Bryan Evans, Sanders Commings, Brandon Boykin, Brandon Wheeling (who?), Matt Stinchcomb’s commentary, no new injuries, the fact that almost 1/2 of the team was not even playing and Nessler’s response to Herbstreit when asked if UGA appeared to be among the best teams in the SEC (see below).
The Bad –
WR/TE drops, the officiating, punting, RB blocking, Richt’s bald spot, Aaron Murray’s height, Joe Cox’s overall size, the fact that almost 1/2 of the team was not even playing, that Kiante Tripp apparently played, but I had no idea he was ever on the field and that Herbstreit asked Nessler if this UGA team was among the best in the SEC, as if trying to belittle the Dawgs (to which Nessler reminded Kirk that they should be, once all of the starters return healthy in the fall).
The G-Day game is nothing more than a glorified scrimmage. It means nothing when the season starts, which can’t be soon enough for me!
Jodawg
April 13th, 2009
1:23 pm
For crying out loud, it was a glorified scrimmage without four returning starters (Chris Davis, Trinton Sturdivant, Vince Vance, and Josh Davis) on the o-line, all should return in August except Josh Davis. Plus the d-line is missing two starters as well – Jeff Owens and Rod Battle, each expected back in August. So lighten up. Just like Nessler said at the end of the broadcast, Come summertime the Dawgs will be ready and chomping at the bit! Likely projected line starters in September- offense: LT Sturdivant, LG Vance, C BJones/CDavis, RG CDavis/Boling, RT Boling/JAnderson
defense: DE Battle, DT Owens, DT Atkins, DE Houston
Go Dawgs!!
bulldog
April 13th, 2009
1:25 pm
logan gray>>> logan gray>>> logan gray!!!!!!
Sanford Drive
April 13th, 2009
1:26 pm
I liked the flea-flicker the first play of the game. However, I don’t think it will fool Florida.
AltamahaDawg
April 13th, 2009
1:27 pm
Did Richt even say that the Defense was that far ahead of the offense last year. Seems like some days he mentioned the offence pretty much having its way. I remember him mentioning Stafford and Moreno a lot more than anyone else. Not to mention, impressions from last spring kind of went out the window, when all the names changed by mid season.
I dont think he is making any claims either way this year. Just that the D took it serious and he would rather have a low scoring game than a one with bunch of TD’s. Lowest scoring G-day game since 2002.
AltamahaDawg
April 13th, 2009
1:32 pm
Nobody seem to mention or give credit that the catch and “fumble” was an outright strip of the ball, on a good play by a DB.
Drew-G-A
April 13th, 2009
1:46 pm
Marcus Washington impressed me, as did the D-line in General. I kow they keep saying Cox is the leader, but I didn’t really see his physical performance as being any better than Gray. I know Murray is young and if put in early could make the same mistakes with interceptions and what not that Stafford made being put in so early, but his physical talent, especially ball placement and throwing speed, seem to by far exceed the other guys at QB. Maybe we’ll be looking at another Tereshinski/Stafford type year with Cox/Murray?
matt
April 13th, 2009
1:51 pm
I think everybody should realize that there is not much at all you can take away from a Spring Game. You can’t say they Offense was bad–because it might be that the Defense is good and vice versa. If we couldn’t run the ball, maybe it’s because big Geno Atkins and the rest of the line is making it very difficult…which is a great sign. I actually think this team will be better than last year because of the leadership.
Drew-G-A
April 13th, 2009
1:56 pm
Also, is it just me or does it seem like Caleb King is very capable of big runs, but as soon as he gets touched he falls to the ground, he does absolutely nothing to gain extra yardage. I remember seeing that last year and hoping he would become tougher and more determined this year, looks like he’s not. Thomas may be small, but he had way more fight in him than King.
Slow Down
April 13th, 2009
1:58 pm
Jodawg, I agree with you. Some of these people just crack me up. OMG, the sky is falling! The sky is falling! The spring game is not even a glorified scrimmage, it’s simply the last scrimmage of spring practice. Many of the payers on the field were walk-ons and 3rd teamers. Did anyone see the first play of the game? Cox put the ball right on the money, where only the receiver could catch it. The guy is very accurate, and just as important, a born leader. He will rally his troops and the team will want to play for him. So, give the guy a break. Also, did anyone hear the halftime interview with Stafford? Particularly the question about offering advice to his former teammates? His comments solidified my belief that he is not a born leader. I think it was very obvious last year that there were no leaders on that team. I would rather take my chances with a 5th year Senior than a SO or a true freshman. And please drop the Joe T. references, Cox is no Joe T.
nerdhater
April 13th, 2009
2:02 pm
guys please tell that you are not this stupid it’s a spring game tim tebow threw 4 ints in their spring game last year and look what happened. Gt fumbled 8 times in their spring game and look what happened . I played college ball and the goal for spring is to not get hurt. The game means nothing most of the guys who played in that game won’t see the field next season ,we have 5 months before we kick off the season ,calm yall a#@ down.
nerdhater
April 13th, 2009
2:04 pm
slow down you are the smartest person on this blog.
BigMike
April 13th, 2009
2:07 pm
Another day, another bunch of Tech whacks to give there opinion on our sight.It must be hard staying away from greatness, because it seems that some of you can’t.Mark my word Bubblefleas this one year you won will be the last one for a long time, and you can go back to your high school stadium and play on Thurs and Fri nights. Oh! Don’t forget to take those ugly females to the VARSITY drive through with dad’s new stimulus plan.
nerdhater
April 13th, 2009
2:14 pm
you da man big mike way to roastem playa.
Hunk Erdown
April 13th, 2009
2:22 pm
Mo
Brandon Wheeling played on Paulding County’s 2004 team that went to the State Championship game and lost. Since then he has been at Ga Southern and West Ga. He couldn’t qualify for UGA due to grades, which has actually been a blessing, because not only has he made the grades, he has become a beast in the weight room. Coach Bobo told him that if he could get his grades up he would be invited to UGA as a preferred walk-on. He is over a 3.0 (I think he has like a 3.4 average at UGA) and just got awarded the 2009 Spring “outstanding walk-on” award. He is a senior and will probably be used to keep the starters fresh. I watched him pretty close Saturday and was very pleased. Brandon was in on several tackles, deflected a pass that was still caught for no gain, and showed a lot of hustle. There was one play Saturday that he fought off a double team and caught a running back near the side line for a 2 yard gain. He’s also my wife’s second cousin, so we’re kinda proud of him.
Drew-G-A
April 13th, 2009
2:27 pm
Slowdown, I agree, maybe my Joe T reference was too soon, still if it doesn’t matter, and this is only spring ball, then why are you on this site reading and getting involved like the rest of us? Yes, a lot can happen between now and the Fall, and yes we didn’t have a lot of the starters we depend on, but who’s to say those starters really will be healthy when we need them, or that more won’t go down in the summer? The point is, that this game does matter a lot as far as the coaches and the fans seeing who really wants it and who can deliver. True, most teams look bad in their spring games, but that doesn’t mean that as fans we aren’t entitled to have the worries and opinions we have after watching the game. We were able to see those that did play, and have the right to criticize their play if need be, they are on a large stage now.
Mr. GA Boy # 2
April 13th, 2009
2:27 pm
At this point, GA fans, let’s be honest. It’s nice to get a look at the youngins but until we get them against some SEC competition. . . It’s best to reserve judgment.
TheGABoys.blogspot.com
Kendawg
April 13th, 2009
2:31 pm
After watching the spring game, I don’t think anyone can seriously mention Joe Cox and Joe T. in the same sentence. Cox will do just fine once our O-line is solidified. Lest we forget, there was a sizeable number of players who missed the game because of injury. Even if they had played, we probably still would not know much. I’ve been to spring games for the past five years and the team looks completely different in the fall.
logan gray for heisman
April 13th, 2009
2:33 pm
The spring game was…..boring to say the least. Joe Cox just doesn’t have what it takes to compete in the SEC. His arm is less than average and he speed is just down right slow. Logan Gray showed out. He was on target the whole game, and he also can run if he needs to. Aaron Murray was sick, some of his passes we awesome. I wanted to see more from him and Mettenberger but they are freshman and will not be much of a factor in the fall. I hope that one of them doesn’t transfer. QB is going to be an issue as long as Cox is a starter.
The defence was stellar but it was almost like they new what the offence was running. All and all i think the game should have been more exciting considering it was on national TV. I doubt ESPN will ever come back to athens for spring.
The Big Bug
April 13th, 2009
2:34 pm
80s Baby, I’ll take all you can stand.
Asnoop
April 13th, 2009
2:39 pm
Yah Mon, I forsee an SEC championship and MNC. The dogs are sooooooooooo good. Yuh?
Hunk Erdown
April 13th, 2009
2:48 pm
I was glad to see the defense blitzing a lot because that’s probably what we’ll see a lot of, especially early in the season. With a new starter at qb, teams will try to pressure him. I thought all of the qbs handled the pressure well. A huge reason, other than the fact that he is very talented, for Cox to start is that our offense depends on someone being able to read defenses well and audible to the best check down. Cox is very capable of leading and being a field general. He has the respect from his team-mates necessary to take the reins and do the job. When he gets his feet set he has plenty of arm. He won’t have the same velocity as Stafford throwing on the run but I think he willmake up for it in accuracy, which was always my major concern with Stafford. The difference I saw between Gray and Cox was that sometimes Gray was a tad bit late delivering the pass which set up the receivers for big hits and drops due to “hearing footsteps”. Not a big problem though, Gray will only get better and will be one of the best 2nd string qbs in history of Ga football. If Cox goes down to injury we don’t have to worry about his back up. I’m kinda glad Troupe dropped that one pass because he was about to get clocked had he caught it.
Grammy Squidbilly
April 13th, 2009
3:06 pm
Dang, How come none of these Gawgie fans can spell? It’s embarrassing us hillbillies. I’m gone take my G hat back to Wal-Mart. I gone demand a refund on my Masters Degree.
Iceman
April 13th, 2009
3:13 pm
Good to see the Techies are still brainwashed…5-7 for UGA? Now I know you’re crazy. This isn’t the 90’s anymore, despite how much you and Tennessee want it to be.
The long and short of it is this: GDay doesn’t mean a dang thing. It’s just a practice round, no one should be expecting super mega plays, they don’t happen during the spring game. That’s just the way of things.
shane#1
April 13th, 2009
3:16 pm
Hunk, thanks for pointing out a few things I neglected. Gray for Heisman, the D has played against the O all spring, plus the veterans have played against Bobo’s offense for years, and watched it from the sidelines at every game. So, if that D didn’t know what plays were coming up they would have to be really slow. Oh BTW, they have access to the playbook too.
GeoffDawg
April 13th, 2009
3:26 pm
I don’t know why tech would want it to be the 90’s. They were only 3-7 against Georgia even during the Goff/Donnan years.
Also Grammy Squidbilly, you’re getting your stereotypes confused. UT fans are the hillbillies, tech’s the nerd herd, and UF is the jort/gold chain outside the shirt kinda crowd.
GeoffDawg
April 13th, 2009
3:31 pm
Tech reminds me of a scene from the Simpsons back when it was decent – Homer and the crew are driving through Shelbyville when a group of Shelbyvillans starts talking trash – “You’re second rate Springfield! That’s why our football team beats yours nearly half the time!”.
bigcalidawg
April 13th, 2009
3:31 pm
Cox = Joe T.
Murray = Stafford
Logan Gray = Punt Returner
Aaron White = Martrez Milner
I know, I know……it’s unfair to invalidate each kid for what they do and who they are, but dang its just wierd.
Watching White show athleticism and get open and drop a pass (repeatedly).
Watching a true Freshman as our best qb and a 5th year Sr. that’s a DGD.
I just hope that scrimmage was a function of how good our “D” is, cuz if not, were in deep chit.
gt2012
April 13th, 2009
3:35 pm
looks like Carlton Thomas will be taking carries this fall for the Dawgs.. Caleb King just doesn’t seem to be showing up well under game conditions. could change in fall though. I think Ealey could be good if he can prove that he can run against a higher level of competition.. keep in mind it’s usually alittle easier to get higher stats in 1A competition versus running in AAAAA competition.
Jeff
April 13th, 2009
3:49 pm
Herbstreit called UGA a second tier SEC program during the broadcast…He also said that our lack of expectations this year will work in our favor. Justin Houston should have seen the field more last year. He has the speed we were lacking off the edge last year. Does anyone else see a QB rotation with Cox and Gray? It would be a nice change of pace. Caleb King looks like he is going to be a bust. Marlon Brown better be ready to play right away. Aaron White got open, but can’t catch. D looked good. We will see if they can keep up come September. Judging from the team we saw Saturday 9 wins looks like its all we will get next year.
89EAGLE
April 13th, 2009
3:56 pm
Washaun Ealey will be the feature back before the end of the season…and he will get in the mix and play before that as will Marlon Brown. HE HAS TO BE ENROLLED TO PLAY. GOOD LUCK WITH THAT
FRED
April 13th, 2009
4:02 pm
LOOK WE ARE STILL SECOND TIER. WE STILL CANT CATCH, BLOCK RUN AND KICK. BUT OTHER THAN THAT WE SHOULD WIN 8 0R 9 GAMES. ARE WE IN FLORIDAS LEAGUE? DON’T BE SILLY.
Cuz
April 13th, 2009
4:03 pm
Rainy days and Mondays always get me down. That and some guys on these blogs. I saw little of the game due to working the tournament. I thought Logan showed good poise and accuracy. But I just saw a few plays. I was glad to see he had put on a little weight. Maybe he will be able to withstand the licks he will get. The recievers need to get over dropping the ball or Marlon will get some early playing time. I think we will be fine, not the first low scoring G-day game and it won’t be the last.
Cuz
April 13th, 2009
4:04 pm
We are in Florida’s divison, that should count for something.
murrayasstarter
April 13th, 2009
4:05 pm
I watched the G-Day Game and I was very impressed with the defense, much better than last season. I can’t wait for the injured players return. The team should be very solidified then, especially once the new freshmen come in. We have big names coming in such as Branden Smith, Marlon Brown, Orson Charles, and Washaun Ealey. I think all four will end up starting, Ealey and Thomas will be dual RBs. WR corps will be Brown, Green, and Moore. Charles will make the TE a major part in Georgia play, and Branden Smith will help bring the interceptions back up since Georgia only had the lowest number in the SEC last season. Defense will be solid, much better than last season as long as Martinez keeps up the aggression that he showed with the blitz early on. O-Line should be solid once we get every back from injuries and the new players.
Joe Cox honestly seems like a problem, I believe in that game he went 8 – 12? Logan Gray looked outstanding, Aaron Murray looks like he is ready to start. I think Gray and Murray should be dual QB threat, they can both throw and they can both run.
Georgia will be a better team this season, 10+ win season again, if we can beat Florida this season, then Georgia will win the SEC Championship. I smell a Sugar Bowl in January.