10 Things to Know from Preseason Week 2
With Georgia’s football team taking a brief break from the practice field -– off Sunday and Monday -– let’s rewind Week 2 of preseason camp. Here are 10 things worth noticing and noting:
1. Richard Samuel moved to the forefront, at least for now, of the race for the starting tailback job Sept. 5 at Oklahoma State.
2. But Carlton Thomas –- 5-foot-7, 178 pounds — continued to serve notice that he will not be overlooked in the tailback mix.
3. Mark Richt on Thomas: “He is tough. He has really got good hands. I think he has a good feel for our blocking schemes. He’s got great balance. He understands our pass protections and will throw that 100-and-however-many-pound-pound body at these guys the best he can. We know he’ll compete. We like him a lot.”
4. After a 2008 season wrecked by injuries, Rod Battle is happy and healthy. His six sacks in the week’s two scrimmages, albeit against the No. 2 offensive line, suggest he could make a difference.
5. Marcus Washington has effectively moved from linebacker to defensive end, at least for now.
6. After expressing apprehension about Drew Butler’s inconsistency earlier this summer, Richt now feels a lot better about the punter. “I worked real hard this offseason, and I think so far this camp I’ve showed Coach Richt I’ve become more consistent,” Butler said. “I hope I can put his worries a little bit at ease, and, you know, he can worry about the bigger things.” See full story here.
7. You get the feeling that, like the past three years, No. 7 is going to be a significant player for the Dogs this season. Freshman tight end Orson Charles is wearing Matthew Stafford’s old number. If you missed it, more on Charles here.
8. Tough timing for Caleb King, temporarily benched from the tailback competition with a strained hamstring, and safety Quintin Banks, out almost all of last season with two injuries to his left knee and now out for at least three weeks with an injury to his right knee.
9. As expected, highly touted freshman cornerback Branden Smith is commanding attention. “He is getting a ton of reps — special teams, defense,” Richt said. “He is competing; he is learning; he has made some good plays, made some rookie plays. He’s getting a ton of work. And we expect him to play.” Richt said Smith is getting work at wide corner, as well as at punt returner and kickoff returner.
10. Another good week for Jeff Owens and Trinton Sturdivant, whose returns from knee injuries are huuuuuge.
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90 comments Add your comment
KJ
August 18th, 2009
4:18 am
“alledged recruits go to dissappear”
Yeah, you’re not allowed to talk trash about “academic credentials”, loser.
GTPUG
August 18th, 2009
8:38 am
What nothing on Joe Cox – - I believe Joe will be the Reggie Ball of Georgia – Good luck pups
“TO HELL WITH GEORGIA”
Jethro Boudine
August 18th, 2009
9:46 am
I did some ciphering yesterday and saw 12 pure freshmen and 9 RS freshmen on the Georgia depth chart. That’s 30% of the 69 players on the current depth chart. I been saying all along that this incoming freshmen class is the most talented class ever recruited at UGA. Included in those 21 players are Marlon Brown, Rantavious Wooten, Carlton Thomas, Montez Robinson, Orson Charles, Branden Smith, Arby Jones and Cornelius Washington. These guys can play and make a difference…and there are a bunch more I didn’t list.
In addition we get back Jeff Owens, Trinton Sturdivant, Rod Battle, Marcus Washington and Vince Vance…all first teamers who were hurt last year. Think having them back will make a difference?
I also took a look at each defense based on how each player was rated by Rivals… Average OK ST. player has 3.6 stars and the entire defense has an average potential performance rating of 5.7 stars UGAs average player has a 4.2 stars and an overall potential performance rating of 5.84. We win this game based on how our defense plays IMO. We sack and harrass ZAC so he can’t hit his receivers. We jam and double cover Dez. If we do that we can put a lid on that high scoring offense.
GTPUG… Joe Cox’s worst day will be better than Reggie Ball’s best day. At least Joe can count to 4.
Cindy
August 18th, 2009
9:52 am
What’s up with all the boys walking around holding hands on the Tech campus?
BurningRedBleedingBlack
August 18th, 2009
1:21 pm
Nice tim keep up the info you anwsered alot of my questions, if you had to choose who was having a better practice so far would you say defense or offense?? GATA GO DAWGS!!!
GTPUG
August 18th, 2009
1:31 pm
Jethro Boudine. . . I did not know UGA play book was more than 4 pages – Have you asked Joe to count yet – - – it is going to be a long year for the pups – - good luck with the red head running the team
“TO HELL WITH GEORGIA”
Paddy
August 18th, 2009
2:42 pm
Tim…will there be a new depth chart coming out anytime soon?
KNelson
August 18th, 2009
5:52 pm
The kool aide is flowing in Athens. That stuff must be spiked because as in every year these Homers are buying into it. Im just looking forward to the excuses and the Fire WM after week #1. These pups lose 4 games this year!
chazzo
August 18th, 2009
6:18 pm
Lack of take aways and sacks don’t tell the story. Sure creating more turnovers from opposing teams and tackling better would have helped matters just not necessarily in the games UGA lost.
I fully admit to ranting about Georgia’s D last year. They didn’t look sharp. They seemed sloppy. I looked over the stats, though, and here is the picture. Georgia/Alabama: Albama stuffed the run. The game stats, though, were pretty darn even. The one area that killed UGA was 10 penalties for 81 yards, resulting in 4 Alabama first downs (grnated these penalties were against the D, but not because of Willie’s gameplan).
UF/Georgia: Again the stats aren’t so disparaging until you get down to 3 interceptions for 152 yds and a fumble return for 20, resulting in 21 points. Throw in two missed field goals and a botched onside kick and UGA comes out on top. (sarcasm) We certainly must give UF’s D credit for creating turnovers. You can’t really put that on Willie, though.
My point here is that sloppy play was the result of injuries and youth. Even with some big star power sidelined, the dawgs hung with both of these top five teams (despite the scoreboard). Both of these teams were out to demolish the dogs. I do give those teams credit, but both of these teams were handed a lot of opportunities due to player errors.
The only game that you can put squarely on Willie’s shoulders is Tech. Tech beat us soundly. There is no penalty/turnover story to tell. Out coached and out played… End of story. Congrats to the jackets. May you continue to have wet dreams until November 28.
The dawgs clearly have the talent to hang with anyone in the league, including UF. Despite what some may say, the dawgs clearly have the coaches. And, with the exception of a few of us, we have solid fans. It all comes down to execution as to whether the dogs go 8-4, 9-3, 10-2, 11-1, 12-0. The players on the field must play disciplined and focused. It really doesn’t matter what any of us may think.
Let’s have a great season.
Future Beat Writer/Columnist
August 18th, 2009
6:45 pm
Joe Cox is Ready:
Barely under 18 days away from the 2009 college football season, most of the talk coming out of Athens is centered around Joe Cox. There is much speculation about how much of “Matt Stafford’s shoes” he can fill. Don’t worry about that. More knowledgeable people than myself, (Buck Belue, for one) have compared #14 to a David Greene-like leader. Not because of the number on his back, but because of his leadership both on and off the field. Cox may not have the strongest arm in college football, but he does have a very good grasp on the Georgia offense.
Following a stellar career at Independence H.S. in North Carolina, Joe Cox was rated the #7 QB prospect by Rivals.com. The 5th year senior is poised and able to perform under pressure. For further evidence, one shouldn’t look any further than 2006. Trailing Colorado by 13 points in the 3rd quarter, Coach Richt benched some dude named Stafford and sent Cox into the game. Joe took control and calmly led the Bulldog offense to 2 tremendous TDs. The Dawgs were down 13-7, as 50 stingy little seconds began to tick off the 4th quarter clock. Taking command of the moment, Cox threw a 21 yard 6-strike to Martrez Milner. All of a sudden, the game was tied at 13. It seemed surreal, when Brandon Coutu’s PAT gave Georgia it’s first lead of the day. It was a scrawny, little one point lead. But, that’s all it took to defeat the Buffaloes. “If we can’t score two times, we don’t deserve to wear Gs on our helmets,” Cox later told the press.
On that breath taking day in Athens, glory didn’t come easily. But, Joe Cox was able to do something Matt Stafford couldn’t. He led a previously ineffective Georgia offense into the endzone. More importantly, he delivered his team from a long afternoon of adversity, and drove the Dawgs to victory. Georgia fans, don’t worry about Joe Cox. The signal caller from North Carolina will do just fine in 2009.
Joe vs Colorado:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NYgXxrXUb0
Midland Dog
August 18th, 2009
7:19 pm
Also who threw a TD against FL? Hint, it wasn’t the number one draft pick.
chazzo
August 18th, 2009
8:08 pm
I absolutely give Joe props for leadership, but you have to give a lot of credit to Southerland, not to mention Lumpkin and Milner. Not to take anything away from Chapas, but Southerland was sorely missed last season.
Future Beat Writer/Columnist
August 18th, 2009
8:59 pm
chazzo, well said. Southerland was phenomenal. He execlled as a lead blocker, but also posessed the skills to catch the ball out of the backfield. Plus, he was unstoppable in goal line situations. I loved watching Kregg Lumpkin play football for the Dawgs. And Milner. He had some huge, game changing catches. The pass from Joe vs Colorado comes to mind first, because I just talked about it in the post above. But, Martrez also had 2 huge receptions in the comeback victory over Virginia Tech in the Chic-fil-A Bowl. The first was a six yard td reception that got the Dawgs back into the game, following a successful on sides kick. The second was a 43 yard strike that set the Dawgs up for a 1st and goal opportunity on the Hokies 1 yard line. The ensuing score and 2 point conversion would tie the game at 21. Chapas is an excellent fullback, but you’re right. Southerland was missed last year.
BuLL has the right idea
August 18th, 2009
9:12 pm
Win the first one…and then we’ll talk.
Future Beat Writer/Columnist
August 18th, 2009
9:22 pm
In closing, I want to send a shout out to the troops. As I write these words (and wait for the AJC to post them), I know that there are many brave men and women actively serving our nation. Thank you for all that you do. As sports fans, we often bicker over whose team is best. But, what matters most, is the fact that we are all Americans. Thank you for serving our country.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE
Camden Mark
August 18th, 2009
9:34 pm
Just win the first one?
Don’t buy into all the crap about Okie States O.
They havn’t had a really good year in…………..the history of thier program
Billy B. (No, I'm not Bill King)
August 18th, 2009
10:08 pm
I’m watching the Ok State vs Texas game from last year on ESPNU. Kendall Hunter looks tough. But, blame it all on our roots, these southern azz boots are gonna beat O K State. The last one to show, last one to know, Garth Brooks will suffer heart ache.
Enough of that. The Dawgs will beat Oklahoma State, but there’s no need for me to be corny. Sorry ’bout the lame sense of humor.
Go Dawgs and to Hell with O K State!!
Signed,
Billy B.
DAWGLOVER:
August 18th, 2009
10:11 pm
I am an avid UGA fan. However, I love guys and I am a guy. I guess that would mean I am a UGAY fan. There are all these pretty redneck chicks running around on campus, but I have a bon er for Joe Phallic. He’s my man! I think he should be a great leader for a awful team. Actually, I think we should hype the freckled face 5th year overated underachiever as a Heisman candidate. What do all you other UGAY fans and alum think? If he doesn’t win the Heisman, which I think he will, maybe I can get a hummer. LMFAO! DAWGS SUCK AZZ! THWG!
GT JACKET:
August 18th, 2009
10:13 pm
Hey Camden Mark: I can tell you went to UGA. Yiou canot spel wort a chitman!
As for OSU, keep dreeemin, as the puppies are goingg to gett there azzes kickked in Stillwaterrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! THWG!
GT JACKET:
August 18th, 2009
10:16 pm
UGA: A quote from Mr. Dumbazz above:
The dawgs clearly have the talent to hang with anyone in the league, including UF. Despite what some may say, the dawgs clearly have the coaches. And, with the exception of a few of us, we have solid fans. It all comes down to execution as to whether the dogs go 8-4, 9-3, 10-2, 11-1, 12-0. The players on the field must play disciplined and focused. It really doesn’t matter what any of us may think.
Let’s have a great season.
WHAT A JOKE! 8-4 if your lucky and no you cannot hang with the almighty GATORS, nor LSU, nor OSU, nor GT and actually I think the Hogs and SC beat your azzes as well. 6-6 would be nice. That ought to get you in the pissonme bowl! THWG!
RAMBLE ON!
August 18th, 2009
10:19 pm
Hey, Roddy Jones just scored again. 45-42………..sweet. When you win 8 in row, then you can brag, but until then, just man up and accept the defeat like a normal UGA redneckerson would do. LMFAO!
RAMBLE ON!
August 18th, 2009
10:22 pm
Joe Coxs is ready to lead our overated and underachieving illiterate team to the promise land. 12-0 baby. let’s go team……………………come on……………………Joe Joe Joe Joe blow blow blow hard. UGA suxs!
CHARLOTTE DAWG
August 18th, 2009
10:24 pm
Is any other team having the hamstring injuries we are having? Bryan Evans needs reps as the position of safety is still new to him. And all the other “veterans” could get sloppy and rusty if they don’t practice. If we were opening with the Citadel, I’d be less worried. But we are not and I’m becoming very concerned. Our safety’s have to step up big against Okie State as Dez Bryant will have to be double teamed.
Very concerned. Please for christ sakes dogs, freaking STRETCH!!!!!!!!
Billy B. (No, I'm not Bill King)
August 18th, 2009
10:25 pm
The freaks come out at night! Wow, this blog just became ignorant. Blog Nerds, who fills the void at TE, due to the NFL departure of playmaker Brandon Pettigrew? Last year, Pettigrew ignited a spark to the Cowboys offense and provided Zac Robinson with a “securtiy blanket.” Who steps up to take his place? And, will Oklahoma State sustain their offensive success without his presence on the field?
I don’t care who you root for. Please keep your responses clean.
Thanks,
Billy B. (I’m not Bill King). Go Dawgs!!
DAWGYBONER:
August 18th, 2009
10:25 pm
I say Caleb King wins the Heisman! He is the best running back in the country. he is better than C.J. Spiller, Jonothan Dwyer, Jahvid Best, and oh nooooooooooooooooooooooooo. Roddy Jones just scored again………………………………………………………………….THWG!
JACKETS:
August 18th, 2009
10:28 pm
Hey Billy, the answer is DEZ BRYANT! Remember that name as he will torch UGA on 9/5/09 in Stillwater. You better take extra bags of ice for UGA VII or UGA VIII as your team and mutt will need it. GO OSU! Wooooohoooooo UGA is 0-1 to start the season!
GTROMPSUGA09:
August 18th, 2009
10:32 pm
Hey Chazzo:
The only game that you can put squarely on Willie’s shoulders is Tech. Tech beat us soundly. There is no penalty/turnover story to tell. Out coached and out played… End of story. Congrats to the jackets.
NICELY STATED MY MAN! Willie is the man! As long as he is there, you guys are done! GO OSU, LSU, SC, UF, ARK, LSU, GT, VANDY, and oh yes……………..the powerful Tenn Tech. LMFAO!
GTROMPSUGA09:
August 18th, 2009
10:37 pm
Hey Charlotte Dawg: Your team isn’t opening against the Citadel this year, which is unusual. However, you are working on a Home and Home series with powerhouse Army. Has CMR and Vince Drooley, I mean Dooley thought about having a Home and Home series with the Coast Guard? At least, they can save your overated team from sinking into OBLIVION !!!
UGA SUXS:
August 18th, 2009
10:39 pm
Hey Jethro: Joe Cox suxs! UGA suxs and your team is going DOWN!
Billy B. (No, I'm not Bill King)
August 18th, 2009
10:42 pm
JACKETS,
Dez Bryant is electrifying. Don’t know if the Dawgs’ DBs can contain him. Reminds me of an unstoppable Spartan named Andre Rison. If Bryant lights up the scoreboard like Rison did to Dooley’s 89 Gator Bowl Dogs, this one could be a loss. There is no Rodney Hampton to bail this Georgia defense out. Richard Samuel has unlimited potential, but he also has difficulty holding onto the ball. Out of respect to the AJC, I’ll not voice my opinion of Caleb King.
Signed,
Billy B. (I’m not Bill King)
GT ROMPS!
August 18th, 2009
10:42 pm
Hey Cindy: Why are all the rednecks at UGA in trailers and campers? How are the foreclosures coming in Athens? crappy school, redneck fans, awful overated team. Pull for the Gym dogs. There AWESOME!
THWG!
GT ROMPS!
August 18th, 2009
10:48 pm
Hey Fan: UGA = Rednecks! Losers! and an awful education. Do you remember the Jim Harrick days? How many points is a 3 point basket worth? A) 1 B) 2 C) 3 D) 4 E) 5. Reggie Ball may not be able to count to 4, but that was PATHETIC! Great exam for your awesome basketball program. I cannot wait to see Favors, Lawal, Bell, Shumpert, Glenn Rice Jr. SLAM DUNK YOUR AZZES! Hey, maybe you will win the NC in basketaball. I think this is your year. Your loaded with chitman! THWG!
Billy B. (No, I'm not Bill King)
August 18th, 2009
10:51 pm
AJC,
You’ve seen those commercials about an Easy button. Imagine what a Block from Posting button could do.
I’m just sayin….
Signed,
Billy B. (No, I’m not Bill King).
Billy B. (No, I'm not Bill King)
August 18th, 2009
10:57 pm
I’m out of here. This blog has just become Idiots R Us.
To Hell with ignorance.
Go Dawgs!
Signed,
Billy B (I’m not Bill King).
GT ROMPS!
August 18th, 2009
11:11 pm
Hey UGA: Read this and weep! waaaaaaaaaaaaaa waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Johnson has a logical (and confident) answer to most every question about his offense. In the big time for the first time, Johnson’s offense finished No. 4 nationally in rushing last season, averaging more than 273 yards per game and confusing the hell out of defensive coordinators.
“He’s the man, he’s the guru,” Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer said. “The offense might become a global thing. He might change the whole country.
It’s actually been 24 years since Johnson began running the triple option as offensive coordinator at I-AA Georgia Southern. That was 1985 — the year Oklahoma won the national championship with the triple option, by the way — and progressed through stays at Hawaii, Navy and, now, Georgia Tech.
In Johnson’s first season in Atlanta, Dwyer became the ACC offensive player of the year and set himself up as a Heisman candidate in 2009. The next step is to win the ACC. After tying Virginia Tech for the Coastal Division title (the eventual conference champ Hokies won the tiebreaker), Georgia Tech is expected to contend again.
Playing Clemson coming off Middle Tennessee is an advantage, but otherwise there are few breaks. The Jackets get Florida State and Miami on the road as well as three SEC opponents — Mississippi State, Vanderbilt and UGAG! (Sorry, I mean UGA)
“People say you have to be balanced,” Johnson said. “I don’t. I want to be good.”
“There’s the [feeling] out there that so-and-so showed the game plan, now [defenses] know how to stop it,” Johnson said. “If somebody beats South Carolina with Coach Spurrier throwing it around, is that the way to stop South Carolina?”
The triple option remains the ultimate change-up in a world full of fast balls. With only the service academies and Tech fully committed to it, defenses have a one-week upheaval in their preparation.
“Schematically, in three days — because that’s all you really get — that is very hard to prepare for,” Muschamp said. “It goes totally against what you have to prepare for week to week to week.”
Most every offense in the country incorporates at least some option principles. When Tim Tebow runs, it looks strangely like the old Single Wing offense.
“Unless you’ve got some big gawky quarterback who can’t run, most people have an option of some kind just to bother you with it,” Texas’ Mack Brown said. “They’ll have a rule that they have to run it three times a game whether they need it or not, just so you have to work on it.”
Florida offensive coordinator Steve Addazio is familiar with the option from his time with Paul Pasqualoni at Syracuse. Can the true triple option win a conference championship in 2009?
“Absolutely,” Addazio said. “It’s devastating to a defense. Are you kidding me?”
Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech: Dwyer flourished in the option, proving himself to be the tough, hard-nosed runner that Johnson loves. Dwyer established himself as an NFL prospect and Heisman candidate. The best thing about his 1,395 yards was that he averaged seven yards per carry.
WHERE IS JOE HOMER COX AND CALEB KING? Man, not much on the puppies. THWG!
GT ROMPS!
August 18th, 2009
11:13 pm
UGA: I think Willie can figure out the triple option. He sure did lkast year! LMFAO!
macrotech
August 19th, 2009
2:16 am
chazzo, other than the wet dream comment….I concur with your thoughts! The dawgs are going to be hard pressed to replace stafford and moreno, but the upside COULD be that the team comes together with a renewed vision and a passion to make some sports writers eat their words. Any team with something to prove can be a dangerous team! As a Tech fan, I’m hoping (and believing) that the Jackets play with both of these attitudes! As you, so aptly said, “Let’s have a great season.”
chazzo
August 19th, 2009
7:14 am
macrotech,
I apologize to you personally for my slight in an otherwise tasteful post. You are obviously a good fan, a gentleman and a scholar. In all honesty, I hope Tech has a tremendous season. In all honesty, I like that Paul johnson brings some intensity back to the rivalry. I want the players of all these teams to play well and stay healthy. I want to see great football games where the players play their hearts out and no one suffers the indignity of knowing they lost because they didn’t play to their potential. My post was actually addressed to my fellow Georgia fans who are always talking about firing someone or harassing players on our own team. I am not much better than the particular Tech fans I wished to razz. Thank you for pointing that out. I am probably setting myself up for a lot crap from lesser people than yourself.
macrotech
August 19th, 2009
11:58 am
chazzo, no apology is needed. Sadly, I enjoy tossin’ around some crude thoughts from time to time and would find it difficult to argue your ‘wet dream’ comment aimed at Tech fans! Anyone that takes these blogs too seriously needs a new hobby! Good luck to you and yours!
GT ROMPS!
August 19th, 2009
8:20 pm
Roddy Jones just scored again……………………….214 yards as a freshman against your so called awesome SEC powerhouse. What happened? THWG!