On Jon Richt’s debut, Richard Samuel’s speed and Logan Gray’s role
Athens — Jon Richt’s proud parents were on hand when he threw two touchdown passes to help lead Mars Hill to a 28-0 victory at North Greenville on Saturday.
“When Jon threw his first touchdown pass, it was pretty emotional for me and Katharyn,” Mark Richt said Monday. “And his grandparents were there, his aunts and uncles, his high school coach. There were a lot of people there who got to enjoy the moment. It was nice.”
Mark Richt also enjoyed the atmosphere of small-college football.
“What was kind of neat,” he said, “was that after the game both teams shook hands, said a prayer, then just hung out. And all the fans and families and parents came down on the field. Everybody is down there hugging and taking pictures.
“And I was like, ‘Wow, I can’t imagine this happening.’ [At Georgia] we’re, like, ‘Get off the field as soon as you can,’ you know. It was fun; it was really fun. I enjoyed it a lot.”
————–
Bulldog Nation might not fully realize the speed of its new No. 1 tailback, Richard Samuel, who got only 26 carries last season.
“Richard can run. Richard is very fast,” UGA offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “When he gets out in the open field . . . compared to some guys that we’ve had in the past, I’d say he’s the fastest.”
The fastest?
Bobo said that assessment covers tailbacks Georgia has had in the nine years he’s been on the coaching staff, as well as when he played at Georgia from 1993-97.
“He’s similar [in speed] to Robert Edwards,” said Bobo, referring to Georgia’s tailback of his own playing days. “Richard might be a little bit faster.”
———————
If you missed it, here’s Monday’s post-practice update on the injuries to Caleb King, Ben Jones and Chris Davis.
——————–
It wasn’t a revelation, because Richt had said during the spring and summer that he envisioned a package of plays being designed to utilize the speed and athleticism of dual-threat backup quarterback Logan Gray. But it was noteworthy nonetheless that Richt said Monday he expects Gray to play a bit in Saturday’s opener at Oklahoma State.
“Yeah, I think Logan will play,” Richt said. “There might be some situations we’ll put him in, but we may also give him a series. I don’t know if we’ll do that or not. It wouldn’t surprise me. . . . But there are some situations I think we’ll let him in the game.”
For his part, Gray wasn’t giving away any secrets, but he indicated the Bulldogs have some different dimensions in mind for this game as they seek to put the ball in as many playmakers’ hands as possible to creatively attack the defense.
“I’m just going to be ready to play, you know what I mean?” Gray said. “I really don’t have any idea how many snaps I’ll get or what’s going to happen. It just sort of depends on the situation and how we’re rolling and what Coach Bobo is feeling. Whatever happens, happens. I’m just trying to prepare myself the best I can to be ready when the time comes.
“I’ve got a little bit of speed, so hopefully I can keep a defense on its toes and give them some different looks.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
87 comments Add your comment
shane#1
September 1st, 2009
3:55 pm
Alt, don’t waste your time with that jerk. He is a rude, loud mouthed, know it all. Such people are fools and it is a waste of time trying to explain anything to them. Now to the subject at hand, Samuel is a converted linebacker and he enjoys contact. He will learn eventually that it is okay to go around a db or lb from time to time. When Samuel stops looking for people to run into in the defensive backfield his speed will earn him some long runs. Logan Gray makes a perfect change of pace for Cox. One passer that sits in the pocket all day, another that likes to get on the corners and make something happen. That should have some dcs scratching their heads.
41 38 49 38 45
September 1st, 2009
4:03 pm
The real chuckle or two will be this Saturday in Stillwater when the dawgs get embarrassed.
WhatHappenedToSaintSimons
September 1st, 2009
4:13 pm
Where is our pansy buddy these days? What a pathetic loser. I am ready for kickoff and a beatdown of the Pokes. They are going to be quite surprised just like 07! Go Dawgs!
MoDawg
September 1st, 2009
4:28 pm
I would like to see all the Techsters on these blogs after Saturday if the Dawgs win. You know they’ll be here if we lose (since they are all of a sudden Ok. State fans).
I’ll be back, win or lose. I’d like to challenge the bugs to come back after we win and spout some more of their garbage. The envy is hilarious!
rhp997
September 1st, 2009
4:33 pm
The starting corner (Parish Cox) was stopped without his driver’s license; barring injury, he’ll be on the field Saturday. The starting TE (Jamal Mosley) has essentially been dismissed (he has old marijuana charges against him and a new restraining order…good riddance). Also being rumored this afternoon, Orie Lemon (all Big-12 Hon. Mention), one of the starting LBs, has supposedly torn his ACL. Bad day of news for the Cowboys – esp. if the rumor proves true on Orie!
AbeDawg
September 1st, 2009
4:50 pm
I’m working on a comprehensive list of excuses just in case our beloved hounds get thrashed in Stilwater. Anyone got any good ones? Let em rip ahead of time; the practice now will help us with the kinks later on. Most dawg fans are probably contriving a list of obnoxious, gloating exclamations for when we win the National Championship game. I just like to be cautious and prepared for the greater likelihood of either of these two events.
AltamahaDawg
September 1st, 2009
5:11 pm
Rick, amen to that. It seems to me that there is about 25 folks who basically are incapable of having any opinion whatsoever now, since that was all they could think of to talk about last year. That’s all they had, and now they got nothing.
The team deserves a lot of credit for this offseason. It’s not just that nobody (knock-on-wood) got arrested, nobody ever tries to do that and nobody ever thinks it would happen to them. That took a very concentrated effort to simply not be in a situation that it even could happen. I guess that’s not really asking to much when you think about it.
W-Dawg
September 1st, 2009
5:50 pm
All schools have jerk fans, even Dawg nation has some low-lifes. But by and large we are a loyal, respectable group, as are many of the fans from rival SEC schools like Auburn, Alabama, and Tennessee (Florida may be an exception). Unfortunately, Tech nation is built on a foundation of intellectual arrogance and foolish pride. Mr. Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors is a perfect example of the type of loser that fills up (about half-way) Bobby Dodd week in and week out.
I knew a kicker on the GT squad some years ago and he told me that the fans will cheer louder if they hear that UGA is losing than they would if Tech scored a TD. True enough, one afternoon while I was in attendance a first half UGA-Kentucky score was announced incorrectly, stating UGA was down by 3 TDs. Bobby Dodd was louder at that moment than any other time that afternoon, a day which saw GT win by two TDs.
We’ll always have the best fans in the land. GO DAWGS!!!
BobDog
September 1st, 2009
7:43 pm
I just saw on the Oklahoma State website that their starting middle linebacker went down with an ACL, out for the season. Their starting tight end quit. Their starting corner and only returning DB got arrested over the weekend, but will probably play anyway.
Gratefuldawghead
September 1st, 2009
7:46 pm
HUNKER DOWN DAWGS!!!!
Andrew Hall
September 1st, 2009
7:50 pm
Ok look here is what i think is going to happen. Joe Cox is no stafford but he will be accurate when is needed, a fifth year senior even without alot of experience knows how to make the big time throws. About our running game, our offensive line is very big and very talented i hope stacey searls is here for years to come. You will see a mix of speed and surprising power in richard samuel he will go for around 90-100 yards with 2 touchdowns. A.J. Green and marlon brown will be huge factors in the game considering the mediocre secondary of Ok state, we need over 150 yards combined between the two to be able to match the firepower of the OSU offense. On the defensive side of the ball i do believe that in the trenches Georgia has the upper hand,considering our defensive line combined tips the scales at over 1100 lbs. But our secondary has been spotty ever since Van Gorder departed. If the dawgs can stop the run and keep the passing game within reason,then we will pull through. I was thinking more along the lines of a 24-31 UGA by no means a smackdown! GO DAWGS
Big Dawg
September 1st, 2009
9:40 pm
Comparing his speed to Robert Edwards is pretty impressive but doesn’t mean a thing unless he can show it on the field. One of the things I noticed about him last year was he ran very tentative, didn’t make cuts off of blocks and many times ran up the back of his linemen. But the report I have gotten on him so far this fall is he has made tremendous progress and he has been running with confidence, utilizing his blocks and running with power and speed. All three RBs Samuels, Thomas and King, before his injury, have/had been impressive in pre-season practices. As for Saturday I look for a hard fought game but the Dawgs will win because they have the advantage on both the offensive and defensive lines and the team that controls the line of scrimmage generally wins.
Go Dawgs
mike on lake hartwell
September 1st, 2009
10:23 pm
samuel people, samuel. no “s”. for the love of God. become
a knowledgeable fan. ty.
mike on lake hartwell
September 1st, 2009
10:25 pm
and has anyone thought of the fact that he was named “a solid number 1″ b/c
caleb king is injured and richt had no choice? a week prior, richt referred to
caleb as the leading guy. think about it. prove me wrong, richard. take it to
them. go dawgs.
Joe Cox
September 1st, 2009
10:39 pm
I remember when Richard Samuel fumbled that kickoff return against GT last year. It makes me laugh that a tailback of all people could fumble on that light a hit.
Johnny DangerDawg
September 1st, 2009
10:55 pm
I would love to see Logan Gray get in the game for a bit. OK State’s defense has had a long time to prepare for this game, and Gray lets us run some plays they haven’t seen.
Johnny DangerDawg
September 1st, 2009
10:59 pm
Joe Cox,
I’m not sure if you are secretly a Tech fan, but I have to admit that I am a bit nervous that Richard Samuel might be prone to fumbles. On the bright side, I’m confident that the coaches will switch to a different RB if Samuel fumbles on Saturday.
mdawg
September 2nd, 2009
12:03 am
what do you get when you add water and a tech fan? an instant idiot
Dickie Samuel
September 2nd, 2009
12:17 am
Is an effin’ Manchild
pj
September 2nd, 2009
1:26 am
“Dickie Samuel”…. love it.
UGA 34 OK St 20
AltamahaDawg
September 2nd, 2009
7:00 am
Oh goodie, we get to run the no “s” bit again all day.
Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors
September 2nd, 2009
7:53 am
Was that a uga coach who got slapped at walmart for crying? A little old for wearing a diaper, sucking on a baby bottle, and riding in a baby carriage, eh coach?
Charlotte Dawg 06'
September 2nd, 2009
8:29 am
dap01 – “If Jon had went to Tech, he could have enjoyed that same small atmophere.”
Well played, Sir.
Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors
September 2nd, 2009
8:46 am
Jon could not have made the team at Tech, not even the scout team.
Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors
September 2nd, 2009
9:00 am
Topp Dogg, UGA fans are deep in debt, they charged the tickets to their maxed out credit cards at 18% plus interest, and now they are asking the banks for a no cost refi to reduce their interest rate on their deep under water home mortgage. Deep in the dog do do pile, UGAY fans are going down, down, down to where they belong, poverty land. Stupid is as Stupid does…
Matt Jones
September 2nd, 2009
9:36 am
Have y’all seen the crap the Oklahoma State coach is saying now? He’s worried that if we shake hands with their players that there will be a fight. What the heck?! Is he so worried about his own players losing control or ours?
Just remember, HE”S A MAN! HE CAN TAKE IT!
Topp Dogg
September 2nd, 2009
9:49 am
I am glad to know that smart tech fans will pay for my UGA season tickets as well my mortgage.Somehow i doubt it dumbf#ck!
OK ST=Brokeback Mountain Cowboys
September 2nd, 2009
9:50 am
little yeller fellers LOL I love that
mdawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:08 am
tech fans, doesn’t it humiliate you enough that when you host georgia in atlanta, that there are more georgia fans than tech fans??
are you familiar that in the 40′3 tech reduced the size of their stadium because teams like tennessee had more fans there than tech fans??
its all true. do research and look it up. or are you to stupid to do research?
mdawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:09 am
hey mutts are stupid…. do you have any evidence to back up your statement??? no you do not
mdawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:16 am
personally i would love to see CMR punch gundy in his mouth.. i havent forgotten what gundy said about georgia 2 years ago… its time to show the world who the new gawd is by making every other team a whipping boy to georgia
Mutts-R-Stupid-especially-journalism-majors
September 2nd, 2009
10:40 am
Everyone remembers the disgraceful display of UGAY at the Florida game two years ago, and the penalty they incurred for that display. Try it at OSU, and the the mutts will be coming home in bodybags, those people in Oklahoma do not take crap from CRYBABIES. Hmmm, I still have a big hunk of your hedge, think I will go urinate on it again today. and no, I will not help you pay your debts, loser scum.
monty
September 2nd, 2009
10:46 am
Hope Samuels has a great year and I hope we red shirt Ealy. Just finished looking at Youtube highlights of them both and to me Ealy was the more impressive runner. Samuels looked taller than the other kids on the field and had a long lanky looking/gliding style of running.He would just head for the corner and get what he could out of it. Ealy looks more compact(prototypical look) and looks faster on film than Samuel plus he has excellent vision and cutting ability, something I didn’t see in watching Samuels. Ealy would often burst straight up the middle then cut to make a player miss then take it outside. A lot more game type speed.
AceDawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:04 am
Logan is my man!
Old Dawg
September 2nd, 2009
11:33 am
Let the Dawgs loose. Be afraid OSU…be very afraid!!!
mdawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:44 pm
mutts, again do you have any evidence that we paid 18% interest on our tickets when we charged them??
no you do not.
the display 2 years ago against florida WAS called for.
you seem to run your mouth and make accusations against us when you have no facts to back up what you say.
dogs roll big in stillwater.
keep your hedge and pee on it all you want.. the next time i walk by tech i will be sure to have my dog crap all in your yard
St Simon
September 3rd, 2009
6:46 pm
Mutts-R-Stupid, I know why you read & respond to these Bulldog articles and not Tech’s, because NOBODY reads & responds to Tech articles and it’s no fun talking to yourself. Please come back with me to the Tech articles and we can chat about those pesky Bulldogs over there. I might even let you play with my (((((slide rule!)))))HaHaHaHa
By the way, does Tech play this weekend?