Let’s talk football: Murray on arm, Samuel on LB move, Mettenberger on improvement
Athens — Let’s talk some football this afternoon.
I’m at the Butts-Mehre building, planning to talk with a number of UGA football players. Hoping to chat with Richard Samuel about his move from tailback to linebacker, with Logan Gray about whether he intends to remain at quarterback for the duration, with Aaron Murray about whether his arm is 100 percent after last fall’s tendinitis, and others.
I’ll post updates through the afternoon. Please check back.
————–
UPDATE 1:
Richard Samuel seems very happy about the move to linebacker. ”I feel like I’ll be more comfortable, be able to play more freely at linebacker,” he said. He said coaches pretty much left the decision up to him about whether to remain at tailback or move to linebacker.
He said his biggest problem at tailback was blocking. “I couldn’t block correctly and keep a good pocket for the quarterback,” he said. With the play of Caleb King and Washaun Ealey at the end of last season, “my future wasn’t looking too good at running back.”
He said he’s gaining weight for the move to linebacker. He’s up to 230 now. His goal is to start at linebacker in the season opener.
————————-
UPDATE 2:
For those wondering about the health of Aaron Murray’s arm: He says it’s 100 percent fine, thank you.
Limited by triceps and forearm tendinitis for a big chunk of his redshirt season last fall, Murray said he is not worried at all about his arm now.
Recounting last fall’s problem, he said: “I just tried to push through. It inflamed up and spread throughout the arm. I didn’t give it the proper rest I should have. If I had, I would have been out a week instead of going four-five weeks without throwing. I learned from that. This off-season I’m doing a lot more shoulder maintenance, making my arm strong, building the endurance.”
He said the arm didn’t bother him at all the final month or so of last season and through bowl practices. He said extensive medical tests revealed no problem beyond tendinitis. He said he’s currently throwing three or four times a week. He said he doesn’t expect any setbacks with the arm this spring.
But he did say the missed practice reps last fall “set me back a good bit.”
As for the upcoming quarterback competition with Zach Mettenberger and Logan Gray, Murray said: “I view it is pretty much anybody’s job to take right now. I’m looking forward to spring, going out there and working as hard as I can. It’s my goal to get that position. . . . It should be fun. It’s going to be interesting. Off the field, we are not enemies; we hang out, go out to eat. It’s not [a competition] where we will go out there in hatred. We’re just going out there to win a position. . . . Two days ago, Zach and I went throwing with Marlon [Brown], helping each other with footwork and mechanics. . . . It’s going to be a friendly competition, and in the end the best guy will win.”
————————
UPDATE 3:
OK, about all those rumors of a possible position switch for quarterback Logan Gray.
Gray said he expects to play quarterback exclusively in spring practice, and although he acknowledged giving some thought to a position switch, he said the rumors were overblown.
“I’m not going to lie and say I didn’t think about what my options were, but I just think it’s too early to make any decisions,” Gray said. “I’m just going to keep on playing quarterback. If there comes a time where I’m not going to be playing or contributing and I think I’d be better off somewhere else, then maybe I’ll make a decision.”
He said the coaches never approached him about a possible position switch for spring practice.
“It was kind of interesting [when] all this whirlwind talk started brewing up and everything,” Gray said, “because it seemed to me like Coach [Mike] Bobo was planning on me playing quarterback through the spring.
“I feel like obviously we’re looking for a starting quarterback, and I feel like I can compete for it. Last year, I didn’t get quite as much experience as I would have liked. But I feel like I’m ready to go this spring, and I’m excited about spring practice and what is going to happen.”
If there comes a time when it’s clear he has no future at quarterback, Gray said, “I’m not, like, opposed to playing receiver or trying to play defense.”
——————–
UPDATE 4:
Still no official word on whether newly hired linebackers coach Warren Belin will coach the inside or outside ‘backers, although LB Chase Vasser said today, “I want to believe it’s inside, but not 100 percent on that.” Whichever group of linebackers Belin coaches, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will coach the other.
———————–
UPDATE 5:
Zach Mettenberger, whose shaky completion statistics in preseason scrimmages last summer caused some concerns in Bulldog Nation, said he is “10 times better than when I came in.”
The 6-foot-5 Mettenberger said he has lost 18 pounds in the past year, from 255 to 237, and has improved his footwork to the point that it is “as good as the other guys’, if not better.”
All three quarterbacks said they expect a highly competitive battle for the position in spring practice, which will run from March 4 through April 10.
“It’s definitely a big spring for us three quarterbacks,” Mettenberger said. “It’s pretty much going to determine who’s going to be the quarterback for possibly the next couple of years. We’re all excited about the competition, and we’re pushing each other to be the best we can. Whatever happens happens. We’re still going to be friends at the end. And it’s whatever Coach Bobo decides.”
————————-
UPDATE 6:
Here’s wide receiver Marlon Brown summarizing the different styles of the three quarterbacks:
“Zach can throw the ball 100 yards. Zach has a cannon. And Logan, he’s been here three years and is real smart and so he knows the offense better. And Aaron, he’s just an all-around guy [who] can make a tough throw and he can run. They’re all pretty good.”
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530 comments Add your comment
Coach D
February 10th, 2010
2:41 pm
Patrick,
Good facts, however one has to keep in mind many of Richt’s best years-the first few-he had many of Jim Donnan’s recruits. Unfortunately he hasn’t been as successful these last few years as he was to begin with. I hope for success, and hope I’m wrong, but think Richt’s best years have passed him by.
patrick
February 10th, 2010
2:41 pm
dawgdawgdawg wrote:
Fact: EVERY article/blog on this site turns into some kind of debate between UGA, TN, FL, and GT fans
Why can’t we just talk about the topic discussed in the blog instead of having this “my team is better than your team” debate every day?
—————————————-
ummm the topic of this blog is “lets talk UGA football”. I believe every comment falls under that topic.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
February 10th, 2010
2:43 pm
I hope that Patrick is leaving to attend his continuing education class…
woofwoofwoofwoofwoofwoof
Shane
February 10th, 2010
2:43 pm
Again, both Miami and Ohio State would have been ranked ahead of uga with one loss
Umm no they wouldnt have. In fact I remember being at the SEC Championship game that year and they had the Va Tech Miami game on everywhere. It was a forgone conclusion with the talking heads that if Miami lost it would be UGA and Ohio St for the BCS title. The BCS nerds had already said as much.
It’s not “luck” that gets you championships or “misfortune” that keeps you from them.
Not entirely but it does play a part without a playoff. Some years more than others.
patrick
February 10th, 2010
2:43 pm
“Fact”………..you need to read that link closer. The NCAA recognizes ONLY what a school CLAIMS. It has nothing to do with D1A NCs.
Change your name to “guessing” instead of “fact” please
BigTimeTECHFan
February 10th, 2010
2:44 pm
Patrick very good points and nails it with:
1. In 2008 UGA lost 18 scholly players to season ending injury PRIOR to game 3 of the season. I cant think of another program hit that hard with injuries and yet Richt had them at 10-3, ranked top ten and won a bowl game. THATS ALL CAOCHING.
2. In 2009 Richt could not control Matt Stafford and Moreno leaving early for the draft. He was stuck with a horrible QB in Cox and he wanted to give his college room mate Willie M. another shot to show his abilities. That backfired on him. I guess he should have thrown Murray into the fire but UGA would have been 8-5 with a true frosh that suffered from tendinitis anyway so why not give a fifth year senior his shot.
I would even say 2008 UGA team was better then Tech but lost to them.
But 2009 Tech was better then UGA, and Tech loss to them.
Funny how 2008 UGA win made Tech’s year, but 2009 UGA win made their year.
But tech had ACC championship to fall back on in 09 and beat all or other big rivals (Clemson, Va Tech, Fl St, UNC)(but 1 Miami)so we can still say we had good year.
Bill Belichick
February 10th, 2010
2:44 pm
How fast is Samuel? Very scary fast, not a Moreno type cutter. Down field runner – ….scary fast.
Otto
February 10th, 2010
2:45 pm
Simple Dawg, Agreed the offense needs to step up just as much as the defense.
Stafford leaving did not hurt near as much as Moreno and MoMass.
Murray’s arm was not 100% and Logan looked good in the spring game last year. Besides without Momass, AJ not 100%, and a running game that was not producing until late, against inferior competition, Stafford would have been lucky to put up much better #s.
Bobo needs to be more creative about using his play makers, Carlton Thomas is a prime example.
toph
February 10th, 2010
2:46 pm
Faster than Rennie, Bill?
patrick
February 10th, 2010
2:46 pm
Coach D wrote:
Patrick,
Good facts, however one has to keep in mind many of Richt’s best years-the first few-he had many of Jim Donnan’s recruits. Unfortunately he hasn’t been as successful these last few years as he was to begin with. I hope for success, and hope I’m wrong, but think Richt’s best years have passed him by.
=========================================
UGA finished 2007 ranked number 2 in the nation (highest UGA has been ranked since the early 80’s
richt was hired in 2001.
even if all of donnans players played 5 plus years (and they didnt) none of them were on that team.
Shane
February 10th, 2010
2:48 pm
But hey, in your mind, I’m sure that they are one of the top five programs in college.
Not top 5 but darn close. Here are the best records of the 2000’s
Florida has two more wins and LSU one more. Thats it.
1 Boise State .868 112 17
2 Texas .859 110 18
3 Oklahoma .821 110 24
4 Ohio State .803 102 25
5 USC .797 102 26
6 Florida .769 100 30
7 Texas Christian .766 95 29
8 LSU .762 99 31
9 Georgia .760 98 31
10 Virginia Tech .756 99 32
bryan
February 10th, 2010
2:49 pm
Fact
Go back to Gainesville and get the f#@%! out of Georgia. I don’t think Patrick’s point was to take credit away from your mighty Gators. His point was to show support for Richt and to prove that we have been somewhat unlucky during his tenure.
Moreover, pointing out grammatical errors on his post shows your immaturity.
toph
February 10th, 2010
2:49 pm
Wow, thanks Shane
Quickster 82
February 10th, 2010
2:49 pm
I’m not playing in your discussion but found the comments interesting. GA has won 2 outright Football Championships and some others in voting before BCS. This is from Wikepedia: The Bulldogs have brought home two national championships in their storied history: a shared title in 1942 and a consensus national championship in 1980 (several polls recognized the Bulldogs as national champions in 1927, 1946, and 1968, as well). In addition to their 2 national championships, the Bulldogs have won 12 Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships, the most recent coming in 2005, boast two Heisman Trophy winners (Frank Sinkwich, 1942, and Herschel Walker, 1982), and hold the distinction of having three graduates become Super Bowl MVPs (Jake Scott, 1972, Terrell Davis, 1998, and Hines Ward, 2005). Cheers!
patrick
February 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
UGA has never “won” a NC. No one has. All of the “NC”s prior to 1998 were voted on and awarded by sportswriters who may or may not have played the game.. Since 1998 only two teams get invited….by votes…to play a one game playoff. Hardly a real NC.
Otto
February 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
‘09 GT was not better than UGA, look at Miss. St that finished 2nd to last in the SEC. MSU had nearly 500 yards of offense on GT. What killed them was the 5 turnovers. CMR knew UGA could run on the GT DL and that would keep turnovers down. Iowa did the same.
NCDAWG
February 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
This is a really good site: http://bleacherreport.com/georgia-bulldogs-football
Relax Dawg fans
February 10th, 2010
2:53 pm
Defense – my opinion only here but turn arounds can be quick or not. Usually if talent is available, and coaching is solid, turn arounds happen quicker. No brainer right? UGA has talent. Does UGA’s staff have the talent to turn it around quickly? We shall see, but odds are better for a quicker one.
UGA put up good offensive points last year in spite leading in penalties, turn overs, and every other catagory a team doesn’t want rights to. Again, talent is there.
If our bulldogs do but one thing in 2010 and correct mistakes alone, we will have a better year. Add to that the opportunity for fresh defensive schemes, a head coach that can go back to helping develop our OC, rock solid kicking and punting and I like UGA’s chances.
You add to the fact, that we have a hungry team, UT and UF have their own problems and the east is wide open.
Otto
February 10th, 2010
2:54 pm
What is not real about the BCS National Champ?
patrick
February 10th, 2010
2:55 pm
Shane good post. However, I was talking more about the Mark Richt era. During his tenure…no other SEC team has more wins. and no other SEC team has been ranked more times top ten at 6. Only LSU has more SEC titles (3-2)
Shane
February 10th, 2010
2:55 pm
What is not real about the BCS National Champ?
It is not the culmination of a playoff
Dawgs 97
February 10th, 2010
2:55 pm
Patrick,
I am a huge Dawg fan, hate Florida, however, I am (shuddering) actually taking the side of the Gator here – we may all hate the BCS, but there was a national championship game in 1995 and Nebraska won it. We won it in 80. Sorry, you may not have liked the previous system (and I don’t love the current one either) but as long as the NCAA recognizes champions, then it is is what it is.
It seems Aaron Murray had tendinitis most of last season, which I was unaware at the time, otherwise it’s possible Richt may have pulled Joe Cox from the starting job earlier. I wish we had a better back up but it was what it was.
I do think Richt can be fully blamed for not firing Willie a year sooner and hiring the THEN available, John Chavis. Chavis wanted to come to Athens but Richt stuck by Martinez and we suffered. Look, I think Grantham will do a fantastic job and we can put the nightmare that Willie was behind us, but we should have hired Chavis a year sooner and at least, despite Cox, our defense would have played a lot better in 2009.
ManOfAction
February 10th, 2010
2:56 pm
Richard Samuel runs a sub 4.4 40yd dash. I don’t know how fast he will be with the extra weight, but I don’t foresee any tight ends, running backs, and few receivers running away from him.
Otto
February 10th, 2010
2:56 pm
A playoff would make the college football season worse.
toph
February 10th, 2010
2:57 pm
Thanks ManOfAction
toph
February 10th, 2010
2:58 pm
It sounds like Samuel might be our fastest linebacker. I think our defense will be incredibly fast next year with Samuel moving over, C. Washington possibly playing LB as well as J. Houston. Our secondary already is very quick and with the additions of Ogletree and Hamilton, that will continue to be the case.
Otto
February 10th, 2010
2:59 pm
CMR the past 4 years
1-3 to UF
1-3 to UT
2-2 to UK and a late INT away from 1-3
Vandy won in Athens for the 1st time since Goff and celebrating a win at Vandy was cause for major celebration
Reality
February 10th, 2010
2:59 pm
Patrick, UGA has NEVER won a National Championship! I repeat NEVER Won a National Championship!!!! When are UGA fans going to stop referring to the past and look at the present. UGA is a OK program, but not an SEC elite team.
C from Marietta
February 10th, 2010
3:00 pm
Hey patrick,
Great post. My advice don’t get into an arguement with the haters.
They will NEVER be happy. Even WHEN Coach Richt gets has NC.
They will moan that he only has one and should have more, etc…
I agree Coach Richt is the man and UGA is very lucky to have him at he helm. Some folks are just negative and need to be negative. Arguing with them will only make you frustrated.
David Polelock
February 10th, 2010
3:00 pm
FACT – Patrick needs a life!
WonderDawg
February 10th, 2010
3:00 pm
I hate these “inside information” reports, but I do have a friend whose son was a walk-on and just graduated. He says don’t be supprised if it is Zach Mettenberger starting at QB next season. Huge arm, huge size 6-5, 230 and has dramatically improved footwork and touch throws. The son loves Murray, but says Zach’s arm is at least the equal to Stafford’s. Exciting, huh?
Dreamland
February 10th, 2010
3:00 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7dxXlTi_NQ&feature=related
31-0 when I left to find some gas!
dawgbuddy
February 10th, 2010
3:02 pm
Fact:
UGA is trending down.
patrick
February 10th, 2010
3:02 pm
dawgs97. The NCAA does not recognize the NC. It recognizes WHAT A TEAM CLAIMS. The NCAA has nothing to do with it. It merely lists what each team claims as a NC and counts on them to self police (in other words not claim “readers digest” poll as a valid NC
TYPICAL BULLDAWG FAN
February 10th, 2010
3:02 pm
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
MATT
February 10th, 2010
3:02 pm
D-1 football is not just the only college sport that doesn’t have a playoff, it’s the only sport period that doesn’t have a playoff. Pro tennis, hockey, basketball, baseball, football (duh), soccer, bowling, and all college sports have playoffs.
That being said; every year we all complain about the BCS and it’s system and every year they sell out the games and millions tune in to watch them. While I agree that college football needs to go to a playoff system it won’t happen until the big wigs start losing money due to poor attendance and t.v. ratings.
TYPICAL BULLDAWG FAN
February 10th, 2010
3:06 pm
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
LET’S STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY! HE IS A LOSER!!!!
Bo Williams
February 10th, 2010
3:06 pm
Will the UGa football team feel the repercussions of this: “Hundreds of Georgia schools are accused of tampering with student answers on state standardized tests last year, officials announced Wednesday, throwing the state’s main achievement measure into turmoil.”
patrick
February 10th, 2010
3:07 pm
not an elite SEC team
jesus people are complete morons.
UGA is 13th alltime winningest progam. Behind only ALA and Tenn (barely)
UGA is 11th alltime in wins
and as far as Nation’s Top Bowl Teams
All-Time
1 Alabama 54
2. Tennessee 45
3. Texas 45
4. Southern Cal 44
5. Nebraska 43
6. GEORGIA 41
Well I will be damned….so much for not being elite
Otto
February 10th, 2010
3:07 pm
Plenty of you complain about the BCS, I don’t. If CFB had a playoff would this topic be going right now. Would signing be as covered as it is? CFB is being discussed more than the NFL and the Super Bowl was held a few days ago.
The BCS works. It puts the top 2 ranks teams against each other and keep CFB as must see TV during the regular season. Would Auburn vs. Bama be on Friday with national TV coverage if Bama was locked into playoff like the Colts were. Would Bama pull their QB in the Auburn game like the Colts did in the regular season? The BCS is far better than a playoff.
CatsFly
February 10th, 2010
3:08 pm
I disagree, just because UGa is not an elite university doesn’t negate the fact that it has an elite football team.
reality
February 10th, 2010
3:08 pm
Fact…CMr is 2-7 Vs. florida
Fact… he has lost to Spurier, Zook and Meyer
Fact…you lose recruits when they realize you cant beat your biggest rival who happens to be in your division.
Fact…If Richt was at Florida and was 2-7 Vs. Georgia with zero national titles they would fire him.
Fact…UGA fans have lower expectations that Florida fans and as a life long Dawg it drives me crazy!
TYPICAL BULLDAWG FAN
February 10th, 2010
3:09 pm
Patrick, we are in decline and it is time to accept reality.
Mark Richt needs to go!!!!
his time has passed!
patrick
February 10th, 2010
3:09 pm
oh and all of UGAs success???? It comes playing the second hardest SOS in history behind only Michigan
http://cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/rankings/all_time_team_sched_rankings.php
hmmmmmmm
Bob Sacamano
February 10th, 2010
3:10 pm
Coaches let the players decide where they will play? I’m living in the wrong century…
Cherokee
February 10th, 2010
3:10 pm
To all of the “fans” who hate CMR and thinks he should be fired, you only have 2 choices if you are a major donor pull your donation and let Damon Evans and Michael Adams know why you are doing. If you are not a donor find another team to pull for. Or live with it. But B*&^%ing on these boards are not doing any good.
Fla Dawg
February 10th, 2010
3:11 pm
Patrick – you’re annoying as hell. Please stop disgracing us with your idiotic posts. Stated succinctly, we haven’t won a NC since 1980 and our fellow SEC schools mentioned in your remarks have. Support your team, but don’t embarrass your fellow Dawg fans any longer with these stupid posts.
Otto
February 10th, 2010
3:12 pm
Patrick, Yes UGA has been one of the winningest in the SEC.
Dawgbuddy, hard to argue against the downward trend.
CMR made changes to get back to the top. I don’t want to see him fired but there is no doubt the past few years were not as good as they could have been. Games were blown because of fundamentals. Lets see if the changes made by CMR can get UGA back on top.
TYPICAL BULLDAWG FAN
February 10th, 2010
3:12 pm
cherokee and patrcik can go suck it!!!!
FIREMARKRICHT.COM
BMDPD
February 10th, 2010
3:13 pm
Typical…..Yawn……..Go away…….