Talking with the QBs: Mettenberger sees key as ‘who can … take us to national title’
OK, on to the second in the series of interviews with the quarterbacks who’ll be battling this spring for Georgia’s starting job. . . .
The three candidates — Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger and Logan Gray -– spent some time last week chatting with the beat writers who cover the Dogs. Re-listening to those sessions as I transcribed them over the weekend underscored for me how interesting and important spring practice will be. (By the way, spring practice starts March 4 and ends with the G-Day Game on April 10.)
I posted a full transcript yesterday of the interview with Murray — if you missed it, please look for it here — and later today I’ll post the interview with Gray. For now, here’s the interview with Mettenberger, a strong-armed 6-foot-5 passer from Oconee County who (like Murray) was invited to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterbacks camp in high school and who (like Murray) was redshirted as a UGA freshman last season.
So what is your view of the quarterback competition?
Mettenberger: Ultimately it’s up to Coach [Mike] Bobo. But all three of us are going in saying we’re going to work as hard as we can and whatever he decides after spring, we’re just going to go with it.
How much do you think you’ve improved since your first day on campus?
Mettenberger: I think 10 times better than when I came in. My body is starting to mature. I’ve changed a lot. I’ve lost a couple of pounds. I’m working really hard. I’m doing everything Coach Bobo has asked of me. We’ll see how spring practice goes. We’ll see on the field how I’ve done.
What’s your weight now?
Mettenberger: 237. When I first came in, I was like 255.
How would you describe your mindset, your emotions, about the competition for the starting job?
Mettenberger: It’s definitely a big spring for us three quarterbacks. It’s pretty much going to determine who’s going to be the quarterback for possibly the next couple of years. We’re all really excited about the competition, and we’re all pushing each other to do the best we can. And whatever happens happens. We’re still going to be friends at the end.
Do you look at it as completely even among the three of you going into spring?
Mettenberger: I think in everyone’s opinion, Coach Bobo and us three, we’re all tied right now. Logan [Gray] is probably No. 1 going in, the first couple of days, just because he’s older and has been there longer. I don’t really know what to expect; I just know all three of us are going to go in and work as hard as we can.
Do you feel more confident than last summer?
Mettenberger: It’s night and day to where I was. I mean, I came in and worked my tail off. I’ve never been a slacker by any means. But I’m starting to mature and finally getting a knack of the offense and getting time with the receivers and just picking up the game speed of college football in the SEC. Right now I feel great. But I won’t really know until spring ball comes and we put the pads on.
What do you think will be the most important criteria in determining who wins the starting job?
Mettenberger: I think there are two. I think it’s overall leadership — who the guys can gravitate towards and really follow, someone who can lead us to the promised land and take us to a national title. And also knowing as much of the playbook as we can and trying to be as smart as Coach Bobo with the playbook because you want to be like Peyton Manning out there just making audibles and just know[ing] everything that’s going on around you.
How do you and Aaron help each other?
Mettenberger: We knew each other from camping with each other at Elite 11. . . . Aaron’s a great guy and a great friend, and if I need help I can trust him to help me out. And what we’re going through right now is helping us both a lot. If we were at a school by ourself, we maybe wouldn’t push ourselves as much as having a guy in the same class competing for the same job. Aaron has been a really great thing for me since I’ve been here.
The starting quarterback will step into an offense with the 10 other starters returning.
Mettenberger: Whoever gets the job is definitely stepping into a very experienced offense. . . . The offensive line is finally upper classmen. . . . We got guys like Ben Jones and Clint Boling who know the offense just as well as Coach Searels. For me and Aaron, if we don’t know something, a guy like Ben or Clint can tell us. . . . To have those mature guys around us really helps out a lot.
Are you a more accurate passer than you were last summer, when some of your scrimmage statistics didn’t look too good?
Mettenberger: I’ve never felt like I was an inaccurate passer. People have always said I’m a gunslinger, not accurate, don’t know where ball is going, but I definitely feel like I can throw the ball as good as anybody and as accurate as anybody. It all comes back to my footwork, which … has gotten just as good as the other guys’, if not better. My accuracy in [last year's] G-Day Game and all that other stuff –- you know, some were dropped passes. And a lot of people weren’t there to see it; they just saw the stats; they didn’t get to see all the plays. I’m not going to blame it on dropped passes, but right now I have a grasp on the offense and I know what I’m doing. So it should just be easier for me to play pitch-and-catch with my receivers.
In your mind, do you see yourself as the starter for the season opener?
Mettenberger: Yes sir.
Would you agree that the three candidates for the job all bring a different game to the table?
Mettenberger: Yes sir. You got Logan, who is a super athlete. If quarterback doesn’t work out for him, he can go change to another postion. It’s a little different for me and Aaron both. Aaron is a little more mobile than me, and he might be a little more accurate. But I think my size and how I can throw the ball is definitely something that I have that the other guys don’t. So I’m just going to use what I have to my benefit.
Also: Aaron Murray talks about the quarterback battle.
Coming later today: Interview with Logan Gray.
Please follow me on Twitter for the latest UGA news and notes.
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126 comments Add your comment
Eaassyy
February 15th, 2010
10:08 am
How bout his footwork? I would assume better since dropping the weight. First?
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
February 15th, 2010
10:10 am
Let the games begin
Ryno
February 15th, 2010
10:10 am
I know Murray might have been rated higher – but I think Zach is the guy. To many physical factors in his favor and his arm is just as good as the other candidates.
Spike
February 15th, 2010
10:15 am
Seems like a nice respectfull young man. I like the “yes, sir” answers. This is going to be a heck of a battle this spring and summer.
Bobby
February 15th, 2010
10:16 am
First, Good Interview
Stephen Harrison
February 15th, 2010
10:16 am
This kid will prolly be the best Pro prospect of the 3 He reminds me from all I have seen of Ryan Mallet the way he stands in the pocket big & tall with a strong arm
Stanfield
February 15th, 2010
10:17 am
I personally hope that Mettenberger wins the starting job. If he can progress and have an outstanding spring, I would love to see a quarterback with his size leading the Dawgs. I also think that very few fans give him a realistic shot of winning the starting job behind center.
Bremen Dawg
February 15th, 2010
10:22 am
It going to be a battle and I think Logan should go ahead and move to wideout. I think you may see Bobo use two QB’s
c'mon man
February 15th, 2010
10:24 am
I think Metzzy is our guy as well.
Appears more athletic than Greene and that is saying a lot. Greene is my favorite QB in the Richt era. Go DAWGS!
Tim Tucker
February 15th, 2010
10:29 am
Eaassyy:
Zach had an interesting comment, I thought, about his footwork:. “It all comes back to my footwork, which … has gotten just as good as the other guys’, if not better.”
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
10:31 am
With Zach, you’re getting a 6′ 5” QB who has the strongest arm of the Georgia QB’s. He can wing it a mile downfield. His size is the prototypical Pro Style QB like Eli Manning.
Zach is accurate, completed more passes than Murray, 62% verses 61% for murray.
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
10:34 am
Zach threw for 19 TD’s in 2008 against only 6 int’s. That over a 3.0 TD-to-int ratio.
And he completed over 62% of his passes.
dawgingatorville
February 15th, 2010
10:40 am
not sure how to feel about the upcoming season, hate that it may take ANOTHER season before things turn around. This is all Richt’s fault for not planning ahead that the QB would leave after his junior year. Where was the planning? Now we have to start novice QBs two years in a row? I think the 2011 season will prove to be OK though, so the sky isn’t falling, but it is getting embarrassing….
TXDawg
February 15th, 2010
10:43 am
Footwork does not = 100% of what’s needed. Which one has the smarts? Which one can read the defenses better? Which one has the intangibles and that internal drive to dig down deep and pull out everything necessary to be a great QB (I.e. John Elway, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Brett Favre)
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
10:45 am
Zach had a terrible G-Day game. It wasn’t just dropped passes. It was also int and sacks.
He went 0 for 3, 1 int, 2 sacks.
Gray went 9 for 13, No Int’s, 5 sacks.
Murray went 3 for 5, no int’s, no sacks.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
10:46 am
i like arron over metts but not by much. both are smart but the one who knows the playbook better will win the starting job. also i like murray’s mobility reminds me of drew brees where he usues it to pass down field or to get the short 5 yards for first down when the receivers are covered. can be very annoying for defenses. i see murray starting and metts a close second. not a bad problem to have when you have 2 great qbs pushing each other.
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
10:50 am
Zach has a wicked sense of humor. Sort of a Will Farrell character. You can see it in the video interviews he does. Man, the dude is funny. He can use that to build his leadership and attract guys to him. Kind of the way Vince Young helped Texas stay light and play so well. Kind of the USC attitude of having fun. Richt should really like that.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
10:51 am
whats to be embarrassed about? richt has another top recruting class and we have 2 great qbs. starting a red shirt freshman is not a bad thig when you have upperclassmen around him. look what greene did. i wasnt planning for stafford to leave early i was hoping he would stay all 4 years. richt didnt plan for injuries on the oline the past two years but not one coach plans for injuiries.
Who will start as UGA QB?
February 15th, 2010
10:59 am
Maybe Spring should serve to narrow it down to the top 2 QB’s.
Then let the top 2 battle it out on the field during our first few games.
Let them prove it on the only place that matters–against SEC defenses.
Nash Nance's Dream
February 15th, 2010
10:59 am
The windows are closed, so I’m not sure how I got through them, but I am floating outside my house…other things distract me, as I see the mist depart as I move over Calhoun. I don’t know where I am going, but soon I am zooming across the state, and suddenly in the distance I see a water tower that says “Athens-Clarke County”. I slow, swooping down over UGA’s campus, seeing the buildings as they zoom under me. Soon, I am over Sanford Stadium, and I can see a night practice going on.
I see the qb/wr group at one end of the field, and I see three qbs throwing and I know I am here to see something important. Watching these guys throw, I realize that UGA has three qbs who can play, and I want to compete…I drop onto the field, and pick up a football. At first, no one knows I’m even there…I throw passes but the wrs don’t even look at me. Then a coach comes over and tells me I have to step up my game. I try to throw harder, and still I’m not even noticed. Murry and Mett are hitting all their targets, and yet no one looks my way! I throw five more, as hard as I can, but they all just hit the field and skitter away. Now I’m frightened! I’ll never be this close again to playing big time college ball! I reach over to a manager and pick up a clip board. It feels so right, so warm and comfortable in my hands! I know I will be holding a clipboard on the field at UT, and it feels so right. The next thing I know, I’m no longer at Sanford Stadium, but at Nieland Stadium, holding a clipboard, calling in plays to the other guys that will be leading this team to a 7-5 record. I see Da’Rick making a play here, a drop there, a play there. This…this is good, so right, with the clipboard in my hand.
I wake up, and I am holding a clipboard. I know I made the right choice.
Bryan G.
February 15th, 2010
10:59 am
I kind of like the kid’s confidence he shows in this interview.
Larry
February 15th, 2010
11:00 am
Nice interview series here, Tim.
Seems like Mett has already come a long way, but I will be very surprised if Murray isnt QB 1 in the fall. Kid has mobility and accuracy in spades, and he wasnt the top prospect in the country for nothin.
SouthGa Dawg
February 15th, 2010
11:01 am
If Zack catches on to playbook quick, he will be the guy
Alabamadawg, who's never going back to the Outback Restaurant again !!
February 15th, 2010
11:04 am
Personally, I’m pulling for Logan Gray, I think he brings the most to the table…but, I’m not sure how much I trust our staff to make the right decision…( thinking about Joe T. and Joe Cox ).
J Dawg
February 15th, 2010
11:05 am
Murray will start and be successfull, if we run the ball effectively, and the line protects him, he is a smart kid, and is very atheletic. I also think that he is not scared, which was Joes main problem, he did not want to get hit at all. It showed any time anyone got near him he would panic(not a good attribute in the SEC) you are gonna get hit in this league. Zach or Aaron will be fine with me, who ever does the best and the team and coaches feel is the better leader. Logan, do youself a favor switch positions, your a good athelete help the team elswhere.
Go DAWGS!!!
What if?
February 15th, 2010
11:09 am
Put Mettenberger on Murray’s HS team with Charles as his tight end, and what might he have accomplished? Don’t get me wrong, I love Murray (love both these guys), but people seem to be ready to anoint Aaron as the next great QB based on his HS stats, record and ranking. But put these two on the same team and who knows? I think it is going to come down to those intangibles… leadership, confidence, poise, etc. Should be fun!
jrmdvm1
February 15th, 2010
11:10 am
I for one hope that all three manage to develop to their potential. I hope that the ones who do not win the starting job get significant time on the field ( and not just with the “second string” ), so we are never just an injury away from virtually total inexperience.
Pattie the Proctologist
February 15th, 2010
11:21 am
Mettenberger is a UGA guy; he bleeds red and black and that’s what we need. Shame really that we can’t get all three of them in the game with a hybrid type spread.
How2fish
February 15th, 2010
11:22 am
Good place to be with 3 talented guys working for the job. Think it will come down to who knows the playbook best and shows they can lead the team..and stay healthy . Having guys with similar skill sets is always a good thing..well if they have good skills!
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
11:26 am
Logan will get his shot as he is the oldest and has earned it. just like joe t and joe cox they will have to lose the job. joe t lost it because stafford was the better qb hence he is starting qb as a rookie that should be a sr in college. joe cox didnt lose that job as he was the better qb last year. he could throw tds and and knew the playbook better than any qb on the roster. no telling how good joe’s number would have been if uga had running game and off line these new guys will be getting and the young receivers coming back with a year under their belt.
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
11:29 am
Zach was also invited to the Elite 11 2008 camp. He did well there. Won the award for strongest arm.
On the accruacy challenge, Zach finished tied with Gilbert, the Texas phenom. Zach also finished with 46 points on the accuracy challenge, just 2 points behind Aaron Murray who had 48.
To be invited to the Elite 11 camp says a lot about Zach’s potential. Scout says Zach has the BIGGEST UPSIDE of all the QB’s in his class.
WonderDawg
February 15th, 2010
11:31 am
Great interviews, Tim Tucker!!
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
11:35 am
Scout says he is:
1) biggest upside of class
2) mentally tough player
3) makes his teammates better
4) strongest arm
5) can punish zones and man-to-man coverage
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
11:39 am
The upside is because he is 6ft 5in
murray will be better than Metts but not by much. what murry lacks in size he gaines in his mobilty and just being a better athelete. drew brees does just fine at 6ft and if murry can emulate the same kind of game as drew he will be just fine as a pro./ metts doesnt have to worry about creating passing lanes as he is 6′5 and the pros love big tall strong arm qbs. if metts can play smart he will be fine too.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
11:39 am
what does scout say about murray?
Correction
February 15th, 2010
11:39 am
Larry,
Murray wasn’t the top prospect in the country, he was the 3rd rated QB, the 46th rated player
nationally and 4th rated player in Florida.
BigMike Said...
February 15th, 2010
11:40 am
Sounds like CMR has a Vince Dooley Problem. Any of you “Old Heads” remember when UGA played Ray Goff and Matt Robinson? Goff was definately the better runner, but Matt, like Zach, had the better arm and got Drafted to play with the Jets. Logan Gray, Dawg fans let us not forget was the #6 ranked QB coming outta H.S, and I don’t think a couple of series in a UF blowout is a determining factor as to his abilities! This should be interesting to see, but I know one FACT, if Mike Bobo blows it with a #3,#6, and #10 ranked QB,s on his bench he must be gone as a O-Co-.ordinator.
Paddy
February 15th, 2010
11:43 am
I will wait till the 3rd interview in this series but I sure like what I am reading about the state-of-affairs of our QB situation right now. We always seem to sign good QB’s.
WonderDawg
February 15th, 2010
11:44 am
I just hope Murray and Mettenberger have a fair chance at winning the job. It obviously wasn’t a fair fight last season. Richt should let the top two play in every game so we have a really strong backup.
BigMike Said...
February 15th, 2010
11:44 am
Must admit that I like all of there attitudes, no selfish players in the crowd. Zach, Aaron, and Logan will all know that it’s little room for error when you have someone just as good as you on the sidelines!
Tailback U
February 15th, 2010
11:45 am
Agreed Wonderdawg, good interviews Tim.
Sounds as if Murray’s height is comparable to Brees while
Zacks’s height is comparable to Mallet . If the talent level
is in any way comparable it is going to be a helluva competetion
this spring. G-day game can’t get here fast enough.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
11:46 am
no worries about bobo blowing it. he will have the qb’s ready. will be up to the qb to take that job by the play on their field. gray was a spread optinon type qb coming out of high school. not really used to reading the def secondary. i think he would have been ideal for a ga southern , navy and now ga tech typ offense. unlike the guy tech has now, grey can pass aswell. i like greys arm and mobilty but he is not as good as arron. he might be there with metts though or a little better. but because he is a jr might be too late to stay a qb if he wants to play more.
Another UGA history lesson
February 15th, 2010
11:49 am
UGA has done just as well overt the last 50 years with soph or even frosh QBs. Mike Cavan carried UGA to the promised land in 68 with UGA 8-0-2 with a Sugar Bowl LOSS to Arkansas BUT a pre bowl ranking of like 4th. Not bad. Final was like 8th or so. Not bad, when compared to 67 and 69.
Andy Johnson in 71 did very well for UGA. 10-1 in 71 with win over NC in the Gator Bowl.
Ray Goff and Matt Robinson, both sophs, carried UGA to the Cotton and the Sugar in 75 and 76. In 78 UGA was undefeated with two ties or maybe one loss and our QB was a nobody … I think.
Belue did ok in 80 as a SOPH.
I might be wrong but John Lastinger as a Soph or maybe Junior carried UGA to Cotton Bowl win in 82 or 83 over #1 Texas. Always 10-9 in Dallas.
Lean through out the 80s/90s ( raising kids in this era, my old memory is cloudy ) and with David Green as a Frosh and Soph, UGA did well in 2000?
Stafford ( who I never liked ) did carry us to the Sugar Bowl and final #2 as a soph.
Not a bad soph QB history, ………….so let us look forward to the QB battle at UGA. Afterall ……………it could be Jumpin Joe Cox again. AAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH #$@^%$ Thank God and Greyhound he is gone.
We have 3 QBs; UT has none.
February 15th, 2010
11:52 am
What the heck was DaRick thinking?
Who will start as UGA QB?
February 15th, 2010
11:54 am
Logan & Murray both outplayed Joe Cox last year in the Spring game, but Bobo and Richt stayed with Cox.
So if Murray & Zack both outplay Logan in the Spring game, it’s probably just a formality, Bobo will go with Logan regardless of the Spring game, just like last year.
patrick
February 15th, 2010
11:55 am
Murray or Mettenberger will be fine. I believe Bobo learned his lesson about running the ball. Both will be ok handing the ball off.
Larry
February 15th, 2010
11:56 am
Correction-
Thanks for the clarification. I was basing my comment on when he was being recruited by UGA and UF and was, at the time, considered the best QB in Fla and one of the top 5 in the country. Either way, he should have what it takes. That being said, I hope one of these kids really steps up and earns the job so that there is no doubt who should be under center in the fall.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
11:58 am
i have to disagree with wonderdawg in that joe cox won that job out right. well at least the other two didnt do enough to win it in practice. i will side with richt and bobo that the starter last year should have been joe cox as he was our best chance to win. he almost won 10-games. a mess up by a true freshmen at running back in the ky game and a blown call by a ref in the lsu game and joe cox finishes 10-3. guys richt will always make the right choice when it comes to the team.well at least 9-10 times which is still pretty good.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
12:01 pm
cox played fine in that g- game last year and both those qbs had all year to beat him out. they just didnt get it done.stafford got it done in 2006 with his knowledge of the playbook and how well he read the def. thats why he beat both joe’s..and him having a cannon of an arm didnt hurt either.
Correction
February 15th, 2010
12:01 pm
It really won’t matter who the QB is this year. Who ever it
is will only be asked to hand off (without fumbling), and throw
safe and easy flat passes or bubble screens.
This discussion should have gone on last year and allowed one of them
to get a year’s experience, instead of a wasted year with Cox.
This is another example of Richt making poor decisions as a head coach,
does any one remember Moreno. As a result the dawgs go in 2010 with no experience
at QB, but with good players every where else.
If Richt has any sense he will rely on a rushing
game and defense. There is no way any of these 3 are going to win games passing,
a year from now that will be a different story.
NewnanDawg
February 15th, 2010
12:10 pm
History Lesson – I agree with the premise that we will be fine with ine of these young QBs, but your history is misleading. You went back to a time when there was very little passing in the college game. Belue completed only 1, yes 1 pass in the nat’l championship game. Also, Stafford was the number 1 draft pick in the NFL coming out early, so we can’t begin to assume that our new QBs are on that level.
While I did corect the history lesson a bit, I do agree that we should be fine, especially with all of the other starters back. If we can stay away from injuries in key spots, whoever the QB is will have plenty of help around him.
Go Dawgs!
The Real SugarHillDawg
February 15th, 2010
12:15 pm
I like this dude’s confidence. He said with conviction that he expects to be the starting QB and that is refreshing. I prefer Metzy because he won’t have many passes batted down.He shouldn’t have to be that mobile with the O-line we have returning.
Paddy
February 15th, 2010
12:19 pm
Correction…..I agree with everything you mentioned but winning a game with the passing. Given the right game plan(emphasis on the run) Any of these 3 guys have the ability to hit passes at the moment of truth. I would not give up on the passing aspect of our offense just yet as it applies to winning big games with their arms.
How2fish
February 15th, 2010
12:19 pm
atl-xmen I agree I don’t see either of the freshmen last year winning the scorefest that was the ARK game or keeping their head to hang on for win over USC…or the Auburn game..Joe was one defense away from being a very successful QB..I mean how many of his INT’s hit his target in the hands and they tipped it? He played his heart out every game he just wasn’t as gifted as Greene or Stafford , but due to his experience I think he was the best choice last year…and so did CMR and Bobo.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
12:22 pm
and do you remember greene who started as a red shirt freshmen? people were saying the same thing about him..just hand it off. he did just fine passing. last year was not a wasted year. uga finished 8-5 and could have easly finished 10-3 if not for a mistake by a true freshmen and a blown call by a ref. just stuff happens but those other 2 qb were not ready and would have lost more than 5 games easy with the young line uga had and not to forget young receivers and running backs. richt made the right call no doubt. this year these three qb are more prepared to take on the sec defenses unlike last year. try to imagine playing against the sec defenses and having young players all around you, all while trying to learn a pro style offense that joe cox knows inside and out already. i think red shirting moreno was fine too with the depth uga had at running back that gave moreno another year to learn how to pick up blitzing linebackers.
Who will start as UGA QB?
February 15th, 2010
12:23 pm
Don’t look past Huston Mason. Hopefully, Tim Tucker will add him to this series.
Huston completed 72% of his passes, threw for over 4500 yards, and 55 td’s against just 10 int’s. Parade All-American, the guy could win the starting QB spot for 2010.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
12:28 pm
richt cant stand to lose and if he would have played either qb last year uga would have lost more. yes they might have gotten some playing experience for this year but they could have also freaked out and lost their swagger and their confindence aswell and never be the same. instead they learned the playbook and got better while practicing for this year. you guys have to remember that uga was very young last year and to throw a true freshmen out there with other young guys would have been a disasterous move and outcome.
nobody
February 15th, 2010
12:29 pm
I am happy that these kids have more sense than to read these internet blogs…. regardless of what might be said here our opinions mean nothing… the QB job will be won by that kid who performs best and comes to terms with the unimaginable pressure created by intense public scrutiny…
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
12:30 pm
no need to play hutson with the 3 great qb we have coming back..red shirt him and let him learn to play qb in the sec just like murray and metts did..why in such a hurry to throw truefreshmen out there?
About Hutson Mason
February 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
Hutson Mason is amazing. Great size 6′ 3′, 200 lbs.
Great accuracy, 72% of passes.
Amazing productivity 4500 yards, 54 td’s, 10 int’s.
Amazing stat:
Threw 32 for 39 for 552 yards and 8 TD’s in a playoff game (3rd most td’s in 1 game in high scvhool history).
Tim Tucker
February 15th, 2010
12:31 pm
Bobby, Larry, WonderDawg, TailbackU:
Thank y’all. Glad you like the interviews.
Dawg Tired
February 15th, 2010
12:38 pm
Until BuLLdawg tells us who should be the starter we can not possibly have a clue. Coach Richt, Coach Bobo, and the rest of us are too stupid. Only BuLLdawg is smart enough for this monumental decision.
My advice: Wait for BuLLdawg to tell us who the starter should be. I assure you he will either do that or tell us it makes no difference because Coach Richt and Coach Bobo are just too srupid for us to win anyway. Mind you that he says he likes Coacch Richt, but not his coaches. Does this make any sense? Not to me, but then I now know that only BuLLdawg has any sense and I am not supposed to understand until BuLLdawg blesses us by explaining it all by cutting and pasting volumes of information.
While i was typing this this, I see that Correction has taken over BuLLdawg’s role in pointing out how stupid everyone, especially Coach Richt, is.
Jona
February 15th, 2010
12:39 pm
No matter which starts there will be growing pains. Remember Satfford as a starting freshman? The running game and safe, high percentage completion pass routes will be the key this season. oh, and defense.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
12:40 pm
i like matson too…but let him learn what it takes to play in the sec first. the qbs to get the job done are their already just a matter of time before steps up and takes the starting job.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
12:42 pm
hahaha ..i agree dawgtired..those two might have the two best mighty mite teams out there battling it out on the field…=) i think bulldawg is a closet jacket fan imho
About Hutson Mason
February 15th, 2010
12:48 pm
Hutson has been training with an NFL QB for years, and working on the playbook for weeks.
His attitude is the best of the 4 QB’s.
Here’s a great interview with Mason, just in case Tim doesn’t get a chance to interview him in this series:
http://ugadogsblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/get-to-know-hutson-mason.html
oldmaninatlanta
February 15th, 2010
12:50 pm
Last year was totally wasted in getting these guys ready.Cox was just another Tereshinski.Now ..because of that the Dogs will be struggling with the passing game.It’s going to turn into the old Woody Hayes offense.1st down..run,second down run and if no first down,a little dump off pass to a running back.Wondering what A.J. is thinking,may be wishing he had gone somewhere they actually have a passing game and that certainly wont be here.Such a terrible waste of talent..seems that happens a lot lately.Oh well,a 7-5 record and a trip to the Music City Bowl seems to be a good bet.
Meyer Chokes w/ 22 starters back in 2009
February 15th, 2010
12:57 pm
Florida’s struggles will continue in 2010. Man, why they didn’t get Brantley more than 40 snaps. Unreal. What a waste. Should have let Brantley play 25% of snaps.
The Bratley kid is untested. 2b competition in high school, and played against Charleston Southern at Florida. Gonna get clobbered by Grantham’s D, and Chavis/LSU, and Saban’s Bama and South Carolina.
Looking at 5-3 in the SEC, like Meyer’s does 40% of his seasons at Fla.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
1:02 pm
oldman couldnt be more wrong. joe cox is way better than joe t and last year was not wasted. uga still got at least 8 wins which was better than what saben did at ala 3 years ago with the same type of team. because of joe cox those guys took a year to learn the system better while at the same time not get the confidence shook. got the better prepared for this year and the years to come. aj will get his touches and a dump off to a running back works most of the time. watch that play ala ran against fla..that 70 plus dump pass clinched the game for them in the sec championship this year.
dawgs will win at least 10 this year with another top 10 finish and looking to contend for a title in 2011
About Zack Mettenberger
February 15th, 2010
1:02 pm
With Georgia’s inexperience at QB, defenses are gonna put 8 in the box to try and stop Ealey/ King & Branden Smith.
That’s gonna open up 1 on 1 coverage with AJ Green, Wooten, Charles, White, and T. King.
So we need a guy who can throw it long and punish teams if they cheat up to stop the run.
Zach Mettenberger has the strongest arms and could punish defenses that cheat to stop the run.
sky high
February 15th, 2010
1:05 pm
Hey Tim-
It would be great if you could do interviews with each position for Georgia, working through the depth chart each time. And post them.
skyhigh
February 15th, 2010
1:08 pm
This kid is going to be unreal – he might be the next Brad Johnson, a Super Bowl winning quarterback at the next level but it will be tough for him to beat out the greatest recruit that we’ve ever had – Murray!!
With Grantham and Murray, we’re going to be unstoppable. Remember, Grantham taught Saban how to run his defense!!!
We’re going to be unstoppable!!
Mark it down!!
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
1:09 pm
love this quote by mason…and he is not the only one who actually plays the qb position who thinks this.
The future looks bright for us, and that’s no different at the quarterback position. Someone’s going to have to step up for us. There’s two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. Someone’s going to have to become the man and take the ball and run with it. I think they’re excited. I think we’re all excited about the opportunity that we have. I think Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger would say the same thing that Coach Bobo is one of the best in the country at preparing you for a game.
Jim Schwartz, the coach of the Lions, said that Matthew Stafford was the most prepared NFL quarterback rookie that he’d ever coached coming out of college. I think that speaks volumes of Coach Bobo being able to prepare you and know what’s going on. So I think us quarterbacks will be pretty comfortable knowing what’s going on even though we’re pretty young.
atl-xmen
February 15th, 2010
1:12 pm
About Zach , murray can do the same thing and even pull the ball down and run the ball. and is he can also throw on the run aswell. better than metts.
masivatack
February 15th, 2010
1:15 pm
I wish he could’ve given those 15 ponds or so to Logan.
masivatack
February 15th, 2010
1:15 pm
ha, pounds
UGA 2010
February 15th, 2010
1:20 pm
Yes. Joe Cox was a decent QB. And if Richt/Bobo didn’t know how to assess talent at that posistion, i’ll buy you lunch. He gave us our best chance to win. Experience would have been nice , especially in the FL or UT abberations, against SEC defenses, but if they were not ready mentally, than all you risk is a bunch of blown plays, to embarass, discourage, and possibly injure our next two-three years of QB talent. It wasn’t worth the trade off. You know what happens during blown plays (i.e. offensive line misscall) the QB gets hurried QUICK, if not sacked. You know how most QB injuries happen? SACK. C’mon people, you have seriously got to let Mark Richt and Mike Bobo do their job, and stand behind our coaches 100%. What kind of fan are you, if you don’t like part of your team? 8 and 5 on an off year, is GREAT. Other teams have LOSING SEASONS when they lose that much talent in one year, especially when its on both sides of the ball. Let them do their jobs. Support them. Cheer for them. DO NOT BOO YOUR OWN TEAM. Boo the refs, the visitors, the visitor’s fans, their children, but NOT YOUR OWN TEAM. Do you think some of the greatest comebacks in college football came while the hometown fans were booing and demeaning their own players/coaches? Quit being ESPN infused “Win-aholics” b/c if every team won every game this year, we may as well call it tee-ball. I LOVE UGA, and what they stand for. It hurts to see them lose. It hurt to see anything less than excellence last year. But like a previous blogger already said, do you see any other QB (realistically now) winning that shootout in Fayetteville? Or what about that nail-biter at home agains that visor-wearin fruit basket? Would a true freshman have led those second half marches downfield that was our entire offense the whole game against LSU? No, they would not. If you cant run the plays called, or read the defense used, its a nash nance sized clipboard for you. And last of all, if Mike Bobo doesn’t go at least 60-65% run this year, you will see Mark Richt doing his job again, like he did two days after we stomped those irrellevent tasty bees..
sky high
February 15th, 2010
1:24 pm
Hey Tim-
Would you ban the guy from your blog who keeps stealing people’s handle here.
He tried to streal mine too, this one at 1:08.
That was not me.
I’m out of here. If you see another posts under here it’s not the “real’ sky high, it’s my imposter, who wants to be like me.
jerry
February 15th, 2010
1:26 pm
How mobile is Mettenberger in the pocket? Can he avoid the rush? The Head is more important than the Arm at quarterback. See Vick/Brees.
Meyer--Mr. 5-3 in the SEC, 40% of the time
February 15th, 2010
1:27 pm
We really don’t have any competition in the SEC East in 2010. Florida is way down, 6 coachesa quit since December, 5 Jrs left early for the NFL, lost 11 starters, untested QB. No Tebow. No Charlie Strong. Inept defensive staff.
Great year to break in our yound QB’s.
Meyer 0-2 Against Auburn
February 15th, 2010
1:30 pm
Unitl Meyer gets at least 1 win against his biggest SEC rival, he’ll be viewed as a guy who can’t coach. Meyer’s career is defined by the Auburn head to head record. Meyer is winless against Auburn with better players. So it’s Meyer’s coaching.
Ben
February 15th, 2010
1:30 pm
He’s a Georgia boy to boot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
skyhigh
February 15th, 2010
1:32 pm
Grantham is the best defensive mind in the country – we’re going to dominate in 2010!! mark it down!!
jerry
February 15th, 2010
1:34 pm
I am not one of those 60-65% run guys or pass happy. It seems to me they should do whatever works best against a given opponent. Play to your strength but also to the opponents weakness.
athdog
February 15th, 2010
1:44 pm
Let’s not continue to jump on J Cox. He was out best option last year, and don’t forget, he was also invited to the ‘Elite 11′ camp and actually won the ‘most accurate’ competition over ten other high school qb’s, among them Mr Mark Sanchez…yes, THAT Mark Sanchez.
On to ‘10! Let the comp begin and the best one win…and he will.
My personal most pressing concern is the defense. Not only a new staff, but a totally new, and different scheme. How quickly the guys pick it up will be at least as important as who is taking the snaps. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention…..31-24! 8 of 9!!! H B T D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
superDawg
February 15th, 2010
1:48 pm
Listen as a coach it is your job to motivate players.The players need a motivater winning NC should be expected.We have the coaches so we will see.Good luck to everyone and “HUNKERDOWN ONE MORE TIME”!
How2fish
February 15th, 2010
1:55 pm
Anyone heard if CUM is out of rehab yet?
South Georgia UGA Hick
February 15th, 2010
1:57 pm
Newnan Dawg – I vaguely remember Belue completing another
pass in the Georgia Florida game in 1980 with less than two
minutes left, and on his own three yard line.. Wasn’t it to a
receiver named Scott to beat Florida and get to the National
Championship game. When the going gets tuff the tuff get
going. Go Dosta Wildcats.
About Joe Cox
February 15th, 2010
1:57 pm
Joe Cox had some numbers in High School his Sr. Year:
4500 yards, 66% pass completion, 66 tds, 5 int’s.
That’s a 13 to 1 TD to Int ratio.
And Cox won the accuracy award at the Elite 11 camp.
Cox did throw for 10 int’s his Jr year, so there were signs of problems with int’s.
Meyer Has Never Won against Auburn, New Mexico, or Air Force
February 15th, 2010
1:59 pm
Ok, winless against New Mexico? Unitl Meyer gets a win against 1 of these 3 teams he won’t be taken seriously.
About Matthew Stafford
February 15th, 2010
2:04 pm
Stafford played against the toughest ocmpetition in high school and was the #1 rated QB in high school.
His Sr. year stats in High School at toughest Div level competition:
65% completion rate, 4000 yards passing, 38 td’s, 6 int’s, state championship, MVP of Eilte 11 QB competition
THF
February 15th, 2010
2:05 pm
Amazing to read all the comments from all the All American, Heisman quarterbacks on this blog – wonder why none of them are playing in the SEC this year or coaching the team. What a bunch of numb nuts!
Otto
February 15th, 2010
2:05 pm
Big Mike: Mike Bobo blows it with a #3,#6, and #10 ranked QB,s on his bench he must be gone as a O-Co-.ordinator.
Agreed and a running game needs to show up against more defenses than GT, Vandy, and Texas A&M
Coach M.
February 15th, 2010
2:13 pm
2 National Titles, 57-10, 4-1 in bowls, 4-1 against UGA, the power to pull two of the top players in the country including the #1 player on Rivals out of California to play for Florida.
http://cdn1.sbnation.com/photo_images/79707/30378_Urban_Meyer.jpg
VolsRule
February 15th, 2010
2:15 pm
Don’t matter – UGA has fallen back into the pack. Richt days are numbered. Reminds me alot of Fulmer in that he really had it going – but it seems it runs in cycles – and changes need to be made to get momemtum back.
Tennessee is bottoming out – and will rise back up – 2010 looks bad for us too. Realistically speaking – We need to be patient with Dooeley – this will be a very young team – void of leadership – and JC transfers.
Will say this – one of has to put a beat down on Florida soon. Urban is incredible – and putting a strangle hold on the SEC East – WHICH will be weak this year – asn TENNESSEE and GEORGIA are running with the South Carolina’s and Kentucky’s of the world.
Meyer without Strong, Like Bowden without Richt
February 15th, 2010
2:26 pm
Meyer got lucky, just like Bowden did.
His lucky streak is over, Strong is gone.
Never won a Natl Champ without Strong, never will.
Gatorbait 17-3
February 15th, 2010
2:31 pm
Coach M.
Don’t confuses the folks with fact, especially:
Meyer without Strong, Like Bowden without Richt
who really is a jerk named Patrick
oledawg
February 15th, 2010
2:31 pm
Tim- The reason many of us like this interview stems from the questions and what was drawn from the two player’s published interviews. The questions produced insightful answers that permits the fans a personal bonding of sorts to each man. I’ve enjoyed them so far and am looking forward to reading Gray’s although I’ve read some of his comments in other interviews.
The comment comparing to Arkansas’s QB leaves out the running game that Murray mentioned. They don’t have to have a QB shootout in order to win nor do our QBs seem to feel pressured and nervous about that possibility. This is a level-headed group of realistic players who already are wrapped in red and black. It appears that the QBs believe that the selection process will not leave the unselected in any negative light since they are mindful of the different positives each of them has. Good Dawgs!!
In the Elite-11 encampment in Ca, the media had presupposed that Bartlett was head and shoulders above second place in the 11. On assessment for poise, accuracy, footwork and athleticism discussed of each player , it came down to Murray higher in more categories than the USC QB. And they were the top two QBs. In my mind’s eye at the time Murray was the best QB in the country. A madeup negative at the start of the encampment concerned Murray’s semi-sidearmed release keeping the ball too low at the line of scrimmage. I noted that at the end of encampment that had faded as a negative in the eyes of the coaches.
Zach went to the Elite-11 assembled in Ala(I could have a faulty memory of the location) and was adjudged one of the top QBs there and with the most promise. Accuracy seemed to be no problem at that encampment.
There will be those this year who will pick apart each player to suit their purposes for the one they have selected and want to prove to anyone who might listen as to how great they are in selecting the best QB. Here’s hoping these guys prove them all to be charlatans with the gift of gab above objective reasoning. All of these QBs can head any team in the SEC and I hope that they all get the chance to prove it at UGA. Each QB may show better intangibles with different receivers, with their athletic sense to tuck the ball and run, feel the D pressure differently and the ablility to select running backs and ends as targets. They will all be different in several ways and the selection process will not incur negative abilities, but rather they are all Georgia Bulldogs that we can be proud of when representing our school. Subleties of the interview process has already shown that.
Congratulations for making a self-effacing type of column one that had mature reasoning and answers from those we look forward to being in command of our team.
Gratefuldawghead
February 15th, 2010
2:32 pm
WOW…. the DAWGS getting some POSITIVE PRESS from the AJC!
Fired up for any of these QB’s
GO DAWGS!
Gatorbait 17-3
February 15th, 2010
2:35 pm
Patrick, also goes by the following:
Meyer–Mr. 5-3 in the SEC, 40% of the time
Meyer 0-2 Against Auburn
Meyer Has Never Won against Auburn, New Mexico, or Air Force
Meyer without Strong, Like Bowden without Richt
Humor him, he has mental problems.
Georgia Owns Florida 46 Wins to 37 Losses
February 15th, 2010
2:43 pm
Fact is, Richt’s been to 5 National Championships, Meyer 3.
Richt has finished #2 2x with Georgia, with 2 DIFFERENT QB’s and 2 DIFFERENT Defensive coaches.
Meyer got lucky with Tebow & Strong. Never done nothing without em’.
Went to 1 Natl Champ as an Asst Coach to Richt’s 5.
Gatorbait 17-3
February 15th, 2010
2:52 pm
Patrick,
You take the 46-37 record, most of it before you were born. I would much
rather enjoy the Gators 17-3 dominance that has caused you so much pain. The pain will continue.
oledawg
February 15th, 2010
3:01 pm
Athdawg is correct. The D and O lines will be the determining factor as to how far this team goes this year. If the O line moves’em out of the way, the running backs and FBs can make the yardage to keep the game from stuttering or halting. That takes pressure off the QBs to hit players and they can play at their own pace. Don’t forget that this is a complete team with speed for special plays and Special Teams. All of it goes together for a good year. Some of you correctly keep past history in perspective since the horrific injuries two years ago has shown that the best team and plans can’t overcome personnel having to be swapped in and out of the game without much practice at certain positions. It carried through to last year and I personally think it hurt some player’s heart for aggressive play and never-say-die attitude. With a little luck we can run with our best players until the game is in hand and then give inexperienced players a chance. The easier schedule this year will also promote the latter.
Tim-Where is your fiat concerning UgaVIII? Hey, man, we need some authoritative “juice” on our mascot. To which writer does this fall? Will we have a female this time? Have the powers that decide campaigned for a longevity-gene line? The Savannah Barrister’s daughter seems to be the source of any info. Think you could give her a ringy-dingy?
Corch Myers
February 15th, 2010
3:05 pm
God I wish my players only got traffic violations. Breaking into an impound lot, shooting an AK-47, using a dead girls credit card and now Gary Brown slapping two girls. Why me?
oledawg
February 15th, 2010
3:06 pm
UGA2010- Good post on Joe and last year.
Names Look Familiar?
February 15th, 2010
3:27 pm
Chris Lewis
Joe Maurer
Jeff Byers
Greg Paulus
Mitch Mustain
John Bratnley
All winners of the Gatorade Player of the Year.
None of the winners for the last 20 years ever win a National Championship n college.
How2fish
February 15th, 2010
3:29 pm
VolsRule until if and when your new Coach wins his first SEC game…kindly lay of the chest thumping…And I was still wondering if CUM is outta rehab yet ? really has anyone heard?
4WhatIt'sWorth
February 15th, 2010
3:48 pm
Does anybody know if the Spring Game will be televised?
Talking with the QBs: ‘I believe in my heart I can win the job,’ Logan Gray says | UGA sports blog
February 15th, 2010
3:57 pm
[...] posted transcripts of the sessions with Murray (click here if you missed it) and Mettenberger (click here if you missed it). Now, here’s the interview with Gray, a dual-threat quarterback who signed [...]
Dawg 3/20
February 15th, 2010
4:10 pm
So many QBs, only 1 spot available. Should be fun to watch the three unhappy campers on the bench and when the Dawgs lose a game listening to the fans questioning the QB choice.
Dawg Tired
February 15th, 2010
5:03 pm
4Whatlt’sWorth – I’d be surprised after last year’s G-Day game and the criticism leveled at the quality of the game by the TV folks.
4WhatIt'sWorth
February 15th, 2010
5:07 pm
Dawg Tired:
I would understand if that’s the case. However, there is much more at stake this year with a legitimate QB Competition and the Installation of a completely new defense. I would buy it on pay per view if I am not able to go.
SickandTired
February 15th, 2010
5:26 pm
Poor Mett, he has all the confidence in the world and great physical talents and he has no chance straight up because of Mark Richt’s mouth. Please understand this, Mark Richt has promised Murray he will play…we’ve seen it before. He will be given every opportunity to get the job, and if he doesn’t get it he’ll get every third series of each half. We’ve seen it before…and if Mett wins the job, he’ll play for four years with a knife in the back and be looking over his shoulder the entire time. Mark Richt is not the answer in Athens, he doesn’t have the resolve to play the best players. See Waushaun Ealy…he clearly is the best back and any football coach with an eye for talent knows it…but he will share playing time with Caleb King again this fall. Why? Because he was promised he would play….do you honestly think Nick Saban would do this? Heck no, because he understands that he’s paid $4 million a year to win national championships not give out letters for a certain number of plays in the games like they do in high school…..
Georgia: The Wisconsin of the SEC…
Georgia deserves better.
Louie
February 15th, 2010
6:09 pm
Well, where do I start.
muttenber would be a mistake.
gray would be another j. cox.
murray would be Chipper “Mr. Durable” Jones.
Talk to me muttsters !!
I’ts your dime.
STILL Yesiree..
jackhammer, get in here.
Check back later.
THE YELLOW SWARM
February 15th, 2010
6:27 pm
JOE ALSTON SPEED ————–
COMING AT YOU IN NOVEMBER —————
J. S.
NUFF SAID————————————————-
Joe
February 15th, 2010
8:38 pm
Who can take us to the National title????? hahahahahah…I am adie hard dawg fan but lets try…”who can take us to the SEC East” geez….we are national champions in Dance and talk…..tired of it. show us on the field
Reasons for optimism about the upcoming Georgia Football Season « Football on the Brain
February 15th, 2010
9:01 pm
[...] Talking with the QBs: Mettenberger sees key as who can… take us to national title– Tim T… [...]
BuLLdawg
February 15th, 2010
10:47 pm
Should NOT have been Redshirted, especially with Joe Cox having the Flu and sore chronic sore shoulder.
Another huge mistake by UGA coaching staff, ranking right up there with 2 scholarship QB in the same recruiting class.
Tuesday morning buffet « Get The Picture
February 16th, 2010
7:09 am
[...] sure you read Tim Tucker’s interviews with Mettenberger and Gray. (I linked to Murray’s the other day.) Is it just me, or does Logan come off [...]
Mettenberger Rules
February 16th, 2010
7:17 am
After a few games, Murray will be benched and Mettenberger will get the starting job. He’s got it all to take the Dawgs to the SEC east title!!! Dawgs beat florida and win the East—bank on it!
GDawg
February 16th, 2010
12:35 pm
Am I the only person who watched the couple plays Logan Gray played at QB last year. He is absolutely awful! I mean really really bad. And I don’t get why he is seen as benig so athletic. If he was so athletic we would play him somewhere else other than on our safe punt return team where all he ever did was fair catch the ball. So it comes down to Mettenberger and Murray. You guys know exactly who Mettenberger is. Another Joe T. Average at best. Both are from the athens area. Both have family who work in the football office. And both were ranked pretty similar coming out of high school. If we want to be really good we will go with Murray. If we want to play it safe and rely on D and running the football then Richt and Bobo will start Mettenberger. Which will be a shame because Murray is a really good QB. But that seems to be what we like to do at Georgia, play the safe player instead of the athlete. And then we all sit around and wonder why we don’t get the athletes that Florida gets. Our athletes are Logan Grey’s while there athletes are Percy Harvin.
Yellow Fuzz
February 18th, 2010
8:13 am
While watching the US speed skater win the gold medal last night (by 18-hundreths of a second) over the South Korea guy, I couldn’t help but wonder if that would have qualified as a severe “a$$ kicking” or “beat down” if he had been from uga.
Hahahahahahahahahahahhahaahhaahahhahahahaha
Barney
March 8th, 2010
11:25 am
The QB for UGA will be the only one who doesn’t get arrested.
THWG
March 8th, 2010
8:41 pm
leave a dog alone and it shows it’s true colors. Thugz will always be thugs. In athens, thugs are always welcome. another piece of trash courtesy of the project in Athens, GA.
scumbags the whole lot. just simply pathetic.
richard cranium
March 8th, 2010
10:53 pm
Two pages of glowing discussion about a kid that just got arrested with 5, yes 5 counts against him…. Leghumpers never cease to amaze.
MaxxFalcon
March 8th, 2010
11:59 pm
Murray will win the starting job