The unspoken question: Who leads the QB derby?
(UPDATE: Report on Saturday’s scrimmage, including the quarterbacks’ performance, is here.)
ATHENS –- Each day, Georgia’s quarterbacks meet with their position coach, Mike Bobo. One topic never comes up in those meetings: a pecking order among the three quarterbacks competing this spring to be the Bulldogs’ starter.
“Coach Bobo really isn’t telling anybody, ‘You stand here,’ ‘You stand here,’” Logan Gray said.
“No, Coach Bobo hasn’t said anything, him or Coach Richt,” Aaron Murray said.
The three quarterbacks -– Gray, Murray and Zach Mettenberger –- have evenly shared snaps with the first-team offense in the seven sessions of spring practice so far. And they will do so Saturday morning when the team holds a closed scrimmage in Sanford Stadium, undoubtedly the most important day yet in their competition.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Murray said. “Coach Richt was talking after practice [Thursday] that this is going to be the first test for everyone, [the time] to see where everyone is at, what we have learned and where we have come after two weeks of practice.”
The scrimmage will be Georgia’s first of three allowed by the NCAA during spring practice.
“This is my third spring, so obviously I’ve found out scrimmages in the spring are what are judged probably the most and the biggest,” Gray said. “With this being our first one, and with the quarterback competition going on how it is right now, obviously it’s going to be really important.
“But I don’t want to make it the end of the world,” Gray added. “If one of us has a not-so-good day, I don’t think that’s just going to kill us, or put somebody out of what’s going on. But I think everybody is going to be excited to go out there and go live for a long period of time and make plays at all positions.”
Gray’s view of the competition so far is that all three quarterbacks have had “really good days” and “days there could be improvement.”
The coaches’ silence about any sort of day-to-day pecking order is by design.
Said Richt: “Coach Bobo in the first meeting told them, ‘Men, don’t worry about the depth chart. Don’t worry about what the media might say. Don’t worry about what your hometown might say. Just focus on becoming a better quarterback each day.”
Gray said the quarterbacks have been able to focus on day-to-day progress, rather than fretting the high-profile competition.
“We’re just all three of us trying to get better and correct the mistakes we’re making,” he said. “I think all of us have done a good job of trying to come out and work hard every day and take care of our business.”
For his part, Gray believes he has improved his passing accuracy.
“I felt like I’ve had some really good days where I’ve been hitting my targets better maybe than I did in the past,” he said. “I just have to keep on running the offense on a consistent basis so the coaches know every single time I’m in the huddle hopefully something good can happen.”
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239 comments Add your comment
Milburn Drysdale
March 26th, 2010
2:06 pm
No need to talk smack Paul. History speaks for itself.
Bammer Rules, not
March 26th, 2010
2:08 pm
Yes, Alabama Jack and your team remains the best team money can buy. The weird thing is our irrelavent teams under CMR beats you redneck Bammers three out of four times we play. Funny how that works, huh?
Tron Carter
March 26th, 2010
2:08 pm
30-24
It still feels good.
Thanks for the mammaries “coach” Johnson
73-66 BBB..BB.BBHHUU…..BBB…BBBUUHHUUUWWWAAAHHHAAA
BIG BEE
March 26th, 2010
2:10 pm
Hey Tech Guys, stay out of this. Do you know how POed you get when DAWGS make comments on out blog? Read but don’t comment.
qb derby special
March 26th, 2010
2:17 pm
AJ Green said the other day, Logan, in particular, was standing out, in performance, and in leadership.
I was a little surprised by that, and had thought Murray would run away with it, but, it looks like Logan’s the clear #1, and Murray #2 right now.
Brandon Spikes
March 26th, 2010
2:20 pm
I told Deonte Thompson that its too bad that Logan Gray is not is QB, cause he threw it right to me last year for a TD.
Innocent Bystander
March 26th, 2010
2:21 pm
Whoever it is will be under immence pressure from these crazed for a champion fans.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
2:22 pm
It can’t be ZACK because he is BENCHED for the first game against the Lil Sisters of the Blind (La La Losers). Money well spent UGA! You should not have a Limp COX for the whole season then.
Hornet to Dobbins tower, Hornet to tower !!!
March 26th, 2010
2:23 pm
“No way that parking lot that we just buzzed was The Varsity, no way!!
Whadaya mean we are being DEMOTED and STRIPPED of our aviator wings and being sent to ground fueling depot job in Yemen???
We are Maverick and Cougar …um, what? No, we are not Dumb and Dumber. Arrrrrrrrrrgh, arrrrrgg”
Go Navy and Go Dogs.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
2:25 pm
Hornet to Dobbins does UGA have any pilotes or NASA personel? Can UGA get the John Deere off the ground or is the Weed Eater you got from your last bowl win not working?
Innocent Bystander
March 26th, 2010
2:27 pm
Pi$$onaDAWG, what school taught you to spell pilotes? Is that some kind of exercise program at tech?
GT BBall Fan
March 26th, 2010
2:27 pm
Dawglasville – Thank for the offer, but I’ll skip Shreveport!
TheItalianDawg – Some of those redshirting, not starting the best player because an upper classman has more years in the program have been costly.
Dawgforlife – your handle says it all, at least you get free health care now!
Why are people (anybody) saying nice thing about Quitsay Carter? He and Chris Washburn are the poster boys for LOSERS!
Dawg 3/20
March 26th, 2010
2:28 pm
Somebody will win the job and then there will be two unhappy campers on the sidelines with a Parade “All American” joining them. If the winner wins games then great but if there is a loss say to South Carolina the fans will question the choice…….maybe Mett is our guy? No maybe Gray was the right choice? Give the true freshman “All American” a shot!” It should be fun!
Real Dawg 5
March 26th, 2010
2:28 pm
Mettenberger is the best of the group—hopefully, he doesn’t get much time in the slammer–he’ll light it up in the fall!
TG
March 26th, 2010
2:30 pm
Pi$$onaDAWG : “pilotes” really????
Who cares what team we start against. We still beat your so-called team at years end. Deal with it!
AltamahaDawg
March 26th, 2010
2:31 pm
I don’t think it’s very fair to categorize Louisiana-Lafeyette as a bunch of “losers”. I mean its not like thier fans spend thier entire day trolling and making childish comments on the Middle Tenn State websites.
Dave In Tampa
March 26th, 2010
2:35 pm
It’s a tough problem to have, but what a great problem to have. Still, I worry more about the defense than the offense. Our big O-line and running backs should keep the pressure, for the most part, off the QB who ever it is. Personally, Mettenberger should of had a stiffer penalty. Just my opinion. CMR had a chance to put his foot down and set an example. Then again I’m not sure what other measures are being taken in his punishment. All I know is that living down here in Tampa I heard a lot about Murray and it was all positive. I look forward to a better year no matter who the QB is! Go Dawgs!
I'll take a John Lastinger @ QB ANY day
March 26th, 2010
2:36 pm
All UGA needs this year is a guy that can manage the offense and lead it. His skills have to be sharp and crisp. The last guy, um, ah had neither skill. John Lastinger comes to mind and we ended up in 83? post Cotton Bowl victory over #1 Texas at # 4. Not bad. 10-9 forever in Dallas.
We need a guy that can move out and throw, if necessary AND can move the chains. We have the offensive tools to make it all go. Last year, a combination of no real leadership skills and our Qbs inability to PRODUCE consistently hurt him in building peer respect. Sad but true. KY game is good example. Ugh!!!
Also, UGA was greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen last year. I think last year is so much like the 79 UGA team with tons of youts. They took theri lumps and then we were ready for a 4 or 5 year run.
Time will tell.
Go Dogs
Preston
March 26th, 2010
2:37 pm
No sense in announcing Murray as the starter too soon. Make them all practice hard until the end.
Dude
March 26th, 2010
2:37 pm
Keep in mind it is the coaches job to evaluate talent recruiting and in practice to determine the best group on the field (and they are paid a lot of $$$. After sending in $5K contribution for my right to buy tickets and get a parking pass, I have every right to express my opinion and to expect a very competitive football team. It is time to quit betting blown out by the Flordia’s and bearly winning against the GA Techs of the world. Remember we didn’t cross the 30yd line except on Sp. teams and defense against a mediocre Tenn team last year.
I am a Richt fan and also have high expectations for each season!
Innocent Bystander
March 26th, 2010
2:38 pm
I’ll take a John Lastinger @ QB ANY day, the only problem is Vince and Erk are gone. You got Mark and Grantham.
JC in Powder Springs
March 26th, 2010
2:38 pm
cantondawg:
Sorry to disagree man, but Joe T was a lowsy QB. If not for family connections he wouldn’t have even received a scholly. Joe T was terrible in every spring game for the 5 years he was on the team. Stafford was a true frosh, that’s true – but he was still a far better QB. Had the Dawgs committed to Stafford early (spring practice), he certainly would have been more polished at the start of the season. Joe T had no business starting as a QB in an SEC game. Even Cox (remember Colorado) was a better QB than Joe T at the time.
Dave In Tampa
March 26th, 2010
2:39 pm
I remember that Cotton Bowl all too well. I never heard Longhorn so quiet after the game. That was the best game I have ever been to. The cldest one as well. Made the drive home much easier.
Preston
March 26th, 2010
2:41 pm
q
Innocent Bystander
March 26th, 2010
2:42 pm
Dave it looks like the coaches at Tampa Plant really have it going. The Ely kid took over for Murray when he was hurt during his senior year and then led them to the Championship again. Is he considered as good as Murray?
Preston
March 26th, 2010
2:43 pm
qb derby, how in the hell are you going to read a comment from a player and say that Gray is the CLEAR #1 starter and Murray is #2? Some people can just read a simple comment and take it astronomically out of proportion. Methinks the coaches will make the call.
Dave In Tampa
March 26th, 2010
2:44 pm
Innocent Bystander
From what I hear is that he is really good, but had an equally as good supporting cast. Still, that fill in game was pretty impressive
Too Easy
March 26th, 2010
2:45 pm
poad: I hear one of the upcoming space shuttle flights has a tek grad on board. Congrats. His name: Poindexter. I swear; can’t make this stuff up.
Innocent Bystander
March 26th, 2010
2:46 pm
I lived in Tampa until 2005 and no team won the Championship from about 1950 until Armwood started in winning in 2002, now it seems as a Hillsborough County team wins almost every year.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
2:53 pm
I can spell Pilot better than You A..Holes can spell DOG!!! Next. Was I wrong? Any DAWGS on the MOON?
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
2:54 pm
ANY DAWGS in NASA? There are a lot of GRUNTS that are dawg fans with their Walmart hats and GEDs
harold
March 26th, 2010
2:56 pm
GEORGIA IS AN AVERAGE FOOTBALL TEAM COMPARED TO ALABAMA AND FLORIDA!
Innocent Bystander
March 26th, 2010
2:56 pm
Pi$$onaDAWG and we see whats around your campus loser.
SEC East is better than the ACC
March 26th, 2010
2:59 pm
Hey Pi$$onaDAWG, is your fatter than Phil Fulmer Coach, ever gonna win a bowl?
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
3:00 pm
Samething is around NYU and many URBAN UNIVERSITIES. It is not TECH it is the APD not doing their job and the Mayor not paying to have cops. I guess if Athens-Clarke County PD didn’t have cop then the UGA football team would never get in trouble. AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAHA
Dave In Tampa
March 26th, 2010
3:02 pm
Funny. I thought this was a football blog?
Pi$$onaDAWG: I’m not a gambling person, but I would bet the house that you are not an Alumnus at Tech. By viewing your education level “pilotes” I would guess that you could not even qualify at Dekalb College. I don’t doubt Tech’s qualifications as an high standard academic institution, no one does. Stick to the topic, we are talking UGA football and who will be the QB. This does not even pertain to you so go back to your own site.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
3:02 pm
I am sure all the ACC grads would love to turn their Diplomas for a SEC piece of Toilet Paper/ Handicap Plackard.
Vandy Dawg
March 26th, 2010
3:02 pm
Why do you lame trolls feel a need to bash UGA fans on OUR blog? Do you not have jobs or lives? Did any of you graduate high school? Angry, redneck jerks like you lame fans take trash-talking to just trash. Get a life…. and a paycheck. Buy your tickets, go to games, get off this board!!!
Dave In Tampa
March 26th, 2010
3:04 pm
Enter your comments here
monty
March 26th, 2010
3:05 pm
Whether it’s Murray or Zach IMO we need to start one of them versus Gray. If Gray has been here for 3 years and he hasn’t already locked it up then that tells you something about his skills there. While he might be marginally better(don’t know)it wouldn’t be worth trying to get another QB without experience ready for 2011. Let one of the young guys learn on the job this year with gradual improvement for their Sophmore JR.& Sr. years.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
3:07 pm
I notice you put VANDY(a good school) before a misspelled DOG. You so proved your point too.
Pi$$onaDAWG
March 26th, 2010
3:10 pm
VandyMutt do you buy your tickets do you go to the games shouldn’t you be at work getting that paycheck too? You must be a Dr of Lawncare with the VandyDawg name.
SEC East is better than the ACC
March 26th, 2010
3:10 pm
Pi$$onaDAWG, your not even a basketball school anymore. Go play with your sliderule and see if its calibrated small enough.
Bee
March 26th, 2010
3:11 pm
Pi$$onaDAWG, your an embarrassment to Tech people everywhere. SHUT UP ALREADY!
Vandy Dawg
March 26th, 2010
3:15 pm
Well, my good friend, whose name I don’t respect enough to type. Vandy is a great school – where I am getting a graduate degree. As to why I am typing – I have a nice job with Fridays off and still make plenty enough to support myself even with high real estate prices – all with a Georgia education. I agree with Bee, you are embarrassing my Tech friends who don’t feel a need to be obnoxious like yourself.
Bee
March 26th, 2010
3:15 pm
SEC East is better than the acc
To say that this guy even knows what a “sliderule” is yet alone knowledge of how to calibrate is an insult to even the Techies.
This guy has way too much hate in him. I get it though. It’s tough to be the little sister of the Big Brother (DAWG) in this state.
Jeff
March 26th, 2010
3:16 pm
This Just in….hard to break a dogs old habits…..Blackout game announced: VANDY.
Uniforms:
Black Helmets: Idaho State
Purple Pants w/Black and Red Jerseys: South Carolina
Crimson Pants and Jerseys: Florida (remind them of SEC championship game)
Dancing Dogs:
The Rumba- Tennessee
Waltz- Auburn
Special Guest: Judges from Dancing with the stars. Speical halftime show UGA seniors dancing. Ga Tech Game
TheItalianDawg
March 26th, 2010
3:18 pm
cantondawg,
its not about seniority, this is a big mistake by our coaches , its about talent, I think we should all agree on that. the performance of Moreno as a freshman dwarf the performance of all our RBs and all were seniors!!he was clearly the best RB in the country, I’m not the only one who is saying that, the NFL, our own coaches and experts. Hopefully we will not do the same mistake again
Dave In Tampa
March 26th, 2010
3:19 pm
OK, guys let’s take a step back and get back to the subject at hand. I have not seen much of Gray other than “mop up” duties so I can’t say. I do trust that CMR will put the right guy in there. His credibility is on the line as well. He knows that he needs to win
Vandy Dawg
March 26th, 2010
3:21 pm
Dave, although I want to agree, I don’t think Richt is really taking his credibility too seriously here. I love his focus, but oftentimes I feel that focus on the now does not correlate to the future.