Richt reclaims seat in quarterback, offense meetings (PLUS: practice notes)
ATHENS –- Mark Richt says he might be a bit slower to answer his mail this year.
That’s because, for the first time in several years, Georgia’s head coach plans to make it a point to attend every quarterbacks meeting –- the almost daily, hour-long sessions at which the QBs meet with offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to review film and, during the season, game plans. Richt said he also will attend every offensive team meeting.
“Like I told Mike and the staff, I’m not in there to make them crazy at all,” Richt said Tuesday night. “But I’m in there because, No. 1, I do miss it and because I want to be able to add as much value as I can as we go.”
Richt’s increased involvement in the offense comes after a 2009 season in which the Bulldogs finished 75th in the nation in total offense (362.15 yards per game), 51st in scoring offense (28.92 points per game) and 99th in turnovers lost (28).
Richt said he stopped attending the QB meetings on a regular basis around the time he delegated play-calling duties to Bobo at the end of the 2006 season. Part of the reason, Richt said, was to afford Bobo the same autonomy that Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden had afforded a young Richt.
“Sometimes when the head man’s in there,” Richt said, “they maybe worry too much about what I think.”
But Richt said he has attended all quarterbacks meetings, as well as offensive team meetings, this spring and plans to do so during the season as well.
The impetus for the change was this spring’s competition for the starting quarterback job, although Richt said he plans to continue the practice “from here on in.”
“This spring in particular, we’re trying to make a decision on a starter and I want to make sure I understand completely,” Richt said. “I want to see [the players] react to coaching. I want to see them answer the questions that [Bobo] has to ask them. I want to just kind of get a taste of how they are handling the pressure.
“A lot of times [in recent years], I would watch practice film separately from the staff and maybe make my notes and talk to the staff about things I saw. But what I have decided to do is just be in there every day as they’re going over it and make sure we’re all on the same page.”
The main tradeoff for more time with the offense, Richt said, will be less prompt attention to some off-field aspects of the head coach’s job.
“I was starting to let some of those extra things roll into meeting times,” he said. “Now, certain things are just going to have to wait. It’s not like they’re not going to get done. They just might not get done as quickly as some people may want them.
“I may not answer my mail as quickly as I used to, or sign a bunch of stuff as quickly as I was. But it’s good medicine for me, really.”
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From Tuesday’s practice:
- Richt ranked the practice as the worst of the spring -– “ninth out of nine.” After praising the tempo of the first eight practices, “it kind of fizzled on us a little bit” Tuesday, Richt said. “I just didn’t think we practiced like champions today. I felt like we practiced like we were going through the motions and just didn’t have the mental toughness to push through.”
- Based on Saturday’s scrimmage, Richt said he believes tailback-turned-linebacker Richard Samuel “is catching on” to the new position. But Richt did not rule out the possibility of a redshirt season for Samuel, who will be a junior in the fall. “He’s new to the position, and we want him to be ready to compete for us –- not so much compete for a job but get out there and play championship defense,” Richt said. “If we think he’s ready to do that and produce at a high level, we want him to play. If he’s still finding his way a little bit, I don’t think we’ll be in a big rush to get him out there.”
- Junior-college transfer Jakar Hamilton was working at first-team safety, along with Bacarri Rambo.
- After missing all of last week’s practices with a sprained shoulder joint, wide receiver Marlon Brown returned to work on a limited basis. He was wearing a green non-contact jersey.
- Backup offensive lineman A.J. Harmon, who will miss the remainder of spring practice because of a high ankle sprain, was on crutches Tuesday. Harmon becomes the fourth offensive linemen on the sidelines, joining Trinton Sturdivant, Tanner Strickland and Austin Long.
- Several players returned to practice after missing last week with nagging injuries: outside linebacker Justin Houston (shoulder), tight end Bruce Figgins (hamstring) and wide receiver Israel Troupe (hamstring).
- Quarterback Logan Gray, after practice Tuesday, reflected on Saturday’s scrimmage in which he completed only 6 of 14 passes for 37 yards: “I don’t think I had my best day, to be honest. I kind of felt a little out of rhythm. Luckily, it’s not our only scrimmage of the spring.” He added: “I would have liked to have gotten a few more reps with the [first-team offense]. But I’m sure it’ll even out Saturday [in the spring's second scrimmage] and G-Day because we’ve got a rotation going [among the quarterbacks].”
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480 comments Add your comment
patrick
March 31st, 2010
2:44 pm
CEO Mark please note the following quote from http://www.georgiadogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=807782
“2007 Team Notes
• 11-2, Final ranking of No. 2 in AP, No. 3 in Coaches; SEC Eastern Division Co-Champions at 6-2 in SEC”
ugaclassof2004
March 31st, 2010
2:44 pm
I look at Coach Richt’s career as chapters in a book. I think 2001-2004 when he has BVG, Greene and Pollack is chapter 1. I think 2005-2009 with Willie Martinez and Bobo, Stafford, Knowshon etc. is chapter 2. And from 2010- with Grantham & Co is Chapter 3. To me each of these periods represent completely different teams with different philosophy’s. I really believe the mentality of this team from here on out is such that to compare them to a team in 2002 or 2003 doesn’t add up.
With that being said, I think Dawg fans need to lower their expectations this season. Expecting a 10 or 11 win season when you have a team that is breaking a new defense and new QB, just isn’t realistic. Honestly this is an 8-5 or 9-4 team in my estimation.
John Brantley Can't Throw Running Left...
March 31st, 2010
2:45 pm
It could be worse, we could have a QB like Florida who can’t throw running to his left.
P.S.
Logan only got 8 plays with the #1 offense in the scrimmage, where Murray got 15 with the #1 offense. So Logan needs a fair shake before we criticize anything about his skills in 2010.
"We have heard that before"
March 31st, 2010
2:48 pm
—–
“With that being said, I think Dawg fans need to lower their expectations this season. Expecting a 10 or 11 win season when you have a team that is breaking a new defense and new QB, just isn’t realistic. Honestly this is an 8-5 or 9-4 team in my estimation.”
—-
We have heard that before the 2002 & 2007 seasons where Richt finished in the top 3 in the country.
patrick
March 31st, 2010
2:48 pm
CEA Mark
.
the following quote is from the selection process.
.
Selection criteria
Division standings are based on each team’s overall conference record. Often, two or more teams tie for the best record in their division and EACH team is recognized as a divisional CO-CHAMPIONS. However, tiebreakers are used to determine who will REPRESENT the division in the championship game.
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SCOREBOARD
patrick
March 31st, 2010
2:50 pm
CEO Mark (dumbasz)
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HENCE UGA was co champions of the east in 2007. But Tenn got to REPRESENT the east in the SEC title game
UGA Offense On The Rise...
March 31st, 2010
2:51 pm
Like what I’m hearing from Georgia so far. Coach Richt focusing on QB’s and Coach Grantham focusing on the OTHER team’s QB, Urban Meyer might want to reconsider coming back from his retirement. Don’t be surprised if Meyer quits again for the 8th time in 24 years.
chazzo
March 31st, 2010
2:51 pm
CEO Mark,
I do not know Patrick. YES, you are correct. UGA choked against UT in 2007. They were like deer in headlights. It was awlful. the rest of the season frickin’ rocked, though. So, whether or not they lost to UT, it was not a disappointing season. You started this whole thing by saying that there were four disappointing seasons in a row. Basically, essentially, emphatically, empirically you are absolutely 100% wrong. Sop stay down. Richt kicked butt for four years with David and David and DJ. Then there was an off year with a freshman QB. Then he rocked it again with Stafford and Moreno. then everybody sucked, got hurt, and went pro. Hence last year’s disappointing 9 win season.
YOU KNOW IT IS GREAT TO BE A GEORGIA BULLDAWG WHEN A 9-WIN REBUILDING YEAR THAT EXCEDED MOST EXPECTATIONS IS YOUR LOWEST EBB OF THE PAST SEASONS. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Freddy T
March 31st, 2010
2:55 pm
I have a feeling that Bobo is to close to one if not all of the quarterbacks and Coach will act has the bad cop when the decision is made who is the started. Plus can Coach afford to allow Bobo to make a wrong decision on the starting QB? 0 and whatever never looks good for any staff. Really doesn’t look good at UGA with all the quality win since Richt has been here. I still haven’t forgotten the painful Goff years. So thank you Coach Richt for coaching.
patrick
March 31st, 2010
2:56 pm
chazzo…..your stats are a little old and Mark is 9-3 in championships and bowls not 7-3.
7 bowl wins and 2 SEC title game wins make 9 not 7. Use my stats from now on.
CEO Mark
March 31st, 2010
2:58 pm
Patrick you are stroking out you pathetic little stump licking, leg humping dog.
CEO Mark
March 31st, 2010
2:59 pm
If Meyer quits, we will just hire zook patrick. that worked ok for the dogs didnt it?
2008 richts worst coaching job
March 31st, 2010
3:00 pm
How did he have the #1 and #10 picks in the draft and still suck on offense, almost losing to ky.
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:02 pm
UGA lost to Tenn………….Didnt UGA finish #2 in 2007? Didnt UGA have the longest winning streak to end the season in 2007 of any D1A BCS team? Didnt LSU lose its last regular season game and a total of 2 games in its last 7. Didnt UGA destroy LSU the very next year AT LSU?
How about this Patrick, we will keep urbie as long as he wants to stay and we will be happy to let you have CEO Mark
March 31st, 2010
3:03 pm
OK?
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:04 pm
CEO Mark…not stroking out….merely calling you out as the dumbasz that you are. Learn football and get back to us when you do. Until then how about go to the knitting blog as it appears you may know more about knitting than football.
Peace and out Psycho Patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:04 pm
Go back to bed with your teddy.
Coach Mark Richt Is On Fire in 2010!
March 31st, 2010
3:04 pm
In 2002 & 2007, I saw a fire in Coach Richt in the off-season. But I have NEVER seen him as ON FIRE as he is in 2010. When he gets this locked and focused, it’s usually LIGHTS OUT for the competition. Richt HATES TO LOSE. He hates seeing guys BEAT THEMSELVES. I don’t know what will happen in 2010, but I GUARANTEE YOU ONE THING, Georgia will not have a lot of turnovers on offense. And the defense will force a lot of turnovers. That you can absolutely count on. Ricth won’t let Georgia keep beating Georgia. No more 40 fumbles and interception type of years for the offense like 2009. No more 14 interceptions against Florida like the last 4 games. We may lose, but the OTHER team’s gonna have to beat Richt from NOW ON. and that’s IMPOSSIBLE to do. Richt is 15-0 when Georgia commits ZERO TURNOVERS. Love his focus on TURNOVER MARGIN.
Patricks Dermitologist
March 31st, 2010
3:05 pm
Patrick never even had jock itch.
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
Urbie has backed into a NC in 2006/8 when USC lost to unranked and inferior teams. Fla (it appears) NEEDED USC to lose just to make. Essentially USC handed Fla its shot. Real impressive!
"We have heard that before"
March 31st, 2010
3:06 pm
Georgia can’t play. Mark Richt will be fired. No fire. No defense. No offense. No special teams.
We have heard all that before in 2001 and 2006.
We finished in the top 3 both times.
Patrick's Johnson
March 31st, 2010
3:07 pm
Ow!!!
Urban owns patrick and the CEO
March 31st, 2010
3:08 pm
4-1 against the preacher, 12-0 against patrick
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:08 pm
In terms of “CEO Mark’s” comments, I say thank you. Thank you for your dedication and daily concern for UGA.
.
This guy wakes up every day thinking about UGA.
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That is so funny to me.
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What is more amazing to me is that you are only here in hopes of getting attention.
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that is pathetic.
.
That obsessive behavior indicates just how superior you view UGA.
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You attempt to distract people from the topic at hand.
.
Suggestion for “CEO Mark” who blogs on a daily basis about UGA:
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“Please Notice Me” would be a better name.
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That would be a very fitting name because of your desperate need to get members of the CFB family to notice you.
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Before you refute that statement, ask yourself why you are not blogging on any other subject at any other time except about UGA.
.
You are so unoriginal and pathetic you will probably copy and paste that comment and subtly change the content to make it appear as your own work.
Patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:09 pm
I got to get back to the QB meetings.
Please notice me, signed patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:09 pm
Patrick is another name for Carnac!
The real Patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:11 pm
I love UGA so much, I take home their jocks and hand wash them.
Ron Zook
March 31st, 2010
3:12 pm
Patrick could you get Damon Evans to contact my AD so I could schedule some games with the CEO?
17 of 20
March 31st, 2010
3:13 pm
Patrick,
In 2006 @ 2008 The mighty Gators beat the hell out of the bulldogs.
Coach Grantham
March 31st, 2010
3:14 pm
I wish Wade Phillips would have trusted me enough to let me call the Defense so I would be prepared for this.
Roto Rooter
March 31st, 2010
3:15 pm
Patrick is stopped up.
Bruce Mac
March 31st, 2010
3:16 pm
You win patrick. All the other idots have resorted to name calling. Your crown is in the mail. They were so easy to defeat, it was pathetic.
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:18 pm
They usually are and usually do Bruce
Meyer Winless Aganst Auburn & New Mexico
March 31st, 2010
3:27 pm
Owned it going winless against an opponent you’ve played at least twice. Richt isn’t owned by any coach.
Meyer is owned by Auburn and New Mexico. Winless. Meyers. Against BOTH.
chazzo
March 31st, 2010
3:33 pm
Richt is:
7-2 vs. SC
4-0 vs. Ark
5-4 vs. UT
8-1 vs. Vandy
7-2 vs. UK
2-7 vs. UF* (some may point out that Tebow was hurt in a victory, but DJ was injured in a narrow defeat, as well)
6-3 vs. Auburn
4-0 vs. Ole Miss
2-0 vs. MS
3-1 vs. Bama
3-3 vs. LSU* (2 losses came in the same year to the best team in the nation hands down.)
8-1 vs. Tech
11-1 vs. ACC
Seems to me, the only folks that can talk smack around here are the Gators. They’d still be pinheads for trolling another teams blog. UT is the only team close to even. Hey that’s what makes it a rivalry. Auburn is usually a split. Auburn also has a great bunch of fans. How many Auburn fan’s pop up here to talk smack. they are few and far between.
Urban Meyer's Luck
March 31st, 2010
3:33 pm
Here’s what might happen.
Meyer goes to his 2nd defensive heasd coach in 1 month, can’t remember their names, they all quit so fast, and says:
“Dude, QB John Brantley’s confidence is down after his 41% performance in the last scrimmage. Let him complete every pass to help his confidence, don’t defend him, ok buddy???”
Note to readers:
If Brantley’s stats go up from 41% to 82% in one scrimmage, something’s going on ok????
JDM
March 31st, 2010
3:35 pm
About time, Bobo is not and never will be any kind of coordinator.
UGA VIII Candidate's
March 31st, 2010
3:36 pm
We don’t want or will not take the job. The job goes to the most senior MUTT. That would be the White Butt Painted RUSS. If Joe Cox got a yr then Russ should get the same chance but, without the BUTT PAINT.
Smokewagon
March 31st, 2010
3:37 pm
Long live Charlie Pell and Kerwin Bell. Ever heard of them Gaytorguy.
SOOHSO
March 31st, 2010
3:38 pm
240rd
Meyer Winless Aganst Auburn & New Mexico
March 31st, 2010
3:40 pm
this is my favorite post because urbie owns CMR.
Derek Dooley
March 31st, 2010
3:41 pm
Loyal Dawg fans….I promise not to whip your azzes by more than 2 TD’s in October. I know most of you love my Dad, Vince , and I don’t want to show you up in Sanford & Son stadium. Tell CMR to show up with a good tan and to make sure his hair is dyed….it will make the beatdown that much sweeter. Rocky Top….woooooo!
U G A Y
March 31st, 2010
3:42 pm
Home of Saturday night fooootball in the South
U G A Y Hater
March 31st, 2010
3:47 pm
Smokewagon, I have heard of them, you heard of Ray Gooooof U G A Y guy?
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:47 pm
Has the day off for some holiday to honor someone I have never heard of. This costs me money. We are now honoring someone that organized illegal immigrant workers? WTH?
U G A Y Patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:48 pm
I only bring up stats that show that my coach has some nice seasons, I never talk about his head to head record against the hated gators.
patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:57 pm
Head to head against the hated gators? Ok ever head of Achilles? You cant have an Achilles heel without being an Achilles. Also, UGA has to play every year in Fla. Jax is only an hour bus ride for the Gayturds but is a road trip for UGA. Kinda like an away game every year.
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But if you want to talk about UGA vs Fla we can do that
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head to head UGA leads Fla by 7 games
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UGA has a winning bowl record Fla has a losing bowl record
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UGA has 12 SEC titles to Fla’s 8
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UGA has a alltime winning bowl record ranked 6th all time…Fla has a losing Bowl record
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UGA has been ranked more times than Fla and is alltime 11th in wins while Fla is not rankied top 25
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Etc etc etc
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patrick
March 31st, 2010
3:59 pm
Fla has only recently even become a decent rival to UGA. It would take 3 quarters of a decade of UGA losing each and every year just for Fla to CATCH UP to UGA. LOL
U G A Y hater
March 31st, 2010
4:00 pm
No patrick we are talking Richt vs Gators. The bus ride for the gators is about the same amount of time for Florida as the plane ride for UGA, plus both teams go down there the day before so that’s no argument. Richt cannot consistently beat UF and until he can he will not be considered successful.
ga gator
March 31st, 2010
4:02 pm
Patrick, I respect your passion and love for your Dawgs and would like to discuss with you rationally later. I will be on around 930 tonight.