The Marlon Brown case: Will he blossom in 2010 after a quiet freshman season?
It’s a frequent question on the blog: Why didn’t Marlon Brown play more last season?
He hears it, too.
“Oh yeah, all the time,” he says. “I either avoid it or just go, like, ‘I don’t know.’”
Marlon Brown: catching on? (AJC photo/Brant Sanderlin)
Brown, of course, signed with UGA as a much-hyped recruit out of Memphis in February 2009, a Parade All-American who was ranked the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com. And then he caught just two passes, both against Tennessee, in extremely limited playing time as a freshman.
The adjustment from a small school (Harding Academy) to SEC football went slower than the recruiting rankings would have suggested, but not necessarily slower than Georgia coaches expected.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Mark Richt said this week. “People have their rankings and expectations because of rankings and all that, but I knew Marlon was going to take a little time to get used to the speed of Southeastern Conference football. He really made great strides.”
By all accounts, the strides continued this spring until Brown was sidelined for a week by an injured left shoulder -– a sprained AC joint.
“I felt bad when he got hurt because he looked so much quicker to me and just a much smoother route runner in the spring than he was in the fall,” Richt said. “I thought he had great improvement, and I think he’s going to really help us a bunch.
“He’s a very physical football player. He’ll block. He’ll get after you. He’s got strong hands. He’s going to help us. I’m really looking forward to seeing him blossom.”
The 6-5, 200-pound Brown returned to practice on a limited basis Tuesday, wearing a green non-contact jersey. Georgia didn’t practice Wednesday and holds its 10th of 15 spring sessions this afternoon.
“We were pleased with Marlon’s progress last year and pleased with him early in spring ball,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. The shoulder injury, Bobo said, cost Brown important practice time last week. “Marlon needs this time tremendously. . . . He’s got to be on the field to get better.
“Hopefully he can practice the rest of the way,” Bobo said. “Just get him out there running around, it doesn’t have to be contact, but getting out there running routes and learning how to run routes. Not in a negative way, but he was a lot of times a little bit raw and has to fine-tune his skills and is getting close there and just needs practice.”
Brown said he was “frustrated” by the ill-timed shoulder injury, but if he was frustrated by his quiet freshman season, he never showed it in a negative way.
“All these guys tend to get a little frustrated if they don’t come in and play like a recruiting service or somebody ranks them and thinks they’re going to be instant impacts,” Bobo said. “But that’s just part of the process, going through that.
“And sometimes I think it’s good for those kids to go through that and have a little adversity and learn how to fight and push. Marlon is a kid who has accepted that well. I haven’t seen anything [to indicate] that, hey, this guy is sulking or disappointed. He’s working hard.”
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130 comments Add your comment
1eyedJack
April 1st, 2010
1:06 pm
We know that YOUR team will be lucky to make it to the Shreveport bowl this year since it will be an ACC bowl for runner ups.
run the ball
April 1st, 2010
1:12 pm
Delusional Dawg, John Brantley = Joe Cox. All of your coaches quit, including your head coach. Your savior Tebow is not there anymore and will be working on his new delivery on someone’s practice squad. Your best defensive players are no longer there, and our starting QB is from your state.
Good game verses bammer last year. Choke is a word that’s hard to digest.
Stinger
April 1st, 2010
1:12 pm
Who is Marlon Brown? Oh well, it doesn’t matter cause you have no QB’s to throw him or any other WR the ball.
Ace
April 1st, 2010
1:14 pm
Lucky for him DaRick went to UT or he would be pickin’ splinters from butt from the bench……
Fernando Appleyard
April 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Stinger…that’s the pot calling the kettle black since you guy’s QB can’t throw a catchable ball. Ask Bey Bey.
jasont13
April 1st, 2010
1:23 pm
I dare any Alabama fans to say anything about UGA playing there bowl game in Shreveport last year. I my memory is correct, Alabama has played in two bowl games in Shreveport within the last 5 years.
SidyBoy
April 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
Hey guys/gals !!! The Trout were biting Saturday.Relax until August.Save your nerves(and predictions ’till then !!
Delusional Dawg
April 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
run the ball…great comparison between Brantley and Joe Cox…and they look so much alike! I particularly liked the way you broke it down. Anywho, great points all. Yeah that Teblow guy is finally gone. You know, with that funny delivery, that guy couldn’t throw the ball in college either. I think he only completed about 65% of his passes which sounds OK until you figure what that new Georgia QB from Florida is gonna do. Probably around 98% give or take 5 percentage points. And you’re right about the coaches there, they all left! I heard they even had to bring billy Donovan over to coach the Defensive Line! What a joke! And as far as Alabama goes, doesn’t EVERYONE choke now when they see the mighty Saban?? I heard they even built a statue of him holding his crotch!
jw
April 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
He played against UT then he was injured and lost playng time.. I am sure they did not know how much time he would loose. They expected to get more production out of Marlon, the cards just did not fall that way..
Delbert D.
April 1st, 2010
1:52 pm
Marlon Brown will surely blossom. A rose by any name would smell as sweet.
Too Easy
April 1st, 2010
1:55 pm
Jason13: And recently lost to Louisiana-Monroe.
Too Easy
April 1st, 2010
1:55 pm
At home.
Too Easy
April 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
And 3 out of 4 to the Dawgs.
Delbert D.
April 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
“Ongoing maturation of Mike Bobo”
I know he’s doing something, but “maturation” may be a just a homonym for it.
BAMA STAN
April 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
13 NATIONAL TITLES – 22 SEC TITLES!!!
I like how the receiving corp is taking shape at UGA. Lacks depth and this could come back to haunt UGA …… and WR’s signed for 2010 is not so great. I am sure a lot of great WR recruits will see the opportunity at UGA and look for UGA to snag some talent in the 2011 class.
The BIG thing to remember is that having AJ Green is HUGE – need to compliment him with excellent play at other positions.
I would warn UGA fans to be patient – as this is still a young group that will probably drop a few key passes along the way.
Wide Receivers:
AJ Green – Big time star – one of the top receivers in the SEC. nuff said.
R. Wooten – rising start – best prospect based on his performance and proven ability – looks good – real good – fearless. I thought this kid did a great job as a feshman – and judging by what has been written – he is improving.
M Brown – hopefully – this kid will get up to speed. Hope he is not labled as “POTENTIAL”. This one will be intersting to watch. Will he be a bonafide star – or just another reciever??? Time will tell!
C. Durham – steady – don’t think of him as exceptional – but these type of “silent” players can be the difference between a win and a loss in a tight game. A good team player and can get the job done. Every team needs guys like this.
T’ King – very athletic – has very good speed and is quick – but can have butter fingers. I would not depend on him too much as he is not consistent in traffic or tight coverage with drops. A little confidence could go a long way with this kid.
I Troupe – just a great overall athlete – playing WR. If he was exceptional – he would have cracked the starting line up by now – brings depth.
Tight Ends – think UGA is very STRONG here:
O. Charles – really think UGA fans will be proud of this kid – Big time receiver talent – just tremendous possibility. Could give WR depth. A real talent.
B. Figgins – would probably start on most teams.
A. Lynch – great prospect – had good freshman year – I think this kid has NFL written all over him.
A. White – solid – will drop a few – then make a key catch. another great athletic kid.
For 2009 Season – I predicted taht UGA would be in trouble – with a 6 or 7 Win regular season a real possibility. I came to this prediction looking at your schedule – analyzing return players – and looking at trends (specifically on defense). I was accurate on the prediction
For 2010 – I think UGA is in for a VERY GOOD season – a lot of IF’s – but I will lean toward the positive side:
thinking UGA has a 9 -10 win regular season
Could win 11 or 12 games max
Could win 8 games worst
Why?
– O-Line, RB’s and WR – strength
– QB should be as good – and probably better as the season unfolds
– New D-staff is an improvement – however – the 3/4 defense will be a work in progress – so there will be some breakdowns.
– turn over margin – should be a big improvement
– special teams – UGA was exceptional – accept for Kickoff coverage – I look for improvement here.
– HUNGER – I think UGA will play as if they have something to prove.
IF UGA wins at South Carolina – look out – this team could get on a roll and has a high possibility of being undefeated heading into JAX. However, the SC game in unpredicatble and will probably be an all out WAR!!! Spurrier and SC typically play well against UGA – and this will be Spurriers best SC team – and they have a chip on their shoulder concerning UGA.
Breaking Down 2010 season:
Wins:
LA LAF.
Colorado
Tenn
Vandy
KY
ID State
50/50
S.C – win here is huge – I think UGA get’s it done
Ark – UGA should win – but do not underestimate Arkansas
MS STATE – should be better in 2010 – again respect this team -UGA should win.
Auburn – see South Carolina – could be a war – 50/50 game
GT – again – I think UGA wins this game – as GT might be as good as they were last year – but UGA should be better than lasat year.
LOSSES
FLORIDA – UGA could win – but Florida is deep – their 3rd string is as talented as most teams first – but will Florida gel as a team in 2011? Urban and SABAN are the BEST in the business right now… and both have talent.
I see the SEC as Alabama and Florida as the cream of the crop.
LSU will rebound and looks good… could challange.
UGA should be improved – maybe the level of LSU
South Carolina and Auburn are two darkhorses
Ole Miss is Ole Miss – never great – can be good.
Arkansas and Kentucky – dangerous teams
Miss State – improved – but lacks depth –
Tennessee – will bottom out – starting over – but it is easier to build at the Tennessee’s and Alabama’s – than Miss State, SC or KY.
Vandy – is Vandy.
Best of luck this sping.
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIDE!!!
Delbert D.
April 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Oops…the Georgia School or Journalism and Poetry just corrected me….it’s a rhyme, not a homonym.
1eyedJack
April 1st, 2010
2:00 pm
Delbert, with all those kids I don’t think he’s doing much “maturation”.
UZBEKI STAN
April 1st, 2010
2:01 pm
BAMA STAN, are we related? You write so loudly and long, but I will pray for you anyway.
big duke dog
April 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
Marlon SHOULD be better than AJ, buthe has too much self doubt. the dude just can’t believe in himself and i am not sure he has the work ethic required to be great. marlon came out ranked #2 in the nation out of highschool, felt entitled, and will likely never amount to anything. He has not been productive when he’s been in the game, not been healthy for the scrimmage this year. don’t think he has that swagger you need.
Fire BOZO I meant BOBO
April 1st, 2010
2:07 pm
Georgia has all these weapons and dont play them Florida USC Bama Texas all these teams play freshman and have won titles Georgia just waste a year go 7-5 and look stupid
Big D Dawg
April 1st, 2010
2:09 pm
hey delusional….. you have me laughing today and I am a dawg fan.
Spurrier
April 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
He better step up or somebody else because we are going to double team A.J. all day and come after the frosh QB with everything we have……………….look out for a trick play or two from the offense.
Dawgs Fan
April 1st, 2010
2:11 pm
Roll Tide (hopefully rolling right off a cliff)
Fire BOZO I meant BOBO
April 1st, 2010
2:12 pm
Georgia dont want to win fire mark richt and get a fiery guy in thier to compete with urban and saban
Dawgs Fan
April 1st, 2010
2:14 pm
Spurrier……..look out for another loss against them dawgs!!!!
Delusional Dawg
April 1st, 2010
2:16 pm
Hey Bama Stan, I love you man (not in the Biblical sense, mind you) but I had to put down “War and Peace” just so I could read your post. And please send my love to the Sons of Saban and their leader, Paul Finebaum.
Delusional Dawg
April 1st, 2010
2:37 pm
Big D Dawg…thank you…and yes, to answer your question, I will be here all week. And I don’t even want to know what the the “D” stands for!
Devildog
April 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
Recruiting services, another example of fools and their money. People actually PAY to get all the “inside” stuff on these sites.
It’s just more fallout from BS TV like ESPN, but they COULD . . . . GO . . . . ALL. …..THE…..WAAAAAAAAAY!!!!
Delusional Dawg
April 1st, 2010
2:45 pm
Sorry, when I’m scared I stutter sometimes…
baddog
April 1st, 2010
2:54 pm
You know Richt doesn’t want to say anything negative about Marlon so what Richt couldn’t say was that Marlon didn’t know the playbook last year and was lost in practices. Why else would you bench a guy like this if he had great hands with strong blocking skills.
athenian
April 1st, 2010
2:57 pm
OMG, dog fans are predicting ANOTHER pre-season national championship!
I think this makes about 30-35 straight titles for the dogs. How can anyone stand up to the overwhelming talent, best coaching staff in the country, and of course, that BIG, BIG stadium full of slobbering, woofing dog fans? I hear bama is also trying to claim the pre-season championship…too bad there is no preseason “play-off” (between the bloggers, not the players).
cantondawg
April 1st, 2010
3:03 pm
Bama Stan,
Excellent post…i agree with you on almost every comment. I also was worried about the 2009 season and with the loss of 90% of our offense and with the toughest schedule we have ever played. I see big improvement in every area (especially turnovers and defense) and we could play in the SECCG…
Bama is in the unique position of having one of the best RB tandems ever. Ingram is a returning Heisman trophy winner however i think Richardson is better than he is.
Thuga
April 1st, 2010
3:04 pm
Somebody call the BCS people and let them know how we want Bulldawg spelled on the crystal trophy. I heard that the book store already has the 2010 BCS NC shirts in, so you may want to go ahead and get them ordered. Most of our competition has already phoned in and asked us not to run up the score after hearing from Delusional Dog. The SEC Referee’s have proclaimed 2010 the year of no yellow hankies for our beloved doggies. UGA tailgaters have developed a special bar b que sauce guaranteed to keep all ball handlers from dropping the rock. Obama just got off the phone with CMR offering him the head of the Dept of Defence job because he heard how awesome we are…All UGA football players have been sworn in with the Athens-Clark County PD due to their stellar behavior.. Vince Dooley said Herchel Walker was a child compared to our All American Running Backs of today…
I just can’t wait for our first game…can we count the Red and Black game as our first victory?
Hold on, I got to go. The nice people in the white coats are here again………….
Jeffro Bodeen
April 1st, 2010
3:25 pm
They left out the “s” and “b” in maturation of Mike Bobo.
Ron Zook
April 1st, 2010
3:31 pm
I sure wish I was back in the SEC, at least I would have 1 win every year.
Delusional Dawg
April 1st, 2010
3:32 pm
Thuga, great post. The BCS people just called back and I happened to be milling around so I answered the phone. They would like to know if we want “Bulldawg” spelled with one or two “Ls”. And thanks for the heads-up on the NC shirts, already got my order in. Ordered the red one with the black piping and another all black just for those special times when we wear the black helmets. And yes, I DID hear about CMR being offered the job at the Dept of Defense. They said that with his glowing tan, he could travel all over the Mid East and wouldn’t even need expensive security or a secret service detail because he would just blend right in with the desert sand. Another cost cutting measure by the Obama administration I guess. And say hello to those people in the white coats especially the one they call “Taser Tammy”, she’s my favorite.
jzdawg
April 1st, 2010
3:35 pm
Get a life you critical and jealous UGA haters! Surely there is a blog out there for “I hate my life and UGA” somewhere? Go DAWGS!
Ron Zook
April 1st, 2010
3:37 pm
jz, I like the blog “all things red and black, except when we wear Grambling States all black”
Hate Hater
April 1st, 2010
3:39 pm
No one is jealous of a team that can lose to Vandy and Kentucky at home. UGA fans are priceless.
Dawgs Fan
April 1st, 2010
3:46 pm
Hater do you need attention that bad? Go find another blog to ruin.
ga gator
April 1st, 2010
4:14 pm
just checking in to see if there is any serious talk, but alas the usual hate bantering.
Jay
April 1st, 2010
4:18 pm
Call it like it is: He is a bust
DawginLex
April 1st, 2010
4:33 pm
Nobody on here is seriously predicting a national title for the Dawgs in 2010. Some are jokingly predicting it.
There is potential to do very well.
The fact that the haters revel in posting on here constantly proves our relevance in the college football world of the SEC and the south.
The keys to the season are not a lack of talent, there is plenty.
Turnovers and penalties must drop significantly.
Remember in 2009, did UT, KY, OSU and LSU beat us or did we beat ourselves? Turnovers did us in on 3 of the 4 at least. Florida was the only team that whipped us based on talent difference but even that game was close in the 2nd quarter until the turnover fest took over.
big duke dog
April 1st, 2010
4:46 pm
bobo made good adjustments the last 4 games in 2009 once the offensive line got healthy. not many turnovers, lot of rushing yards, and good qb perfomance. Bobo will be fine, he gets it, his guys ran well, and protected the ball well, his wr’s and te’s did enough to win, I like the track he’s running on, starting with the last 4 games of 2009. we hear this every year–fire bobo, fire richt, same ole garbage, no news there, heard it all back in 2001 & 2006, responded with championship seasons both times. bobo will be fine.
ga gator
April 1st, 2010
4:55 pm
As usual you are correct DawginLex, was at the game and I believe it was 14-10 and UF kicked about a 51 yard field goal that I was yelling “thats too far you, Meyer you are an idiot, whoa great kick”. An immediate turnover starting the second half is what sealed it. Even in Staffords last year it was close into the 3rd qtr. I am old enough to remember our bad days and in my mind its always close.
Cherokee
April 1st, 2010
5:20 pm
Where is Patrick???Anybody heard from Patrick?
Cherokee
April 1st, 2010
5:22 pm
Enter your comments here
FalconDawg
April 1st, 2010
5:49 pm
Brown will be just fine…he is a monster. Da’Rick bailing on us really screwed us because it was going to be the Marlon Brown and Da’Rick Rogers show once AJ Green leaves, but now it’s just going to be the Marlon Brown show…
tony "BAM BAM'
April 1st, 2010
7:13 pm
Brown should be great. He needs to show Bobo what he can do. Get healthy, stay healthy, execute, with his skills and size, man he’s big, Brown will be a nightmare to cover. I think Marlon might have a chip on his shoulder after all the criticism against him, like Caleb did and how Caleb snapped out of his funk. Criticism breaks you if you’re weak, or fires you up if you’re strong. We’re gonna see what this dude’s made of.
Delusional Dawg
April 1st, 2010
7:16 pm
Cherokee…patrick is currently in electric shock therapy in San Clemente, California. But don’t worry, it’s outpatient therapy so I’m sure he will be sharing his “logic” later. If you can’t wait and want to know his opinions like right away, just think of Rubics Cube and that will take you there.