‘Very impressed’ with QBs, Richt plans to rank them soon (PLUS: scrimmage notes)
(Scrimmage statistics are here.)
ATHENS -– After Georgia’s second scrimmage of the spring Saturday in Sanford Stadium, coach Mark Richt said: “Today, you walk away feeling like we’re in good shape” at quarterback.
Three quarterbacks battling for the starting job — Logan Gray, Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger — shared snaps, as they have throughout spring practice. And by all accounts from the intra-squad scrimmage, which was closed to the public and media, each of the three had a strong day.
“I’m not going to get into any pecking order today,” Richt said afterward. But he said, for the first time, that coaches will come up with a quarterback depth chart after spring practice concludes.
“We’ll rack ‘em where we think they are,” Richt said. “We won’t necessarily say, ‘This guy is the starter,’ but we might give a 1-2-3. We might give a co-No. 1 and a 2. . . . We’ll give some kind of indication of where we think they stack up going into the fall. . . . I just think it would be good at the end of the spring to give everybody a feeling of where we think they are.”
Richt added that he doubts “very seriously” he’d go so far after spring ball as to “say someone has won the job.”
Whatever the depth chart reveals, Richt acknowleged that Mettenberger will not start the season opener against Lousiana-Lafayette on Sept. 4 because he faces a suspension of at least one game under UGA Athletic Association policy for his alcohol-related arrest near Valdosta last month.
In Saturday’s scrimmage, Murray completed 13 of 19 passes for 159 yards and one touchdown, Mettenberger 10 of 16 for 126 yards and two TDs, and Gray 7 of 11 for 111 yards and a touchdown. Murray and Mettenberger threw one interception each, Gray none.
“The quarterbacks, I was very impressed,” Richt said. “They just had a very good command of what was going on out there. They moved well in the pocket. They made nice scrambles. . . . The throwing and catching, I thought, was outstanding. . . . Very accurate, just all of them, putting the ball on the money.”
Richt apparently wasn’t the only one impressed. “Some of the officials [working the scrimmage] even mentioned, ‘You guys are really throwing the ball well,’ ” Richt said.
Said Gray: “It seemed like our whole offense, QB’s included, just had a pretty solid day.”
“The offense was real good today,” Murray said. “I think we had our best day.”
The quarterbacks apparently have no inside information about what a post-spring depth chart might look like.
The coaches “haven’t really given us any insight or let us know yet,” Murray said. “They’ve done a good job of rotating us and making sure we had equal time with the first team and second team and stuff like that. So I really couldn’t say who’s where right now.”
———————————-
More from the scrimmage:
- A.J. Green said he was “about the second best” receiver on the field — behind Kris Durham, who caught three touchdown passes. Green had six catches for 80 yards, and Durham, who missed last season because of shoulder surgery, had four for 74. “From day one, I know he’s going to be a weapon,” Green said of Durham. “The question is, can he stay healthy?”
- Georgia’s top tailbacks have minor knee injuries. Caleb King sat out with a strained knee, and Washaun Ealey got only five carries before calling it a day with a bruised knee. King and Ealey said their injuries aren’t serious and that they should be ready to go in next Saturday’s G-Day intra-squad game. Carlton Thomas got a heavy workload at tailback in the scrimmage, gaining 93 yards on 16 carries.
- A defensive highlight was a leaping, one-handed interception by cornerback Vance Cuff in the back of the end zone. The Murray pass was intended for Green.
- Overall, Richt said the defense “didn’t have as much success as during the middle of the week, although they made some big plays at the tail end of some drives that really were impressive.”
- Richt was pleased by the scarcity of penalties –- just one against the offense and three against the defense. Two days earlier, practice had been marred by excessive penalties.
- Offensive lineman Austin Long, who missed his freshman season last fall after back surgery, has been cleared to lift weights for the first time since the surgery, Richt said.
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196 comments Add your comment
pincfx
April 3rd, 2010
5:09 pm
jules If you really believe that is the case then you aren’t real bright.
BigMike Said...
April 3rd, 2010
5:11 pm
A guy comes outta H.S., and you guys are ready to annoint him “God” like status at QB, because he was ranked #3,6,11 in the country. Most of you don’t, can’t, and never will be able to tell the real difference in talent. “Better Start Looking”, at least you offer some insight as to the changes Bobo would have to make, letting me know somebody has some football knowledge, and not just blog skills. This my fellow bloggers is a crucial time for both Coach Richt, and Coach Bobo(remember ya’ll was calling for his head a few months ago. While so many of you look at only physical talent, none of you seem to concentrate on the mental abilities of any of them. Mattenberger has made a mistake(haven’t we all) but that doesn’t exclude him, Murray is being heralded as “The Next Big Thang” because of what he did as a senior in H.S., and he is genuinely good(Having Charles to throw to doesn’t hurt). Gray came in during spot duty, and looked bad in certain situations, but so did Shockley a few years ago(we all agree he turned out pretty good.) so lets give all of these guys a solid chance, and with a thicker Ealey, King, and in my opinion a player Coach Bobo has got to get on the field(Carlton Thomas) and a receiving corps that really is second to none(Not evens Florida’s)whomever stands back there has got to be ready. UGA Nation enjoy #1 this year, he has been a treat, and watch #5 (M Brown) blossom. This is our year, this is our time. UF has had they Day, UT is two years away from there’s, LSU is the team everybody never talks about outside the Bayou that is scary good this year, and Nick and company is gonna be VERY, VERY GOOD! Coach Richt this is your time, plain and simple do something with it!……Tech fans 8-1 30-24 and yes we run this state, but keep your head up you got GSU to pick on till three years from now when the talent comes there way. Then you’ll be wearing Bronze instead of Silver in the State!!
jules
April 3rd, 2010
5:17 pm
if you don’t believe interceptions effect wins/losses in thew sec, then explain Georgia and Bama’s QB differences BESIDES that stat?
Without-a-clue
April 3rd, 2010
5:18 pm
First, It’s PRACTICE! Next, when the offense looks good the defense looks bad. And vice versa. So, calm down and don’t try to read a whole lot of something into nothing(involving ints, “sacks”, etc. I personally hope the G Day scrimmage is relatively low scoring and “won” by the offense by one TD.
pete hustled
April 3rd, 2010
5:19 pm
florida annointed brantley as the next big thing, now, after his 53% completion rate in the last 2 weeks, meyer’s letting a te try qb. agree with all here, florida in shambles offensivley. this is georgia’s chance.
BigMike Said...
April 3rd, 2010
5:20 pm
Bama Fans, That QB is to Bama what Buck Belue was to Georgia in 1980, “A handoff Boy”! He’s got a clear cut #1 receiver who’s a top ten pick if he comes out next year and he can’t get him the ball. Julio Jones and A.J. Green would have been scary good as freshmen together. Get a qb Bama fans or Defenses gonna start putting seven in the box with a roving safety, or a blitz attack that’s gonna force Bama into a shoot out, and Bama Fans N.C’s or not, you don’t want that!
pete hustled
April 3rd, 2010
5:22 pm
agree with above, after last year’s 17 interceptions and 40 offensive fumbles/interceptions, we just can’t afford a qb who doesn’t protect the football. murray’s out.
jules
April 3rd, 2010
5:24 pm
it’s not just “practice”. that’s wrong.
as the great Jerry Rice said:
“How you practice, is how you play”
If Murray’s throwing int’s every 12-15 passes now, he’s gonna be doing it in the games come fall. We cannot afford that.
BigMike Said...
April 3rd, 2010
5:24 pm
Tebow was Urban’s guy, and Brantley is just the opposite. Florida fans you’ll win 9 games this year, but here’s the “kicker”, your spoiled now, and it ’s gonna get worse. That’s why Urban wanted this year off. He knew this last year!
dawgfan13
April 3rd, 2010
5:31 pm
I think Murray will win the job. However, I think Richt will go with a dual qb rotation to get both playing time. There are enough games on the schedule to play Mettenburg and Murray with plays designed to help them both out. I havent see anything out of Georgia’s play calling that would warrent me to worry about who is doing what! The run play action passes some boot legs screen passes and thats about it. I say just play the most talented guy overall and to me that is Murray. I am not sure why Georgia does not run any crossing routes. You would think with the receivers we have those are the types of routes that would benefit them. AJ, Durham, and Wooten willbe lethal at the reciever position with Troup, M. Brown etc backing them up. We ahave great TEs who can all catch and block. The entire line coming back, i hope with a more hungrier attitude than last year. They regressed a little last year. The running backs will be solid. If BOBO dont be a BOZO, then we willbe fine.
BigMike Said...
April 3rd, 2010
5:32 pm
Pete Hustled lets agree to disagree, Coach Richt has a two headed horse back there in Ealey and King, Murray will be set up to throw short to intermediate passes. He has amazing talent, and he’s probably over doing it right now. This kid once he settles down and adjust may be incredible. Let’s remember Dawg nation it didn’t click in Staffords head till that AU game his freshmen season(I know somebody’s gonna say these two are red shirts) but they haven’t played. Give this kid, and Mattenberger the chance and I’m sure good things will arise.
the birdman
April 3rd, 2010
5:33 pm
If Coach Richt lets the QB take the #1 position, who has thrown the most interceptions, it’s hopeless. You either are serious about turnovers, or you’re just talking. Murray may be Richt’s favorite but the guy just throws too many interceptions.
Zach has been brilliant at ball protection AND accuracy AND scoring AND yardage. How can you NOT put Zach in as the #1 if you’re being FAIR?
17 of 20
April 3rd, 2010
5:37 pm
I hope the little guy from Tampa gets the job. He is Gator-Bait.
option smoption
April 3rd, 2010
5:39 pm
atl xmen….your pop warner football career does’t make you an expert. do you know how many millions of idiots have played football? I played football too! I have complete confidence in CMR, but just like I thought one of the young kids should have played and gotten experience after 4 losses last year, it’s my opinion that we need a clear number one who can get reps now. When the season starts I’m sure whoever is number one will wish he had gotten more reps this spring…
Dave In Tampa
April 3rd, 2010
5:45 pm
I think the offense will be fine. These scrimage games mean nothing other than who via’s for the starting QB position. It will be up to the defense to learn the system a.s.a.p. Especially when we go into the South Carolina & ARK game. Pass those tests and wel’ll be in great shape.
To me that’s the true test
Small Johnson
April 3rd, 2010
5:50 pm
Glad to here Brantly may not be doing so good for FL
BUT
It won’t matter we will go down there with the typical conservative play calling and not rushing the QB crap and get demolished like usual because “Cool Richt and the Gang” doesn’t believe beating FL is all that important.
jules
April 3rd, 2010
6:07 pm
looks like AJ is loafing this Spring. gettng outscored 3 td’s to 0 td’s by Kris Durham?
the birdman
April 3rd, 2010
6:10 pm
Murray will probably get the #1 position because here’s how Richt & Bobo decide on offensive key position starters:
1) who’s objectively the best?
2) who’ objectively the worst?
3) let the worst start and the best sit the bench
ToccoaDawg
April 3rd, 2010
6:36 pm
OK thats good news for a PRACTICE but whats the news on UGA VIII
Observer
April 3rd, 2010
6:44 pm
On Thursday, all 3 of the QB’s looked sharp. No clear cut #1.
AJ hasn’t been loafing. He’s snagging just about everything thrown his way.
Carlton Thomas was running hard during the week as well. This might be his year to show what he can do. Nice change of pace from the power of Ealey & King.
JMart
April 3rd, 2010
6:51 pm
Here is a description of Murray’s INT
“Vance Cuff managed to turn in the highlight of the day, making a one-handed interception of an Aaron Murray pass in the back of the end zone.”
My point earlier is that throwing a pass to the back of the end zone to AJ Green is ALWAYS a good decision. Cuff just made an outstanding play. I personally don’t care who wins as long as its the guy that gives us the best chance to win. But the idea of naming a starter based on ONE statistic in spring practice is simply retarded.
TimingPass
April 3rd, 2010
7:07 pm
AM’s pass to AJ was a fade route -timing pass. DB read play and beat AJ to the ball. AJ has to either catch it or grab DB so he can’t. DB made a great one handed catch, but you can’t put this off on QB only. His job was to put it in the corner and leave it up to AJ. And if you think interceptions are what makes and breaks the QB race, then you’d better get your facts straight and check how many the QB’s have had in the other practice scrimmages that they have in almost ever practice. I heard one name that’s had three or more in a number of those situations. And the one that was thrown today may have been what Richt says was a hail mary but it was a terribly thrown pass. Richt has made it known since last year that Mett is his favorite and he backs him no matter what he does. He even gives Met credit for things AM does or indicates that AM is just lucky. It won’t be long for Richt as he worries more about getting his vehicle detailed and shirts dry cleaned than coaching. And if he continues to support players based on personal feelings instead of winning games, the good ones will stop coming and 6-6 seasons will be the norm.
Diamond Dog's Parole Officer
April 3rd, 2010
7:17 pm
ToccoaDawg’s request for an UGA VII update:
Until furthur notice, they’ll continue to paint Russ’ rear end white. You know, Russ, the temporary mascot?
TimingPass2
April 3rd, 2010
7:24 pm
And to boot. Why is it that Richt always makes excuses for Mett and gives credit to all the QB’s for scrambles, running, etc., but AM was the one that ran 3 times for 37 yards. AM could have run one of those three in for a TD but slid at the one out of respect for the Defense since the defense is not allowed to tackle. That’s a teammate and leader. But instead of giving props to AM, Richt deflects to the others, because he doesn’t want to single out anyone being better than his boy. Richt won’t make the call of who won the position, even though the facts indicates he should, because he is still holding out hope that he can keep some promise he made to Mett and his family when he recruited him. Sorry AM, but politics reigns at UGA!
#1 Hater
April 3rd, 2010
7:38 pm
BigMike Said… , we might be spoiled, but hell we even won when zook was coach. You are dreaming.
trailer park manager
April 3rd, 2010
7:39 pm
It’s great for UGA to have all of these qb coaches.
tony
April 3rd, 2010
7:42 pm
Remember these stats from last spring? Aaron Murray 13-21 325 yards 62% Comp 3 TDs no Int
_________________________________ Zack Mett 2-18 43 yards 11% Comp no TD 2 Int
So far this spring:
Aaron Murray 23-34 284 yards 68% Comp 2 TDs 2 Int no sacks and 3-37 rushing
Zack Mett 17-26 283 yards 65% Comp 3 TDs 1 Int 2 sacks 0 rushing.
Now, I had been saying all season long that Aaron Murray should have been named the starter in 09. For some reason, Mr Richt is making it very difficult for Aaron Murray to become the starter because eventhough his stats is better than the other qbs it still aint good enough for Mr Richt. Something ain’t right about that picture. I still say Aaron should have been named the starter going into this season just based on what he did last spring.
Say what you want about the 2 Int Murray threw this spring, but he’s still the best qb on that team. You Zack bandwagers better be concern about the Int Zack threw because it’s a continuation from last spring.
pincfx
April 3rd, 2010
7:50 pm
TimingPass2 what it the world are you talking about? The only specific comment by Richt on the QB’s has been to give the stats or to answer questions about the practice. He has gone OUT OF HIS WAY to not get into what he thinks of each guy.
No Worries
April 3rd, 2010
7:50 pm
It’s not what you do in the spring, it’s what you do in the fall. Spring allows you to really teach basics and findamentals, play the young guys and gain some depth. I would doubt that a starting UGA QB would be established in the spring.
Small Johnson
April 3rd, 2010
8:15 pm
Don’t worry dawg fans
The outlook is good,
Im certain an 8th yr senior at QB will take over
Marlon Brown might have 5 balls thrown at him this year instead of 3 since he might have learned half the playbook
Another Moreno type player will emerge after being on the bench for a yr or 2 because he didn’t know how to block or know the plays
Great off field conditioning as players continually take themselves out of the game to re-coup
Everyone will enjoy the 1st 2nd and 3rd qtr on the field dancing even though we are not even close to the game being over
Nice kickoff returns to the 40 or 45 depending on the wind and accuracy of Walsh
Some of the finest arm tackling the SEC has ever seen
Each week another suspended ball player will be allowed to play
And finally 2 of my personal favorites:
A great looking and talented UGA team goes to Jacksonville and plays like they are the Dekalb County recreation department
Last but not least the uniform switch:
This year will be 2 tone helmets, all black on one side red on the other. Tye Dyed jersey with poc-a-dot pants, candy cane socks with combat boots
Who’s ready for Saturday “BETWEEN THE HEDGES”
45ACP
April 3rd, 2010
8:38 pm
The QB’s will sort itself out. Like many of you I would like some more info on the defense.
Awesome
April 3rd, 2010
8:39 pm
trailer park manager-Nice bust on Sulley. Ha ha ha ha ha ha…..he does look like a loser. Hopefully, with Patrick being exposed he will go back to his hole, and not heard here again.
Otto
April 3rd, 2010
8:41 pm
Get the National Championship trophies ready for the next 4 years, I bet our opponents are trembling already–wouldn’t surprise me if 2 or 3 teams forfeit rather than be run off the field by the dawgs
Wait until next year blues...
April 3rd, 2010
8:42 pm
Start Met and tear the playbook in half…anything that requires the QB moving, or sliding in the pocket will be history…the wild hair-doh offense will be obvious because the feet of clay will be out of the game…the defense will pin back their ears and go after ol’ slew foot…your 3rd down plays will be back to handing the ball off in a 3rd and 14…the comment about throwing to Orson Charles and how he made Murray look good is a laugh, the year before Charles transferred HS’s he caught something like 12 passes all season as a Jr…as far as comments made about Murray by Richt, well last year when Murray was putting up long TD’s passes almost ever practice, Richt said that he thought Murray was just lucky (now he may have been saying that in jest, but why say it at all? a nice at-ta-boy would have been in order)…so go ahead and start the great Met and get ready to start humming the “wait until next year blues”…that being said, there is no doubt that Met can fit into the right offense, and UGA may just be that, however there is no way he is a better QB than Murray…muck it up this CMR and you better have your bags packed and the moving van backed in…
Small Johnson
April 3rd, 2010
8:45 pm
Anyone up for some on the field dancing and a cab ride?
Albert
April 3rd, 2010
8:47 pm
Good one Small Johnson—-cant wait to get that “Gator Bait”
Alaska Dawg
April 3rd, 2010
8:53 pm
Better start looking, you are obviously NOT a Dawg fan. There is no NCAA program in the country that would have 2 high profile recruits like AM and ZM and not give them an entire spring to win the job. Why don’t you go over to Grant Field and watch the geek squad prepare to be trampled again by a superior team from a superior conference.
Small Johnson
April 3rd, 2010
8:56 pm
As much as I enjoy watching UGA crush Tech I enjoy beating FL more
Better start looking...
April 3rd, 2010
9:05 pm
Alaska Dawg…never said I was a Dawg fan, and what does that have to do w/ anything…I take that Grant Field is GT’s field…the same team who’s QB went down the first half against the mighty dawgs and came back and played 1 legged…the same team who blew out the yalla jkts by 6 points…count your blessing that game, because if it would have got down to Cox having to save the day, there’s no telling what would have happened…tell Sarah I said hi and you bet cha
Carl Carlson
April 3rd, 2010
9:05 pm
Murray’s starting. He’s been the starter. Gray and Mett know this. There’s no reason to announce it now. He’s a combo a greeney and d.j. Literally! I’m talking some jurassic park sh%t performed here. Don’t tell Jeremy Schapp though.
When will Georgia win a National Title?
April 3rd, 2010
10:05 pm
No qb and UGA too scared to play Bama and LSU.Kentucky will beat UGA again.
When will Georgia win a National Title?
April 3rd, 2010
10:10 pm
Small Johnson…. 3 in 20 years? not too much to enjoy is there Buster?
Coach Mark Richt
April 3rd, 2010
10:15 pm
Mutt Nation forget about next week spring game..Ya’ll check out my new tan and $5 haircut,SWEET!
slim
April 3rd, 2010
10:18 pm
all yall talk about is the qb’s but our line didnt hold up it was not all joe cox it was the ol line the d line cbs and the d gave up about 400 in the air today so it might be the same ole thing are is our o that good gray might be the best one for the job if that line be like it it was last year
BREAKING NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 3rd, 2010
10:25 pm
Georgia Rep- Hank Johnson will be Georgia starting QB!
RCF
April 3rd, 2010
10:27 pm
TimingPass, you seem to have had unusual access to the scrimmage. Your name doesn’t happen to be Orson Charles does it?
RCF
April 3rd, 2010
10:29 pm
Or Josh Murray?
GEORGIA SUX
April 3rd, 2010
10:52 pm
Mutts goes from contenders to pretenders every year. A five game or more loss for the leghumpers again in 2010.
Richt expects word by Monday on taxi incident | UGA sports blog
April 3rd, 2010
10:55 pm
[...] ‘Very impressed’ with QB’s, Richt promises depth chart at end of spring practice. [...]
ReptilesRule
April 3rd, 2010
11:27 pm
I just laugh when I read some of the comments on here about Spring practice. The reason they “practice” is to establish who is what and to get better and to set a solid foundation for summer workouts and the fall. I have yet to see a football championship handed out in March, April or May. And some of these people on here like “Big Mike” who make comments about Brantley not having a good spring couldn’t find the UF practice fields if they were spotted the O’Dome (right next door). I’ve been to all but 2 practice sessions and I can tell you that it is far from the truth. Yes, is going through a change on offense with a new QB and some new WR starters (which is more of a concern to me), but there is talent galore on both sides of the ball. Our front 7 on D could actually be better, certainly faster, and deeper if everyone stays healthy. The main concern on D is at one corner but so far Moses Jenkins, a redshirt senior, seems to be taking ownership there. And TE, the other biggest concern on the team, is all the sudden looking pretty promising with Jordan Reed playing beyond everyone’s expectations. I’m not saying that Florida is going to be favored to win the NC this year, but they will be a definite factor in who does or doesn’t and will surprise anyone who expecting a significant dropoff just because Tebow has left the building.