Quarterbacks: Dogs need a solid (and injury-free) season from Aaron Murray
(Fifth in a summertime series looking at Georgia’s football team by position.)
TODAY: QUARTERBACKS
- Returning starter: Nope.
- Depth chart: Redshirt freshman Aaron Murray is No. 1, would-be wide receiver Logan Gray No. 2 and true freshman Hutson Mason No. 3.
- Attrition: Joe Cox (24 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions as last season’s starter) graduated, and redshirt freshman Zach Mettenberger was dismissed from the team.
- Key fact: The three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster have thrown a total of 12 collegiate passes (all by Gray, a junior).
- Key fact II: Murray was rated the No. 3 quarterback prospect in the nation coming out of high school and was named MVP of the prestigious Elite 11 quarterbacks camp.
- Key questions: How smoothly will Murray make the transition to No. 1 QB? Will he be able to heed his coach’s don’t-try-to-be-a-hero refrain and protect the football as Georgia tries to dramatically reduce last season’s turnovers (28)? And after being sidelined from throwing in practice for four weeks last season because of triceps and forearm tendinitis, will he be able to stay healthy? (As for the latter, Murray has said he’s more focused on “shoulder maintenance” this year to keep the arm strong and fresh.)
- Recent developments: It was no surprise that Murray emerged from a three-way competition in spring practice as the No. 1 quarterback, but his grip on the job was unexpectedly tightened by two post-spring developments. First, Mettenberger was kicked off the team shortly before pleading guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery. Next, Gray considered transferring before electing to remain with the Dogs and divide his time between quarterback and wide receiver. (It remains unclear, even to the coaches, exactly how that QB/WR juggling act is going to play out.)
- Outlook: Murray is a smart, hard-working and very talented player for whom Georgia won a recruiting battle against Florida and many other schools. He passed for 4,013 yards and 51 touchdowns as a junior at Tampa’s Plant High School and returned early from a broken fibula and dislocated ankle to guide the team to a state championship as a senior. So his credentials are strong. The only thing is, he’ll be a (redshirt) freshman starting at quarterback in the SEC, no easy task. The key to his season –- and perhaps Georgia’s — is whether he can minimize mistakes while growing into the job. With returning starters at all other positions on offense, Georgia needs Murray to be solid, not necessarily spectacular.
- Your turn: What say you about the quarterbacks?
———-
Links to previous entries in this series:
Monday: Defensive line.
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361 comments Add your comment
steve
June 18th, 2010
4:30 pm
murry an the kid from lassiter 2 num 1s lemay needs to sign with nc st
Chad
June 18th, 2010
4:33 pm
Reasonable goals:
1) pass ball to playmaker 3x a qrtr
2) Score 3 passing td’s every 2 games
3) Limit int’s to 1 every 2 games
JMac 01203
June 18th, 2010
4:37 pm
Mountain, I never said Stafford was not a HS stud. What I referred to was that depending on which recruiting service you read, either Stafford or Tebow or Mustain was rated #1. All services had them as the top 3. While he was a stud coming in to Athens, he did not lead the pups to any championships. He could not duplicate his HS sucess in college. He was a very good QB who had a hard time making quick decisions. He wound up the #1 draft pick, something that I think Detroit regrets. If Stafford (and Knowshon) could not get it done, why do all you guys think that an untried, untested and unproven QB like Murray will do any better. Let the guy prove that he is even half as good as you guys think he is. Until then….
AltamahaDawg
June 18th, 2010
4:49 pm
CL, I too am puzzled by this feeling that we need to get Gray in the mix as much as possible. I think IF he gets significant playing time as a WR its more likely next year. I get the whole wishing him well, and hoping that he does find a way to have a productive college career, But we have faster, stronger, more experienced guys. I just don’t see the play where he is going to be the best choice. Unless its a trick play and …no, still can’t see how some bigger, faster, more experinced guy wouldnt pull that off better. Unless the idea is for him to pull it down and throw a pass. I’m not a big fans of those either. Just throw it to AJ and let him run if you are going to do all that.
superDawg
June 18th, 2010
4:55 pm
Georgia needs a solid (injury free O line).
Freckle Face Fred
June 18th, 2010
5:18 pm
Bottom line, to meet a solid scoring margin goal of +14, which UGA MUST have, the QB needs to throw for 2 passing td’s a game from 22 passes. 1 td every 11 passes, like Kellen from Boise St. WR’s 1 TD, TE’s 1 TD.
The rushing attack should be solid for 3 td’s a game. 1 td every 13 rushes. Ealey 1 td, King 1 td, Fullbacks 1 td.
The field goal kicker Walsh is solid for 2-3 field goals a game, even from 50+ yards.
The defense should be improved to hold the other team to 19 points a game.
We might be able to average a TD a game off of punt return/kick return/defense return for td.
POAD
June 18th, 2010
5:47 pm
No my Lexus SUV ain’t paid for! I just park in front of my Trailer with the Dawg stickers on it.
POAD
June 18th, 2010
6:00 pm
Now can you quit crying dawginlex? You can give your wife her panties back now. You still know what P.O.A.D stands for. Why haven’t you cried about Yellow Skeeter Peter Eater? That is a totally gay.
chazzo
June 18th, 2010
6:17 pm
Urban Meyer,
The fact that you call Murray a true frosh demonstrates your ignorance. Now take your Malox and go get some quiet time.
atl xmen
June 18th, 2010
6:30 pm
jmac..stafford was the number one pick of teh entire draft and he still was a senior in high college. i promise you detroit doesnt regret one bit they picked him. every pro scout said he was the most NFL ready qb in the draft. what makes you think detroit regrets picking him?
also stafford and moreno did their jobs the defense let them down. stafford would have one a few sec titles if teh defence was better.
CLEVON LITTLE
June 18th, 2010
6:32 pm
AltamahaDawg,
+1
atl xmen
June 18th, 2010
6:32 pm
sorry for the typing mistakes. im working
CLEVON LITTLE
June 18th, 2010
6:52 pm
atl xmen, I tend to disagree with you on the Stafford subject, with the exception of rather Detroit regrets picking him #1 in the draft, or more importantly, paying him the 70+ million bucks, because I have no idea how the people that shelled out the money truley feel. Truth is, they needed a QB & if they wound’t have taken him they were affraid they may regret it one day, or they simply needed a QB & figured they would have to shell out the dough eventually & Stafford was as good a guess as any one QB. Bottom line he never really panned out to be all that at UGA –he was a talent, no doubt, but he was also highly inconsistant, play to play & game to game –at times. Between Stafford & Moreno, the talent was abound, I’m just not so sure the dedication was, as Stafford was quoted as saying after he got sellected in the draft that he really never dreamed of playing college football & that the NFL was where his heart was, and that UGA was choosen because of Mark Richt’s QB experience & UGA was his stepping stone to the NFL. As for Moreno, he pulled himself out too many times for my taste. I know why he did it, I’m just not a fan when college players pull themselves out of games.
Delbert D.
June 18th, 2010
6:58 pm
Murray will be fine. The question is simply how long that will take. He only gets one game to get it going. That is a pretty tough situation.
atl xmen
June 18th, 2010
7:23 pm
clevon..you have to remember had truefeshmen blocking for him most of his time at UGA. no doubt he would have had a great season his senior year. he started on sundays his rookie year and did pretty well with a bunch of guys on the line that couldnt block either. you guys seem to forget stafford started as a true freshmen in the sec and did really well. if not for injuries on the line his sophmore year uga would have had SEC title…you do know he was supposed to be a senior this past year instaed of playing qb on sundays. the man can play qb
Delbert D.
June 18th, 2010
7:46 pm
“you have to remember”
“had truefeshmen blocking for him”
“no doubt he would have had”
“line that couldnt block either”
“if not for injuries on the line”
“would have had SEC title”
“was supposed to be a senior this past year”
atl xmen
June 18th, 2010
7:48 pm
i had no problem with moreno pulling himself out..he ran hard every play even when he wasnt running the ball. also uga has plenty of running backs that fill in nicely. i did hate that king missed some blocks though.
Murray the Midget
June 18th, 2010
7:49 pm
Didn’t yall uga fans say the same thing about Matt Stafford and threw him under the bus too?
SISSY DAWG
June 18th, 2010
8:46 pm
The key to success in college football is the quarterback. You are dreaming if you think Georgia will be better than last year with a Freshman quarterback. He will be eaten alive in the first four games. If he survives through mid-season, he will have a chance of being mediocre by seasons end. By his Junior year he should become a productive quarterback, if he is not injured. all the hype is just what it is “HYPE”. Georgia fans fall for it year after year.
SISSY DAWG Dawg Stephen
June 18th, 2010
8:57 pm
I sound alot like poad
I am sorry Dawg Stephen
June 18th, 2010
9:02 pm
I was the one who said you had a great point earlier. Did not mean to put you in there with the trash.
Delbert D.
June 18th, 2010
9:04 pm
If Murray is “eaten alive” against La-Laf, it’s all up to Gray, at least until midseason. Not a great scenario.
POAD
June 18th, 2010
9:07 pm
Pretty Obnoxiuos And Dumb?
chazzo
June 18th, 2010
9:21 pm
I know it is a small discrepancy, but Murray is a redshirt freshman (not a true freshman) who enrolled early last spring. The thought of him being eaten alive by La La U. is hilarious. Where do you guys come up with this stuff. I have serious doubts that the D units at South Carolina and Arky will “eat him alive” either. Not to say those games or Missy State should be taken lightly. Arky is all O. I would say the first time he faces an all out SEC Defense that will mess with him will be in Jax (and Charlie Strong aint heading it up anymore).
Buckhead Bulldog
June 18th, 2010
9:25 pm
AltamahaDawg June 18th, 2010 4:49 pm
Right on bro’! I don’t understand the whole “we have got to get Logan on the field”. From what I have seen, I don’t understand where all of that is coming from. Maybe, he does fantastic things in practice that I’m not privileged to see. Not knocking the kid, but more curious of where all of this hoopla about him comes from. Have I missed something?
Does he have better hands and runs better routes than AJ? Is he faster than Troupe? Does he catch the ball better than Durham? Can he mow over defenders better than Charles? If so, than get him in as fast as possible.
SOOHSO
June 18th, 2010
9:49 pm
Just how short is Muarry?
DawgDad
June 18th, 2010
11:14 pm
Well, the Dawgs have an experienced O-line, experienced running backs, world-class receiving corps, and perhaps the best QB coach in the nation. I kind of like Murray’s chances.
This team will go as far as the defense takes it. Experience and depth could be a concern; some of the bigger and badder SEC teams could steamroll them.
FL Dawg
June 18th, 2010
11:23 pm
The bottom line is that we just don’t know about Murray. We will have to wait and see how he does, just like we will have to wait and see how the defense performs. He has all world potential, it will be up to him to take advantage of his talent.
tampadawg86
June 18th, 2010
11:28 pm
I’ve seen Murray up close and personal and have gotten the chance to get to know him. He’s a very bright kid with a good head on his shoulders. We won’t have to worry about him getting into trouble or any of that. I know he’s been working hard down here in Tampa to get in shape for a long tough SEC schedule. Look for him to make smart plays and also a few oops here and there. More good plays than bad. Lets not forget this guy is a playmaker and is great friends with Orson Charles probably the main reason the big guy is in Athens. Lets Go DAwgs Aaron GATA Brother!!!
icedawg
June 18th, 2010
11:59 pm
Unbelievable mutt erings. ‘Nuff said! Time will tell.
BigCaliDawg
June 19th, 2010
12:01 am
I really don’t know how our “O” is gonna play out, but we sure are LOADED with talent. Might be a good time to start a Frosh, as our “O” line and backfield are well stocked and experienced.
Can you imagine if Trinton can stay healthy? Either Caleb, or Washaun could carry us behind that line.
A.J., Orson, Aaron, Rontavious, and Tavarres………..we really only have one football in play at a time.
I hope we play “inside-out”, or start with the run and then go to the pass. It doesn’t always have to be so predictable, but i’ve seen some pretty dumb first down calls made during the last couple years.
Here’s to a championship! Go Dawgs!
RED DOG 77
June 19th, 2010
1:03 am
Whomever said ” opposing teams will make Murray beat them ” is absolutly right ! ……….Take the South Carolina game for example : I don’t really care if we punt 10 times by the beginning of the fouth quarter………..so long as we have run…..run……..run in that noon heat of Columbia, because by the fourth quarter, with two deep on our Oline, we should be able to wear them down, and play-action pass them to death with our big ol’ tight ends and AJ, Durham, and Wooten………Then on third and four at our 37yd line, Murray drops back……..no, he hands a draw to Ealey….Ealey to the 45………Ealey to the 50……..Ealey to the 40…..35……30……..20………Ealey……..Ealey….Ealey!!!!…………..Touchdown !!!!! DOGS WIN !!!! 17-10
bob
June 19th, 2010
3:03 am
Murray was very successful in high school, and has never played a down in college. I think it is a little early to judge him yet.
gadawgluver
June 19th, 2010
3:04 am
Murray get to play with a better offensive line with as much depth as any in the country, two very good backs, tight ends galore, and two senior outstanding fullbacks. Stafford never had it this good ever. Murray will rock
gadawgluver
June 19th, 2010
3:07 am
Reddog, you forgot about our defense intercepting passes this year and scoring at least once in this game. They will have their ears pinned back.
Urban Meyer
June 19th, 2010
4:17 am
Yes Chazzo, my apologizes and yes I do no Murray is a RS freshman. However, my point is that he’s never taken a game day snap in the SEC and it will take him time to adjust, as it does every first year (RS) player. Dawg fans would be wise to downplay the pressure on this kid and give him time to adjust, he’s going to need it.
Dumb UGAY Fans
June 19th, 2010
4:27 am
have no QB that’s ever played in a college game. 2 years since he has took 1 snap. every year UGAY fans tells the world how they are going to win it all, then fail choke as always.Whine, cry make pathetic excuses why they didn’t win it all. Keep drinking the kool aid flea bag nation.
Dawglover
June 19th, 2010
6:24 am
We won’t just pound it with the running game when we have AJ. The ball will be in the air-a lot. And that makes me very nervous. Murray has no idea about the speed he will face until he faces it.
chazzo
June 19th, 2010
6:26 am
Dumb,
I suppose (whatever team you actually support) that your team’s fans sit around and talk happily about how mediocre your season will be. Actually, I see a mix of overzealous fanatics and super negative down-in-the-mouth fans. I see pretty rational folks. Then I see people like you. What is it that you hope to accomplish? Are you really that concerned about the fact that we are excited fans? BTW, I haven’t really seen anyone prognosticate winning it all. So, your comment is way off base.
All big programs have big expectations. I think UGA has a great mix of talent and coaches this year. I like that UGA is ranked in the bottom of the top twenty this season. I watched a Texas freshman come into the NC last season and light up a very tough Tide defense. I watched Tebow as a freshman come in to games and make big plays. David Green led the Dawgs as a true freshman. Whose to say Murray is not going to be one of the great ones?
So, go back to your summer football thread where all your fans speak rationally about the par season you expect to have.
Tired of the bogus hype!
June 19th, 2010
8:58 am
By Mark Richt’s own words he should be held accountable.
1.His now famous “Arena” speech. In the Gladiatorial “Arena” , the gladiator must win to live! So be it for Mark Richt! The “Bar” in the SEC has been raised. Now he must win “Championships Plural” to stay at the table with LSU,Florida and Alabama.
2. His “spin” on Aaron Murray. “He has the leadership and skill sets. He was an “all-American” in high school.” When Murray throws an interception, Richt should be reminded that he was an all American in high school and has leadership and skill sets.
Later he added “Just watch Aaron Murray’s tape!”
college is forever
June 19th, 2010
9:29 am
http://collegelunchboxes.com There will be some growing pains with Murray just like there was with Stafford, however Bulldog nation will be happy with his on field play and off field decisions. We are on the verge of something big. Check out the new website for the retro classic tin UGA lunchbox. Go Dawgs!!!
Pago Pago Dawg
June 19th, 2010
9:30 am
Let’s see….a few years ago we were reanked #1 and what happened? Flop town.
This year…a great veteran O line……Flop town again. Hope not!
BigGuy
June 19th, 2010
9:42 am
I think the dawg fans pound it w/ trees every day. Murray is going to get tested every week. It ironic that AJC has to point out that he got an offer from UF and “many other schools”. Looking up to a better school hurts your neck after all these years, right poodles?
George Gipp
June 19th, 2010
9:56 am
“I’ve got to go, Aaron. It’s all right. I’m not afraid. Some time, Aaron, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask coach to go in there with all you’ve got and just throw it to A.J. Green. I don’t know where I’ll be then, Aaron. But I’ll know about it, and I’ll be happy”.
POAJ
June 19th, 2010
10:03 am
college is forever,
You are worse than DawgStephen! I bet you have sold a lot those lunch boxes, huh? Blah ha ha ha ha ha Blah ha ha ha ha
Hmmm
June 19th, 2010
10:12 am
My predictions:
-Dawgs finish 9-4 with definite losses to Arkansas, Florida, and Auburn with a 4th loss coming to either South Carolina, MSU or their bowl game.
-AJ Green will declare for the NFL Draft after this season.
-Aaron Murray will have a better season than Joe Cox , but will have games where he looks awful.
-The Dawgs will win close games from the exceptional play of their special teams which will be a strength this year.
-The Todd Grantham project will be a moderate success
-There will be a big complaint from many alumni about the new tailgating regulations resulting in… absolutely nothing.
dawgtime
June 19th, 2010
10:40 am
There is NO way that this kid was number one QB out of spring! Mett was our best QB in spring and had he not been kicked off the team, he would be starting in the fall.
DAWG
June 19th, 2010
10:57 am
I AGREE W/ “RUN THE BALL” BOBO HAS TO STAY COMMITTED TO THE RUN AND TO NOT BE IMPATIENT. CNAT WAIT FOR THE SEASON SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE- GO YOU HAIRY DAWGS
DawginLex
June 19th, 2010
10:57 am
POAD,
At least I have a wife. At least I’m not trying to date a blow up doll.
Have you figured out yet that driving with “her” in the front seat with you on your “date” still doesn’t qualify you to drive in the HOV lane?
Go back to your gerbil cave nerd.
atlxmen
June 19th, 2010
11:03 am
dawgtime..metts was the 2nd string qb by a longshot. the coaches knew this and i knew this , why not you? murry had a better understading of the play book is is a smarter qb than metts.