Kickoff/punt returners: A new role for A.J. Green?
(This is the finale of a summertime series looking at Georgia’s football team by position.)
TODAY: KICKOFF AND PUNT RETURNERS
- Kickoff returns: Brandon Boykin again figures to handle the bulk of this role. He returned 38 kickoffs last season, while Branden Smith returned 16.
- Punt returns: The competition will resume in August to replace Prince Miller, who graduated (and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens). At least seven players tried out for the punt-return role in spring practice –- Boykin, Smith, A.J. Green, Bacarri Rambo, Rantavious Wooten, Carlton Thomas and Washaun Ealey –- and coaches did not reveal a pecking order or narrow the field. Logan Gray appears likely to continue his role of receiving punts in field-position situations where returns are not set up; his job in this capacity is to decide whether to fair-catch the punt or let the ball go.
- Key stats: Boykin set UGA single-season records last year with 988 kickoff- return yards and three kickoff-return touchdowns. He became the first player in SEC history to return two kickoffs 100 yards in the same season. While Boykin averaged 26 yards per KO return, Smith averaged 17.4 yards with a long of 48. As a team, Georgia averaged 22.1 yards on 60 KO returns, ranking 10th in the SEC. . . . Meanwhile, Miller averaged 11.9 yards per punt return, ranking fourth in the SEC.
- Key question: The question of whether Green, the star wide receiver, will return punts has drawn a lot of attention since he made it known during spring practice that he would like to have the job. (You can find more on that here and here.) Mark Richt said injury concerns won’t dissuade the Dogs from using Green on punt returns, but added that the larger unanswered question is simply whether Green proves to be “the best at that skill. If he is, then we’ll let him play. Or if there are certain times we feel it’s important to get him in there and do that, we might do that, too.”
- Outlook: Clear on kickoff returns, hazy on punt returns.
- Your turn: What say you about the kick-return and punt-return situations?
———-
Please click on the position for previous entries in this series:
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DEFENSE
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128 comments Add your comment
Suckers are First
June 29th, 2010
6:18 am
Enter your comments here
jason
June 29th, 2010
6:33 am
I like the idea of having 2 KO returners. While Boykin is the primary, I would like to see Carlton Thomas get a try as the alternate. UGA has alot of speed on this team and not necessarrily just the starters. Give the 2nd and 3rd team guys a chance in these roles. As far as PRs, Thomas again or maybe Smith? If Green has the best skill set then so be it, I perfer not to have Green or Boykin do it simpily because of injury and fatigue. Also would like to see FBs and TEs on these return teams to shore up the blocking; just a thought.
Spike
June 29th, 2010
6:34 am
Let Green try it. I know injuries are always a concern, but I simply do not recall to many punt return guys getting injured any more than anybody else. The only time I can recall was when Mikey Henderson got nailed by that cheap shot in the Sugar Bowl by that jerk on Hawaii. That was a helmet to helmet shot that should og resulted in an ejection.
Spike
June 29th, 2010
6:35 am
Sorry, spell police. “of”.
Thenumber34
June 29th, 2010
6:36 am
Punt returns are too important not to have the best man in the position. If that’s AJ, let’s do it.
TXDawg
June 29th, 2010
6:44 am
There’s plenty of speed to choose from, just be sure whomever it is has hands and enough smarts to be productive at the position. Anything less than Prince Miller is a drop-off from last season. Right now, Boykin and Branden Smith both have more speed than Prince, if they can exercise half the sense Prince displayed when returning kickoffs, then we should be good.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 29th, 2010
7:11 am
No to Green- he’s one of our biggest weapons on offense. Stay with Boykin, Smith, or C.Thomas. Or maybe even Cuff- didn’t he post the fastest 40yd dash on the team??
Bob
June 29th, 2010
7:46 am
NO!
30-24 Dawgs - WE RUN THIS STATE!
June 29th, 2010
7:52 am
Would like to see CMR put the best athletes on ST, not just the walk-ons/scrubs. That’s what All-barn did when Cadillac and Ronnie Brown were there – put them both back on punt returns which was a SCARY tandem for any other teams.
Brandon Smith can FLY but has a penchant for fumbling. Boykin is more trustworthy on kick return duty. CK4 would be a good return guy if he ran down the throats like he did all night long to gt.
tony
June 29th, 2010
7:53 am
I say no. He’s too valuable for us to lose him to injuries. He is putting his entire nfl future in danger if does this. He should return kicks in the nfl after he recieves his guaranteed money.
cmon Spike
June 29th, 2010
8:10 am
You dont remember Thomas Brown blowing out his knee in a return? We will be morons to use our best receiever in decades(ever?) as a punt returner.
poopdawg
June 29th, 2010
8:14 am
I would prefer an offensive guy because he comes on the field a little bit fresher( punt returner.)
poopdawg
June 29th, 2010
8:16 am
cmon spike , that was a kick return not punt but both are capable of getting hurt.
Ted Striker
June 29th, 2010
8:18 am
Best performer at the position.
dap01
June 29th, 2010
8:18 am
Boykins is the best, why change?
Sweat Socks
June 29th, 2010
8:22 am
Two words:
Jon Fabris.
Spike
June 29th, 2010
8:26 am
Cmon Spike.. But, are they not more exposed to injury than running or catching the ball? In other words, they are just as likely or more so to get hurt doing their regular duties. I just don’t know of that many punt returners that get hurt. Significant examples?
Spike Spell Helper
June 29th, 2010
8:28 am
Spike. Your self correct spell ck failed you… the word you corrected (of), should have been the word “have”. It is not “…should of…”, but instead should be a conjunction b/t ’should’ and ‘have’…. “should’ve”. Just sayin… “…shot that should’ve resulted in…”
UGA is Just Fine....
June 29th, 2010
8:31 am
Green is a playmaker and very good in open space. Anytime you have an opportunity to get the ball into a playmaker’s hands it’s a good thing.
I think the injury concern with punt returners is one of the biggest myths in football. Does anyone have any statistical data to back up this concern? No because it doesn’t exist.
That being said I would be interested in seeing what Wooten could do in the role, he too seems to be very good with the ball in space.
Go Dawgs!
Joey
June 29th, 2010
8:33 am
You’re right, Doc, Green is our biggest weapon, and that’s why he should return punts. It puts the ball in his hands 4+ times per game.
Spelling Police
June 29th, 2010
8:36 am
Spike – You get no points for your correction. The word to use there would be “have”, not “of”. That was a helmet to helmet shot that should have resulted in an ejection.
UGA is Just Fine....
June 29th, 2010
8:37 am
cmon spike…Brown could just as easily blown that knee running the ball. Anytime a player steps on the field there is risk of injury, football is a contact sport.
Green is more likely to get hurt catching a ball over the middle than returning punts, so should we not have him run any routes that require him to catch the ball in the middle of the field? Reverses are out as well I suppose. Why don’t we simply put him in a glass case with a little chained hammer and let him sit on the sidelines holding a “break glass in case of emergency” sign!
Go Dawgs!
Hal
June 29th, 2010
8:38 am
There is plenty of talent and speed to burn under other numbers at UGA. Leave 8 on the sideline getting ready to catch TD tosses. He is way way too valuable in his regular role and has already shown a little injury bug his first too years. Healthy, he’s the best receiver in the country… lets keep him that way. Returns are violent, look at the NFL… ever remember Jerry Rice or Micheal Vick returning punts just because they could? No… they meant too much otherwise. Screw the extra 15 yards, AJ can make that up in one catch.
Mark and the old staff were hard headed on subjects where outside folks seemed to know better last year ie: Samuels as running back as opposed to line-backer where his high school coach said he was a natural, and directional kick offs we all knew were killing us. Hopefully he listens to logic in this case. To make a good run, we have to have AJ with us.
Spike
June 29th, 2010
8:43 am
Spell Helper, Spell Police.. Spike stands corrected. However, it was 6:43am! Don’t taze me bros!!
FBR
June 29th, 2010
8:50 am
Spike — The more glaring issue is the use of “to” . That means toward something—you need “TOO” meaning more than enough–OK I’ll shutup now.
Spike
June 29th, 2010
8:53 am
Alright guys, I GET IT!! Have you guys never misspelled a word or made a typo? Sheesh.
Give me a Break
June 29th, 2010
8:54 am
Please do not try to correct any spelling errors before 9:00 am and definetly not until you have had 3 cups of coffee.
Spike Spell Helper
June 29th, 2010
8:55 am
Um… no, not that i recall. How ’bout you FBR?
Gators Eat Boogers
June 29th, 2010
8:57 am
HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spike
June 29th, 2010
9:02 am
Spell Helper.. It should be a capital “I”. And there is an “a” in ’bout. Let us return to our scheduled program about FOOTBALL.
Fridawg
June 29th, 2010
9:05 am
Green has a full scholarship last I checked. Use him to his full potential.
C Washington's Track Coach
June 29th, 2010
9:06 am
Wasn’t it reported that Cornelius Washington, the outside linebacker (3-4) ran a 4.29 40? I know, hand timed, but if that is true, then why not him? He’s 6′4″, 240 lbs and runs a 4.29? Who stops that train? Ok, sure, maybe he’s a dl because he can’t catch, but it would be fun to see.
UGA is Just Fine....
June 29th, 2010
9:11 am
Hal- NFL & College are two different animals. In the NFL positions are much more specialized. The reason you don’t see many of the big name stars doing it is because they sign/draft players specifically for that need. In the NFL even the “scrubs” were very good players in college.
In college the majority of players on a team won’t even make it to the next level. One of the things Meyer and Saban both do well is they find ways to get the ball into their playmakers hands. As I recall didn’t P.Harvin return kicks/punts? Arenas and J.Jones returned kicks for Bama last year and both were two of bama’s most important starters on defense and offense.
If AJ is the best player for the job then let him do it. You can’t coach/play from a position of fear. Coaching/playing to avoid injury is a sure way to get a player hurt.
Let’s not forget, AJ went to the coaches about this not the other way around. If AJ is comfortable with doing it and feels it’s another way he can help the team win then we as fans and the coaches should respect that and not treat him like a china doll.
Go Dawgs!
Mikey SAV
June 29th, 2010
9:12 am
Question:
What was Trindon Holliday of LSU’s position- was he a receiver? I cannot recall. Seems he was too short to be a WR but the point is he was the fastest man on the field so he handled KR and PR and did one hell of a job.
Another one- Javier Arenas of the Tide. I believe he handled PR as well as his regular job in the secondary and excelled at both.
The bottom line is do not be afraid. put the best damn athlete out there.
Reality Stinks
June 29th, 2010
9:12 am
I think this article has been written too many times
Write about it if it happens other than that shut up and talk about something else
Green doesnt need to punt return this coaching staff will just make him down the ball anyway
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 29th, 2010
9:18 am
How is it hazy in the Punt Return game? With the athletes mentioned as possible replacements it seems that the staff has more than ample weapons to select from.
Also- how was my spelling and puncuation? That word to and too always gets me along with there and their. I dont say either differently, nor stress the extra O on to so really who gives a crap! Sorry, my little rant!
GOOOO DAWGS!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 29th, 2010
9:19 am
Holliday was a RB but if I am sure on occasion they lined him up in the slot to (see) utilize his speed in slip screens and such.
Fletch
June 29th, 2010
9:22 am
We’ve only got him for this season so turn him loose!!!
RxDawg
June 29th, 2010
9:23 am
That’s a good point about inuries, or lack there of on punt returns. I do not recall that many people getting hurt on punt returns either. At least, no more than any other given play. If AJ is good at it, better than the rest, then let em roll baby.
robodawg
June 29th, 2010
9:27 am
I don’t like having a return specialist who’s job is to not return, just fair catch or let it bounce. What if the ball falls in a way that it can be fielded, where it doesn’t need to be fair caught, as it sometimes does? You’re giving away field position in the area of the field where you need it most.
Plus, put someone on the 10 yard line who’s a threat to take it the distance, and see if that doesn’t change the punt — either kicking it long or kicking it out of bounds, sacrificing some yards just to avoid it getting fielded. Again, you’re giving away field position where you need it most. Makes no sense.
chazzo
June 29th, 2010
9:31 am
As much as I think it is an unnecessary risk to put AJ back there, it may be an interesting psyche out to have to punt to him unexpectedly. Boykin is clearly the man. Smith is a great second. Sure throw Thomas in the mix, too. I am a little ignorant of the finer points of punt return strategy, but it seems odd to me that a you would designate a player not to return the ball. Am I wrong about this? Is it obvious that a return is not on, anyway? What if a guy is back there to fair catch it, and it is obvious that he can get ten yards out of cary, for example? I am asking, here. Wouldn’t it be better to keep the opposing teams off guard a little more?
Dawggonefan2
June 29th, 2010
9:35 am
Only way you will see anyone else touch the ball on special teams is if Boykin is tired or injured, except Logan Gray will continue his roll with fair catches.
chazzo
June 29th, 2010
9:40 am
What would happen if the return was always on? I know that’s a silly question. I would just for once like to see everything full tilt all the time. Give up a couple of big plays, create a bunch of big plays. The last couple of years, for obvious reasons, have been unusually conservative even for Richt. I want to see some of that Spurrier philosophy when he was with the Gators… Everything, all the way, all the time.
Ron O
June 29th, 2010
9:46 am
2 things really jump out on the stats. 1st despite 3 returns for touchdowns including the 2 100 yarders, the team was 10th in the league in avg returns. That’s bad, shows that our overall return sucked. Hoepfully new special teams coaching corrects that. 2nd we returned 60 kicks. Thats an avg of 5 a game. That shows just how bad our defense was last year.
Buddy Ball
June 29th, 2010
9:47 am
playing with fear will lose ballgames. play with confidence. AJ green returned 12 punts for touchdowns in high school, no one on the team can touch that. i liked it when Desmond Howard won the Heisman by making some incredible returns in big games–you give the ball to your playmakers like Holtz did to win the National Championship at Notre Dame. can you imagine AJ returning punts during the Florida game? aj’s back-up is averaging more yards per catch than AJ and very durable–Wooten, so I wouldn’t hesitate to put AJ returning punts.
Deputy Dawg (of the grammar police)
June 29th, 2010
9:55 am
Spike, Don’t be so thin skinned. It was a simple error in the use of a modal verb form in the present perfect tense.
bammer's_suck
June 29th, 2010
10:11 am
You play to win the game. If AJ is the best, gata!! Go Dawgs! To the grammar police, really? Go do something that matters instead of bs on a blog. Wtf Over.
Moosh
June 29th, 2010
10:16 am
Obviously I’m afraid of losing AJ to injury too. But, let’s be honest, this is his last year in Athens. He’s the best player on the team. You want the best player to have the ball in his hands. Maybe not use him all the time back there, but I’d still do it. A lot of players pull double duty and have been very successful at it. I’d hate to play it safe and wonder what-if down the road. Besides, I’d think he’s just as likely, if not moreso, to get injured playing WR as he is returning punts.
Big Albany Dawg
June 29th, 2010
10:19 am
I still blame Dodo, I mean Bobo, for getting AJ Green injured against Auburn last year with his ” simple screen to the left” play that he FOOLS everyone with by throwing it at least once every set of downs for -2 yards. Boykin and Smith.
jason
June 29th, 2010
10:21 am
didn’t think of Wooten. I always heard of trying to find a way to get the ball in Carlton Thomas’s hands. He was lethal in space. Why not him as PR. I also agree with the best man for the job, and hey Green did go to the coaches with the idea. It also would give him probably 5 more touches per game.
jason
June 29th, 2010
10:25 am
Boykin is the KR. I don’t know about PR. He is starting CB… He will be gassed. Wh knows, maybe he can do it. Thing is, UGA has alot of talent and speed to choose from. The most consistent performer wins out.
Frank Lane
June 29th, 2010
10:29 am
You coach to win, not to avoid injury. You play to win, not to avoid injury. Kill principles among champions.
robertussen
June 29th, 2010
10:35 am
aj did GREAT at summerville high school returning kicks and punts. i say give him a shot in a real game and see how it plays out
harold
June 29th, 2010
10:37 am
IF RICHT DOES THIS HE IS CRAZY. AJ WOULD GET MURDERED DOING THIS.
Oz Man
June 29th, 2010
10:39 am
Here are the possibilities:
Group 1:
A.J. Green, Rantavious Wooten
Group 2:
Carlton Thomas, Branden Smith
Group 3:
Rambo
Group 4:
Boykin, Ealey
1- You want your PR to be a guy from a position where you have some depth.
Georgia can’t let a WR return. That eliminates Group 1: AJ, Rantavius.
2- You can’t let a guy return punts who fumbles.
That eliminates Group 2: Branden & Thomas.
3- You want a guy who has a nose for touchdowns
Boykin returned 3 KO’s for TD’s, Ealey had 133 TD’s in high school. Rambo’s out. Group 3.
I’d say let Group 4: Boykin & Ealey, rotate for the 1st 3 games, then give the position to the guy that earns it against real bullets.
Jawja Redneck
June 29th, 2010
10:40 am
Here is what I think about our sophisticated residents:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhHQSS1f6tM
Tired of the Bull!
June 29th, 2010
10:41 am
10th
The Deuce's sibling
June 29th, 2010
10:44 am
To all you Dawg fans out there listen to this… Boykin will be handling all return duties for special teams this year… no one else will be returning anything unless he is fatigued or injured… all this speculation is plain stupid and believe me he don’t like it at all! he is the best return man on the team and in the SEC which is why he will be handling all return duties end of story… period! So sad how undervalued he is on this team… which gives him more of a reason to leave after this year!
The Deuce's
June 29th, 2010
10:45 am
I second that!
Dawggonefan2
June 29th, 2010
10:49 am
Thats what I’ve been trying to tell these idiots this entire time. BOYKIN BOYKIN BOYKIN, no others… Can’t believe the thread’s title doesn’t even mention him and he is an SEC Record holder… are you kidding me Tim Tucker??? You fans sure know how to run athletes out of Athens and on to bigger and better things!if he’s gonna have a great year and get no respect he might as well be getting paid for it in the NFL.
AltamahaDawg
June 29th, 2010
10:54 am
I wouldn’t have an issue with AJ returning punt from an injury standpoint, and I am sure that’s a big relief to the staff to know that.
I am not convinced however that he is the best man for the job. Running routes and juking a defender in full stride is obviously a skill he has, but who is it certain that he can go against the grain avoiding contact as well as some others? If he is not obviously better, then what’s the point. Yes he is a “playmaker”, but a playmaker out of position is called a back-up.
It’ll sort out in camp.
Too Easy
June 29th, 2010
10:56 am
I just hope we have to return more punts – and FEWER kickoffs.
SOOHSO
June 29th, 2010
10:57 am
Who’s going to throw to him?
jason
June 29th, 2010
10:58 am
Not that I don’t like Boykin. Quite the oppisite. If Boykin can pull KR and PR while starting at CB, more power to him. You could easily plug in A.J. or a Smith to return punts to give him a breather. That would be the best way to get Green a few extra touches without putting to much on him or Boykin.
tony
June 29th, 2010
10:58 am
Teams know AJ is our biggest weapon which will give them a reason to gang tackle him on punt returns to try to knock him out of the ball game that way he can’t beat them catching 40 yards passes down field. Keep Green on the sideline during punt returns.
Dallas and MN Vikings used HW
June 29th, 2010
11:03 am
While in the NFL, Walker was used by two, maybe three pro teams as a kick off man and punt returner.
He had speed and good hands,etc. If the pros can use Walker as a kick off man, UGA can sure use AJ as one.
Imagine HW as a short pass catcher while he was at UGA. To this day ……………. I think we wasted him in order to grind it out when we could have ALSO used him to catch some short Belue passes. His body would have appreciated it for sure.
Oh well …………… we did all right then.
Too Easy
June 29th, 2010
11:07 am
Agree on HW as a short pass catcher. Sure worked well the FEW times it happened.
70 Dawg
June 29th, 2010
11:07 am
No, No, No. And don’t let Murray do it either (just in case that comes up)
Dallas
June 29th, 2010
11:09 am
Don’t forget about Washaun Ealey, might be the best offensive player on the team. Ask Rambo. Ealey caught the first kick off against Seminole in the playoffs Ealey’s Jr. year in high school. Took the kick off all the way in for the score. Plays big in big games. Playmaker.
Dawglasville
June 29th, 2010
11:10 am
How many times has kick off and punt return teams fumbled the ball over the past 3 years? It seems like a lot.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 29th, 2010
11:13 am
No to AJ on this one. Too big a target on offense to get hurt doing something where we have plenty of talent to handle it. Sorry AJ but you are too good at what you are currently doing to warrant risking an injury returning punts.
Hopefully we won’t be seeing as many kickoffs coming to us as we have the past couple of years.
Eisendawg
June 29th, 2010
11:17 am
Part of me says that we should use caution, as Greene has gotten hurt a few times, but, then again, the Falcons used Deon Sanders, with electifying results. If he wants to do it, and he’s the best we’ve got, could be interesting. The thing that bothers me is that Greene’s real talent seems to be his hands, his height, and his ability to out jump a defender. I’m not sure he’s a great return option. Boykin looked pretty darn gtood last year.
TXDawg
June 29th, 2010
11:20 am
Herschel could pad up and play for the DAWGS now and win another Heisman…..did anyone see his MMA debut??
30
June 29th, 2010
11:20 am
to 24
73
June 29th, 2010
11:20 am
to 66
BBBUUUHHHUUUUHHUU
June 29th, 2010
11:21 am
WWWAAAAHHHAAAHHHAAA
DawgGirl32
June 29th, 2010
11:24 am
Boykin, Thomas and Smith have my votes. Fast, faster and fastest. I’m more concerned with kick-off coverage, though. That’s been abysmal the last few years.
ew
June 29th, 2010
11:25 am
risk reward is not worth AJ returning punts. He can change the game at WR, but maybe only once next season could we say he might change a game as punt returner and is that worth the chance of him getting hurt? N.O.
Delbert D.
June 29th, 2010
11:26 am
Yeah, that’s real smart. Put the most valuable player in a position where all 11 players of the opposing team can take a shot at breaking him in half.
James
June 29th, 2010
11:37 am
Branden Smith is a special teams PLAYMAKER. Had 3 KO Td’s and 2 PR Td’s in High School and averagted over 20 yards a pop on both. 2010 will be Branden’s year to shine. I’m not worried about the fumbling issues, he’ll fix that. I’d put Branden returning punts and give him 1/3 of the KO returns too. Branden can be used to run the ball a lot on offense too, got over 12 yards a carry for Georgia last year, best average per rush on the team last year. We need to get Branden 5 touches a game initially, and if he protects the ball, increase it to 10 quickly. Get Playmaker’s touches–have to.
Mello Yello
June 29th, 2010
11:45 am
In the 1st game, let Branden Smith return punts. Even if he fumbles, won’t hurt Georgia too bad in that game.
In the SC & Ark games, can’t risk turnovers, so let the most RELIABLE guys return kicks and punts who we can COUNT ON to PROTECT THE FOOTBALL–Boykin for sure, maybe AJ, Rambo, Wooten or Ealey. Then after game 3, we can let Smith & Thomas have some tries to see if they’re productive AND can FINALLY PROTECT THE FOOTBALL.
The 5 games after we get through SC & Ark is a good time to let some guys like Thomas & Smith prove themselves.
The goal is to have a solid punt returner by Oct. 30 who gets a strong average, and protects the football.
uga bill
June 29th, 2010
11:53 am
I seem to remember CMR lobbying to stop all kick off amd punt returns in colledge football in favor of spotting the ball on the 25 yd line.At least he made a statement to that effect in a previous AJC article.He said that ” Today’s athletes are so big,so fast, & so strong, they do not need to be crashing into one another at full speed like that, it gets too many kids hurt.”
Now he is considering the best WR in the league for that duty. WHAT CHANGED?
michaelj
June 29th, 2010
12:07 pm
If Cornelius Washington ran a 4.29 and can hold on to a football, let kickoff teams deal with a 6-4, 248 behemoth.
TONE
June 29th, 2010
1:21 pm
has it been explained or debated anywhere as to why Logan if he is such a great athlete never has the green light to run one back ? I mean shouldn’t he have a chance he is going to play receiver , oh i guess its because he is the no#2 QB i forgot about that
meh
June 29th, 2010
1:30 pm
I wouldn’t want to risk Green getting hurt returning a punt. I say give Thomas a shot. Or how about Richard Samual?
James
June 29th, 2010
1:46 pm
If Richt can’t get his staff to teach a GAMEBREAKER like Branden Smith, how to protect the ball, Richt needs to be fired. Richt is paid to COACH, not be a figurehead up in an ivory tower.
LCDawg
June 29th, 2010
1:48 pm
Keep Branden Smith off the field on special teams until he learns how to hold onto the football. He may be fast as heel but he’s small and coughs it up very easily.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 29th, 2010
2:00 pm
TONE, when you least expect it in a really big game. Richt is using Gray to set up the ultimate return one day. After watching 2-3 years of Gray making fair catch after fair catch with zero returns, the opposition will just think “hmm, he will fair catch this one too”. Then BAM off he goes into the endzone for a game winning TD.
Long set-up, big payoff.
Preston
June 29th, 2010
2:03 pm
Sounds like we have a lot of capable guys competing for the job. Awesome!
Too Easy
June 29th, 2010
2:08 pm
‘zoo: That CMR is one hell of a strategist with that ploy. Can’t wait for the Idaho St. game.
SILLY UGA FANS
June 29th, 2010
2:13 pm
Why oh why would you UGA fans want AJ to return KOs? This kid has crazy talent and all, but you have probably the best KO returner in the SEC maybe the country in Boykin. Yes I know AJ returned KO in High School and was good at it, but he has proven to be injury prone and teams would dog pile him every chance they get. If you are building a “dream team” then use all that dream talent not one star. I’m sure Richt has fun toying with ya’ll.
superDawg
June 29th, 2010
2:19 pm
After Boykin returns a few AJ will know who the man is,however I like Greens will and desire.
Vick=Dog killing thug
June 29th, 2010
2:23 pm
Maybe us AJ when the game is on the line but generally leave well enough alone.
edumacated
June 29th, 2010
2:27 pm
The Dogs need to let the same guy field punts on every kick and quit this predictable crap with Logan. Why would you want to let the other team know that without a doubt the ball is not being returned?
gdawginkalamazoo
June 29th, 2010
2:32 pm
Too Easy, perfect. It would probably work in that game.
DP
June 29th, 2010
3:02 pm
For the Georgia fans who may not be aware, the daughter and only child of former UGA defensive coordinator Joe Kines was killed yesterday in an auto accident in Tuscaloosa. Two of his grandchildren who were in the car are hospitalized. Kines and his wife had returned to live in Tuscaloosa after retiring from Texas A&M to be close to their daughter and grandchildren.
http://blog.al.com/bamabeat/2010/06/post_19.html
uga bill
June 29th, 2010
3:13 pm
Green will wake up soon and realize he will jeopardize his career doing that crap,CMR already knows better.
UGADAVE
June 29th, 2010
3:28 pm
Do him like Okl St. did Dez Bryant. They certainly werent scared, and it paid off! If he is the best, them LET THE BIG DOG EAT!
'94 UGA Grad
June 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
Hey UGADAVE,
You must have read my mind because I keep thinking about Dez Bryant and how effective he was as a punt returner/receiver for OK State.
gdawginkalamazoo
June 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
I think OSU used Bryant because they didn’t have anybody else that was eligible. Oh, nevermind.
B-ham Dawg
June 29th, 2010
3:53 pm
this job will come down to wooten boykin or smith. i would say that boykin or smith will get the first shot, but if a defensive series goes for a while and then the opposing team punts you probably want someone with fresh legs coming off the sidelines to return. that’s why wooten will be the third option.
uga bill
June 29th, 2010
4:15 pm
Dez Bryant was way bigger than Green, let him catch passes.
Snellville Dawg
June 29th, 2010
4:18 pm
I think, unlike last year, we will actually be able to force a punt.
That said, I don’t care who are returner is so long as they always gain positive yardage and hang on to the football. Why not rotate a few players like we do for kickoffs, or like we did for punts in 08? In 08 we had returns from Logan Gray, Prince Miller, Reshad Jones, and Knowshon Moreno that I can think of. Why not let AJ Green, Carlton Thomas, Brandon Boykin, and Branden Smith rotate the position?
UGA is Just Fine....
June 29th, 2010
4:25 pm
Can any of you fear mongers please show me statistically where this risk of injury returning punts comes from?
There is also a risk he could score each time he touches the ball as well.
AJ is a PLAYMAKER, and the more opportunities he has to make plays the better. There are PLENTY of examples of top playmakers in college returning punts and doing so with great results.
Anyone remember:
R.Ismail – Notre Dame
D.Howard – Michigan
J.Jones – Bama
T.Ginn -Ohio St
P.Warrick- FSU
J.Arenas -Bama
Now all of these players have a couple of things in common
1. They were KEY starters in their respective positions as well as return men, and the teams could ill afford an injury from any of them.
2. They either won or played in a national championship game.
note: before anyone brings up T.Ginn’s injury after his return in the 2006 National Championship game- remember his injury was the result of the dog pile celebration.
Again if AJ is the best man for the job let him return punts.
Boykin is great, but it may be a bit much to ask him to be a shutdown corner, kick returner and return punts. As someone stated earlier it may be better to have fresh legs rather than have him do it after a defensive series.
Go Dawgs!
CamdenMark
June 29th, 2010
4:36 pm
I want to see the midget (Thomas) back there,young man needs to be on the field.
Tell the world
June 29th, 2010
4:49 pm
Just as everybody knew the plays DJ was going to run while he was Green’s backup there is no dought what Gray is going to do when he get’s into a game. We have all heard about his speed and tallents but have yet to see it. If we need AJ to field kickoff or return punts that would be one thing but with the tallent we have there should be no need.
Lee Corso
June 29th, 2010
5:21 pm
Not so fast AJ Green- don’t do it!
What does a coach do?
June 29th, 2010
5:34 pm
Use your best WR on returns and he gets dinged and…daug fans bark loudly.
Do not use the best available talent…daug fans bark loudly.
Mr. Fair Catch
June 29th, 2010
5:42 pm
I vote Logan Grey. What a weapon.
Delbert D.
June 29th, 2010
6:21 pm
UGA is Just Fine…. – Don’t leave out Tim Brown.
Joe Don't Go Squad
June 29th, 2010
6:28 pm
http://joe_dont_go.webstarts.com/index.html
The Real SugarHillDawg
June 29th, 2010
7:40 pm
All you guys who think it’s a bad idea to use AJ for KOR’s ponder this. We should get all the good out of him this year AND I don’t think Murray is going to be able to utilize him as much as a seasoned QB.
BigCaliDawg
June 29th, 2010
8:11 pm
There are a few schools of thought. My first thought (at least what I do on NCAA 10) is to have a super talented back-up return punts and kickoffs. In this case, I would suggest putting Carlton Thomas back there, as he is kind of being wasted with us at the moment. Perhaps when lookin’ at all these guys return, A.J. really is the best, followed by B. Boykin, followed by Carlton Thomas. That complicates things.
If A.J. really is the best, yeah….go ahead. This is his last year with us and we have so many receivers that are ready to step their games up.
Ya know, lining up with Orson Charles, Rontavious Wooten and Israel Troupe as receiving options is not half bad. Let A.J. jog in on 2nd down. It’s all good.
college is forever
June 29th, 2010
8:30 pm
http://www.collegelunchboxes.com A great or even a good punt return can fire up the offense by creating a big play and by giving them a short field. We need our best players on the field at all times and don’t worry about injuries it is the nature of the game. Go Dawgs!!!
Goobo Edwards
June 29th, 2010
9:31 pm
How’s it gonna be? What she say? How’d she say it? Bring back that Greer kid that wore #39. Anyone going to the dance on Friday night to watch me break?
ugaclassof2004
June 29th, 2010
10:27 pm
I refuse to believe that we can’t find someone besides AJ to return punts. Are there no Damien Gary’s or Mikey Henderson’s. What about Boykin, Smith or Carlton Thomas?
uga bill
June 29th, 2010
10:40 pm
Im a fear monger and a realist, Don’t do it !!!
Chuck Carswell
June 29th, 2010
10:50 pm
I’m with edumacated. Why let the other team know your plan? Let the real return men learn the difference between when it’s appropriate to fair catch, get yards or let it go.
AllenWaters
June 30th, 2010
8:44 am
Use AJ for blocking punts which saved us last year! Who else can jump that high?
AllenWaters
June 30th, 2010
8:47 am
Additionally, extra points or field goals! Remember the difference it made and helped us win?
Bulldog59
June 30th, 2010
8:53 am
DP, I guess it went largely unnoticed, but thanks for the update on Joe Kines daughter. Joe was a “throwback” coach, just a “good ole’ boy” and every loves him. Losing your only child has to be devastating. Our thoughts and prayers should be with his family now.
dont risk injuring the best WR in the NCAA
June 30th, 2010
8:55 am
not just “No”, but “Hell NO!”
AllenWaters
June 30th, 2010
9:16 am
Use AJ for blocking any punts, field goals or extra points because it saved us last year against SC! They could have kicked a fg instead of having to score a touchdown at the end of the game! Who else can jump that high? Plenty of players can return and how nice to have 3 for tds.
UGA fan in India that can not wait for the season and glad we have more afternoon kickoffs. With a 9.5 or 10.5 hour difference depending on DST, imagine a night game at 630am on Sunday? We will be much better than last year and thanks to CMR for 90 in 9. Tell us about it BP when you accompkish something at UA. LSU and UF were lucky to play in their NC games because of other teams losing. Glad they won to represent the SEC. Not long ago, the tide was losing games that would have the Bear wondering! All Georgia fans look forward to playing you agian. Get ready!
Headlinin’: Erin Andrews is still in the game | Sport News
June 30th, 2010
10:09 am
[...] • Yeah, you can run, but how’s your wavin’ arm? Georgia partisans will be pleased to note that star receiver A.J. Green is in the mix to liven up the Bulldogs’ mediocre punt-return game, but don’t get too excited: Backup quarterback Logan Gray is still in line to reprise his role as fair-catcher-in-residence. [Atlanta Journal-Constitution] [...]
G
June 30th, 2010
8:47 pm
Make Carlton Thomas a return specialist on punts and kickoff’s with Boykin. If Granthams D steps up there wont be nearly as many kickoff returns. Please don’t let Aj return kick’s other teams will send goon’s out to cheap shot him and take him out of the game.
Romeo
July 5th, 2010
6:04 pm
This is an open letter to Damon Evans. I remember the first time I had contact with you my nephew was a defensive back there and you were the asst. DA at the time . I was having a hard time getting tickets to a dinner the school was giving to it’s team . I called you and with in minutes I had tickets and got to see my nephew accept his awards. I sent you a congrats card when you were given the AD job I was very happy for you and you beautiful family. If someone had named 10 people at U of Ga, and told me that they had done what you did you would have been the last person I would have named. I have read all the thing that people have said about you and you it hurts but it will go away and always remember you brought this upon your self and family. Suround your self with your REAL friends and family they will support you they have never left you Damon and they are waiting on you to return to them. I am sure that the AD job was your dream job guess what there are many more dream jobs out here and you will find one that will give you more than you were getting from Ga. maybe not the money or presteage but freedom and peace of mind as oyu have found out money is not everything. So lick you waunds today because tomorrow you fight yesterday is gone and there is nothing you or I can do to change it and tomorrow is not promissed the only thing you can control is what you do today so don’t look back because there is nothing therelook ahead and pray and I will keep you and you family in my prayers. Hold your head up you have a lot to be proud of . You have a waunderfiul family and you are a gifted young man don’t let anyone tell you who you are you know who you are your friend no. 22
Romeo
July 5th, 2010
6:12 pm
Decory Bryant have you all for gotten.
Ready to talk some football? | UGA sports blog
July 9th, 2010
5:03 pm
[...] Kickoff/punt returners: A new role for A.J. Green? [...]