Ten players to watch in Bulldogs’ spring football practice
Georgia starts spring football practice on Thursday afternoon. Here are 10 players whose progress, I think, will be particularly interesting to follow from then through the G-Day game on April 16:
1. Alec Ogletree: After starting four games at safety as a true freshman last season, Ogletree moves to inside linebacker, where defensive coordinator Todd Grantham says the former scout.com five-star recruit can be a “unique” talent.
2. Jarvis Jones: One offshoot of Ogletree’s move from safety to inside linebacker is that Jones, who was redshirted last season after transferring from USC, will settle at outside linebacker. It previously was unclear whether he’d play inside or outside. Big things are expected and needed from him.
3. Bruce Figgins: It’s pretty unusual for a fifth-year senior to make a significant position change, but Figgins’ shift from tight end, perhaps the team’s deepest position, to fullback, perhaps its thinnest, qualifies. He could be a major contributor if he takes to the new spot.
Washaun Ealey (UGA photo)
4. Washaun Ealey: He has been Georgia’s leading rusher each of the past two years, but he clearly needs to have a good spring after an inconsistent 2010 season, an off-season suspension and the pending arrival of prized recruit Isaiah Crowell.
5. Ken Malcome: The tailback from Southwest DeKalb was redshirted last season but drew praise for his work on the practice field late in the season. He’ll get a chance this spring to show how he stacks up against the more veteran tailbacks Ealey, Caleb King and Carlton Thomas.
6. Trinton Sturdivant: After missing almost all of the 2008 and 2009 seasons because of knee surgeries, Sturdivant got through last season healthy. He gained more confidence in his health — and more playing time — as the season went along. Now, after briefly considering the NFL draft, he’s back for his senior season at left tackle and a chance to pick up where he left off as a freshman All-American in 2007. He’ll be working with a new offensive line coach this spring, Will Friend.
7. Christian LeMay: A member of the 2011 signing class, the quarterback from North Carolina enrolled in school in January and will participate in spring practice. While there is no doubt Aaron Murray, barring injury, will be the starting quarterback, it’ll be interesting to get a glimpse of LeMay’s potential.
8. Marlon Brown: He caught only 13 passes in his first two seasons at Georgia, but the wide receiver from Memphis –- a much-touted signee in February 2009 — has an opportunity for a starting job as the Bulldogs rebuild the wide receiver corps post-A.J. Green.
9. Kwame Geathers: John Jenkins, the celebrated JUCO nose guard, won’t arrive until summer, and with DeAngelo Tyson’s move to defensive end, Geathers has the stage this spring to show what he can do at the nose.
10. Richard Samuel: He was the Bulldogs’ starting tailback at the beginning of the 2009 season, then was slowed by injury and eventually redshirted after a move to linebacker last year. His progress at inside linebacker bears watching closely this spring.
So … which players, among these or others, will have your attention during spring practice?
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362 comments Add your comment
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
March 9th, 2011
8:28 am
BB is bucking for the coveted “Most Stupid Posts on a Single Thread” title. He is the clubhouse leader.
RxDawg
March 9th, 2011
8:28 am
“Much of AJ Green’s success was due to Murray.”
LOL
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:28 am
You will see more transfers before the seaosn starts than ever before on the offensive side of the ball (RB, QB, TE/ WR). The players have finally realized Richt entitles players, and as soon as they see it, like the 2 Elite 11 QB’s Mettenberger & Gray, they leave the team.
BobDawg
March 9th, 2011
8:29 am
….Buckeye, gotta be tough to be in Tressel’s shoes this morning… The players get 5 games and Coach T only gets 2???? Mr. NCAA ain’t gonna like that, don’t you think???
I grew up in S. Jersey and know the traditions up there with You , Michigan, Penn State and would rather be in our shoes or Penn State’s right now than yours or the sad sack MI…. Saw on a Nat’l Blog someone calling you “O-LIO STATE”!!! LOL…
Buckeye
March 9th, 2011
8:30 am
Dooms Day scenario…….we’re back to 0-9! Ha!
Alphare
March 9th, 2011
8:33 am
Rogeriter,
all the schools you mentioned did win one or multiple NCs in the past 30 years, but UGA did NOT.
woebegong
March 9th, 2011
8:34 am
Buckeye,
You got that right. Dang near impossible to babysit some of the folks. A lot of these kids feel as long as they play football or are in some other type of sport, they do not need to follow the rules. No coach is going to keep up with them all. There is a fine line to make, from covering up at first and trying to make sure you report all the facts accurately after doing your own investigation.
The pressure on these coaches is enormous I think. They are paid well for sure, but they earn their pay. I sure as the devil, would not want that responsibility. I was responsible for a lot of assets in the service, being a meteorologist, but one thing was for sure. Bad weather is predictable and you can always prepare and account for it. 17-20 year old kids are predictable only if they are your own flesh and blood and even that is a crapshoot sometimes.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:35 am
Murray against winning teams n the SEC rankings?
#6 pass effic
#5 td’s
#4 yards
#11 accuracy
He’s a below average QB against good competition. 6-7 record, never beat a ranked team, never beat a winnign team (0-6 record), never won a game from behind.
TRUDAWG
March 9th, 2011
8:37 am
Sturdivant will be 42 years old when the season starts. It seems like he has been on campus forever.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:37 am
Murray’s ranking #11 in accuracy, to help the kid, you’d have to pull a Tebow and completely re-configure his gross inaccurate delivery system.
A lot of idiots on this board
March 9th, 2011
8:38 am
Alphare, obviously you didnt read Rog’s post before you made your totally irrelevant comment.. Why dont you go back and read it now? Then you can see what a stupid post that was and why..
TRUDAWG
March 9th, 2011
8:39 am
In more important news…….WRESTLEMANIA IS ONLY 3 WEEKS AWAY!!!!!!!
UGASlobberknocker
March 9th, 2011
8:39 am
I guess the below quote says all you need to hear about the status of things at Ohio State.Here Tressell knowingly let this thing slide all yr, yet this is the quote from Univ. President Gee?: ck out this vut and paste from espn .
Ohio State president Gordon Gee said he and Tressel had discussed the violation at Gee’s house for 3 hours one night.
Gee also said he had not considered dismissing the Buckeyes coach.
“No, are you kidding?” he said with a laugh. “Let me be very clear. I’m just hoping the coach doesn’t dismiss me.”
Buckeye
March 9th, 2011
8:40 am
Bob dawg,
Two games? I don’t know. I suspect the NCAA will levy more.
Hate to say it but I’m ready for the next batch of kids. We lost a great senior class including Cam Heyward but I’m ready for Pryor et al to move on.
Of course, we’ve got a hot shot 4/5 star dual threat QB recruit enrolled this winter that could take over the reigns so I’m not worried about the on the field product.
hirsutedawg
March 9th, 2011
8:40 am
Everyone please remember that BB is a troll and this should be the last mention he receives on this thread. Go Dawgs!
bucket
March 9th, 2011
8:40 am
@ BB. I know I shouldn’t engage you because your posts reveal that you don’t really know what you are talking about, however, for the last time from me – METTENBERG didn’t decide to transfer, he was kicked off the team for groping a girl in South Georgia!!! I hope he has a great season @ LSU, but he would still be in Athens if it weren’t for that unfortunate episode and probably would have played in some games that Murray struggled in. Murray wasn’t benched because the only other option was a TRUE Freaking Freshman! And besides all that, Murray had one of the greatest statistical seasons for a first year QB in the history of college football!
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:41 am
Murray ranks:
#90 in accuracy on 3rd down
#119 in accuracy in the 4th quarter
Brett
March 9th, 2011
8:42 am
Enter your comments here
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:43 am
Murray ranks #83 in passing accuracy in the red zone.
Buckeye
March 9th, 2011
8:43 am
Slobber,
I would argue that comment was tongue in cheek. Agree, overall, that Gee did not do himself any favors last night. Had I advised, no need for Gee to participate.
Y’all love Adams, right?
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:44 am
So let’s see, Murray ranks in the clutch situations:
#83 in pass accuracy in red zone
#119 in accuracy in 4th quarter
#90 in 3rd down accuracy
7576DAWG
March 9th, 2011
8:44 am
I will be watching Murray to see if he can make a decision as to run or throw about one or two second’s faster.
I will also be watching if Bobo can use better judgement when calling play’s. If something is working don’t try something else .
And last I would like Georgia to go to the no huddle to speed up the play. We looked really slow at times last year developing a play. Execution was way too slow. No where fast enough for a top team in the SEC.
Buckeye
March 9th, 2011
8:44 am
Woe,
100% chance of rain today?
Alphare
March 9th, 2011
8:45 am
A lot of idiots,
I admit I did not read Rog’s post, but Rogeriter said UGA win an NC in the past 30 years. That fact is wrong is what I wanted to point out.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:46 am
Murray ranked #120 in NCAA on 3rd and long accuracy.
RabidDawgFan
March 9th, 2011
8:47 am
BB must be pretty obssesed with Murray. He’s looking him up to find all those stats. Mad Florida fan that he didn’t come to Florida? Look up John Brantley’s stats. I bet he’s not better than Murray.
bucket
March 9th, 2011
8:47 am
@ Buckeye. I have been annoyed by some of your posts, but you are a standup guy for coming on here and taking shots this morning. Well, as standup as any of us can be on an anonymous blog!!! I’m thinking the NCAA will recommend alot more than a 2 game suspension for Tressel when it is all said and done. I understand what you are saying about the nature of the transgressions by the players ( and trust me I agree considering UGA getting hammered for selling jersey’s, traffic violations, playing with firecrackers, etc), however, Tressel kept his information under wraps after knowing about the AJ Green suspension. Also, the NCAA took alot of crap for allowing the 5 OSU players to play in the Sugar Bowl and they are not going to take this further embarassment lightly.
woebegong
March 9th, 2011
8:47 am
Buckeye,
I stuck my finger outside this morning and I think any forecaster could get that one right, LOL. Ok, maybe not the forecasters in the NWS these days. They learn how to use a computer.
RabidDawgFan
March 9th, 2011
8:48 am
I want to see how Alec Ogletree performs at LB on defense and on offense I want to see how Ken Malcome performs and which WR will step up. Will it be a freshman? Or will it be King, Troupe, etc, etc. I’m very curious.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:48 am
If there is truly “no doubt Murray will be the starting QB”, Lemay and Mason need to transfer.
7576DAWG
March 9th, 2011
8:49 am
If Murray can’t do these thing give LeMay a chance. In other word’s play your Freshmen if they are better. Stop assuming a freshman can’t make a huge difference.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:50 am
thanks for bringing up the Florida game. Murray committed 4 to’s in the game last year. Was so inaccurate, Murray didn’t complete a single pass in the first quarter.
RabidDawgFan
March 9th, 2011
8:54 am
Murray played so horrible in that game, yet lit your defense up for 313 yards and almost brought us back for the win. Yes he threw 3 picks and fumbled but those are ROOKIE MISTAKES. He already has stated that he “can’t wait to get back out there”. “It won’t happen again.” I truly believe that, and next time he plays Florida he’ll know. He’ll beat them this time.
ac
March 9th, 2011
8:56 am
The Most Important Players To Watch: I write this list because there are no shoe ins in college football. Remember Jasper Sanks, the best running back since Herschel. This list is created because you need depth to overcome injuries and fatigue.
1. KWAME GEATHERS. John Jenkins has not played a down in big boy football. He may very well set the world on fire, but we are going to need depth. Alec is important, but his position will be meaningless without a NT.
2. KEN MALCOME (Washaun Ealey). Isaiah may be the anointed one, but he is unproven. Jasper Sanks? I believe Ealey will be back to form. The OL has no where to go but up, so he should be able to run. Again, we need depth at running back. Ken will be instrumental if we are going to make a run this year. I think Richt suspended Ealey to get his attention. Mission accomplished.
3. JARVIS JONES – We need a beast at LB. As much as we needed a NT, we needed a LB to fill some holes.
4. RICHARD SAMUEL – See above.
5. ALEC OGLETREE – See above.
WR will be fine, OL will be improved. We just need to stop, possess and control the ball.
RabidDawgFan
March 9th, 2011
8:56 am
I don’t think LeMay is going to be the starter until Murray decides to leave or runs out of eligibility. Murray is NOT a bad QB by any means. My gosh people, the kid threw for more yards than any freshman QB in the SEC. And almost broke the TD record for most TDs thrown in a single season at Georgia by ANY QB. Get off his back, and show some support. I think he’s going to be a championship wining QB.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:57 am
Godfrey at UCF didn’t make rookie msitakes. You’re using Murray’s inexperience to excuse his prpensity to panic under pressure.
BB
March 9th, 2011
8:59 am
If Bobo’s going wiht the short passing game, like he did last year, Mason’s actually much more experienced and accurate in that system. But Mason will never get a real chance due to Richt’s offensive entitlement program.
DawginLex
March 9th, 2011
8:59 am
to my stalker at 7:41 am, my wife is a size 8. If that qualifies as a hog, sign me up.
Be thankful you get to hide behind a computer and call me and family names.
dumba$$
LeMay I or LeMay I not
March 9th, 2011
8:59 am
Murray is a midget as evident in the big games last year. No wins against teams with winning records is big proof that this kid is bust.
DawginLex
March 9th, 2011
9:00 am
And BB remains FOS
ac
March 9th, 2011
9:00 am
BB. Point made. You do not like Aaron Murray. Go get a job and get off the blog. See you later, I have to go do something productive with my life.
RabidDawgFan
March 9th, 2011
9:01 am
Uh let’s see who does UCF play and who does UGA play? I’m sure Godfrey made some rookie mistakes as well as Murray. There were times that Murray lit up even the best of defenses. Auburn, Florida, etc. He lit them up even though we didn’t win. Just go watch the highlights.
Beast from the East
March 9th, 2011
9:02 am
Buckeye,
It appears that Tressel forgot to dot the “I”, doesn’t it?
Steve Superior
March 9th, 2011
9:03 am
My Chickens have surpassed the puppy dawgs. Two in a row here we come while the hand sitters will watch in disbelief in the meek Sanford Stadium.
Jimmy Crack
March 9th, 2011
9:03 am
I have been looking forward to seeing Samuel play LB. He always looked like he was more interested in the contact portion of ball carrying than the running away part. I can’t wait to see him close in on someone with the ball.
I have also heard alot about Ken Malcome and am excited about the overload at RB.
I swear if Bobo brings anyone along “slowly” again I’m gonna get medieval.
FBR
March 9th, 2011
9:03 am
Big Time?? Not —–Don’t ever stop posting!!!!!!!! Your post always reminds me what a Rinkey Dink program they really are on North Ave. Keep up the good work !!!!!!!
ac
March 9th, 2011
9:04 am
Also BB, Aaron did not have a running game and was running for his life against the big teams. Auburn comes to mind. OL was weak. I think Aaron did a pretty good job as a FRESHMAN.
Bawbie
March 9th, 2011
9:04 am
Fire Dave Perno !
BB
March 9th, 2011
9:04 am
The only thing Murray brings, is his ability to run, if Bobo & Richt won’t use that for fear of injury, and they won’t, then they need to change QB’s because Mason’s a better passer by a mile, and Lemay’s a more posied leader & competitor.
Freud
March 9th, 2011
9:05 am
BB: Major, major problems. It will be worse when he reaches adulthood.