A review of Bulldogs’ first spring scrimmage (and who is Brandon Harton?)
ATHENS – Georgia’s football team held its first scrimmage of the spring Saturday morning in Sanford Stadium, and coach Mark Richt had no complaints afterward.
“I thought today was outstanding, really outstanding, in regard to the guys playing with a lot of energy,” Richt said. “Some really nice plays on both sides of the ball.”
Georgia didn’t keep statistics on the scrimmage, which was closed to the public and media. Richt offered these observations afterward:
- Tight end Orson Charles “had a pretty big day, making some nice catches,” wide receiver Michael Bennett “caught my eye” and wide receiver Marlon Brown had a “very nice touchdown grab in tight coverage — reached up and snatched it away from a defender [on a] very nice throw by [quarterback Aaron] Murray.”
- Tailbacks Washaun Ealey and Carlton Thomas didn’t participate because of hamstring injuries, but Richt said Caleb King continued a good spring. “Caleb has been practicing very well. He’s practicing with great focus and a physical attitude and … a lot of energy.”
- Richt singled out 5-foot-6, 167-pound walk-on tailback Brandon Harton. (”Harton did good,” said Richt, who then turned to a staffer and asked: “What’s Harton’s first name?”) Harton “took a long run to the house” — a 65-yard touchdown — for the third-team offense vs. the third-team defense, Richt said. “He did a very nice job running the ball.”
- But “by no means” was the scrimmage “just an offensive juggernaut,” Richt said. “It was a really good competitive day. I wouldn’t say either side of the ball dominated.”
- Defensively, outside linebacker Jarvis Jones was “in on a bunch of plays” and cornerback Brandon Boykin “did a nice job in coverage,” Richt said. “We tried to throw [Boykin's] way a few times and got nothing.”
- And Richt took note of nose tackle Kwame Geathers’ progress: “Going against [center] Ben Jones is not easy, and [Geathers] made some plays. He’s making very good improvement.”
Harton in spotlight
Harton, who is from Tattnall County, said he had opportunities to play college football at Georgia Southern and Charleston Southern, “but I really wanted to play for Georgia.” So he enrolled at UGA and walked on last summer as a wide receiver. He said he asked the coaches “if it’d be all right” to switch to running back this spring.
“Obviously everyone here is good, but you just have to go out every day and work hard,” said Harton, who is Ealey’s cousin. “And whenever you get your opportunity, you’ve got to take advantage of it.”
Teammates enjoyed Harton’s moment in the limelight Saturday.
Murray said Harton “had a nice run where he, like, ducked under two guys fast as heck, and he was gone.” Charles said Harton “was breaking runs and making everybody excited.”
Etc.
Among players who didn’t participate in the scrimmage: fullback Bruce Figgins (stiff neck), linebacker Richard Samuel (rib injury) and tight end Aron White (unknown injury). . . . Safety Bacarri Rambo, expected to miss the rest of spring practice because of a sprained MCL, was not at the scrimmage. Rambo was attending his sister’s wedding, Richt said. . . . Murray said offensive coordinator Mike Bobo “had some every positive words” for the offense after the scrimmage. “You know it’s a pretty good day when he has some good comments to say,” Murray said. . . . Linebacker Christian Robinson said the defensive line “has really stepped up.”
– Tim Tucker, AJC
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221 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
April 2nd, 2011
5:38 pm
Robinson’s been quoted twice now, 20 words, Lighten up on the kid. It’s not like he called a press conference or refers to himself in third party.
CHDawg
April 2nd, 2011
5:40 pm
Dawgforever, no we can thank the QB for that. Richt did his job well on that one. You need to go back and look at the stats. Murray had average protection at best and did a fantastic job.
Shawn
April 2nd, 2011
5:53 pm
UGA season 2011 will look something like this!
UGA 38 – Boise St. 17 We are too big and physical for them. More speed at every position and our boys are starving for this game. It may get uglier than this! 1-0
UGA 28 – USCe 20 We pick right up were we usually begin our SEC season, By beating them in a close game.They beat UGA once every 4-5 years and that happened LY. 2-0
UGA 48- Coastal Carolina 7 no explanation needed. 3-0
UGA 37- Ole Miss 21 Coupla late scores pile it on but the Dawgs win on the road. 4-0
UGA 24 – Miss. St. 13 Mullen will have them ready but the Dawgs will not lose this one at home after losing to them LY. 5-0
UGA 41 – UT 24 I think UT will score with Bray NY but his mistakes will cost them. 6-0
UGA 28 – Vandy 10 We take them light and they keep it close! 7-0
UGA 31 – UF 20 UF is a mess TY. We take them down! 8-0
UGA 49- NMST. 0 Starts a string of 4 home games to end the season. 9-0
UGA 38 – Awbarn 21 Boy are they in for it NY. They lose sooo much that they will have a season like UT LY! 10-0
UGA 27 – UK 13 This ain’t roundball. We take this sport! 11-0
UGA 42 – GT 9 with no missed FG’s LOL UGA 12-0
The most worrysome game to me is actually the Miss. St. game. Mullen can coach and will have them ready. There are too many home games and too much turmoil with our big rivals for us to not take advantage of them this year. I also think this team is preparing better than any we have had the last 5 years or so. Take note that we have no arrests and no off field drama TY! Go Dawgs!!
AltamahaDawg
April 2nd, 2011
5:58 pm
I’ll tell you what embarrasses me. When people cannot express themselves with any more original thought than “drink the Koolaid” and identify themselves as affiliated with the University of Georgia.
visitation rights
April 2nd, 2011
6:02 pm
@Shawn … give me a minute to catch by breath … LAUGHING way too hard. Wake up dude, you’re in la la land.
superDawg
April 2nd, 2011
6:03 pm
Well there you go.
Dr. Dave
April 2nd, 2011
6:14 pm
If it was your daughter that LSU QB was fondling, you might not be blabbing so much. We have all heard that he was and is a good kid. Did you expect CMR to give him a pass after all of the other off the field nonsense?
Shawn
April 2nd, 2011
6:19 pm
UGA had a lot of distractions LY. They broke in a freshman QB, a new defensive scheme, and a whole new D-line. With all the off field problems and new schemes they were in every game. This year they have had no, none, zero distractions. When they step out of line they are being kicked back into place. They are a talented bunch of young guys that just needed to get a little hungry and put in place. this year will be a good year for the Dawgs. the desire to overcome a poor showing LY and the extra work they are putting in will be enough to overcome those close calls TY. We will play for the SEC Championship NY!
AltamahaDawg
April 2nd, 2011
6:27 pm
Shawn, I doubt that they would win em all, but you make as good of an argument as to why they could win any one of those games individually, as anyone is making why they are certain they won’t.
AltamahaDawg
April 2nd, 2011
6:31 pm
Dr. Dave, you mean when he is old enough to have a daughter, right?
Calhoundawg
April 2nd, 2011
6:36 pm
Dawg[breath]4ever, Murray was statistically the second-best freshman QB in the nation last year. Where the hell was John Brantley and Florida at the end of the year? Zach Mettenberger (just like Scam Newton) doesn’t deserve to put on a Georgia uniform. Honestly, some of you guys sound like complete and utter morons. It’s Great To Be a Georgia Bulldog!!!!! Post your inane drivel somewhere else! God Save the South! God Bless Mark Richt! Go Dawgs !!!!!
poopdawg
April 2nd, 2011
6:44 pm
Shawn , love your optimistic forecast but i only see the Gators scoring 17. Linebackers still a concern for me but i feel our safety play would surely see improvement after 5 yrs of poor play. Several people are tore up about our 3rd team D giving up a couple of big plays please chill. Paddy i will pass the word to Katherine Richt on those Saban statues , a great LITTLE stocking stuffer.
Danggoodog
April 2nd, 2011
6:45 pm
The Welch kid look good at QB. We have more depth at QB than people think. Dawgs will have a good year.
Contractor
April 2nd, 2011
6:48 pm
Orson Charles is the most athletic and physically gifted player we have. Bob and Richt have to make sure we get him the ball more than ever before. If we open up the tight end game like the late 90’s and early 2000’s, we will have a better chance to beat some folks. Charles is a mismatch for a ton of defenses out there. Just hope the coaches aren’t just coming to the realization of this. Good scrimmage Dawgs, and looking forward to coming for the G-Day game.
51WTGW50
April 2nd, 2011
6:53 pm
KWAME better be careful. Ben will try to cripple him if Kwame makes Ben look bad. Don’t turn your back on BEN JONES on the field or drop the soap either.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 2nd, 2011
6:56 pm
Tidyboy Tide roller,
Go back to your own blogs for your praise of the turds, errr I mean tide. If the best you can do is come onto a blog, that should not even concern you, and make a stupid remark, you don’t even deserve the pity of a decent negative blogger. I could give a darn less if they dedicate a building to Saban, much less a statue. Watch out though as it may get toilet papered by Auburn fans, since your fan knocked off their trees.
51WTGW50
April 2nd, 2011
6:59 pm
Aaron Murray I hate to tell you but scoring 6 TD’s against a UGA defense is no BIG deal. Just all the teams with winning records that beat the Dawgs last year.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 2nd, 2011
7:00 pm
Now we have bronco billy. Can buffalo bob and clarabell be far behind. A truely amazing and creative name. More like bunko billy to me it seems. At least be original in your comments and quit repeating the same one over and over on different blogs.
AltamahaDawg
April 2nd, 2011
7:00 pm
They used Charles more the year before, (or more specifically the QB threw him the ball more) and often said they had plays for him in every single game, but the situation just didn’t work out. I have to believe some of that is a Fr QB might not recognize the situation as much as he could. I’m certain it wasn’t a lack of coaching realization that he is talented.
Pat
April 2nd, 2011
7:03 pm
Like I said……only a moron
fo sho
April 2nd, 2011
7:05 pm
i hope like H3LL you are right shawn!!
ugab
April 2nd, 2011
7:13 pm
I have high hopes again this year for the pups. I have had high hopes the last 3 to 4 years. It is not looking good if you ask me. It appears we are in a rebuilding stage again. Folks, Auburn and any other winning team has a heap of Seniors and Juniors. MR has not had a team with alot of juniors and seniors. MR had some other coaches player that were dam good leaders. I believe MR is the man for the job. I just think he let his team run over him for to many seasons. It is going to cost him his job in the long run. Coaches like Saban and Meyer are out for blood and they bleed football. Auburn had a bunch of punks that were paid highly.
Cyber Dawg
April 2nd, 2011
7:28 pm
cr3h8 j26lo er1uw z1h9b 3dci7 sg4f4 ew9jt g3r5f au4de nv3ky me27f m41dv r1cy7 dc8vt ff78w 2sgn6 wgk6s l2ky3 a6u5d xi3v7 dw5h9 ab3b5 a7th4
hotel bravo
51WTGW50
April 2nd, 2011
7:42 pm
It Ain’t Rocket Science, but all the UGA players are Road Scholars.
DZ tony is on 790 the Zone. He may come back but not until Football really starts.
YELLOW HAMMER
April 2nd, 2011
7:49 pm
congrates to 6′ 5” 21OLB wr Duron Carter son of NFL great Chris Carter for jumping that sinking OSU ship and heading to BAMA ,
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 2nd, 2011
7:56 pm
51Wtgw50,
Obviously you are also a scholar. It is Rhodes not roads scholars. I think I just found clarabell for sure now.
51WTGW50
April 2nd, 2011
8:03 pm
It Ain’t Rocket Science No crap it is Rhodes. One of your DA dawg fans talked about the FSU player and called him a Roads Scholar last year on the blogs.
51WTGW50
April 2nd, 2011
8:04 pm
There is also Rhodes College in Memphis TN.
51WTGW50
April 2nd, 2011
8:10 pm
A Roads Scholar at UGA is taking a new degree. It is a New Engineering Degree UGA will offering. Asafault Engineering and Pothole Engineer under the Roads Scholar BA.
Inlet Dawg
April 2nd, 2011
8:42 pm
The best thing for BoBo to do is keep his mouth shut and stay out of the limelight, and I agree with DZ.
observor
April 2nd, 2011
8:49 pm
Murray: “He totally, like ran to the end zone, and like, scored. It was, like, epic.”
Not to pick on Murray, but young people in general really need to learn how to speak in an intelligent fashion. Using words such as “like”, “you know”, “ummm” constantly make you sound foolish.
Mike
April 2nd, 2011
9:12 pm
Scrimmage was very average. Nothing to get excited about nor was there anything to be concerned about.
lildawg
April 2nd, 2011
9:16 pm
Bronco Billy
April 2nd, 2011
3:10 pm
“Bronco Billy, I hope your prediction comforts you.”
It does, poopdawg, it truly does. Now return to your mobile home park and enjoy your beer.
When the students and teachers are out for spring break, do you custodians get off too?
Bronco Billy, how about you return to your cardboard box and enjoy your shame when Georgia beats the crap out of Boise.
Dawg'em out!
April 2nd, 2011
9:24 pm
HUNKER DOWN!
SugarHillDawg
April 2nd, 2011
9:29 pm
Surely they aren’t gonna waste a scholly on that Harton midget. He’d go down with a gust of wind..
Gdawg
April 2nd, 2011
10:48 pm
UGA is going to have a good rebound year in 2011. The D will be like night and day different from last year with the addition of Big Jonathan Jenkins and I watched some practices last year… the two baddest linebackers didn’t even play in gameday last year. The o-line is bigger and stronger already and by the end of summer they will be fun to watch. If our tailbacks step up this year we should be in really good shape. The tightend moved to full back will be fun to watch as well. This guy is big and fast…like the NYG fullback. UGA will definitely improve this year but it may be a little slow with Boise and USC early. Boise is coming in with confidence but I really don’t think they will be able to handle the size and speed like in ‘05. They could get lucky but the entire coaching staff knows what is on the line…not likely to happen. Dawgs win a close one in the opener and gain momentum as the year goes on. UF gets a beat-down by most this year. Oh yeah, UF is 17-20 recently…only 5-6 more wins and they’ll finally catch up! Gay-turds have their worst year since Pell was there!
10 - 6
April 2nd, 2011
11:20 pm
Ive seen this movie many times last year and the year before.
Musical Chairs
April 2nd, 2011
11:22 pm
New Excuse alert: Distractions Last Year….. pass the Kool Aid!
Musical Chairs
April 2nd, 2011
11:27 pm
South Carolina will get the double on UGA and the trifecta on Clem and Son this year. Mark it down!
Contractor
April 3rd, 2011
12:07 am
AltamahaDawg,
Considering they were high school teammates for four years, I have a feeling he wasn’t forgotten by his quarterback, him being a Freshman or not. When Joe Cox was at the helm, Charles was the second best option behind Green, and he rarely ever received the ball. Bobo has made some very questionable play calls, that have been well documented by journalist, fans, and plenty of Monday Morning Quarterbacks, so I believe it was lack of realization for the player he was. Good enough to be on the field, but I don’t believe they had much faith they wanted to put on him. He is definitely better than the amount of times he gets the ball, so his utilization is poor in my eyes. Gotta get him the ball like A.J. I believe.
dallasdawg
April 3rd, 2011
12:20 am
JUST WIN BABY !!!!!
Hairy Dawg
April 3rd, 2011
1:00 am
This is bests news I hear yet. Team coming together and playing good for Coach Richt. We got to get behind bests from coaching. Then we win SEC to playing for BCS. With us behind coaches ans recruiting talent we back dominatring from players goning to NFL. We make flabby Wise of Gaytors looking like slobby blimp himedinberg.
RED DOG 77
April 3rd, 2011
1:50 am
@Shawn………Son, I love the way you think…….Me?…I’d say you are dead on the money. And you are right, Mullin is a crafty coach who will have his vesion of dogs ready……..desperation on our part wins this one late…….probubly by a field goal….Georgia17 Miss St.14…….GO DOGS!!!!!!!!
Boobie Bowden
April 3rd, 2011
5:03 am
I reckon the ole ball coach is havin’ heart palpitations after readin’ Richt’s remarks. Maybe he has to worry about more than Vandy this year after all.
eriecliper
April 3rd, 2011
6:46 am
Poopdawg: Those Saban statues where at WalMart but are being discontinued (not enough turns). I understand that they are now at Big Lots, but if you wait until November they will be on-sale at 80% off.
dd
April 3rd, 2011
7:00 am
I love my Dawgs, but we’ve heard this before about so and so looking good and so and so doing this or that in practice.
CMR also said before the Liberty bowl that we had quote “exceptional practices”.
Everyone knows how that turned out and how we stunk up the place.
I’m not excited about nothing. Why should we believe that it will be better than last year?
How about beating Florida and SC and Boise and then maybe the talk will actually mean something.
Shawn
April 3rd, 2011
8:02 am
It is amusing to find these guy getting on here and acting like chicken little after 1 bad season. I can’t wait till these guys all try jumping back on the band wagon as it gets rolling TY. I hope they get their ride share card pulled. they don’t deserve a ride on the Dawg train.
You are either with us or against us. Sounds like the weather is not fair enough for most of You to be with us Dawgs! You must be against us so move on!
Scott
April 3rd, 2011
8:12 am
Only 1 thing matters on offense: can you run the ball well? if you can’t, you won’t compete in the SEC. It’s not a passing conference.
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
8:13 am
Shawn 1 bad season? Richt and the Dawgs have lost more games than the year before for 4 years in a row. The Dawgs have like a .500 record in the SEC over the last 4 years. You need to have a look again. UGA has been heading in the wrong direction for a few years.
Scott
April 3rd, 2011
8:14 am
5 of the 6 td’s came against the 2nd or 3rd defense.