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
JE
April 3rd, 2011
8:16 am
First, just like Altamahadawg, I did not say I was a better fan than anyone else on here. I just said I choose not to be someone who rips on my own team and the coaches. It is not going to get us anywhere. You sound like that radio guy in Macon who calls himself a huge dawg fan and talked so much crap that Richt won’t even talk to him anymore.
Dawgfan… I see our strength and conditioning getting alot more on track. I see our LB corps being way better than it was last yeat. I see us actually having some punch up front in the middle with Geathers or big JJ. I am excited to see what a stable of top RBs can do with a more experienced Murray. I think Ogletree’s move will be huge to get some more top personnel out on the field. And the overall ability to have more instinctiveness in the 3-4 scheme. But besides all of that I do not see any real reason for optimism.
Scott
April 3rd, 2011
8:16 am
Don’t get too excited.
Remember, Richt loses more games than the year before 90% of last 8 seasons (7 out of 8 seasons).
So, 90% chance Georgia goes 5-7 or worse.
Scott
April 3rd, 2011
8:29 am
After going 6-7, Richt shouldn’t get excited about anything except winning real football games.
Richt got excited last Spring, led to 6-7 season.
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
8:32 am
JE
In sports just like politics you better not just listen to and back your coach or political leaders. If you are not critical of Richt, Bobo, and Grantham then you are a fool. You have to call out leaders when they are not leading.
boseefus
April 3rd, 2011
8:32 am
Its’ the same ole support for a loser coach and fans with a dream that’s not attainable with MR. After a couple of opening loses you supporters will come back down to earth. He’s a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 3rd, 2011
8:37 am
The DAWGS are going to have a good year I believe. Their defense will improve now that it has been installed for a year and we have the plug in the middle. I think the linebackers are going to be really good also, but I think they probably will have to shore up the safeties a little and see who will emerge as the leader back there.
The offense I believe will have an improved running game, with just the present cast, but one of them will have to step up and take the lead. If Ealey can stay healthy and maintain a good attitude, he could be the one. I don’t think his physical skills have ever been in question. It has been his attitude and I think he is now on the right page. King appears to have stepped up also, so he should be a capable back up. Of course, Crowell, progressing fast, would also be a real plus, but I don’t see him starting as number one for the season anyway. Murray I believe will have another good year and I think by subtraction of A.J. Green, the receiver corp. has actually gotten better. One receiver should not be counted on for 50% or better of the offense as UGA did last year.
I also believe CMR will be much more active on the sidelines this year, and much more involved in the offense. He is a smart enough man to know, what it takes to win, and we should see a lot less predictable offense this year.
Big Dawg Cobb
April 3rd, 2011
8:45 am
1st down throw a long bomb incomplete
2nd down run off tackle
3ed down run off tackle (that will fool em)
4th down punt
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
8:45 am
It ARS
I think Ealey is a head case plain and simple. King just was never that good to begin with. Crowell could be real good, but I think he has some character issues. He was seen acting a little like a spoiled brat in the High School Playoff games. If things were not going well he developed a TUDE.
JE
April 3rd, 2011
8:46 am
There is no need for name calling or rude insinuations. First of all I have been critical of CMR and Bobo in the past, when things are not working. Each year is a new start. We have different circumstances with personel, experience, simple growth as men, etc. I am no fool. I am simply willing to take things at face value and evaluate the product each new season. I am not saying we will go undefeated. I am not saying we will have ten wins. I am just saying we should support our leaders. Just like our President… I cannot stand him as my President but I support him as the Commander in Chief of my nation and, in turn, my military. Typically the one calling someone else a fool is, indeed, the fool.
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
8:50 am
JE
I didn’t mean YOU are a fool. I mean if you collective or Fans don’t question the leaders you are doing a disservice to the team and coaches.
RS
April 3rd, 2011
8:53 am
U nay-sayers are sick.Headed to THE MASTERS to have some fun.
Dawg4ever
April 3rd, 2011
8:57 am
Dawg fans have so many excuses why Richt can’t coach and why BooBoo can’t call plays. Now we are blaming last season on distractions. And now it’s one bad season by Saint Richt. I guess having a selective memory is what all Dawg fans have to have now, because there isn’t much to brag about the past 3 seasons. I hate to tell you Shawn but did you watch the 2008 team against Bama, Florida, and Tech? Or did you watch as Richt and BooBoo gave the Q.B. job to Cox, and as bad as he was, never gave one of the freshman Q.B’s a chance to get any experience at all. That is terrible coaching not to give either of your freshman backups any reps at all to get them prepared for the upcoming season. Then of course we have last year where UGA and Murray didn’t beat a team all year with a winning record. Murray got his yards and T.Ds against teams with losing records. Just stating facts, not grasping at straws like most delusional fans. It is hard to get excited about anything Richt says anymore, because he has said this for the past 4 preseasons. I would just be glad for this coach and his staff to put a competitive team on the field, one that plays with passion, and a team whose players know where they are suppose to line up, and know where they are suppose to be on each play. My God, our secondary was so out of positon last year that is was pathetic. And now we have all of those same guys coming back this year. We can only hope that they have it between the ears now.
YardDawg
April 3rd, 2011
9:08 am
The D will be better.
The O will continue to struggle to put points on the board vs better than average defense as long as Bobo is cunning the offense and calling the plays.
7-6.
My opinion.
YardDawg
April 3rd, 2011
9:08 am
running, not cunning!
Playbook
April 3rd, 2011
9:20 am
1st down throw a long bomb incomplete
2nd down run off tackle
3ed down run off tackle (that will fool em)
4th down punt
Don’t forget the special fumble play by Ealey or King.
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
9:23 am
Playbook
the reason plays from 1st to 3rd downs are bad is because they want to Showcase Butler’s Punting ability.
Paul N Destin
April 3rd, 2011
9:35 am
Just reading CMR comments tell you the guy is soft thus UGA will continue to be a soft team unless Grantham and the new LB coach can supply the tuffness needed for the entire squad.
Why does UGA continue to keep Rodney Garner (sp) on the staff knowing full well he was apart of the PFP at Auburn under Dye and Tater Tot? This guy must know something on somebody otherwise the new AD would have set this boy free.
Shawn
April 3rd, 2011
9:42 am
Dawg4ever(except in tough times), I watched those three games and all the other games for the past 20 years as I am truly a Dawg forever! We were whipped along both lines in those games. That tends to happen when You have so many injuries that You have to play a 3rd string D-lineman at LT because all other options have been lost to injury for the season. We also had evry available big body trying to replace the D-line side of the ball and LB corps due to injury. We had 28 players with at least 5 starts in their history go down to season ending injuries that year and still finished in the top 10. I would have to tip my cap to a coach who pulled that off. Compare that season to Saban’s LY and You will see that he had the same 10-3 record with 11 returning starters on O and far less injuries. Not one Bama fan is complaining. I think they need You to go over to their blogs and straighten them out. Tell them how terrible their coach is.
Musical Chairs
April 3rd, 2011
9:45 am
Oh yeah play book you also forgot to the mention 3rd and 15 and run the draw for 3 yards.
Dawg_Mike
April 3rd, 2011
9:46 am
If they use the walk on kid like they did Tyson Browning, out in space that would be fine.
Musical Chairs
April 3rd, 2011
9:46 am
Bobo Gump is a damn genius!
frannie mae
April 3rd, 2011
9:59 am
An itty bitty tailback breaking off long runs against the Dawgs D. This is visions of Central Florida people. Like Fran said UGA is in BIG trouble.
Harvey up your Dyke
April 3rd, 2011
10:06 am
This is the same crapola weve headr for the last 4 years comming out of Athens. Prove it on the football field and prove it in the red zone.
Trouble in the Red Zone
April 3rd, 2011
10:11 am
Yes even our former A D had trouble with scoring in the red zone on that hot night in Atlanta.
IF we ARE dreaming, what would .........
April 3rd, 2011
10:34 am
Many GT fans argue that “UGA fans are always dreaming to win the SEC”. Fine, I’ll go with that. So, would you rather have a dream for the SEC title and what usually follows that, or the ACC title, where you end up 23rd nationally and in the Urange Bowl or the Gator Bowl? On second thought, that scenario cannot be accurate, because the Gator DUMPED the ACC last year, contractually.
UGA is big boy ball win or lose. I will prefer to take my chances in the SEC and all that
comes with that. ACC ? Please ……………
Carlton Thomas IS that guy
April 3rd, 2011
10:38 am
Itty, bitty CarltonThomas is the scat back but we run him up the middle. Odd. Why?? As a surprise? Oh well, has that worked yet?
I for one do not see either Caleb King or Washed Up Easy helping UGA this year. They are selfish and the guys will not relate to either and that is about 55% of UGA’s problems last year. They need to be gone.
Go Dogs.
The YEAR upcoming
April 3rd, 2011
10:49 am
Does CMR keep his job if UGA goes 9-3 with another ugly loss to Florida, Boise and say, Auburn? That might keep UGA in the thick of the East race but would that and say, an Outback Bowl allow him to stay and would the alumni want that?
If CMR goes 10-2, with a loss to Boise and either to SC or AU, UGA would likely be in the hunt for the East and a Cap One Bowl bid or better. 10-2 with 1 SEC loss and a major NY Day bowl like the Cap One would do it.
If UGA were to some how win the East and have another loss to Florida …………would that do it? That ( with a loss to Boise St) 10-2 scenario and a Cap One bid might also guarantee his return. A loss to Florida with them in transition might not do it, however. It would depend on how igh UGA woulds be ranked in this alst scenario.
Go Dogs.
Jborodawg
April 3rd, 2011
11:06 am
Dawgfan and Dawg4ever…I feel for both of you; waking every morning and going thru your days with such negativity. I’ll bet yall are just joys to be around.
NCs are pipe dreams. About 154 other teams weren’t NCs last year; or the year before or the year before… With your reasoning, most of the top programs in the country should fire their coaches. An SEC championship IS an attainable goal. Win the SEC and the rest follows…maybe. As one blogger pointed out, a NC is mythical anyway since there’s no playoff system.
Since the scrimmage was not open to the public nor the media, what do you expect coach Richt to say? It was one scrimmage. He was asked questions and he responded.
Many of us “fans” think the Dawgs will be improved; and there’s every reason to believe so. If you think they’ll have another terrible season; so be it. For all of you downgrading Central Florida, they ended the season in the top 25. Central Florida is also the largest school, by student body, in the country. They would probably be more competitive in the SEC than Vandy and maybe even Kentucky.
I won’t predict a number of wins nor losses this year. However, I will predict that the Dawgs will be more competitive and have a lot better season than last year. I’ll root for em thru think and thin. That’s not delusional; that’s being a fan…IF you also believe that CMR and staff are actually pretty good at what they do. I do. For some, winning is everything and winning at all costs is desirable. I think that statement applies to Dawgfan and Dawg4ever. Perhaps you both love the Sabans and Petrinos of the world (”I’m not going anywhere.”).
I’ll stay with CMR for his character AND his coaching ability. But, guess what? I’ll be on the firing bandwagon too….IF we have another 6-7 season. Big if. At least I’m not pronouncing a losing season before it even starts.
Trouble in the Red Zone
April 3rd, 2011
11:11 am
From what Ive seen on georgiadogs.com these guys have a ways to go in the weight room.
Trouble in the Red Zone
April 3rd, 2011
11:13 am
Central Florida is Mickey Mouse. Get over it.
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
11:16 am
Central Florida maybe Mickey Mouse, but the Girls on campus are All Jessica Rabbit Hot.
Trouble in the Red Zone
April 3rd, 2011
11:18 am
So is those Dawgstyle gals in Athens
Blowin up ballons
April 3rd, 2011
11:27 am
This sounds like a bunch of hot air. Start beating the Vandys ,Kentuckys,SC’s and Central Floridas of the worlds like you are supposed to.Then we will listen to the jaw flappin.
Blowin up balloons
April 3rd, 2011
11:27 am
Enter your comments here
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
11:44 am
Trouble in the Red
Dawgstyle gal ain’t even in the top 10 close to UCF girls.
RabidDawgFan
April 3rd, 2011
11:44 am
Ok is Florida an above average defense? Is Auburn’s? We put 31 on both of them and that is enough points to win. If our defense is just a bit better than last season, we win lots of games this year. Bobo knows how to put points on defenses and so does Murray. Murray wasn’t out there making tackles against Florida or Auburn. Murray played well enough to win both of those games. He lit both Florida and Auburn up.
ugab
April 3rd, 2011
11:46 am
TIRED!! Tired of bobos play calling. Tired of richt not filling the needs of the team. tired of players not playing smash mouth football. Lets go swimming coach. We are in the SEC. uga is a vandy and a kentucky now. florida lsu alabama au run the sec now. it is so sad.
RabidDawgFan
April 3rd, 2011
11:47 am
Our starting O-line is huge as hell.
LT: Sturdivant (6′5, 310 lbs)
LG: Kenarious Gates (6′5, 328 lbs)
C: Ben Jones (6′3, 316 lbs)
RG: Justin Anderson (6′5, 342 lbs)
RT: Cordy Glenn (6′5, 348 lbs)
So you tell me whether or not that weight room has been good for us. Hell, Ogletree went from being a 215 lb safety to a damn 240 lb ILB. Tell me how he got that big? Lifting, and conditioning.
RabidDawgFan
April 3rd, 2011
11:51 am
Neither Vandy nor Kentucky can F’k with us and you guys know it. In our worst season in UGA football since 96, we blasted Vandy 43-0 and Kentucky 44-31. Those are two schools that aren’t and will never be on par with Georgia football.
51WTGW50
April 3rd, 2011
11:56 am
Rabid
And just how is Murray going to see over all the Tall players on the O-Line to pass?
Tony Fan
April 3rd, 2011
12:09 pm
“Bring back Tony Barnhart!”
Yes, puhleeze!
Retrospect
April 3rd, 2011
12:16 pm
A few comments about the UGAy-UCF game for dawgtards with short memories:
1. It was obvious that neither the UGAy goons or coaches were ready for the game. It was obvious that UCF was.
2. The whole team sucked.
3. How much longer will dawg fans put up with this kind of crap with Richt as coach? More importantly, how long will McGarity put up with it?
4. Some of the UGAy players, and a lot of the fans were crying after the game ended. This was a heartwarming sight for decent, intelligent people to see.
5. When the cameras zoomed in on some of the UGAy fans, it was very clear why most states have laws against incest. It was also clear why beer companies are so profitable.
6. How much stuff has A.J. Green sold already? How much is his stuff discounted when UGAy loses and he plays like crap? And for the record, Green was in South Beach. He lied about it afterward.
7. How is Russ taking the loss? Oh, I see, he’s crapping all over everybody. Sorry about that, coach Richt. I’m sure those stains can be removed from your pants. Oh wait, didn’t the mutt croak?
8. Aaron Murray demonstrated how devastating it was to lose Zach.
9. Good news for the seniors who played their last game for UGAy – you’ll never have to spend another night in the Athens jail. The lawyers and bail bondsmen of Athens salute you.
Ya gotta love it!
B RED E
April 3rd, 2011
12:43 pm
Looking forward to hearing more about this walk-on @ 5′6″ 167lbs. I imagine he has the desire to blow these over-hyped running backs away. Desire and heart. Does “Rudy” ring a bell.
Paddy
April 3rd, 2011
12:51 pm
RabitDawgFan…….yes our line is hugh. They have just underachieved for 2 straight years. I am not buying anything until they prove they are SEC quality linemen. All of us must, in all reality, sit back and watch them play up to all that hype. If they don’t, we will be .500 again this season. Just does not seem possible at UGA! We have always been better than that!
dd
April 3rd, 2011
12:57 pm
Hey Retrospect, who do you pull for?
Which university is your favorite?
7576DAWG
April 3rd, 2011
1:58 pm
As long as Bobo is the offensive coordinator we should not think about recruiting any running back under 5′11″ and 190 lbs. Any short running back will not be able to produce because everybody knows that the speed of the little running back like Thomas or the walk on will get 5 yards on 1st down and then Bobo will run the same play , not catch the other team in surprise again and lose 3 yards so the net gain is 2 yard for two plays and if the other play is an incomplete pass we have to kick on 4th down.
Bobo is so predictable that small running backs will never have consistent at Georgia.
UGA? R U Kidding?
April 3rd, 2011
2:25 pm
UGA football……….31 years and counting!
Scott
April 3rd, 2011
2:32 pm
Last 25 posts all same person, bloggin to self, under abunch of fake names.
Delgado
April 3rd, 2011
2:33 pm
UGA football……….31 years and counting!
And 31 years of remedial studies!
Yen Zhao
April 3rd, 2011
2:37 pm
狗吸。他们始终吸了，他们将始终吸。