UGA football chatter: O-line shakeup, tailback update and G-Day countdown
ATHENS — Cleaning out the notebook after Tuesday’s football practice:
Sturdivant
- Offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant’s third major knee injury occurred in a Saturday scrimmage that was closed to the media and the public, but even those who were there -– the players and coaches -– apparently didn’t realize the severity of it. “We thought it was just a sprain,” center Ben Jones said Tuesday. “Then he calls me [with the news of a torn ACL], and I was, like, ‘Oh, you’re kidding, right?’ … We thought everything was going to be fine.”
- The four players chosen by Mark Richt to draft the teams for the G-Day game –- Aaron Murray and Brandon Boykin on one side, Jones and Christian Robinson on the other -– obviously enjoyed the experience Monday night. They were still bantering back and forth, in good fun, after practice Tuesday. Said Murray: “Boykin and I absolutely dominated the draft.” Countered Jones: “We got a winning team. We got the O-line –- we got Cordy [Glenn]; we got [Kenarious] Gates. . . . I was saying, ‘I’m going to pick my buddies.’ I told my boy Cordy I was going to get him first, and I got him first.” Said Boykin: “I think me and Aaron did a tremendous job picking, and [Jones and Robinson] helped us by picking some not-too-good choices, as well, to start off.”
- Boykin said the “steal of the draft” was his side’s selection of Taylor Bradberry, a walk-on wide receiver. “He’s sure-handed — similar to A.J. Green, just not as fast,” Boykin claimed. “He always makes plays on G-Day.”
- Spring practice has produced no big breakthrough at the tailback position, which awaits the summer arrival of Isaiah Crowell. A hamstring injury has sidelined Washaun Ealey for most of the spring, and a groin injury has slowed Ken Malcome. Caleb King has stayed healthy and “shown flashes,” said offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, adding: “I wouldn’t say anybody has stepped out and said, ‘Hey, I’m the man.’”
- Before Sturdivant’s injury, he and converted guard Cordy Glenn were alternating between left and right tackles. Now, Glenn is the obvious starter at left tackle. Offensive line coach Will Friend said Glenn has had a good spring but needs to shed a little weight.
- As for the now-open job at right tackle, Justin Anderson and A.J. Harmon are the top contenders. “I feel good about those two guys as far as seeing potential and seeing the things they can do,” Friend said.
- Anderson started 12 games on Georgia’s offensive line –- seven in 2008 and five in 2009 -– before a short-lived and ill-fated move to the defensive line last year saw him appear in only one game in a season cut short by toe surgery.
- Harmon, entering his fourth season in the program, has appeared in just seven games and started none. Asked if he’s ready to be a starter, Harmon said: “Of course. I mean, it’s been three years. I would hope I’m ready.”
- Bobo on Harmon: “A.J. is a guy who’s got a lot of talent. Hasn’t been consistent enough to play like he should. I think he sees it as an opportunity. A lot of times, when an opportunity presents itself like this, guys tend to step up. That’s what we think A.J. will do; he’s got the ability.”
- The Bulldogs will be back on the practice field Thursday, their only remaining practice before G-Day.
- And speaking of G-Day, former UGA quarterbacks Matthew Stafford, D.J. Shockley, David Greene and Eric Zeier will participate in a skills competition at halftime. Another former UGA quarterback was asked why he’s not participating. “Because I would win,” Bobo said.
- Tim Tucker, AJC
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174 comments Add your comment
tide roll
April 13th, 2011
1:03 pm
After this year Uga wil have lost the equivalent of two offensive lines to graduation, injury and attrition. This doesn’t include existing serious knee injuries to Sturdivant and Benedict. Why couldn’t Richt and Bobo anticpate this “thinning” of the offensive line and recruit accordingly !? Bama, S. Carolina, and Arkansas have all signed Juco offensive lineman (and Georgia natives) that have significantly helped, It’s like Richt/Bobo can’t see the problem before it’s too late.
51WTGW50
April 13th, 2011
1:17 pm
Could Buck Belue even throw the ball more than 10 yards? Yes the Dawgs ran Herschel like the lead dog in the Iditarod Sled race. Buck was an OPTION QB. You dawgs know what that is because you cry about TECH running a version of it now. Buck’s greatest pass was a 12 yrd pass to Scott. For the dawgs to pass of over 100 yrds they would have had to have a QB that could read defenses and throw the ball 20 yrds past the line of scrimmage
51WTGW50
April 13th, 2011
1:19 pm
Trinton change your lifestyle now. You don’t want to be on America’s BIGGEST LOSERS. Start losing weight and take the stress off your Knees and Ankles now.
ClinchCountyDawg
April 13th, 2011
1:20 pm
Buckeye
Did Ohio State create special cute wittle sweater vests in 2002 for the title?
I bet Columbus looked like a Brady Bunch and Osmond Brother reunion.
VirginiaDawg
April 13th, 2011
1:23 pm
@tide roll- I would love to see the Dawgs reach into the JUCO ranks for some experienced O-linemen
Dawg Gone
April 13th, 2011
1:24 pm
Hey look everyone Tide Rolls is here…………..yawn.
tide roll
April 13th, 2011
1:24 pm
Rivals rates Uga’s incoming offensive line class 9th in the conference, just ahead of Miss. State and Vandy. Meanwhile, the very teams Richt/Bobo need to beat to retain their jobs are significantly improving their offensive lines with Georgia kids! It’s crazy.You’re losing too much in-state offensive line talent to your competition.
Dawg Gone
April 13th, 2011
1:26 pm
And yawn yet again……
Druid City
April 13th, 2011
1:53 pm
Buck Belue was the greatest passer in UGA history. His completion rate and yards after catch were off the charts.
He doesn’t get the credit he deserves because most of his passes were two-hand underhanded tosses behind the line of scrimmage.
MarineDawg
April 13th, 2011
2:08 pm
Druid City is right next to LA LA Land!
LogicalUS
April 13th, 2011
2:26 pm
Well perhaps the delusional UGA fans will now not be screaming and cursing at their players in the second quarter of the third game this year because of their unrealistic expectations.
UGA is in for a rough season.
OL….Average to below
RB….waiting on a teenage kid with no experience who missed several qrts of action this past season due to injury….
WR…below average and lost their only SEC calibre threat in AJ Green.
QB…slightly above average though he tends to panic and throw INTs.
DL….Lost only player Houston and experienced interior linement…waiting on a JUCO (My, my. UGA fans just a couple of years ago were belittling the MSUs of the world for taking JUCOs because that was so, so beneath the mighty UGA)
LB….Below average….
SS…Below average
CB…Below average..
I hope that UGA punter is truly an All-American, they are going to need him.
Paul N Destin
April 13th, 2011
2:36 pm
Coach Friend told you UGA fans a story and nobody caught his message. Gordy is fat and has to drop weight!!! The guy that just got hurt was fat and way overweight. This is a good sign that you know have folks addressing what needs to be addressed at UGA. It’s very possible that the assistant coaches can save the program.
Real Dawg Fan
April 13th, 2011
2:42 pm
Late in the day for a comment but Stafford IS an NFL quarterback, unfortuantely he’s in Detroit where they have a terrible O-line, therefore causing Staff to get hit more, thus more INTs and fumbles and injuries. Your football IQ should’ve told you that.
tide roll
April 13th, 2011
2:45 pm
I’m sorry if I’m boring to Uga fans. How’s this for boring: Because of your incompetent coaching staff,you’re down to 4, possibly 5, D-1 competitive offensive lineman. No problem, Ya’ll can just just throw it all over the place again. 6-7, including losses to Colorado and Central Florida. YAWN!
UGA Insider
April 13th, 2011
2:48 pm
Don’t read what LogicalUS has to say Dawg Fans….. We have above average talent at every position except safety and CB. And we have two studs arriving on campus in about 45 days. (Marshall and Swann). I hate to tell everyone this but Ealey is as talented as anyone in the SEC. I hope he stays at UGA but this lingering hamstring thing worries me. Usually when I see that it means that he is waiting on spring practice to end so he can announce a transfer. I hope I’m wrong but you heard it here first.
Real Dawg Fan
April 13th, 2011
3:00 pm
UGA Insider
I agree, I happen to like Ealey. He did “shoot us in the foot” with those goal line fumbles early in the season, but he sure turned it on 2nd half of the season
Buckeye
April 13th, 2011
3:06 pm
Clinch,
Go catch Bieber Fever or go check out your lone traffic light.
Matt
April 13th, 2011
3:07 pm
UGAinsider- why would Ealey transfer? Butting heads with coaches, i.e. fresh start?? I would not think it would be him as the odd man out for carries.
Dawg Gone
April 13th, 2011
3:10 pm
Buckeye stick to counting your sweater vest collection and lay off Clinch.
51WTGW50
April 13th, 2011
3:17 pm
If Tuscaloosa is the DRUID City then why did one of your fans KILL the Toomer’s Corner TREES? DRUIDS are Earth and Tree worshipers. They are like the Celtics. You dance in the moonlight and love mother nature.
51WTGW50
April 13th, 2011
3:20 pm
Buckeye
My wife had BIEBER FEVER until she saw him in tight pants. He can Sing in a HIGH pitch for the same reason Michael Jackson could. The MORE they GRAG the LESS they HAVE. LOL
Joe
April 13th, 2011
3:30 pm
wow are we surprised about the tailbacks??????? lets see…ealey is hurt as usual……king isnt hurt but does nothing…….THANK GOD we got Crowell…..at the very least he cant do any worse…..
To Logical US and Tide Roll
April 13th, 2011
3:36 pm
1. A man dining in a restaurant asked the waitress what her average tip was, and she replied $10, so he left $10 on the table. The waitress eyes got big as a saucer when she viewed the tip. He asked, “I thought you said your average tip was $10.” She replied, “You are the first customer to come up to the average.”
So, Logical US, hats off to you for having high standards, and averages. (Looks like a lot of SEC QBs are going to be below average, if compared to Mr. Murray.
To Tide Roll: thanks for your interest in our program, but we will continue to try to get along without your 20-20 hindsight.
Turns out Alabama sure could have used Georgia native Cam Newton and Alabama native Nick Fairly. What is wrong with Saban and Kirby? If they had not flunked on those recruiting assignments, then the Tide could have repeated as NCs, instead of finishing a disappointing season after being ranked #1 preseason.
uuugghh...
April 13th, 2011
3:57 pm
Nel-Dorado,
I like Joe fine. And I would bet he is pretty sharp and would be a better coordinator than Bobo.
I don’t think we have fooled a defense in about 6 years.
Druid City
April 13th, 2011
4:08 pm
Harvey is from Dadeville, not Druid City.
That’s Yellawood country. They kill trees. It’s what they do.
Stinger
April 13th, 2011
4:09 pm
Who cares. We own you – Freshman strikes out 10 of your pathetic hitters.
7576DAWG
April 13th, 2011
4:22 pm
I hope Ealey will not transfer and stay at Georgia because I think he has a lot of potential. A lot of the times that Ealey couldn’t finish a long drive last year was because he wasn’t in good enough shape. He only ran the ball 15 times in some games because he was dead tired and couldn’t carry the ball anymore. When he got tired he fumbled. I think CMR is presently working on his endurance along with everybody else that couldn’t go more than 2 or 3 quarters last year.
GASHawty
April 13th, 2011
4:25 pm
Hey guys, you shouldnt be too concerned about all these players’ injuries. As a person who is close to alot of players, many of them fake injuries during Spring practice so they won’t have to participate in practice daily because usually most of the positions are already guranteed for the fall so most just (lazily) chill during spring practice and sometimes during Summer camp.
Druid City
April 13th, 2011
4:30 pm
Ealey just wants to play on a better team and for a better coaching staff, like Logan Gray.
He sees the writing on the wall. I can’t imagine him being excited about sharing a few 2nd & long dive plays with Carlton Thomas behind a weak offensive line, carrying out needless 3rd & long play action fakes, and playing for a coaching staff who has already named an inexperienced injury-prone high school kid the starter during a stupid on-field ceremony.
uuugghh...
April 13th, 2011
4:38 pm
Druid City…I am not sure other coaches are lined up at Ealey’s door trying to woo him and his bad attitude away from us.
Then again all you are doing is trying to cause trouble by talking trash. I am sorry I briefly got drawn in to your apparently wholly empty life. It is awful in here.
Real Dawg Fan
April 13th, 2011
4:40 pm
Druid City..
You sure speak alot about UGA…closet fan?
Druid City
April 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
Mr. Uuugghh…
I understand Les Miles is on the line.
7576DAWG
April 13th, 2011
4:43 pm
I think CMR has been getting rid of the complainers and trouble makers. The individualist , me, me, me, players and Ealey is going to have to decide if he is a team player of not. If he works real hard with S&C and can prove when he gets tired he want fumble and will carry the ball in the correct arm slot that Bobo is trying to get him to do naturally then I think he will be a huge help to our running game this year. If he wants to continue his high school attitude then good riddance to him and I sincerely hope he can find another team that will patronize him UGA IS NOT GOING TO DO IT ANY LONGER. AS PER McGARITY.
Druid City
April 13th, 2011
4:44 pm
Real Dawg,
Y’all are a lot more fun than the Auburn fans.
uuugghh...
April 13th, 2011
4:46 pm
Les gets our discards after a year at JuCo. It smells like feet in here.
Better Dawgs!
April 13th, 2011
4:53 pm
See you at the dome LSU! Should be a good game.
Einsteindawg
April 13th, 2011
5:10 pm
Good luck Trinton, and thanks for your dedication. Our tailbacks are what you would expect by signing lazy, inept, cronic-injured, selfish, and underachievesr…not to mention suspect talent and no heart. I hope Crowell is the real deal; however, Justin S-W might be the best of the bunch. Just my opinion.
drbasic1
April 13th, 2011
5:48 pm
Walker would run over people, Ealey trips over his own feet, Walker didn’t need a “hole’ he would create his own, Ealey not so much…..what was Walkers average carry on a TD run, what is Ealeys? Walker plays with a seperated shoulder, ealey goes out with anyy little “boo-boo”, please do not even compare the two.
Real Dawg Fan
April 13th, 2011
5:51 pm
drbasic1
I know what you mean about Walker, I agree no comparison but lets not forget that without freshman #24 Ealey, our running game was done.
BAMA PRIDE
April 13th, 2011
6:00 pm
DawginLex,
Sorry to be late – and replying to your 11:31 Post:
You wrote:
Both teams preseason ranked #1
Both teams went 10-3
Both teams blew a big lead to their archrival in the last game of the year
Both teams beat Michigan State in the Cap One Bowl.
Both clearly underachieved compared to preseason expectations.
What will the Tide fanbase do if LSU represents the SEC this year, clearly passing Bama in the SEC pecking order?
Here is my reply:
1. Preseason #1 ratings
- Alabama just won the National Title – and we knew that we lost too much to repeat – but we were hopeful.
As for UGA – They were peaking into the #1 position – and had more hype with Stafford and Moreno.
2. 10-3 records
Bama was a dominant 10-3 team – beating up on teams and lost some close wons – although SC beat us pretty good – Auburn game – heart breaker – but kudos to the Barn.
Alabama’s season felt like a legit 10-3 power team with a few miscues.
UGA got blown out by Alabama, Florida and GT in the 2nd half.
UGA also was very lucky to beat Kentucky and a 5-6 Auburn team and just did not look dominant on their way to 10-3.
3. Bowl games – both beat Michigan State.
Did Michigan State make an appearance in our game against them? I thought they did not show up? Why? Because they did not show up – got blown out by a huge margin – totally dominated – 49-7 – and could have been worse. Bama cruised mid way through the 3rd – waterboy played in the 4th.
UGA vs Michigan State – well that was an ugly game – UGA should have won by more points as they were the better team – by far – yet that game left you thinking – why did we win 24-12? both teams did not look impressive – but sloppy and out of sync.
4. Clearly underachieved???
Bama did not underachieve – lost to LSU and Auburn by a combined 4 points.
UGA – really struggled to win games against bad teams – when they should have ripped through them.
5. What happens is LSU reps the WEST nest year?
Some Bama fans will rumble I am sure – but, we know LSU is very very good – and we will be in the thick of it.
Also – Bama won a National Title – in 2009 – and last year – we were very good. I expect this year – we will be very good as well.
I would put Bama and LSU on top of the SEC pecking order. Really have know clue where AU is as losing Fairly and CAM is big – but AU’s staff is pretty dang good and they have some talent. ARK and MS STATE both look good too.
Where does UGA fit in – last year – #9 SEC team – not good
2011?? UGA should be much better with improved defense – I would be concerned with the OLINE. I see alot of Bobo haters – but I think he is a good coach – his QB’s are always good – and his playing calling is better than UGA fans are giving him credit.
My question to you DawginLex – If UGA goes 8-4 – you keep Richt? I know that depends on who you lose to.
Recruiting:
Last years recruiting class looks great on paper – and this year – I think will be very good if UGA starts off beating Boise and SC and finishes strong.
What happens if you lose to Boise, SC, Mississippi State, Florida and Auburn??? Could Happen!!!
Such a HUGE year for Richt – so much on the line this year at UGA.
If UGA starts off 0-2 – I really think Richt will be in trouble.
Good conversation….
Roll Tide!!
drbasic1
April 13th, 2011
6:00 pm
Real Dawg
Agreed. I do like Ealey and think he has a lot of potential, if he uses it. I was there when Walker was, and enjoyed watching him play. I just think 30 years ago, things were looked at more different than today, I am not in mamby pamby land, just get a little “erked” when some of these people here try to compare someone whom they most likely only hear stories about, and never seen in action. I still believe as a person above stated, if walker showed up for G-day and participated, he would be leading rusher and we would have more defensive players out with concussions….just saying. I want to see that type of drive in our tailbacks now
Tony
April 13th, 2011
7:06 pm
Hey hahahahahaha
Look at your record. Whatregional do u think ur going to?
CMR Titanic
April 13th, 2011
7:23 pm
This ship is now sinking faster by the minute. Call the Fat Lady now!
Always... Georgia Tech
April 13th, 2011
7:30 pm
Georgia Tech’s football players have the highest SAT scores of any public school in the country, and that’s just one reason why Tech fans love their team so much.
No, they can’t compete with UGA’s dummies and morons, but Tech players don’t end up pushing shopping carts or riding the back of sanitation trucks like UGA players after Mark Richt dumps them when their eligibility is up.
That’s just one of those inconvenient truths for dawgtards.
You must be soooo proud of your goons.
Bawbie
April 13th, 2011
7:46 pm
Fire Dave Perno!
uuugghh
April 13th, 2011
8:48 pm
Always… Georgia Tech,
The GT football players are so smart in fact that they inspire Tech fans the world over to read and post on every single UGA football blog. Holy hell…our team would need to be as smart as Harvard’s…and as bad as Harvard’s to get me to look at a single Tech blog.
Even a bragadocious post such as yours reeks of envy.
IRISH DAWG
April 13th, 2011
9:03 pm
HERSCHEL WA LKER WAS VOTED THE NO 1 PLAYER IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL OF ALL TIME BY ESPN POLL . AND TH E BLEACHER REPORT POLL.
David
April 13th, 2011
9:37 pm
The silence around Ealey this Spring has been deafening.
No interviews with him.
No comments from coaches about Ealey.
None from players about Ealey.
ugab
April 13th, 2011
11:25 pm
It is the same bs every year. Are these players stretching? They gain a bunch of weight but they pull a bunch of muscles! Can I get paid high dollars to get the players in shape/ Alabama hits hard in practice. they r n shape. Saban has dl and ol he no s it starts w the line
ugab
April 13th, 2011
11:27 pm
We recruit a bunch of TEs. No fbs. no dl. no ol.