Ealey not expected to play on G-Day; Geathers, Jenkins together on D-line?
(Updated 9:15 p.m.)
ATHENS — The hamstring injury that has kept tailback Washaun Ealey on the sideline for most of Georgia’s spring practice also figures to keep him out of Saturday’s G-Day game.
“I don’t think Washaun will go,” coach Mark Richt said Thursday.
Ealey had expected to return to practice this week, but Richt said that proved overly optimistic.
“Washaun has never had a hamstring injury before,” Richt said. “What happens a lot of times is, you feel good enough to walk at your normal gait and . . . you might even be able to jog. But when you truly go full speed or compete or go through a practice where you begin to fatigue, then you’re getting close to pulling it again. Guys don’t realize it, but once they feel like they’re ready, it’s usually another week to 10 days before you can really go if it was a pretty significant pull, which [Ealey's] was.”
Ealey was on the field Thursday, but not in shoulder pads, as the Bulldogs went through their final practice before G-Day. He has been sidelined for 10 of Georgia’s 14 practices, including both of its scrimmages, so far this spring.
The G-Day game will be the last chance for the Bulldogs’ other tailbacks to make an impression before the arrival this summer of prized recruit Isaiah Crowell, who is expected to immediately compete for the starting job.
Veteran tailbacks Caleb King and Carlton Thomas are on the “Red” team for G-Day, while Ken Malcome and walk-on Brandon Harton figure to get most of the carries for the “Black” team.
Malcome, who was redshirted as a freshman last season, missed last week’s scrimmage with a nagging groin injury. But he has practiced this week and should be available Saturday, Richt said.
—–
Depleted secondary
Richt estimated that at least 10 players will miss G-Day because of injuries, although coaches are awaiting word on some others from head trainer Ron Courson.
The defensive backfield, which has been particularly hard hit by injuries, could have five players out of action Saturday.
Safety Bacarri Rambo won’t play because of a sprained knee ligament, and cornerback-safety Sanders Commings (concussion), safety Jakar Hamilton (concussion) and cornerback Jordan Love (hamstring) aren’t expected to play. Cornerback Brandon Boykin’s status is “kind of iffy,” said Richt, who added: “We’re leaning toward him not going right now.”
Fans at G-Day should be able to see Alec Ogletree at his new position, though. Moved from safety to inside linebacker at the start of spring practice, Ogletree was back at practice Thursday after missing several sessions with a strained groin.
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Geathers and Jenkins
Kwame Geathers‘ strong spring at nose guard has defensive coordinator Todd Grantham thinking about potentially playing Geathers and John Jenkins, the prized junior-college nose guard who will join the Bulldogs this summer, together on the defensive line.
Geathers is listed at 350 pounds, and Jenkins is up to 361, according to defensive line coach Rodney Garner.
If Georgia wants both in the game, could one of them play end?
“There ain’t a rule against it,” Grantham said. “You’ve got to find a way to play your best players. It’s not always going to be maybe the perfect scenario.”
Grantham also said: “There’s nothing etched in stone those two guys have to be noses. We’ll see how it goes. We’ve got a couple of different packages.”
Garner said Geathers has made “a lot of improvement” since last fall. “He’s using his hands much better than he did last year and playing stouter,” Garner said.
Geathers’ progress — and Jenkins’ impending arrival — freed DeAngelo Tyson to move from nose guard to defensive end, where he is thriving. Tyson “has shown dramatic improvement” this spring, said Garner, who also has been pleased with the play of Abry Jones at the other end position.
—–
Sturdivant’s rehab
Offensive tackle Trinton Sturdivant, who underwent surgery this week on a torn right ACL, faces his third round of rehabilitation from major knee surgeries.
“Knowing you’ve got to go through that rehab is no fun, and not being certain where you go next, so to speak, is tough on him right now,” Richt said. “The goal for all of us is to rally around him and encourage him and help him rehab . . . and then also help him go wherever he chooses to go because he does still have options of what he can do.”
Options include applying for a sixth year of eligibility in 2012 if he misses the entire 2011 season.
– Tim Tucker, AJC
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141 comments Add your comment
UGA '01
April 15th, 2011
1:05 am
The concussions mean a lot of hitting. I would guess the pulled groins and hamstrings having nothing to do with “GATA” or any of those old words or tricks that used to work back in 2002 and 05. In my experience (i am a trainer), it simply means that either the guys or coaches aren’t taking stretching seriously / or the ratio of heavy lifting to stretching is not in balance. The new lifting scheme seems to have produced good results muscle wise….but sometimes too much, too fast creates these pulled muscle issues.
eriecliper
April 15th, 2011
1:46 am
51WTGW50 and John the same person, or are they just “Don’t ask don’t tell” buddies?
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 15th, 2011
6:15 am
Why are 51 and John, if not the same person (read, immature jerks), even on this blog. Sort of like a pimple on the backside of humanity. They or it or he is probably all of 5′9″ and couldn’t tackle a cheer leader if it’s life depended on it. The closest they have come to a football is touching one at the Walmart. I would hope they are not teenagers because they give them all a bad name. As the saying goes; “Everybody has to climb fools hill, It just takes longer for some folks to reach the top than it does others”. In other words, some folks are just bound to be idiots and failures their entire lives. He, it, them prove the point.
chilidawg
April 15th, 2011
7:03 am
Ealey is not expected to play against Boise State, either. I watched a replay of the Arkansas game recently. Late in the fourth, game tied, UGA had all the momentum. Ealey throws the most pathetic block you’ve ever seen and Murray almost gets decapitated. We punt, Arky scores in the final seconds. I’d love to be pleasantly surprised by Ealey this year, but I’m not counting on it.
JB
April 15th, 2011
7:08 am
The bacon is in the pan. Lot of talk about better S&C, attitudes,commitment, more physical spring ball, Richt 100% focused and studying football, Top notch opening game to motivate during off season etc etc……This IS/Will be the year…………Or?
AltamahaDawg
April 15th, 2011
7:12 am
Washaun should have just eaten his broccoli like they told him to.
chiefdawg
April 15th, 2011
7:32 am
Geathers is probably doing good because the offensive line is awful.
Dawgbreath
April 15th, 2011
7:43 am
My goodness, I could see Lattimore just blowing by Jenkins and Geathers who has been known to loaf and take plays off. Not good IMO.
59bulldawg
April 15th, 2011
7:56 am
Unless Jenkins or Geathers are both extremely quick and agile enough to play end, I don’t see how we can play them both in the current scheme . . . and especially at the same time in the middle . . . unless we make some extreme variation with the linebackers. Too many of my Dawg brothers are giving up way too quickly on Ealey. I know he had a not so great year in 2010 but this guy can still help us and if he can get his act together will play a great deal in 2011.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 15th, 2011
7:59 am
DAWGBreath,
So you have this information about Jenkins supposedly loafing off and taking plays off occasionally. Mind giving the DAWGS fans some of the references referring to that. Seems to me quite a few colleges wanted Jenkins, and I never saw anything derogatory about his playing time. My guess is lattimore just might have a small problem getting by on either of these guys and I surely do not see him running them over. Support your facts if you would be so kind, or you present yourself as just another troll.
Me
April 15th, 2011
8:21 am
So long as Bozo is our offensive coordinator, I don’t care if we have Randy Moss and John Elway, we aren’t going to win a Championship. How is Bozo still on staff?
dawgfan
April 15th, 2011
8:25 am
It’s about that time of year again. Time for Techies to get all brave and proud and start running their mouths about UGA like they have anything to say to us whatsoever. 9 out of the past 10 AND COUNTING. For people who constantly boast about how smart they are they sure do have some short memories. It takes about 3 or 4 months for them to bury their annual loss to UGA deep in to their subconscience so they can pretend like it never happened. Techies have mental problems.
Anyway, most of these clowns don’t have the courage to identify themselves as Tech fans and that’s fine. They know who they are.
Thanks.
JB
April 15th, 2011
8:28 am
Me……………………….Bobo’s name Never comes up for an opening. Not even Mars Hill. Loyalty will be Richts downfall. Players and coach’s.
Druid City
April 15th, 2011
8:29 am
Carlton Thomas up the middle on 2nd & long and the 3rd & long play action only work on G-Day.
It makes a fan wonder, “Why?”
JB
April 15th, 2011
8:33 am
Last two years….our MVP……………….Our punter, Drew Butler. We must lead the SEC in three and outs. They have moved the Augusta venue for Richt’s visit this year ( for real). The other place was too big. used to get 600-700……. Bulldawg club rep tells me 200 this year…..GO DAWGS. I’ll be there.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 15th, 2011
8:33 am
Druid City,
You call yourself a fan? Of what team. You never have anything but derogatory comments to say about UGA. Ever think that part of the hyping up of C. Thomas might be to see if any of the other runnings backs will see the type and get their game up to play?
Druid City
April 15th, 2011
8:33 am
dawgfan,
You sound like a Kentucky fan, bragging about beating Vanderbilt in football.
Druid City
April 15th, 2011
8:34 am
Druid City = Tuscaloosa.
me
April 15th, 2011
8:36 am
isiah could be a flop also. wait and see how he does before we put him as the savior.
DawginLex
April 15th, 2011
8:41 am
I bet Caleb and Washaun have great years regardless of the G Day scrimmage.
Our defense is going to be the best we have had in some time.We are not going to be forced to score 30+ points every game in order to win.
JDawg1785
April 15th, 2011
8:48 am
Sounds like things are looking better on D. If Jenkins and Geathers can’t play together, there’s no shame in rotating them out for depth. That can only help the Dawgs. Looking forward to seeing what CTG has cooked up.
I’m still pretty worried about the O-line and the running game, but which Georgia fans aren’t? I’m not ready to give up on Ealey as the go-to guy, but I’ll drop that faith like a bad habit if he doesn’t come out focused and ready to roll against Boise. The guy has plenty of talent but his issue is all mental. If he can get his act together, he’ll be a good back next season. If he can’t, we’ll be hoping that Malcome and Crowell have what it takes.
Looking forward to Saturday! Go Dawgs!
mcdawg
April 15th, 2011
8:54 am
the Ealey detractors are nuts-he is a hard tough runner-King is better in the open field but if you need 3 yds i like washaun
1eyedJack
April 15th, 2011
8:56 am
Those running back pairings for G-Day look pretty even.
From what I saw last year there were A LOT of times that the Dawgs didn’t line up in the 3-4. A lot of plays we had 4 DLs in the game.
Put Tyson, Jenkins, and Geathers on the line and maybe a Ray Drew or C. Washington at OLB who can come up and put his hand on the ground as the situation or formation warrants.
Hope Geathers is working with Uncle Jumpy on his “fork lift” move.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 15th, 2011
8:59 am
Druid City also equals the failed World Basketball Team, that tried to establish a team there also. So I guess this means you are a Bama fan trolling on a blog that concerns UGA. Got ya now.
South GA Dawg
April 15th, 2011
9:04 am
The key to being a great running back is having a great offensive line. It isnt hard for a 300 pound man to takle a 210 pound back if there is nowhere to run. The line is the key to havinfg a good running game and UGA has not had a good line. This year? well we will see.
Trojan
April 15th, 2011
9:07 am
John: If interest is so low, why are you posting every 5 minutes. Get a hobby. There is probably a blog where you can pull for your team instead of gushing stupidity on this blog.
Get a hobby.
Get a girlfriend.
coachx
April 15th, 2011
9:08 am
In the 3-4 60% of the time 4 guys have their hands in the dirt anyway………play them together on those plays and they are both basically playing the same roles as 4-3 DTs.
dbc
April 15th, 2011
9:09 am
I watched the Arkansas replay the other night, and I’m still trying to figure out how Bobo has a job.
It Ain't Rocket Science
April 15th, 2011
9:10 am
I agree with you DAWGINLEX,
I think they will come around. They have both been the route of a couple of spring practices before so they know the storyline. The only thing i might be paying more attention to is the fact that Crowell will be showing up in the fall to compete with them. CMR could have been a little less pro-Crowell and a little more supportive of the other two. At the same time, They both have had their off field and on field problems so I guess time will tell.
DawginLex
April 15th, 2011
9:16 am
Rocket,
I’m glad richt said what he said about Crowell for King and Ealey to hear it and understand that they haven’t porven anything.
David
April 15th, 2011
9:20 am
Who cares the Dawgs will still suck you have Mike Bobo calling the plays .
DawginLex
April 15th, 2011
9:30 am
Thanks David for that stirring commentary.
Our lives are now complete.
Bless you oh great genius.
We are not worthy.
cmac22
April 15th, 2011
9:35 am
Be serious …. can anyone ever really expect Ealey to EVER be able to play in a game? Between injuries & suspensions he is unreliable & the Dawgs should let this clown go!
UGA Insider
April 15th, 2011
9:50 am
Geathers and Jenkins should be a deadly combination. Put them together on critical run situations in tight games….. sounds great to me.
Now for some UGA Insider info….. coaches are just as excited to get Nick Marshall & Damian Swann in camp as they are Isiah Crowell. We are paper thin at DB and Safety and those guys can easily be starting against Boise. Coaches have not told me personally but I believe they are thinking these players are that legit. I have heard Coach T has been working with their current high school coaches on their diet and work out programs to make sure they are ready for camp. DO NOT be surprised to see these true freshman start immediately.
On a sad note I’m worried about Ealey…. many times when I see a disgruntled player with a lingering injury I think of the word transfer. Especially when it’s a hamstring. Let me tell everyone something….Ealey is the most talented runner currently in Athens at the moment. He has the talent to be all world and he does have NFL caliber speed and size. I hope he doesn’t transfer but I’m worried and I can’t get anyone to tell me anything. The silence is defening.
Paul N Destin
April 15th, 2011
9:50 am
Counting on Ealey to change from what he is/has been isn’t a plan for the future. I assume CMR is trying to determine who will be the 2nd back to go with Crowell so when summer practice arrives he doesn’t waste anymore time on those that don’t want to be apart of the process. The best thing for UGA is for Ealey to not return for fall. Sometime you need to remove the negative to see what really is a positive.
Bazooka Joe
April 15th, 2011
9:54 am
Agree with a lot of the comments on here… my take:
RB – I’m glad Coach Richt hyped IC – none of our current backs have shown any consistency whatsoever, and usually when they lapse it is at a critical time which makes it even more visible. Maybe a little job insecurity will focus them. I hope so.
Bobo, I cant tell you how many times I sat in the stands and called the play before we even broke the huddle. Very frustrating. HOWEVER, I have also seen him call some good games, and other times the right call but the players didnt execute. We have to remember that every play that doesnt work isnt the fault of the OC – the players have to execute it. Far too often over the last few years that has not happened either. Case in point, an earlier reference to the Arky game when Ealy whiffed on a block and Murry almost got killed.
I’ll be there Sat, trying to figure out if I want the red team or the black team (annual bet – winner gets steak on the grill, loser gets hot dogs on the grill tomorrow night). Anyone know where I can see who is on which team for the scrimmage ? I know they changed it up this year.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
April 15th, 2011
9:55 am
Will not make the game as I have Little League obligations all day tomorrow, but the most interesting news is Geathers/Jenkins combo. It sounds great knowing the depth we will have at NG this upcoming season to free up the ILB to make some plays. GO Dawgs and stay healthy tomorrow.
Bazooka Joe
April 15th, 2011
9:55 am
Sorry, poor spelling… Ealey…. Murray
Buckeye
April 15th, 2011
10:01 am
How shall I prepare for the second coming? The Savior. The Annointed One.
Obama in 2012 or Isaiah this summer??
SLCDawg
April 15th, 2011
10:03 am
how about a 2-5 with jenkins and geathers? ha!
NFL Bound
April 15th, 2011
10:03 am
Doubt Crowell will play for the Dawgs…EVER. At the rate things are going in Athens he’ll likely be stolen!
AltamahaDawg
April 15th, 2011
10:04 am
I expect Ealey to play in a game.
HECKLE
April 15th, 2011
10:26 am
No connemt!
Pago Pago Dawg
April 15th, 2011
10:27 am
I think we should give king and ealey 2-3 more years to prove themselves. And what heppened to “tailback u”?
Dawg Gone
April 15th, 2011
10:28 am
Buckeye I reckon you and your sweater vests will be constantly on the blog for at least the first 5 weeks of this upcoming season ? Once the TAT 5 and Mr.Sweater Vest return we can expect a lull…..until then “bless your heart” you just blather away..
Alabama | MrSEC.com
April 15th, 2011
10:29 am
[...] is considering using Kwame Geathers and juco transfer John Jenkins — both nose guards — on the D-line at the same time with one moving to defensive end.5. It’s now or never for Kentucky receiver Aaron Boyd.6. [...]
ugaclassof2004
April 15th, 2011
10:34 am
I think Ealey’s problem is mental instead of physical. It seemed like after he had those fumbles in the South Carolina game, he just wasn’t the same the rest of the season. He would hit holes more tentatively than usual. And once the offense started to center around the passing game, you could tell Ealey kind of lost his confidence. He still had a few good games vs. Tech and UK and rushed for over 800 yards and 11 TD’s( both of which were more than 2009), but those stats are misleading. The year before he rushed for over 700 yards in 9 games not 12, and probably would have hit 1,000 had he played in all 13 games. I personally think Ealey could make a big impact this year, especially with the departure of AJ Green and Kris Durham in the passing game. Ealey’s got the physical skills to at least be as good as Musa Smith, but he’s got to be right mentally. So far it doesn’t seem like he is. Richt would do well let some of his guys read some of these meditation books like “Calming your anxious mind” by John Brantley. I know Ryan Mallett read a few of his books last year, and except for a few boneheaded plays here and there, his play improved on the field. I think if Ealey is able to “calm his mind” a bit and get in the zone, he could be a factor back this season. But if he continues to be a basketcase mentally, he may just end up being 3rd string.
DawginLex
April 15th, 2011
10:46 am
Hey 51 50,
I killed a nest of yellow jackets the other day.
you gonna call P E T A on me?
Some of them could have been mascot candidates for “The Institute”
David
April 15th, 2011
10:57 am
Dawginlex you are just too special must suck to be a fan of a sad program such as UGA . I just love the fact that UGA sports is riding on the success of the Gym Dawgs becuase the rest of the teams cant win at anything . Wow keep up the good work .
bitter charlie trippi
April 15th, 2011
10:58 am
1942 through 1946————–great dawg years —–two national championships—–well hershal
————————–what say you??????
——————————-dawgs will rule again