With Washaun Ealey’s departure, heat’s turned up on Caleb King, not Isaiah Crowell
Caleb King has averaged more than five yards per carry the last two seasons but has struggled with injuries and suspensions. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
A lot of people may feel like the pressure was turned up on incoming freshman Isaiah Crowell when Georgia and tailback Washaun Ealey decided to part ways this week. I disagree.
As a five-star prospect and the No. 1-rated running back prospect in America, much already was expected of Crowell. And no matter how you slice it, he’s still a true freshman. He’s going to be given the latitude of the learning curve, at least in the early going. He’s not going to be expected to know everything and to do everything just right.
No, if you ask me the heat has been turned up on Caleb King.
King is the fifth-year senior. By default, he is the incumbent starter at tailback.
As such, King is supposed to have the playbook mastered at this point. He should be as proficient a pass blocker as he is a ball carrier. At 23 years old, he’s supposed to be the mature one, the one who leads the other running backs by example.
Whether King has what it takes to do that is unclear. His UGA career has been in a constant state of interruption between injuries and disciplinary infractions. Just last season he missed three games due to suspension and another two and a half with injuries.
Georgia fans have yet to see what a fully-committed, injury-and-suspension-free King might look like.
- As a freshman in 2008, he was buried behind Knowshon Moreno on the depth chart.
- In August of 2009, he missed much of preseason camp with a hamstring injury.
- In September of 2009 he missed 2 1/2 games with a sprained ankle.
- In October of 2009 he suffered a broken jaw against LSU.
- In April of 2010, he missed most of spring practice and the G-Day game with a knee injury.
- In October of 2010, he was suspended for two games after being jailed for failure to appear on a minor traffic charge.
- In December of 2010, he was suspended for the Liberty Bowl for missing academic appointments, a violation of athletic department policy.
But when King has been healthy and available, he’s actually been pretty good. He has averaged over five yards per carry each of the last two seasons, an important statistical indicator in the rough-and-tumble SEC. He averaged 5.2 yards a pop when he rushed for 594 yards as a sophomore and 5.4 while getting only 80 carries last year.
And there were indications this spring that he has finally popped free of controversy.
Asked about Crowell’s impending arrival this summer, King said, “He’s still got to come in and work hard because the rest of us are working hard. We’re all busting our tails. I’m going to try to get him under my wing and go from there.”
As for the events that led to his suspensions, he told reporters, “That will never happen again.”
Coach Mark Richt has already assured us that we’ll likely see much of the ballyhooed Crowell in the season opener. “I wouldn’t be shocked to see him running that rock in the Dome against Boise State on the opening play,” Richt said.
But odds are we’ll see even more of Caleb King.
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305 comments Add your comment
Observation
May 10th, 2011
2:07 pm
1eyedJack
What’s wrong? Are you getting kicked off the Fulton Co library computer?
1eyedJack
May 10th, 2011
2:10 pm
No, I’m analyzing your coloring book so that I can tell your Mama why your such a loser.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
2:18 pm
1eyedJack
Have fun in Memphis. Maybe you clowns will actually score a touchdown this year.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
2:19 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaRCKp1uSq4&feature=related
1eyedJack
May 10th, 2011
2:21 pm
Memphis is not on the schedule.
Dawg in Malta
May 10th, 2011
2:24 pm
Come’on guys & girl if there’s this much bickering among ourselves
we can’t sling mud/s#*t against the rest of the SEC “Least”!!
I was @ Uga during the glory years (1978-1982) & then went through alot of down years.
Be positive…We’ll win the SEC this year mark my words!!
Go Dawgs!!
Observation
May 10th, 2011
2:25 pm
“Memphis is not on the schedule.”
It wasn’t on the schedule last year, either.
Douche Bag Trolls!
May 10th, 2011
2:26 pm
Every fan base is not realistic! Not sure that UGA fans are any different than any college fan: with the exception we are classier than most and not as redneck as others and have better looking coeds and better education and better college town and better facilities and better futures and the fact that YOU could not get accepted and a better mascot and better recruiting pool and better coaching and successful alum…… GATA!
Bubba
May 10th, 2011
2:28 pm
As a UGA fan, I look forward to next year’s National Championship. The loss to UCF really provided motivation more so than the 5 other loses. As I place my 8th black and red Green Bay G on my truck and listen to the hob nailed boot call, I dream of seeing Crowell become the next Herschell Walker. My church is so confident that UGA will win they title they play their fight song every Sunday. This morning, I barked at my neighbor as he left his house until I spilled beer on my Ford tough F150. I can totally see Matt Stafford stopping his military press of his keg and coming back to lead us to another thrilling bowl victory against powerhouse Hawaii. Go Dawgs, Wuff wuff!
Buckeye
May 10th, 2011
2:34 pm
OMG, what if The Annointed One II is a bust??? One lame dog???
LMFAO!!!!
May 10th, 2011
2:36 pm
“we are classier than most and not as redneck as others”, best laugh I have had in years. Not quite as many years since UGA’s last NC, but still quite some time. Yes, when you think UGA, you think dignified, non-rednecks. Priceless!
Calebwho
May 10th, 2011
2:36 pm
Bitch juice!!!!! Just ask Booford.
1eyedJack
May 10th, 2011
2:36 pm
If nothing else at least we can beat the North Ave. Snotgobblers
DawgnearLex
May 10th, 2011
2:40 pm
DawginLex must really have her red panties in a wad.
Jellow Yacket
May 10th, 2011
2:42 pm
Tech’s football players have the highest SAT scores of any public university in the country.
They do indeed, and that’s just one reason why Tech fans love their team so much.
No, they can’t compete with UGA’s punks and morons, but Tech players don’t end up pushing shopping carts or riding the back of garbage trucks like UGA players after Mark Richt dumps them when their eligibility is up.
That’s just one of those inconvenient truths for dawgtards.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
2:42 pm
“with the exception we are classier than most and not as redneck ”
Best laugh of the day.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
2:43 pm
“If nothing else at least we can beat the North Ave. Snotgobblers”
And still ended up with the exact same record.
Root of the problem
May 10th, 2011
2:50 pm
Jack, the rest of the SEC are looking for NC’s, you losers are happy to settle with a victory over your in-state rival that you consider inferior. The fact that you guys put so much stock in such a victory says more about your fans than it does about Tech. And I think what you meant to say was at “most” you guys can beat Tech. Lofty goals you guys have there. Oh and even tech has a nc more recent than your last one.
Buckeye
May 10th, 2011
2:53 pm
Clinch,
Your shift about over?
7576DAWG
May 10th, 2011
2:53 pm
UGA Insider
I think the reason CMR wasn’t fired last year is because McGarity knows how disruptive a head coach change is and after talking with Richt he was convinced that CMR was willing to change from his stubborn attitude of the past. CMR is a great coach but one who needs guidance and McGarity is the man for that. It’s his way or the highway. The UCF lose was probably the worst embarrassing lose in the last 20-30 years. Because of that I think if we start 0-2 McGarity will replace Richt the Sunday after the South Carolina game. But, I also think if we start 2-0 that before the 3rd game McGarity will give Richt a 3 year extension mainly so the recruits will know CMR will be there .
Buckeye
May 10th, 2011
2:53 pm
Observation,
For the umpteenth time on this blog, I predicted Tressel would resign sooner than later.
Sooner appears to be turning into later.
Buckeye
May 10th, 2011
2:55 pm
Which FLA linebacker is goiing to eye gouge The Annointed One II ??
ClinchCountyDawg
May 10th, 2011
2:58 pm
Buckeye
Crowell is going to be the man. He should go over 1000 yds. The news out of Columbus is getting bad for the Buckeyes. Now, football players are getting free cars.
LIar Liar Vest on Fire!!!!
1eyedJack
May 10th, 2011
2:59 pm
Observation, last year you guys beat South Carolina State, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia, Middle Tennessee State, and Duke.
Wow, that IS impressive.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
3:00 pm
Buckeye
Not that I’m defending UGAG fans, but why are you here?
Observation
May 10th, 2011
3:01 pm
“Observation, last year you guys beat South Carolina State, North Carolina, Wake Forest, Virginia, Middle Tennessee State, and Duke.”
Who did UGA beat?
UGA's academic ranking among state public universities
May 10th, 2011
3:11 pm
“People who cite that never even went there,” so says one poster. Blanket statements get you in trouble. I have a UGA degree, which nullifies your statement, but so what if people who didn’t go there cite UGA’s academics? What is wrong with that? Why exhibit such an elitist attitude toward anyone who is proud of the flagship state university? All Georgia taxpayers have contributed in some way to the University, and deserve to feel pride if they wish, whether they went to college in Athens or not.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
3:13 pm
“I have a UGA degree, which nullifies your statement, but so what if people who didn’t go there cite UGA’s academics?”
Funny thing about the internet. People can pretend to be something they’re not.
1eyedJack
May 10th, 2011
3:14 pm
You know who we beat. That’s why you’re obsessing on a UGA blog.
WDE
May 10th, 2011
3:14 pm
astrouga newsflash…a freshman running has come into UGA and won us a NC…not saying it will happen again but before you start calling others out…history laddie know it love it!
Response to Bubba
May 10th, 2011
3:17 pm
If by next year you mean 2011, I think you are off by a year. Should make a run at it in 2012 if things break right.
Thank goodness you are not a typical Georgia fan, if you do all those things you said you do. Sounds like you could use a reality adjustment. It is just a sport. Of course, Bama, Auburn, Florida, all have some fans who go overboard, so I should not be too harsh with you.
Andy in Macon
May 10th, 2011
3:20 pm
@7576Dawg You obviously were not in the stands for the Homecoming game against Vandy in Goff’s last season! less than a minute in the game and we were down 14-0. Two endzone KO fumbles–totally incompetent. UCF doesn’t come close. Besides every program has those games ask ALA about Northern Louisiana.
Douche Bag Trolls!
May 10th, 2011
3:25 pm
Glad to see that my post made several of you happy! Thanks! Now you can go back to reading you star wars trilogy.
DawginLex
May 10th, 2011
3:25 pm
Funny thing about the internet. People can pretend to be something they’re not.
*******************************************************************
Truth. But for some, it is painfully obvious for us to see what they are.
Beast from the East
May 10th, 2011
3:33 pm
Lot’s of hate on here today.
For the record, UF had another player, freshman Mike Blakely, decide to transfer today.
Douche Bag Trolls!
May 10th, 2011
3:42 pm
The hate stems from Douche Bag Trolls that have no team or clue about culture and pride! GATA! Glad to see Muschamp keeping it together, looks like he too will be there down fall similar to what the orange has accomplished in T. Do not hate on the DAWGS just because we are BACK!
Jerry Alexander
May 10th, 2011
3:45 pm
First not sure where the information from 0ne blogger cam from but Georgia won the National Championship in 1980.
Now for more important things to speak of:
1. I hope Ealey finds a home. I was pulling for him but understand the decision.
2. I believe someone will take a big step forward at tailback. I think it will be Malcome.
3. I believe this team is different in a good way this year and yes, believe it’s going to be a solid season.
4. I’m excited about the receiving group and the TE’s. They will have a big impact on the offense abililty to score touchdowns this upcoming season.
5. I am curious to see if there is an rb that we have not heard of on Georgia’s roster. that may impact the running game? Sometimes there are players who don’t show much in scrimmage but plays big in live games. I remember such a player during the time my son’s played football.The kid was after thought because he wasn’t a stand-out in practice but got the opportunity by default due to injuries and not only led his team in rushing but the conference! Go figure.
Coach Grantham and his assistants seem to have things going in the right direction and hopefully it will have a positive impact this season.
I hope Coach Bobo will open it up and be a little more creative. Like-well you know the teams.
Have a great year.
Joey
May 10th, 2011
3:52 pm
Caleb King: “I’m going to try to get him under my wing and go from there.”
***************************************
Oh hell!
Seriously, let your running to the talking this season.
Chip Towers
May 10th, 2011
4:05 pm
1eyedJack: I guess it’s like the guy who responds to a punch in an athletic contest. Racism in any form won’t be tolerated here. If you see somebody crossing that line, report them on the form provided on the blog and we’ll take care of it.
Jason
May 10th, 2011
4:08 pm
Georgia’s in trouble with Fumble King carrying the rock.
ugastro
May 10th, 2011
4:13 pm
WDE,
(would have replied earlier, but it seems my posts aren’t making it)
Are you comparing Herschel with Crowell? Really? Please…I think Herschel is making a strong case today that he is one of the truly special athletes in the world. It is a little early to start putting Crowell in the same category.
ugastro
May 10th, 2011
4:15 pm
Chip,
What is up with my posts being blocked? I tried 3 times (even from different networks)…nothing bad said at all. They all went in the bit bucket!
Really lame policy here. Let the Richt-haters post all they want, but when someone wants to try to bring some reason to the discussion, they get blocked.
astrouga
DawginLex
May 10th, 2011
4:25 pm
Looks like Petrino at Arkansas and Pinkel at Mizzou are joining in on the tough times club.
Arkansas booted a WR
QB Tyler Gabbart transferred
I guess Petrino is losing control and Pinkel is showing favoritism according to some of the famous TROLL comments?
@Yella Jackets
May 10th, 2011
4:25 pm
“No, they can’t compete with UGA’s punks and morons, but Tech players don’t end up pushing shopping carts or riding the back of garbage trucks like UGA players after Mark Richt dumps them when their eligibility is up.”
So what are Reggie Ball and Joe Hamilton up to these days?
Still Winning
May 10th, 2011
4:29 pm
Observation vs Dawg Fans. Funny Stuff!
DawginLex
May 10th, 2011
4:31 pm
Still winning-quoting Charlie Sheen??
What a dumba$$
Still Winning
May 10th, 2011
4:38 pm
Ball is currently signed to play for the Bricktown Brawlers of the Indoor Football League in 2011. Hamilton is a football intern for Georgia State.
Still Winning
May 10th, 2011
4:41 pm
What a bright comeback DawginLex!
Observation
May 10th, 2011
4:42 pm
“Observation vs Dawg Fans. Funny Stuff!”
Dawg fans don’t fair well against common sense.
Observation
May 10th, 2011
4:45 pm
“What a bright comeback DawginLex!”
Take out bright and you have DawginLex.