UGA’s Mark Richt vague on A.J. Harmon, concerned about O-line
Gainesville – Georgia coach Mark Richt didn’t shed any more light on the sudden departure of A.J. Harmon on Tuesday, but he acknowledged that his loss was yet another blow to a precariously thin offensive line.
Richt was here at the Gainesville Civic Center to speak at a “UGA Day” alumni gathering. Beforehand he spoke with reporters about Harmon, a junior offensive tackle from Jefferson County who left the program Tuesday for “personal reasons.”
Asked if he could expound on the reason for Harmon’s departure, Richt quipped, “No, that’s why you say it’s personal reasons. That’s all I can tell you about that. I wish him the best. Good kid.”
Harmon (6-5, 320), a rising junior, projected as a possible starter at right tackle and was going to be at least a primary backup at both right and left tackle. Coupled with the loss of starting left tackle Trinton Sturdivant to a season-ending knee injury and other injury issues, the Bulldogs’ situation on the offensive line is potentially troublesome.
“Well it’s less,” Richt said of the depth on the line. “It’s just going to be an opportunity for someone else. We have confidence that Justin [Anderson] and Cordy [Glenn] play tackle. We believe that [guard] Kenarious Gates can play tackle if need be. . . . We’re getting confidence in Kolton Houston’s ability to play football for us. I would think if something happened to one of the tackles and Gates had to go outside, Kolton would be the next guy inside.”
The problems begin after that.
Georgia thought it had recruited its future tackles the previous two years in Austin Long and Brent Benedict. But both former five-star prospects have incurred serious injury problems that have delayed their ability to contribute.
Long (6-5, 302), a redshirt sophomore, had to have back surgery shortly after arriving in Athens from Memphis. He has basically recovered from that injury before suffering a partially torn pectoral muscle early in spring practice.
“I think the jury is still out on Austin right now just because of the injuries and lack of productivity to this point,” Richt said. “I’m not sure whether he’d ready to go at this point. By the time camp is over, he may get to the point that we’re comfortable enough in him.”
Benedict (6-5, 301), a redshirt freshman, had to have a complete knee reconstruction his senior season at The Bolles School in Jacksonville. He, too, should have been sufficiently recovered by now.
“We had him pegged as at least a right tackle when we signed him,” Richt said. “He was really a tremendous high school football player. Then he has an injury where he gets not only an ACL but nerve damage. He’s having trouble triggering his foot and he’s still trying to recover from that.”
Dallas Lee, a sophomore guard from Buford, is experiencing asthma-like symptoms that may or may not be due to mold issues.
Richt said there’s a chance they may have to turn to true freshmen for depth. Georgia signed three tackles – Watts Dantzler, Zach DeBell and Xzavier Ward – and five offensive linemen overall.
“I think we’ve got enough guys who can line up and play football at a very high level,” Richt said. “But you’d like to have more depth by now. You’d like to have more guys waiting in the wings for their opportunity. I’d rather not go through another cycle of freshmen . . . It’s really not ideal. But if that’s what it takes that’s what we’ll do.”
As for Harmon, there are strong indications his departure was academic related. Harmon had to sit out the Liberty Bowl with an academically-related suspension. His next destination is unknown.
“He called me one day last week and said he was leaving Georgia and that’s all I know,” said J.B Arnold, Harmon’s coach at Jefferson County High. “I told him that we needed to sit down and talk before he did anything, but I haven’t heard from him since.”
Harmon signed with Georgia as a defensive lineman in 2008. He was moved to offensive line that fall and redshirted. He played in three games as a redshirt freshman in 2009 and four as a backup offensive lineman last year.
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150 comments Add your comment
RxDawg
May 17th, 2011
10:13 pm
Uhoh…. it’s looking like this might be a doom and gloom season. Maybe Richt can find a few hogs on the defensive side to fill some space with.
Way to be a lazy moron AJ. The secret to a great life is a great education.
UGA UBA Hypocrite
May 17th, 2011
10:15 pm
Oversigning@UGA.com
Effie's of Athens Boarding House
May 17th, 2011
10:20 pm
The offense can’t keep losing players at this rate.
Mr. SEC
May 17th, 2011
10:25 pm
GOOD! You don’t want to be there, well get your ass out. O-line has not produced in years to what has been expected; give others a chance and stop the BS from future want to be pro’s. He wa never a TEAM player anyway, he wanted what HE wanted! Maybe he and Ealey can room together at some NAIA or D-2 school somewhere. They were made for each other!
tide roll
May 17th, 2011
10:57 pm
All this stuff was forseeable. From graduation losses to losses from attrition. From knee injuries, pre-existing back injuries and academic issues pending since last year’s Liberty Bowl. From inadequate evaluation of talent to finally landing the 9th rated offensive line class in the SEC. For Richt to finally express concern about depth issues tonight rather than a year ago is downright scary, and borders on negligence. Your football program deserves better.
51WTGW50
May 17th, 2011
11:14 pm
Delbert D
Glad you knew the difference.
How are you?
Give me some of you Submariners knowledge on the political front. LOL
Hope you are well and TTU soon.
tide roll
May 17th, 2011
11:20 pm
I guess the “Asthma like conditions that may or may not be due to mold” was not forseeable. I’ll give you that one. Geez, WHAT A PROGRAM!
‘
dawgster
May 17th, 2011
11:35 pm
After this long, you’d think the program would be in better position.
51WTGW50
May 17th, 2011
11:39 pm
dawgster
it is.
the players now think they have to read to get in UGA.
in the old days they knew they didn’t have to even know how to tie their shoes.
UGA has come a long way.
51WTGW50
May 17th, 2011
11:53 pm
When will UGA ever find a player as great as BUTT-SMEAR? He has an Athletic building named after him on campus. When will UGA ever find the next Butt-Smear? maybe if the MUTTS find one they can beat the Gators more than once in a decade.
Class of 93
May 18th, 2011
12:11 am
The folks in Vegas have us around 35/1 to win it all. They know more than us.
sports
May 18th, 2011
12:11 am
what kind of mascot is an elephant…and what is this crap-roll tide?
Class of 93
May 18th, 2011
12:22 am
A National Title can often follow a bad year. Riding down the mountain from knoxville in 1980 dad and i had know idea that we would compete for a National Title.
51WTGW50
May 18th, 2011
12:34 am
@Sports
Are you really that stupid?
The TIDE came from a reporter writing about all the Bama fans entering an opposing teams stadium. He said it looked like a CRIMSON TIDE.
If you don’t know that, then you need to sick to Sports the girls play you fool.
51WTGW50
May 18th, 2011
12:36 am
Class of 93 what were you and dad doing on that mountain? Do I hear the banjos playing?
RED DOG 77
May 18th, 2011
1:00 am
All I can say, is it is oportunity time at Georgia………Every year in college football players who never took a snap in a “live” game trot onto the field and do their team “proud”………As far as Freshmen, their was a guy just a short few years ago who became a freshman All-American……..Trinton Sturdivant…….his days are over, now it’s time for another young [but BIG ] pup to step-up and take his turn at GLORY………Ah yes Glory…………GLORY, GLORY TO ‘OL GEORGIA…………Hey young pups……..here’s your oprtunity……….GATA !!!! GO DOGS !!!!!
P. Bull Terrier
May 18th, 2011
2:08 am
Nomobama – great name, but ignorant comment about the “heffers” on the softball team. Have you ever seen those girls?
Stinger2
May 18th, 2011
3:25 am
Why are all the UGA people concerned about their offensive line?
You have Mr. Crowell who is coming in with his prediction that he will gain 1000 yards and be an All American as a freshman. With a guy like this do you really need to be concerned?
patrick Sulley
May 18th, 2011
4:53 am
dude…….he was a back up with 4 games under his belt………how are we going to miss him and why is this news?
jason m
May 18th, 2011
5:09 am
I believe with Aaron Murray on his sophomore year and having a full season in the sec at 19 years old and putting up Heisman numbers is going to be a force to reckon with for 2011. He will not need as much time to get the ball off, therefore less time for pass protection. If our running backs can stay healthy and get to the outside we will be just fine. As i played football we all know i just takes one or two good blocks from the o line for a running backs to break off a tremendous run. With our defense in the second season in the 3-4 and the way Grantham coaches these boys to be men. Our defense will be in the top 5 in all categories come the end of the season. Therefore giving Aaron Murray and the offense some breathing room when playing in the best conference in college football SEC!!! With Boise st ans South Carolina the first two games of the season, that will be the biggest proving ground to see where we stand as competitors. Coach Mark Richt i cant see you being anywhere else than UGA. With these fair weather fans giving him the boot and the hot seat, i say give the man a break he has done a tremendous job at UGA with our first losing season at Georgia since 1996. All i can say is God speed CMR, you have got my support and prayers for a healthy season and a sec championship with hopefully a NC!!!! GO DAWGS
UGAgrad71
May 18th, 2011
5:52 am
A J Harmon was ranked the 10th best o-lineman and Cordy Glenn the 13th best o-lineman in the country when they signed with UGA. About the same size. A J never appeared to “want it” as much as Cordy. At the college level and especially the SEC, everyone is gifted and talented. No fire in A J, just like Washaun Ealey .
walk on
May 18th, 2011
6:14 am
The good news is that we can still beat tech with me, you and your brother playing ol.
Buckeye
May 18th, 2011
6:34 am
Isaiah, The Annointed One II, don’t need no O-Line.
TennesseeDawg
May 18th, 2011
6:42 am
First!!! Nope, a little late.
jason m
May 18th, 2011
6:49 am
@ Thomas brown well i am glad you can quote stats but do remember he was a freshman. He set several records in the sec that no other freshman has done. If look a little farther in your stat book we were up by one or down by one touch down in the 4th quarter and were up by 3 touchdowns at half time over the defending national champs. its not Murray fault we lost those games, new defense, green being out, king being hurt, washaun being suspended,missed tackles on d, out of shape fourth quarter football. The only one i see that we need to get rid of is offensive coordinator mike bobo, he is the hindrance to positive production of our athletes, field goals on 4th and 1 on the one yard line is unacceptable!!!
jason m
May 18th, 2011
6:54 am
Caleb king will be back busting heads this year healthy and ready to take the rock from the incoming freshman Crowell, which just makes for good competition. Spring game was good our defense was amazing with Ogletree at linebacker now and Jarvis Jones, now the stud Jenkins watch we will be in top 10 in defense in all categories. Cant wait until September…GATA!!!!!!
FanSince59
May 18th, 2011
6:56 am
Could be bad for Richt but good for UGA in the long run.
It Ain't Rocket Science
May 18th, 2011
6:59 am
RHall,
Poor planning for the future. We have three incoming freshman, so I guess that is poor planning. You and a lot of these bloggers on here are so busy, cutting down CMR,the staff and UGA , that you write comments that are not backed with any substantial facts or wisdom. I do not know how you can control injuries and poor decisions by some players if you are a coach.
Boobie Bowden
May 18th, 2011
6:59 am
Nobody wants to play in Bobo’s high school offense.
jason m
May 18th, 2011
7:05 am
buckeye jumping ship cause there program went to the toilet bowl… where they should have been playing!!!!
jason m
May 18th, 2011
7:11 am
r hall is living in fantasy land
It Ain't Rocket Science
May 18th, 2011
7:14 am
Folks,
It appears some folks need something to rally around in here with their constant criticism of CMR, UGA and even the players. Why don’t you folks think about all the bad weather events that have affected a lot of the SEC schools states. You energy could be better used to supply some bucks or maybe even a helping hand to some of the poor folks whose lives have been ravished. Instead of all this hooting back and forth between fans of different schools on here, do something meaningful. I have given to the American Red Cross, and I am sure they could use a lot more. If you can’t afford to help in some way or another physically, pray for these folks. Their sorrow and loss is devastating.
reebok
May 18th, 2011
7:21 am
tech fan here, just observing that 1 or 2 injuries in the pre-season…or an academic ineligibility or 2…will put the Dog’s O-line in very serious trouble. from a coaching standpoint, how hard do you push these guys? get them to the razor’s edge of conditioning and toughness, but risk more injuries?
Jimmy Crack
May 18th, 2011
7:45 am
Compounded by the departure of A.J. Green, Bobo will of course overthink this offensive line problem and rely too heavily on the run and the short passing game. That been said, our talented offensive pieces will force their way through the uber-conservative play calling and shine.
sansho1
May 18th, 2011
7:49 am
I wonder if it might be time to recruit offensive linemen who aren’t already 300+ lbs coming out of high school. These guys are injuries waiting to happen — they carry too much weight on growing frames. Bring in some rangier guys and have them add weight gradually, under real supervision.
Senator Blutarsky
May 18th, 2011
8:14 am
This is great news!!!
Georgia could lose 10 more lineman and be great, because Aaron Murray is the next tom Brady!!!!!!!!
All news is good news for UGA!!!!!!!
sIC EM, WOOF!!!!!!
Richard
May 18th, 2011
8:19 am
Hutson Mason to make major announcement very soon.
I fear the news will not be good for Georgia fans.
Apparently, Mason isn’t excited about his 12 plays in 2010, and didn’t like getting pulled at the end of the G-Day game.
Mason feels he’ll never get a staret at Georgia, even though he outthrew Murray over Spring, Murray still is used more in interviews and such than Mason. Mason was told it was a competition to the best man.
sldkfjslk
May 18th, 2011
8:20 am
More excuses. The walls protecting Aaron Murray and Richt’s regime are falling down. You can’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
T.
May 18th, 2011
8:29 am
51WTGW50 = TROLL
Troll = no life
T.
May 18th, 2011
8:39 am
The difference is…said
You Dawg fans who keep repeating Tech-Georgia scores
You are a moron.Remember the Tech fan would trolled as St. Simons who
constantly put up 45-42 in that fluke win by Tech. Georgia fans don’t
have the market cornered posting scores.I can’t even believe you posted
that. Geez.
Dawg Gone
May 18th, 2011
8:40 am
@The difference is… nothing just the name you spout this drivel under time after time..get a life or new material…your the worse kind of troll…a LAZY one!
AltamahaDawg
May 18th, 2011
8:43 am
Jan Kemp? Good god. Yea, you keep trolling all the UGA blogs, dragging up the only thing you can from 30 yrs ago, and preaching about obsession with somebody else. You can’t even convince yourself. Or how about this, try posting something that has been copied 20 times a week for lack of a real opinion about something. Or do you just need somebopdy else telling you what you think.
And yes, in a State of 10 million citizens it’s a pretty safe assumption that most fans of the State University did not actually attend, and given the % of college graduate in the general popluation most probably aren’t.. And? So? Logical Probabilities not one of those esteemed courses at tek? I attended UGA, and I am appearantly a heck of a lot smarter than you, based on what we read in here, so what’s your point?
DawginLex
May 18th, 2011
8:45 am
I think there are a couple of possible scenarios:
1.) Just go with the true freshmen like Dantzler for depth
2.) Move another player already enrolled to OL
My candidates?
Bruce Figgins
Dexter morant
Mike Thornton
I have nothing to go on regarding my suggestions. Just big bodies who are not going to start at their current positions.
AltamahaDawg
May 18th, 2011
8:48 am
A lazy troll that doesn’t care (or realize)is they come across as dumb and unimaginative. Yea, really took a degree from such a fine institition to achieve that goal.
“unemployment check from waffle house”………geez. I’d be embarrased if anybody thought I couldn’t express myself better that that.
The Tide is rolling and nothing can stop it
May 18th, 2011
8:52 am
Uh oh, Mark Richt starts giving “warnings” after the ESPN pre-season hype article has all the dawgs drolling over the national title biscuit. Hmm…
This Dawg Want Hunt!!
May 18th, 2011
8:52 am
The O.L. should be fine. Richt and BOOBOO don’t ask the line to run block anyway, so as long as they can stand in front of pass rush, UGA will be fine. But, if you think this O.L. looks bad, wait until next year’s line steps on the field. Richt and his clone BOOBOO will be gone, but he will leave the next coach with a major rebuilding job to do. McGarity should have pulled the trigger on Richt last year, this clown has put UGA in such a deep hole that it will take 3 or 4 years to get the program back to respectability. Thanks McGarity&Richt for this mess you have created. And Dawgster,dawginlex, and all you other koolaid drinkers, i have been a UGA fan probably longer than either one of you, but unlike you, i will not continue to send money to UGA until this clown is gone. I’m sick and tired of watching an unprepared team both mentally&physically represent the University of Ga. every saturday. I’m like a major stock holder in a big company, and i’m not buying what this CEO is selling anymore. The value of this stock has been on a downward spiral for 3 consecutive years, and i will be broke if i continue to put money in this terrible product. Maybe you guys can understand this analogy, but i sincerely doubt it. Bottomline to all UGA stockholders, sell this underperforming stock before you go broke.
Paul N Destin
May 18th, 2011
8:52 am
Coach Friend will have someone ready to play and it might be a freshman taking the spot of a starter. Players come and go and that will only get worse in the coming years and that happens at every major college.
The Tide is rolling and nothing can stop it
May 18th, 2011
8:55 am
This Dawg Want Hunt!!
Where exactly was UGA before Richt got there? 20 years of nothing. When are you guys going to realize there is not another Herschel and this is the best you are going to do?
Fulmer Cup Champs
May 18th, 2011
8:57 am
You’ll always have 1980, 6-7ers.
DawginLex
May 18th, 2011
8:57 am
Kool aid drinker?
Nah, just a DAWG who supports the coach as long as he is the coach. It’s called loyalty. Not much of that left these days.
If UGA wins-it is UGA, not Richt. If UGA loses-it is UGA, not Richt.
He is the coach. I support him. Do I agree with everything? No. Do I want more wins? Yes.
Opinions are like rear ends, everyone has one and all of them stink.