Offensive line: Continued attrition makes this position one of Georgia’s biggest liabilities
It’s July, which means we’re about one month away from the start of preseason football practices in Athens. So it’s time to start taking a closer look at Georgia’s 2011 football team. Over the next 10 days or so, I’ll be breaking down each of the Bulldogs’ position groups to give you an idea who are the projected starters and what the expectations might be for this season. Then, as always, we’ll throw it open for your commentary and analysis. There are only 64 days until Georgia’s season opener against Boise State. Time to get busy. . . .
THE OFFENSIVE LINE
- Projected starters: LT Cordy Glenn (Sr., 6-5, 348), LG Kenarious Gates (So., 6-5, 328), C Ben Jones (Sr., 6-3, 316), RG Chris Burnette (RSo., 6-2, 313), RT Justin Anderson (Sr., 6-5, 342).
- Others to watch: Austin Long, Kolton Houston and Dallas Lee all will be getting their first action as backups this season. Their development will be critical to establishing much-needed depth.
- Key losses: Four-year starter Clint Boling took his talents to the NFL and would-be senior and projected starter Trinton Sturdivant was lost for a season for the third time in his career due to a knee injury this past spring.
- Recent developments: Georgia lost two players who would have otherwise contributed this season. Junior A.J. Harmon, who was battling for the starting job at right tackle, transferred to Alabama State this past spring after running into academic problems at UGA. Redshirt freshman Brent Benedict, who was slated as a backup at right guard while recovering from a serious high school knee injury, abruptly quit the team in June for “personal reasons.” He, too, was offered an unconditional release.
- Key fact: The offensive line will be under the direction of first-year coach Will Friend. Friend was hired on Feb. 7 to replace Stacy Searels, who bolted for the University of Texas the previous month. Friend came to Athens from UAB, where he worked under former Georgia line coach Neil Callaway. Friend served as a grad assistant under Mark Richt at Georgia in 2003-04.
- Key fact II: This line is not as inexperienced a bunch as it may appear. The projected starters have 85 starts between them, including 70 combined by Glenn and Jones. The problem is there is zero experience among the backups and both Glenn and Anderson are relatively new to tackle having gotten most of their action at guard.
- Key question: Will any of the incoming freshmen be asked to contribute? The Bulldogs signed five highly-touted linemen out of this high school, none of whom was initially counted on to play. Tackle Xzavier Ward is recovering from knee surgery and is a likley redshirt. But someone out of the group that includes C David Andrews, G/T Watts Dantzler, T Zach DeBell and G Hunter Long is going to have to help.
- Outlook: Poor. If Georgia manages to negotiate the season without a starter losing significant time to an injury — a virtual impossibility — this could end up being a serviceable SEC group. More than likely the Bulldogs are going to have to coach around this position as a liability.
- Your turn: What say you about the offensive line?
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242 comments Add your comment
Born2Bark
July 1st, 2011
8:55 am
People keep posting that we don’t recruit enough OL and this problem is a result of that…, wrong: 1 starter went down to injury and 2 others who would’ve provided future depth left the program. Barring those unfortunate circumstances you have depth. I’m not going to get down on them and start crying in my beer like some. The coaches and current OL starters are fully aware they have to give the new guys a crash course, and they have 2 months to get stronger. With our depth at TE, we ought to use Artie Lynch on the OL, he’s nearly 300 now and strong as a bull. GO DAWGS!
Dawg in Milton
July 1st, 2011
8:57 am
I don’t get the Stacy Searels downfall? He was great at LSU and AU tried to hire him a couple of times, but why no success at UGA? Was it the players or should I say the lack of players? I hope the new coach can put it together, this is a good OL we have, most teams don’t have quality backups. I see UGA as last years AUs team….NC for 2011….
1953Dawg
July 1st, 2011
8:57 am
Same old song and dance with Richt at the helm of the UGA program. UGA has been weak and has had no depth on the O.L. since 2002. Richt and his staff are terrible at evaluating and developing talent at every position, just happens the O.L. is where they fail miserably. I hate to say it, but it’s not just the O.L that has no depth. It’s the entire team. UGA has no playmakers at w.r, or r.b. Couple that with an O.L that want be able to block anyone, and you have a total disaster against quality defenses. On the defensive side of the ball, it is just as bad. No depth at L.B., D.L, corner, and especially safety. Don’t know how UGA is in this critical state. Oh wait, now i do, Richt knows what the hell he is doing. LOL!!
Actually
July 1st, 2011
8:58 am
Searles got a $135,000 raise to go to Texas. But, I think we will like our new Friend.
collegeballfan
July 1st, 2011
9:01 am
I have not kept a file and do not have real numbers to rely on, but I have the belief that OL has always been a high attrition position. OL types to not always make the transition from high school to college ball. It is a high injury position.
Bobby Ross used to preach always having 16 OL on scholarship and as many walk-ons as you can get your hands on. Makes sense.
Bama in Atlanta
July 1st, 2011
9:01 am
I agree with Chip’s assessment of the O-line and I think there are five key factors that will determine the team’s success regarding the O-line:
1) Protect Murray
2) Learn better blocking techniques
3) Protect Murray
4) Read & adjust to shifting defenses better
5) Wait for it……….Protect Murray
If Friend can add value to items 2 & 4 then that would be a big help to items 1, 3 & 5. Of course, the RBs being able to pick up blitzes effectively will be a big factor in the odd numbered items as well.
Ok, enough talk…..I’m ready for kickoff!
roughrider
July 1st, 2011
9:01 am
It’s hard to run the ball with a weak offensive line.I predict 7 wins for the dogs this year.
BulldogBen
July 1st, 2011
9:03 am
I agree with most that this seems to be a yearly concern but I’m not ready to freak out by any stretch. Still, it’s pretty telling that the running game has fallen off the planet since Knowshon left (except for the 2009 Tech game). That coincides with this current group beginning to make starts.
I’m far less concerned with this than our secondary. I’m already having nightmares about 5′11 Branden Smith having to cover Alshon Jeffrey.
killer harper
July 1st, 2011
9:03 am
You can laugh if you want to but UGA is still paying for the 0 OL that Donnan signed his last year in Athens. Laugh it you want but you have never caught back up.
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 1st, 2011
9:04 am
1953Dawg @July 1st, 2011 8:57 am
I doubt that you are a Dawg. Just another Richt hater. You seem clueless to the facts. No playmaker at WR? What do you call AJ Green? Go back to your team’s blog, what, AU, GT, Bammie?
Born2Bark
July 1st, 2011
9:04 am
@1953Dawg: I think your comments are far too extreme…”terrible at evaluating talent at every position”…, doesn’t hold water with the large amount of players UGA puts in the NFL every year. Now whether those players are coached to their full potential is a different argument, but your off the mark saying that.
PaleRider
July 1st, 2011
9:06 am
I just don’t understand it. Most of these guys have been playing on the offensive line every fall since they were 10-12 years old. As they grow, they play against other guys with the same amount of experience. How many thousands of times have they practiced and played, and blocked and blocked and blocked? And then every year we have to hear about “inexperience”. Every starter is over 300 pounds. And our line is going to be a weakness? Is whining about the line part of a coach’s job description?
BulldogBen
July 1st, 2011
9:06 am
roughrider, I’d say 8 with our schedule. Saw a pretty telling stat the other day. In the history of college football, teams have had 4 wins more than they did the previous season only 5.6% of the time.
You never know but I think people holding out for a miracle season need to get ready for disappointment.
I don’t know WHAT will happen if Richt only wins 8 games. I could see him getting fired as easily as him staying.
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 1st, 2011
9:07 am
Killer Harper – so after 10 years we are still paying for Donnan’s recruiting? What you smokin’ brother?
JB
July 1st, 2011
9:13 am
Had to leave , I’m back…………When I made the comment about Georgia and the running game, the Dawgs games I have watched the last two years is that when we start out running the ball, with some success, Bobo with abandon it. I know it was done a lot because we got way behind early…not a shot, just the truth. Anybody else agree with that observation?
hike!!!
July 1st, 2011
9:15 am
Just utilize the depth at tight end. With the abundance of talent there, a lot of 2 tight end plays with Charles either staying to block, as needed, or slipping out to catch passes would be an excellent way to maximize their talent and offset their weaknesses.
JB
July 1st, 2011
9:17 am
If Richt wins 8 games AND loses to Florida, Adams will extend his contract. Not McGarity, Adams. Now Adams will order McGarity to tell the world it was HIS idea, not Adams. I think, heck I know Adams is a big Richt fan, McGarity, not so sure. He sat in the press box with Foley for 9 years at Florida and watched Richt and Georgia play Florida. He knows the problems.
Realistic
July 1st, 2011
9:19 am
UGA is doomed once again..it all starts w/ the o-line. Defenses will light UGA up this year. Murray doesn’t have a go-to guy anymore, the run game has been less than mediocre in the past & will continue to be. The ‘dream team’ are inexperienced-they won’t show up til’ 2 years from now once they learn the system. Back 2 Back 7-6 seasons & Richt will lose to either FLA. or TN. for the 11th year in a row…I’m just being REALISTIC, not pessimistic.
JB
July 1st, 2011
9:22 am
Realistic, you are pretty close to reality………I’ve been reading about how much better the defense will be, but do any of us really know. I’m hoping it is………….They said this time last year it was gonna be good…..attacking……….11 hats on the ball….yadda yadda yadda…………hello 6-6.
Ringleader
July 1st, 2011
9:24 am
Searles and Bobo never meshed………they had it out over the play selection and style of play for the line. You know, 4th and 2 inches, where is my field goal kicker. Texas is making a return to the power game and he will fit in fine. After seeing the Central Fla disaster, I am not sure where we are going.
St. Richt
July 1st, 2011
9:25 am
It doesn’t matter, Georgia will still beat Florida, win the east, and then the SEC championship en route to the NC. (according to Georgia fans)
dublin dawg
July 1st, 2011
9:28 am
We to STOP BELLY ACHING about our OL!!! All have had two or more years to develop! They need to GATA and DRIVE folks OFF the ball! WHAT EVER IT TAKES…… THE COACHES NEED TO DO IT!!
hotdawg
July 1st, 2011
9:32 am
Surely there are some good junior college or division II transfers that want come play at UGA?
JB
July 1st, 2011
9:33 am
Go to our foe’s message boards and you will read the same mashing of teeth, check them out.
Auburn is concerned about going from NC to being bowl eligible this year!
JB
July 1st, 2011
9:35 am
Not the Auburn staff, the posting nuts like us
Dawg Tired
July 1st, 2011
9:39 am
Nobody knows how they will perform or whether they get through the season without any serious injuries. Last year the o-line was predicted to be very good. Well, obviously that was not an accurate assessment. This year they are predicted to not be so good. Who knows? Only time will tell.
Quit speculating!
Skitty Fritty
July 1st, 2011
9:42 am
Alabama’s QB Outlook – Poor – No Experience
Auburn’s QB Outlook – Poor – No Expereience
You could do this for just about every team in the SEC. Every team has to address issues from year to year, it’s College football. UGA will have to respond to the call.
Stinkin' Dog
July 1st, 2011
9:42 am
Here comes 0-2, and possibly worse.
Dogs Smell
July 1st, 2011
9:44 am
After games 1 and 2 look for that line to be injured. 6-7 at seasons end at best !
Dawg Tired
July 1st, 2011
9:45 am
A;so. those folks who are always saying things like we will win the SEC East blah,blah,blah,blah as nauseam just don’t seem to understand why the games are played. They are played to see who wins. Until they are played we don’t know who will win. Simply saying we are going to win does not mean anything except someone, usually without any real knowledge, hopes we are going to win. Remeber the Robert De Niro line: “Hope in one hand, s__t in the other hand and see which one fills up first.”
Skitty Fritty
July 1st, 2011
9:46 am
Two things to consider for UGA fans from a South Carolina native whe went to UGA.
1. USC has never had success. How will they handle the pre-season hype as the team to beat in the East. My bet would be not very well since they have never been in this position.
2. Major discipline problems with your starting QB is never good. I point back to #1. Garcia hasn’t handled his success very well.
Keep the faith Dawg fans.
UGA Insider
July 1st, 2011
9:46 am
This is basically the same line that had to kick a field goal on 4th and inches against UCF. That call is the worst single call I have ever seen in UGA history. 2011 is a rebuilding year.
Skitty Fritty
July 1st, 2011
9:48 am
UGA Insider:
Be happy my friend.
UGA Haters!
July 1st, 2011
9:49 am
Really guys, Really!!!! Yall don’t know your butt from a hot in the ground! LOL!!!
Dogs Smell
July 1st, 2011
9:54 am
We know an over rated 6-7 team when we see one !
JB
July 1st, 2011
9:56 am
Boy, O’Leary is toast at UCF. 10 mil awarded to family and testimony pretty damning. O’Leary cussed player and ordered team trainers away from the player who died. Sad day. It’s just been posted on rivals if you want to read it.
GDAWG65
July 1st, 2011
9:56 am
The Dawgs need an experienced offensive coordinator. BoBo doesn’t get it. What does he have on CMR that keeps him on the staff?
UGAgrad71
July 1st, 2011
9:57 am
The five starters listed for the O-line average 6′4″ and 329 pounds per man. That is enough beef to run the ball. Running the ball requires a mind-set of blowing up the man across from you. Mark Richt is a finesse coach. Vince Dooly would take this group and pound the D-line into submission.
Carl Spackler
July 1st, 2011
9:58 am
If the o-line is suspect again this year, then they might have to go to the spread early and often…Murray ran it in H.S. and I venture to say probably did most of the team…starting off the year with Boise State and then South Carolina, CMR/CMB can not afford to fall behind again this year and get buried in the standings…adapt and improvise to what you have on the sideline
Tide Roll
July 1st, 2011
10:00 am
Chip, that’s a nice evaluation of UGA’s OL. The starters look good, but not much depth. You bring up a good point regarding the liklihood of injury to one of the starters in a game. But what about practice? Under normal game type preparations, Uga runs the same risk at practice. I honestly don’t think they can conduct normal scrimmages because of the risk of injury to a starter. Also, Uga loses a key motivational element that comes from depth, and that’s healthy competition for your position.. Richt and Bobo have managed to eliminate the most important factor in motivation: Competiton for your job. Really no excuse for a program such as Uga’s to be in this predicament. These injuries and academic issues were pre-existing, could easily be forseen, and should have been dealt with in a timely manner, and NOT by bringing in the 9th rated OL class in the Conference (per rivals). Richt and Bobo have a serious problem in addressing issues in advance. And incredibly, most of the athletes who could have created quality depth along the Offensive line are actually in state kids who are starting for you competitors. Chip, would you please question Richt on how this obvious problem will effect game preparation (namely, can they conduct normal scrimmages?), and why this problem was not headed off. when a reasonable evaluation could see it coming.
gdawginkalamazoo
July 1st, 2011
10:02 am
Better get the rookies experience asap. IF we have any weaker opponents left and IF we can ever just blow somebody out again put them in. No redshirting that group unless for injuries. Get Andrews as much PT as you can because Ben Jones will be missed greatly next year.
Jerry
July 1st, 2011
10:05 am
Outlook Poor? That can’t be. Haven’t you been reading about how UGA will win the SEC East, the SEC and most likely a National Championship!
@UGA Insider...
July 1st, 2011
10:08 am
“UGA Insider”
July 1st, 2011
9:46 am
“This is basically the same line that had to kick a field goal on 4th and inches against UCF. That call is the worst single call I have ever seen in UGA history. 2011 is a rebuilding year.”
I was told that the team wanted to go for it, but CMR went off on players and said something like you couldn’t get it done the first time, so go sit down. Well, it appeared that the team lost their steam after that exchange, along with their confidence in CMR and the game. Hard to get the team back when the coach doesn’t believe you can get a few inches.
JB
July 1st, 2011
10:10 am
Tide Roll……..What you say is true……….a lot Of Georgia people are expecting and believing that 2011 will not bode much better for the Dawgs………Which in the long run does not bode well for you………….Because IF the NEW Georgia coach is worth a lick, he will get all this blue chip creamy talent to stay in state and there is enough of it to make the rest of the conference say OH Shi$… including Bammer……..Give a smart aggressive coach 15 of the best players in this state for 4 years straight, and it’s light out….you my friend, need to root for Mark Richt this year. You’re nightmare would be he fails.
SEC has always been a league of ......
July 1st, 2011
10:12 am
When CMR arrived in the SEC, he knew it to be a very, very physical league. Always has been. Your success starts up front and on the D line. Period.
He has not signed the guys that can make it really well, beyond a Clint Boling and that was luck. Boling come to UGA out of Chattahoochee HS where he was considered a good HS linemen and was probably 2 or 3 star at best. He diced on UGA over FLordia whefre his parents went to school. We got lucky with him.
No, Richt always pursues the 5 star O linemen like that Max Jean Giles kid from Miami or Trinton Sturdevant or such, or the 2 kids that left this year and the ones that left in other years and then, we end up scambling for help …………..year in and year out. It is our lack of O line coaching that is the cause of this. HC is responsible for this deficit, whether with Serels or Friend. The one good guys got gone early in CMR’s era.
No, this IS THE YEAR to turn it around.
Class of 71 & 73
UGA
PMC
July 1st, 2011
10:12 am
All this said, it’s not like it’s impossible for this group of guys to play well. It wouldn’t be that shocking, they are all talented, they simply like the rest of the team haven’t put it all together yet.
Scoring points hasn’t been their problem really, it’s giving them up and giving away yards with stupid penalties.
Dennis
July 1st, 2011
10:17 am
Tech won in Athens with walk-ons and second team guys on the offensive line. Whoever is in has to get it done with no excuses.
gtfanfrom1951
July 1st, 2011
10:19 am
You hit it on the head! What about the d-line? Is it in the same fix?
vdawg
July 1st, 2011
10:21 am
We have freshmen that can step up and they will be good.
Dawg Trainer
July 1st, 2011
10:21 am
No training today, just cold hard facts. All you Dawg fans have to look at is Tennessee 2010. The starters were stout, but we didn’t have a real 2nd team. Once the starters wore down, game over. This will be the case with your O-line. It’s borderline now, one more injury and it’s time to look forward to 2012. You NEED 10 SEC quality OL just to tread water in today’s SEC, and it’s best to have 15.