Running backs: Competition between Caleb King, Isaiah Crowell should translate into success
UPDATE: CALEB KING LOST HIS ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY ON JULY 8, 2011
Fourth in a series breaking down Georgia’s 2011 football team by position groups. . . .
Georgia tailback Caleb King, here breaking loose for a 27-yard gain against Georgia Tech last season, brings knowledge and experience to the table. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
THE RUNNING BACKS
- Returning starters: TB Caleb King (Sr., 5-11, 224)
- Others to watch: Isaiah Crowell (5-11, 210) is the most anticipated freshman running back Georgia has had since fellow Columbus resident Jasper Sanks showed up in Athens in the late 1990s. Crowell will be in an all-out competition with King for playing time, but Carlton Thomas, Ken “Boo” Malcome and sophomore walk-on Brandon Harton will be looking to get into the mix. . . . Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be breaking in a new starter at fullback for the first time in four seasons in converted tight end Bruce Figgins or sophomore Zander Ogletree.
- Key losses: Georgia lost its leading rusher from 2010 with the abrupt departure of junior Washaun Ealey after spring practice. Ealey and coach Mark Richt “mutually agreed” they’d each be better off if Ealey transferred. Ealey, who started seven games — King started five — and rushed for 811 yards and 11 TDs with the Bulldogs last season, ended up at Jacksonville State, a Football Championship Subdivision school for whom he’ll be immediately eligible to play. . . . Georgia lost a ton of experience at fullback with the graduations of three-year starter Shaun Chapas and backup Fred Munzenmaier.
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It's Isaiah Crowell's breakaway ability that had recruiters salivating. Among his long-distance scampers was a 90-yard TD run against eventual state champion Buford.
Key fact: For all the fan criticism and off-field disciplinary issues, King has actually been a fairly solid SEC back. He has averaged 5.0 yards per carry in his career with that average creeping up in each of his three seasons to 5.4 last year. He has also mastered the playbook and the critical criteria of Georgia backs to be able to effectively pass block, particularly in blitzing situations. The only area where he remains unproven is as a consistent “home run” threat.
- Key questions: Will this be Crowell’s year or King’s year? Everybody wants to discover the next big thing, and there is certainly evidence that Crowell could be that for the Bulldogs in 2011. Crowell had an incredible 11.7 yards per carry average at Carver (1,721 yards, 147 carries, 18 TDs), including multiple TDs runs of 50 or more yards. So he would appear to bring big-play capability to the table. But, early on at least, as Georgia faces a pair of top 10 opponents in Boise State and South Carolina in the season’s opening weeks, King is the one who should know every assignment and will need to fill the role of “Mr. Dependable.”
- Recent developments: Figgins’ move from tight end to fullback can’t be over-emphasized. For the first time in Richt’s 11-year tenure the Bulldogs are coming into the season without a proven commodity at fullback. Ogletree was recruited to play the position and projects as a capable every-down player eventually. But the 6-4, 265-pound Figgins’ willingness to move from a position at which he once was a starter into the backfield gives Georgia a legitimate jumbo presence with blocking and pass-catching skills. Walk-on Dustin Royston (5-11, 242) will be a factor as well.
- Outlook: Pretty good. Losing Ealey has to hurt from a production standpoint but his absence also eliminates a negative element and clears the way for hearty competition between multiple and varied talents. Should be an entertaining horse race all season.
- Your turn: What say you about the running backs?
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264 comments Add your comment
anotherdawg
July 6th, 2011
3:25 pm
Agreed Ricker. Both King and Ealey had problems last year with suspensions, injuries, and fumbles. King is no Knowshon, but he’s a good blocker and runner. Hopefully, he realizes this is his year to impress, if he wants any chance at the next level.
ga gator
July 6th, 2011
3:28 pm
The key to everything is the OL needed to get more physical than last year. With the new Strength coach it should be much improved.
dawg from a distance
July 6th, 2011
3:31 pm
Skills and speed are evident in the video…. but so is holding by the offensive line in several clips.
DawginLex
July 6th, 2011
3:31 pm
I just hope King stays healthy and has decided to take things seriously.
Having Ealey out of the way can’t hurt either
GStateBen
July 6th, 2011
3:32 pm
Without offensive line stability, the running game is not going to flourish in 2011. Georgia has enough talent in the starting group but they are one or two injuries away from being devastated. Not good when you are facing talented front 7s in South Carolina, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Florida.
Also, Murray was sacked 24 times in 2010. I expect that number to increase as freshman running backs are not leaned upon to pass protect in major college football right out of the gate.
LogicalUS
July 6th, 2011
3:34 pm
A little problem in this sunshine pumping….Ealey was not just the leading rusher for last season but the year before also.
So losing the only back who showed any ability over the past two seasons is going to propel UGA to greater heights?
Stop posting about unicorns and lollipops, there is a reason why King never has showcased his “talent” over the so-called “cancer”, Washaun Ealey. He does not have the ability.
And to this day, the homers at the AJC have not addressed why Crowell missed significant playing time this past season against high school defenses? Injury prone? Then he showed up at workouts completely out of shape? No wonder the UGA fans are so delusional with “reporters” like this.
AltamahaDawg
July 6th, 2011
3:34 pm
You do know what “fact” means, right? as opposed to opinion, speculation.
Mark (another one)
July 6th, 2011
3:36 pm
I believe King will play a lot in his senior year and be productive. That said, no back or any other player should be given the job until they prove they are better than their competition.
In 2009, King was starting to show us production until he broke his jaw (actually, an LSU player broke it for him). He needs to come and and show productivity with the ball after contact, and his ability to contribute without the ball (blocking and running routes). Both are critical. He also needs to stay healthy (conditioning and luck) and out of trouble. This goes for all of our backs. If one or two separate themselves, it will be a good year. If not, Richt will need to continue to do running back by committee.
I am also tired of people saying the key to success is handing any back the ball 20 times. I think people are confusing cause and effect. A team with a lead needs to be able to hand it to a back and let the running game grind up yards and the clock. A team that’s behind needs to score and preserve the clock by throwing the ball. So, winning teams will run late in the game and pad their running stat. Losing teams will pass late in the game and running stats will suffer.
Charlie Hayes
July 6th, 2011
3:39 pm
Just watched the Keith Marshall highlights from his junior season. Go watch it and compare it to Crowell’s highlights. I think you will agree that with the following assesment:
- Crowell has better vision
- Crowell has better cut-back ability
- Crowell is more elusive
- Crowell has better breakaway speed
- Crowell has better change of direction
- Marshall takes more hits and seems to be more durable
- Marshall has a very good side step move
- Marshall has caught more balls from the slot position
I also pulled-up Caleb King’s highlights and Knowshon Moreno’s highlights. Keith Marshall reminds me more of Caleb King and Isaiah Crowell reminds me more of Knowshon Moreno.
Les W. Moore
July 6th, 2011
3:39 pm
Richt and Lil’ Richt don’t know how to use a RB and this year will be no different.
AltamahaDawg
July 6th, 2011
3:40 pm
define “completely out of shape”.
old time dog
July 6th, 2011
3:41 pm
Probably have enough talent with the backs. Hope the OL can make some holes. Earlier poster said UGA would have to run in order to pass. That’s true enough but both the running and passing attack are pretty much dependent on each other.
The General Feeling
July 6th, 2011
3:42 pm
I love the entertainment that mutt fans provide in July. All full of HOPE, aye pups?
DawginLex
July 6th, 2011
3:43 pm
GENERAL FEELING
At least we care enough about our school to talk about our football team. All you care about is bashing us for doing so.
Who is the loser in that deal?
Mark (another one)
July 6th, 2011
3:44 pm
@The General Feeling: No. We UGA fans like to trool on blogs with doom and gloom. It makes us happier.
gdawginkalamazoo
July 6th, 2011
3:49 pm
Who the heck knows who is going to do what this year? Sounds like we have four different types of runners that we can use. Caleb NEEDS to impress more than ever this year if he wants to make it to the next level. IMO he is capable but this is his last shot to get it right. Can’t believe he is a senior already.
AltamahaDawg
July 6th, 2011
3:52 pm
You’re going to miss that boy aren’t you.
Paul in RDU
July 6th, 2011
3:58 pm
@Charlie Hayes
Crowell has better break away speed than Keith Marshall??? If Crowell does he needs to be preparing to compete against Usain Bolt in the London Olympics.
Last week in Myrtle Beach, Marshall won the 100m in the US trials for the World Youth Championships.
http://www.northraleighnews.com/2011/07/03/8703/marshall-wins-national-track-race.html
Dirty Dawg
July 6th, 2011
4:00 pm
Bob brought up ‘The Camilla Comet’ (that’s I’ve labeled Justin Scott-Wesley, even before he takes a snap in Athens) and that we could use him ala Percy Harvin…maybe so, but at 220, or more, seems to me he could ‘take it inside’ as well. I know his name hasn’t been mentioned at RB anywhere but here, but with his size, speed and, reported, great moves and power running the ball ‘after the catch’ as a WR, why wouldn’t you give him a shot?
AltamahaDawg
July 6th, 2011
4:02 pm
Seems like only yesterday we were watching the tail light of his little scooter heading North on Sanford Drive.
old time dog
July 6th, 2011
4:02 pm
The General Feeling…. eYe guess it is kinda entertaining at that. eYe ain’t doing much so it kinda helps pass the time. We admittedly probably do get our hopes up too much. While we have your attention, please clarify something for us. Is it true that the new GT indoor facility football field is only 90 yards long? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks.
SSIgator
July 6th, 2011
4:05 pm
“Outlook: Pretty good”
Translation: Maybe we can go 7-6 this year instead of 6-7 or even worse.
Cy Pennington
July 6th, 2011
4:06 pm
Has anybody seen Mary Kastner on here anywhere? I heard she was using the Ga blog as her staging ground. She took my wallet and my britches.
DawginLex
July 6th, 2011
4:09 pm
SSIgator
July 6th, 2011
4:05 pm
“Outlook: Pretty good”
Translation: Maybe we can go 7-6 this year instead of 6-7 or even worse.
*************************************************************
You still fixated on richt’s “tight end”?
Just because he shot you down and wouldn’t go out with you and bashed you in the face, don’t take it personal.
Gator Kabob
July 6th, 2011
4:10 pm
SSIgator> give um fits boss. Beat em agin this year. Like every other one. HEEEEEEHEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSIgator
July 6th, 2011
4:11 pm
“Competition between Caleb King, Isaiah Crowell should translate into success”
After destroying that powerhouse U of Hawaii in 2007. the following year should have translated into success also. Well, we all know how that turned out. Maybe this year UGA can get back to .500 football. Remember folks – baby steps, baby steps.
Spanish Moss Gator
July 6th, 2011
4:11 pm
Florida will win 10 games and one of those wins will definitely be against Georgia. As usual.
SwampyGator
July 6th, 2011
4:12 pm
11 wins chumps.
Mary Kastner
July 6th, 2011
4:14 pm
I hope you gators are more attentive than SSIgator. He was full of big talk but couldn’t deliver.
funny...
July 6th, 2011
4:14 pm
5:37 mark in that video
Big Lizard
July 6th, 2011
4:15 pm
Watch it Mary. You’re talking about my cousin.
Mary Kastner
July 6th, 2011
4:16 pm
I would like to have some alligator shoes and maybe a purse. Any takers?
Stinger2
July 6th, 2011
4:16 pm
Question above asked if someone knows difference between facts and speculation. Answer: Very few UGA posts reflect facts. Almost all are opinions or speculation. You UGA fans all seem to think that your OL is weak. Do you really know this to be a fact? You constantly complain about CMR? Are your reasons for disliking his coaching
facts or you just venting because you thing your team should win every game? Pitiful. Be thankful for what you have.
Lugo Bersnitsky
July 6th, 2011
4:20 pm
You are probably right Stinker2,oh i’m sorry Stinger2.
Mark (another one)
July 6th, 2011
4:23 pm
The people constantly complaining about UGA players are not UGA fans. Don’t be confused by where they post. Same with people bitching about CMR. The UGA fans are looking forward to the season, and believe we have the right people in place for a great year. Otherwise they would sell their tickets and do the walk-up lines at another school.
BC
July 6th, 2011
4:26 pm
Malcome could be a very solid back. One to keep an eye on. I got to watch hime practice alot last year he runs hard and runs over people. Something King and Ealey failed to do in practice. Also excited to see what Crowell’s got.
GT fan, SCRAM!!!
We will continue to dominate Nerds!
Drummer
July 6th, 2011
4:27 pm
Saying Ealey’s 11 td’s, which led the team, had a negative effect on the team, is like saying AJ Green’s 9 td’s hurt the team. Huh?
Caleb King has 2 major problems:
1) he fumbles a lot
2) he only scored 2 td’s last year all season–he can’t score
Crowell? Never played a down, won’t practice until August, can’t pass protect, doesn’t know the playbook.
SSIgator
July 6th, 2011
4:30 pm
Mark (another one) -
“Otherwise they would sell their tickets”
Which is exactly what they do on ebay before each of the last few UF/UGA games in Jax.
Drummer
July 6th, 2011
4:32 pm
Competition didn’t help King/Ealey last year. Finished 10th in the conference in rushing yards per game.
Saban
July 6th, 2011
4:35 pm
Choakdawg called the other day an inquired about a job. Seems a major scandal is brewing in Athens.
Anyone in Athens not at the Walmart, know anything?
Change occurs
July 6th, 2011
4:37 pm
Competition won’t mean a thing … they will ALL get their 11 carries … someones “self-esteem” may suffer …
youwillsee
July 6th, 2011
4:39 pm
Watch what I tell you, Ealey will be missed. Yes he had some fumbles at costly times, but so did King and I remember yall saying get rid of King then. Ealey has been the most productive back we have had the last 2 years. What is gonna happen when the great Crowell goes down with an injury or when he fumbles. What will be said about him then? We had one of the sorriest o-lines this past year. How many times was a defender hanging on to the running back when Murray tried to hand of the ball. Ealey made his mistakes just like King did. But all of you that are Ealey haters wil see
Dammit Lamont!
July 6th, 2011
4:39 pm
Mark(another one): And only a blind loyalist believes everything is great in Athens right now. Summer time brings glowing reports of all position groups every year. Then those glowing reports are proven wrong early in the season.
I hope that this team proves that they are now willing to work hard for a win…and proves this year’s crop of glowing reports out of camp to be true for a change!
O-line could be a huge problem. Those cats had better be working their tails off from now until Boise State.
DawginLex
July 6th, 2011
4:44 pm
Saban
Penn state 63
Alabammer 3
Arkansas 49
Alabammer 7
Choke on that
Dawgdad (The Original)
July 6th, 2011
4:44 pm
Caleb King meet Sid Finch.
P_The_Ricker
July 6th, 2011
4:47 pm
Saban @ 4:35
Is an alabama fan really trying to knock another fan base w/ a “Walmart” comment?
Dude, do you not remember that your classy school had the BCS champ trophy stationed at a local Walmart for a day for pics and corndogs???
Steve Beard
July 6th, 2011
4:48 pm
I too am full of hope and expectations. I am also an alcoholic.
DawginLex
July 6th, 2011
4:49 pm
Stinger2
The correct assessment of our OL is this:
Starters are good and experienced at center and guard.
Starters at other positions have some experience and appear to be capable.
The depth positions have zero experience but have the dreaded p word-potential
After that, there are true freshmen who hopefully will NOT have to play in 2011.
The concern is no depth.
Regarding Richt. He deserves another chance. He has won 2 SEC titles and played for a 3rd. Clearly, the program needs a shot in the arm with some early success in 2011 or the buzzards will start circling.
Despite frustrating us all at times, Bobo is NOT the problem. We are running the same stuff we have run for the past 10 years.
The difference is the dropoff in defense, especially in PPG allowed.
Fix the defense by dropping the PPG allowed from 22 to 14 or 15 and NO ONE will complain about bobo because we will be winning.
Mary Kastner
July 6th, 2011
4:49 pm
What do you usually drink Steve?
Steve Beard
July 6th, 2011
4:50 pm
Alcohol.