Quarterbacks: Offense appears to be in good hands with Aaron Murray`
Fifth in a series breaking down Georgia’s 2011 football team by position groups. . . .
In Aaron Murray the Georgia Bulldogs trust, and for good reason after a phenomenal freshman season. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com)
THE QUARTERBACKS
- Returning starter: Aaron Murray (So., 6-1, 211).
- Others to watch: The competition to become Murray’s chief backup should be a good one between sophomore Hutson Mason, a lightly-recruited player who earned a scholarship offer with a record-breaking season as a high school senior, and true freshman Christian LeMay, an elite prospect of national renown who enrolled early in order to get into the mix.
- Key fact: Rarely is it that a sophomore quarterback is so roundly regarded as is Murray, but he appears to be gaining momentum as a consensus pick for preseason first-team All-SEC. His freshman season coupled with a blue-collar work ethic have excited the masses about the possibilities for improvement. As the meticulous researcher Phil Steele pointed out, Murray as a freshman had a higher higher pass efficiency rating (154.5) than Matthew Stafford did as a junior at Georgia, and Stafford ended up being the No. 1 overall pick in the subsequent NFL draft. Murray completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,049 yards passing — second all-time for an SEC freshamn — had a 24 to 8 TD to interception ratio and tied D.J. Shockley for UGA’s all-time record for TD responsibility with 28. Meanwhile, Murray did his best work at the end of the regular season, passing for 544 yards and 6 TDs with no interceptions against Auburn and Georgia Tech.
- Key fact II: The battle for backup duties is going to be interesting. Mason (6-3, 196) was solid in very limited as a true freshman, appearing in four games and completing 9-of-17 passes, including a TD pass on the very first attempt of his career (only the third QB in college football history to do that, joining Georgia Tech’s Taylor Bennett and Southern Cal’s Matt Leinart). LeMay (6-2, 195) put up some eye-popping passing numbers as a high school junior — 68.5 completion percentage, 3,296 yards, 48 TDs, 2 INTs — while leading Butler High to a 16-0 record and state championship. But he missed his entire senior season while protesting a controversial disciplinary suspension and the effect of the season off is unknown.
- Key questions: How will Murray perform without A.J. Green as a main target? Murray often joked that all he had to do was throw the ball high in the 6-4 Green’s general direction to complete a pass. He won’t have that luxury after Green was plucked away with the No. 4 pick in the NFL draft. But while Green caught 57 balls in nine games, Murray did manage to complete 152 passes to 18 other receivers.
- Recent developments: Murray was named to the Maxwell Award watch list for 2011.
- Outlook: Outstanding. What a difference a year makes. Coming into the 2010 season the Bulldogs had no quarterbacks with any experience. A year later they are relying on a 13-game starter and Freshman All-SEC selection in Murray, a tested backup in Mason and a bluechip prospect in LeMay. Freshman walkons Parker Welch and Greg Bingham provide additional depth.
- Your turn: What’s your take on Georgia’s quarterbacks?
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494 comments Add your comment
DawginLex
July 7th, 2011
8:32 am
As long as that idiot “Saban” keeps posting UGA scores like 66-3, I will continue to post alabmmer stuff.
teetername
July 7th, 2011
8:32 am
Saban, you got it all wrong buddy. UGA beats Boise by 14. Only real chances for losses are USC, Tenn, Florida and GaTech. They will likely only lose one of those though. Watch out for Tenn.
–astrouga
Timbodog
July 7th, 2011
8:32 am
I agree that Murray hasn’t really won one for us yet, but as a freshman that’s a lot to ask. He played well when things were good and didn’t completely implode when things were bad. I think that’s about all you can ask of a freshman.
Timbodog
July 7th, 2011
8:33 am
Fair enough, Dawginlex. But just ignore losers like that, as hard as it is to do
alabasterdawggy
July 7th, 2011
8:33 am
Lemay will prove to be a deadly cancer to this team if he doesn’t get to play. His divisious ways will cause whatever team unity there was to fold. You know this is true because all Richt and Garner foster is one type of kids.
Poopdawg
July 7th, 2011
8:33 am
Old time, why are you saying WE. You were glorifying 1953dawg hoping that we’ll lose the 1st 2 games so that Richt could be fired. You don’t have to like Richt , but dawg fans would never pull against our own team! Go Dawgs!
DawginLex
July 7th, 2011
8:34 am
Seriously, I really do believe Arkansas will win the West and the SEC.
They may lose to Alabama but Bama will lose 2 others.
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:34 am
I am a little concerned UNTIL Murray BEATS a GOOD team. That hasn’t happened yet.
DawginLex
July 7th, 2011
8:36 am
I agree to some extent JB but he has to have a defense that can stop people.
I have said it multiple times, drop the PPG allowed from 22 to 14 or 15 and no one will bash Bobo because we will be winning.
Still@theBAR
July 7th, 2011
8:36 am
The Casey Anthony Jury must have been full of UGA fans or graduates.
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:37 am
But on the other hand, Murray didn’t get a lot of help from the D. Hard to win in the SEC giving up 30-40 points. Go Dawgs
Timbodog
July 7th, 2011
8:37 am
“teeter,”
I don’t see us losing to Tennessee. That Bray kid at QB is talented, but a total headcase. Our defense should be able to get him off his game.
I would switch Tennessee with Miss State, then I agree with you. But, I wouldn’t overlook Boise so fast. They are extremely well-coached. We should be able to beat them with better talent, but sometimes coaching beats talent (see: 2008 vs. Tech).
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:38 am
We know they weren’t from anywhere in Bammer, you said graduates.
Whiskey Breath
July 7th, 2011
8:38 am
I think Murray is an excellent QB if you just go by stats. However, the real test will be his winning record. I know you Ga people don’t count that, but championship teams know it is everything.
Good luck Murrray.
JDawg1785
July 7th, 2011
8:39 am
I’d love to see Murray make more plays with his feet. I loved those TD runs last season, especially the one against Arky. Mason is also a stud and should get some more playing time when Murray needs a rest. All in all, the Dawgs are in good shape at QB this season!
Timbodog
July 7th, 2011
8:39 am
Exactly…Murray wasn’t quite as great as some make him out to have been last year, but he was very good for a freshman. And he had VERY little help from the rest of the team. It’s tough to carry the team as a freshman.
Still@theBAR
July 7th, 2011
8:40 am
She was innocent and Murray is the best SEC QB. O.J. is innocent and Bobo is an offensive genius. King is going to be a great running back and UGA fans have class.
Anybody have more truths we wish were really true? Hahahahahah!
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:41 am
I bet alabama would love to have Murray this year. Wins and loses aside, the guy is a gamer… and a winner.
Timbodog
July 7th, 2011
8:43 am
I do want to see us go in a new direction with our coach, as I don’t think is a secret. But I don’t want it to come at the expense of losing SEC games, because we don’t need to lose ground in recruiting.
I don’t hope we lose any games, but I know we’re gonna lose at least two. I’d hope those two are against Boise and Tech. Both would be embarrassing and would hopefully convince McGarity to go in a new direction.
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:43 am
One more………..Still@the bar hides his team behind a key board as not to have to deflect any hits on his beloved “whoever”.
Still@theBAR
July 7th, 2011
8:43 am
the guy is a gamer… and a winner.
6-7 ain’t a WINNER.
dawg rule
July 7th, 2011
8:43 am
Murray–best QB in the SEC!!! With Murray and Crowell, the Dawg offense will dominate the SEC in 2011. Look for an easy SEC east title, a blowout win over florida and a match with alabama in the SEC title game! This is the year of the dawg—mark it down.
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:45 am
Timbodog………….If Richt wins 10 games, he’ll get a 5 year extension. regardless of who the losses are against.
old time dog
July 7th, 2011
8:45 am
Poop…Intentions weren’t to glorify anyone and eYe really don’t even remember any of 1953’s posts,although if they have been on here eYe have probably read them. What eYe might hope of course doesn’t matter but us losing games ain’t one of them pardner. eYe have never been a Richt fan from day one but have been a UGA fan and plan on continuing being one. If you are referring to WE as something eYe rattle off in making my simple minded posts, it would be a reference to UGA fans. Thanks for asking though and eYe am sure we both want the same ultimate goal for this team. We just have different thoughts on how to get there.
Gainesville Dawg
July 7th, 2011
8:46 am
Thanks for a positive slant on Bulldog reporting, Chip.
FL dawg
July 7th, 2011
8:46 am
JB, that’s what I mean. It don’t matter if we score 30-10 points, the D has to show along with the esteemed Mr. Grantham.
Beef
July 7th, 2011
8:47 am
Whoever said Murray doesn’t have a strong arm doesn’t know what he’s talking about. His arm is one of his top traits and he can throw 70 yards in the air, which is nuts.
Still@theBAR
July 7th, 2011
8:48 am
JB
rotate your initials and get to work. LOL
My teams mascot doesn’t die every 10 months or so. Hahahahaha
Go Big Bad Bruce. RUSS is the Dawg. UGA needs some color in the Mutt Hut. The football team is mixed so why can’t the Bulldog be mixed color?
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:48 am
58 DAYS to go….Lot’s of questions answered.
East Repeat
July 7th, 2011
8:49 am
UGA is great and Murray is second coming of Fran Tarkenton. This will get posted, but not any negative comments about Dawgs are allowed? WTF?
Still@theBAR
July 7th, 2011
8:50 am
the year of the dawg—mark it down
Like EVERY YEAR until the “WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR” chants start. Bobo is the Brain Trust you think can Dominate the other SEC coaches? Please bet the double wide on that belief.
Timbodog
July 7th, 2011
8:50 am
I don’t know, JB…Donnan got fired cuz he couldn’t beat Tech. As much as many of our fans like to claim that we don’t care about the rivalry, a few losses to the Trade School would probably cost Richt his job.
Beef
July 7th, 2011
8:51 am
The OL is the only question this year, but with Murray, Crowell/King/Boo/Thomas, and Brown/King/Charles/Wooten/Connely/Bennett, we’re going to be way better than people think.
sandman053
July 7th, 2011
8:51 am
East Repeat who do you have repeating? SCAR? I’m not sure how they handle success, although they have some studs. I think the East is going to be decided on September 10th (again this year)
East Repeat
July 7th, 2011
8:51 am
OMG, keeps happening! All together now, go-o-o-o-o Dawgs. Who is controlling this site, Obama?
Troll Power Ratings
July 7th, 2011
8:51 am
DIL: “Saban” is a techie, I’m pretty sure.
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:52 am
MY TEAM?. Must be a Techie. Bama,AU etc pretty proud of their team. Tech folks laying low these days. Tech folks are the only one’s that take a shot at our Mascot. Tech will suck this year. Tell us about Washington, your starting QB?
sandman053
July 7th, 2011
8:52 am
About Bobo, I saw a list of the top assistant coaches in the SEC and guess what coordinator at UGA was NOT on the list?
Some truths
July 7th, 2011
8:52 am
1. Murray is considered the top SEC quarterback by those who cover college football for a living.
2. King is a good running back, not a great one, he might have been a great one if not for the devastating injury in high school. Prior to that, he was ranked as the top running prospect in his class by some.
3. Some UGA fans have class, some don’t, it is no more or no less than Bama, Auburn, Tech, SC, UT, Gators, you name it. We all have our low life posters.
4. Mention UGA on a blog, and like clockwork, there will be posts reeking of UGA envy. That can be confirmed on a daily basis here.
Troll Power Ratings
July 7th, 2011
8:53 am
@Bar: Thanks for caring. How’s it looking for your team? Not as much fun posting over there, huh?
East Repeat
July 7th, 2011
8:54 am
No UGA envy, but a little bit of pitty. Bless their heart, they think they may be good again.
DawginLex
July 7th, 2011
8:55 am
TPR,
@Bar just enjoys talking to himself.
Don’t spoil it for him by responding directly to him.
GDAWG65
July 7th, 2011
8:55 am
Richt should resign to do the job where his heart is – a foreign missionary. Bob should just leave.
JB
July 7th, 2011
8:56 am
From looking at Tech, I don’t think losing to them will be a problem anytime soon. Johnson, much like Obama, has pretty much run that program into the ground. We took a pretty average Georgia Team in there and beat their BCS bowl bound ACC champ team. They just don’t have the players, and it’s gotten worse. Go read the rival’s write up about them. Pretty sad.
Still@theBAR
July 7th, 2011
8:57 am
Synjyn Days will be Techs QB this year.
Every teams fans have picked on Uga. The Seilers can’t keep the dawg alive these days. Uga VII & VIII were so embarrassed by Cox and murray they spiked their water with antifreeze.
DawginLex
July 7th, 2011
8:57 am
Pity?
Talk about pitiful.
that’s South Carolina
9 wins is a great season?
Capped off by getting wiped off the map by Auburn
Then embarrassing loss to FSU with a drunk QB
SOS is 2-4 vs Richt at SC. SOS lost to Vandy in consecutive seasons.
SOS is so desperate that he is giving the drunk a 20th chance because he knows he is 6-6 with the other QB.
Beef
July 7th, 2011
8:59 am
Brown has been ultra-timid being in the shadow of Green, but he’s an outstanding tall fast good hands WR and will breakout this year. Bennett is going to surprise some folks too, just wait. And if you haven’t watched Crowell’s youtube highlight vids, you’re missing out on some serious perspective. The kid is the real deal x10. And King and Boo will make perfect short-yardage backs. They need to stop running Thomas inside and just use him as the proto-typical change of pace screen/dump pass/flat receiver he is. Get him in open space and he can actually make a difference.
TheXman
July 7th, 2011
9:00 am
richt will not have another 6-7 year for at least another 15 or so years or maybe ever. he has not been on a 3 year slide either. last year was his only down in year in IMHO. 10-3 and 8-4 are pretty darn good. that 8-4 season was almost a 9-3 if not for a blown call by the refs in the lsu game. so not too bad with a 1st qb starting with a very young o-line and freshmen running backs. i have no doubt richt and the dogs will bounce back strong this year as richt is a proven winner.
JB
July 7th, 2011
9:00 am
If I were a Techie……………..I’d still be at the bar myself.
DawginLex
July 7th, 2011
9:01 am
Beef
If Carlton Thomas, God love him, does anything other than carry a clipboard this year, we are in big trouble.
I am sick and tired of fumbles and this guy fumbles every time he gets hit. He fumbled twice in the G-Day game!