Secondary: Star power, depth, versatility give the Bulldogs reason to bark
Eighth in a series breaking down Georgia’s 2011 football team by position groups. . . .
The return of senior cornerback Brandon Boykin is a big reason for optimism that Georgia's improved play in the secondary will continue this season. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
THE DEFENSIVE BACKS
- Projected starters: CB Brandon Boykin (Sr., 5-10, 183), FS Bacarri Rambo (Jr., 6-0, 218), SS Shawn Williams (Jr., 6-1, 220), CB Sanders Commings (Jr., 6-2, 217)
- Returning starters: All of them. Rambo started all 13 games (nine at strong safety and four at free safety) while Boykin has started 24 of the last 26 and has played in every game since he’s been at Georgia. Commings started nine games at cornerback while Williams started three games at free safety.
- Others to watch: You might as well add Branden Smith as another returning starter as the junior from Atlanta got nine starts last season as either a corner or nickelback in a five-defensive back formation. Senior Jakar Hamilton started five games at free safety and will be in the playing rotation. Redshirt freshman strong safety Marc Deas is one to keep an eye on.
- Key losses: Vance Cuff, who started five games at cornerback and played in 44 in his career, graduated. One-time starting safety Nick Williams, who would have been a senior, transferred to North Alabama.
- Key newcomers: Georgia loaded up on elite defensive backs in recruiting. The Bulldogs landed a pair of AJC Super 11 selections in Damian Swann of Grady and Nick Marshall of Wilcox County. Marshall starred as a quarterback but agreed to sign with UGA as a defensive back with the promise of getting some looks on offense. Devin Bowman, Quintavious Harrow and Corey Moore also came in as defensive backs. Valdosta’s Malcolm Mitchell, who was nationally rated as a cornerback prospect, is listed on Georgia’s roster as “athlete” but is expected to begin his career as a wide receiver.
- Key fact: Boykin bypassed the chance to enter the NFL draft in order to return for his final season and is being rewarded by seeing his named on virtually efvery preseason watch list, including the Thorpe, Bednarik and Nagurski awards. This honor roll student from Fayette County is also the school record holder for career kickoff return yards (1,871) and is the only player in SEC history to have three 100-yard plays of any kind. . . . Rambo also has found his way on some preseason lists.
- Key question: Can the Bulldogs maintain the trajectory of improvement in pass coverage it established this past season? A year after allowing an SEC worst 25 touchdown passes and intercepting only 10, Georgia gave up just 15 scores and picked off 16 passes (13 by defensive backs).
- Outlook: Very good. In their second year under secondary coach Scott Lakatos, with the return of an experienced and deep unit, the addition of young talent and the anticipation of an improved pass-rushing presence from the front seven, there’s reason to expect this group to only get better.
- Your turn: What are your thoughts on Georgia’s secondary?
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130 comments Add your comment
Tiger4Life
July 12th, 2011
9:07 am
First!!!
Newman
July 12th, 2011
9:08 am
Just don’t let anybody behind you.
Frank Lane
July 12th, 2011
9:11 am
I think walk-on Conner Norman is the most football savvy of the entire group. would like to see him get a chance at Free Safety.
Tiger4Life
July 12th, 2011
9:11 am
Georgia’s secondary should be very good. A lot of experience is always good, plus the d-line will get pressure on the QB. I’m looking forward to a 10 win season.
Natureboy809
July 12th, 2011
9:16 am
@ Frank Lane- Connor certainly always seemed to be in the right place at the right time during G-Day
vince
July 12th, 2011
9:18 am
This secondary should, in totality, be pretty good–although none have Jake Scott talent, the overall package should be solid.
Rip Van Winkle
July 12th, 2011
9:20 am
I can see it now! It is 1980 all over again!!!
Rip Van Winkle
July 12th, 2011
9:21 am
Frank Lane- Connor certainly always seemed to be in the right place at the right time during G-Day, cause Murray could not see him.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 12th, 2011
9:21 am
I hope our defense lives up to the high hopes we all place on them. We will need them to dominate and control the other teams offense until our offense gets it’s feet under it for a couple of games. They sure appear capable based on depth, experience and athletic abilities. I think our D coach will have them ready.
Riley's Cooper
July 12th, 2011
9:22 am
I hope Boykin plays in the NFL East cause I sure liked playin against him.
Moving Dog
July 12th, 2011
9:22 am
The D is going to have to be very good for us to have a chance of competing for the SEC east. I just don’t see the fire power on the O unless Richt does something brilliant like the Robert Edwards move from secondary to Tailback. Maybe Brandon Smith?
Dirty Red and Black
July 12th, 2011
9:22 am
@ Frank Lane and Natureboy809 – Connor Norman for President! He looked really good at the G-Day game. I hope he gets some looks on the field this year!
TallyDawg
July 12th, 2011
9:25 am
This could be a really different kind of season like in the past when we shut teams down. Our defense “could” be really nasty this year and win some games for us. it is a shame we didn’t have this defense in 2008… Richt has the offensive genius to score with what he has – if he “wants to”. I know he didn’t like Bowden taking game plans over from him while at FSU, and thus may be reluctant to do that to Bobo… We’ll see. If it weren’t for the depleted offensive line and inexperienced running back situation, I would be so amped up for the season.
Paul N Destin
July 12th, 2011
9:26 am
The tradition continues…UGA the best team in football …March thru August
Blindog
July 12th, 2011
9:26 am
Sept. 3 can’t get here fast enough!!!!
TallyDawg
July 12th, 2011
9:27 am
@ Rip Van Winkle – It really does seem that way…except with a better quarterback. How deep was that offensive line in 1980?
Joey
July 12th, 2011
9:27 am
In year two of a major change in defensive scheme, as well as philosophy, (attacking vs passive) the DBs, fully understanding their responsibilities, can play full speed.
At least, that’s what Grantham promised us. I expect a huge improvement from the D, an improvement that will turn “Ls” into “Ws.”
BKbroila
July 12th, 2011
9:30 am
Who knows…..??? I am going into the season with a different view than I normally do….It’s kind of like watching a Michael Bay film…If you go into it with Zero expectations, it’s doesn’t let you down….
Time for a change!
July 12th, 2011
9:34 am
Gotta be better than last year and I think it will be. Overall they played pretty good last year, but and there is a big BUT, they didn’t do their jobs in key critical situations see Arkansas and South Carolina games. Can’t give up the home runs. Hopefully we have better play from the Safety position this year than over the last two seasons. Rambo needs to step up and put his big boy britches on and knock someone out when they come across the middle of “HIS” field! He has to, otherwise there will be a lot of the same ol’ same ol’…
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 12th, 2011
9:37 am
Anybody think that Rambo hasn’t quite been the same after the AU knockout? Wonder if there is a reluctance on his part to go full speed.
dawgfan75
July 12th, 2011
9:37 am
So much talent! I agee Connor is a formidable late blooming player. Not much weakness in the whole group. Any qb passing against us had better come with his head straight and eyes wide.
JAWJeRDAWG
July 12th, 2011
9:37 am
With the talent of UGA’s experienced and in-coming secondary players, we should be set this year and for several years to come. Hopefully this unit will play up to their potential and help the Defense drop it’s PPG point allowance to around 16 – 17 or less. If so, I think we can be competitive and win some close games we lost last year. Here’s hoping. .. Go Dawgs!
St. Richt
July 12th, 2011
9:42 am
Yep, its groundhog day again. More SEC and National Championship hopes from Georgia fans. The Bulldogs are always unbeatable in the preseason.
St. Richt
July 12th, 2011
9:43 am
Yep, that defense will be nasty all right. It should go from atrocious last year to flawless this year after losing your best defensive players to the NFL draft.
Tobias Funke
July 12th, 2011
9:44 am
Its amazing what a difference the D has made with Soft Willie gone! Go Dawgs! This D will be nasty!
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 12th, 2011
9:46 am
Strange turn of events. Last several years the Offense had to carry the Defense. Looks like now the D will have to carry the O until we get some depth at RB and OL. It is a shame about King because not only did he blow an opportunity to have a great senior year and increase his NFL chances, but he would have provided a great transition for the young guys in showing them how to block the blitz, which is surely to come due mainly to RB inexperience in picking up SEC defensive schemes. Sure turns up a lot of heat on Crowell.
AltamahaDawg
July 12th, 2011
9:50 am
Maybe we need Donnan to move one them to RB….eh St. Richt?
St. Richt
July 12th, 2011
9:51 am
Tobia Funke, yes, that Todd Grantham-led defense rivals that of the 1985 Bears.
nasty dog
July 12th, 2011
9:55 am
Our defense is going to be nasty.Defense wins championships.We will lead the sec in defense.therefore we will win the sec east.
AltamahaDawg
July 12th, 2011
9:57 am
I thought as a group they were noticeably better towards the end of the last year, so there is no reason to doubt they would be a lot better. They clearly did not start out the past season with much confidence on what to do.
coachx
July 12th, 2011
9:58 am
The defense will be tough with Jenkins and a motivated 350 lb Geathers rotating at NT. TDawgs will finally be able to stuff the run.
UGA was 30th in ypg given up last season.
UGA gave up the 48th most TDs with 37.
UGA only played the 18th most snaps on defense at 768.
Just some food for thought. It appears we have to stop giving up the big play more then old problem of giving up repeated long drives.
Floyd
July 12th, 2011
9:59 am
This group will be as good as the pass rush allows it to be.
JDawg1785
July 12th, 2011
10:04 am
This is a talented group with some stud freshman coming in. I wonder why Connor Norman wasn’t listed as an option? He definitely earned the respect of every fan at G-Day.
lifelongdawg
July 12th, 2011
10:08 am
Swann, Marshall, and Mitchell are all superb athletes that could play multiple positions. The D should be strong. The key issues will be establishing a running game, and staying healthy on the O-line. If we can figure those two out, we will compete with anyone in college football.
Delusional anti-Dog posters
July 12th, 2011
10:08 am
The only people on here talking about SEC and NC are anti-UGA posters. Also those “living in the past” and talking about 1980 are invariably the same ones who are fans of other schools.
It will all begin to play out in a few short weeks, and it will be obvious if the Dog defense is improved or not.
VA DAWG
July 12th, 2011
10:10 am
The group should only improve, especially with the improvement on the defensive line (addition of Jenkins, Geathers improvement and Tyson’s slide outside). With the increased pressure provided by the frontline, this unit should see INTs go up and TDs diminish. The defense will determine the success of this team and “on paper” it looks pretty darn good. Time will tell. GO DAWGS!
DawginLex
July 12th, 2011
10:17 am
The secondary being good or bad is dependent on the front 7 at any level, college or pro.
Whole lot easier to cover a WR when the QB is on his back or running for his life.
That will be the difference in whether or not this group excels.
MEMO TO ALL THE IDIOT HATERS:(YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE)
No Dawg fan/alumni/supporter with any brain matter is predicting a national title for Georgia in 2011. To continue to post “Summer national champs” and all the other crap just proves you to be a hater idiot. My advice is to give it a rest.
My prediction has been 8 or 9 wins with 10 wins being a miracle.
Even though the game is in Athens, I believe SC will beat us in a close low scoring game. I do believe we will beat Boise.
If that is delusional national title predicting stuff then you have a major reading comprehension problem.
BMDPD
July 12th, 2011
10:24 am
I am still very worried. The loss of CK4 was bigger than most want to believe/acknowledge. I think our D will be fine. If the D can score 14 points a game, then we should be okay.
macrotech
July 12th, 2011
10:26 am
UGA will regain their swagger with a suffocating defense…THIS is what the dawgs are known for. Looks like they are getting back to their roots! Best of luck until that last game of the season…feel free to rest them on that day. Thanks!
lifelongdawg
July 12th, 2011
10:28 am
Agreed Lex,…there was a time when 10 wins was expected. This is now a goal to get back to, and certainly anything greater just isnt very realistic just yet. The front 7 look very capable. This is the first season in sometime that Im more excited about the playmaking potential of the defense. I do like the direction our newer coaches are moving in, and believe we have reason to feel excited about our future.
RabidDawgFan
July 12th, 2011
10:29 am
Watch Kellen Moore get rattle and he’ll throw 3 picks. I’m telling you. Ask Colt Brennan how it felt to be hyped up as the BCS buster team, and play against the Dawgs defense. Back when we faced Hawaii, all we heard was how Colt Brennan and his wide receivers were the best in the country and they were going to chew Georgia’s D up. Sounds like deja vu to me. Doesn’t it?
RabidDawgFan
July 12th, 2011
10:32 am
DE: Abry Jones
NG: John Jenkins and Kwame Geathers
DE: DeAngelo Tyson
OLB: Jarvis Jones/Ray Drew
ILB: Alec Ogletree
ILB: Christian Robinson
OLB: Cornelius Washington/Chase Vasser
CB: Sanders Commings
FS: Bacarri Rambo
SS: Shawn Williams
CB: Brandon Boykin
Lasso
July 12th, 2011
10:33 am
Most of you guys simply aren’t paying attention. While we will be fine at corner, safety is a HUGE concern. Rambo and Williams are slow and are frequently out of position. “Hitman” Hamilton possesses the most inappropriate nickname in the history of sports. Dude hides from contact. We absolutely need Marc Deas to be the real deal, and it wouldn’t hurt if Corey Moore came into camp as a baller – he’d certainly see the field. Forget Norman – yes, he knows the game. But he just doesn’t possess an SEC-caliber skills set.
gomdawg
July 12th, 2011
10:33 am
Conner Norman at running back, another Robert Edwards
Big Earl
July 12th, 2011
10:34 am
For those who went to G-Day, do you have any reports of how Richard Samuel did @ LB? With our backfield so depleted, maybe he moves back to RB. He was just a kid when he was back there before, only 18 years old, and now he’s up to 240+. He could always fly and now maybe he could run over some people instead of being arm tackled. If only he had a little more lateral jiggle… he seems like a great kid and a talent that’s not being utilized.
Coach Bare Bryant = LEGEND
July 12th, 2011
10:35 am
In all fairness, can ANY current or former UGA players recite all their ABCs?
If they would just display their UGA diplomas in their car windows like handicap parking decals, they wouldn’t get arrested for DUI.
BMDPD
July 12th, 2011
10:37 am
That’s great, but if the offense cannot score, then we are in for a long season. We have average wide receiver talent (Small factor). We are hurting in the running back postion (Big factor). We are very thin at OL (Huge factor). I am not confident about this season. We had one back that could pass block, but now he is gone (Tough “Brake” for us).
mgdawg
July 12th, 2011
10:37 am
I don’t know if I agree with you about the secondary. Rambo is on somebody’s list? He is one of the most frustrating players for me to watch. A lot of times on big offensive plays you can watch him just standing still on the replays, a lot of times when he tackles he either will dive at the player and try to push him over or just wait for them to run to him and try to catch them and fall. Branden smith has been one of the bigger dissapointments for me, when I first watched him play and watched his speed I thought I was going to be the next champ bailey. However, each year that I think it is his turn to step up as a starter, another player leapfrogs him for the starting spot. Boykin is very good, I’m very glad to see him come back. I would really like to see more man coverage instead of zone, whenever they run zone it seems like they are covering grass instead of players.
cornbread
July 12th, 2011
10:38 am
What site can i find the 2011 Gday game on. Go Dawgs
WDE
July 12th, 2011
10:40 am
@Coach Bare Bryant =Rump Ranger….troll.
NWGA Dawg
July 12th, 2011
10:42 am
Bring Back Wally Butts –> I 100% agree with your statement about Rambo. Ever since that AU knockout, he doesn’t seem to be able to wrap up and tackle anyone.
We need him to step up and make some tackles for us this year, and quit trying to hit without wrapping up.
lifelongdawg
July 12th, 2011
10:47 am
If you have Charter cable, and perhaps comcast, though I havent confirmed comcast, the SEC spring games are all loaded in the “On Demand” section under “Sports”.
Homepage | MrSEC.com
July 12th, 2011
10:47 am
[...] World Championships. (The Americans finished fifth in a sport we invented.)4. Georgia’s still appears to be deep and talented in its secondary.5. New Kentucky defensive coordinator Rick Minter has found a way to [...]
cornbread
July 12th, 2011
10:52 am
Thanks lifelongdawg.
DawginLex
July 12th, 2011
10:54 am
Dadgum it. I been spelling it Paul “Bear” Bryant all these years.
It is really “Bare” Bryant.
Those teachers at UGA never corrected me.
Dadgum it.
Charlie Hayes
July 12th, 2011
10:57 am
Chip- What happened to Chris Sanders? He was a really good snag for UGA at 6-0 and 185 as a FS. Is he on the team? I noticed you didnt mention him in the article.
WDE
July 12th, 2011
10:57 am
@DawginLex “Bare” Bryant was the Bear’s gay half brother…they don’t talk about him much in Bama..
Uuggh...
July 12th, 2011
11:24 am
I too am excited about the Defense for a change. I remember when the whole game could change for us based on one outstanding Defensive play. As dependent as this team (and the coaches apparently) is on momentum…a few big plays could really help us out on that front.
Not only that a few explosive defensive plays could also keep Bobo from flat out giving up on offensive series where his first deep ball call ends up incomplete. Boy–it would sure be nice to see that!
Use what you got
July 12th, 2011
11:31 am
We have no proven long drive backs and we have no O line really capable of crushing folks. We must use what we have ………….a talented D team to take the ball over and run with it. We must create turnovers like we have not done in many, many years, so that we can get the ball close to the opponent’s goal line ……………sort of like Florida did when they got A Murray to fumble in his pass drop past year.
12 games and counting …………… lack of depth, poor O line, no tested running backs and no proven game breaker flankers ……………….. a BIG BOY coach has to anticipate this possibility each and ever year …………………IT IS WHY a SEC coach is paid the big bucks.
CMR ……………..make it happen. We are watching and pulling for the DOGS.
Go Dogs.
UGA man, class of 71 7 73
puppy in KY
July 12th, 2011
11:33 am
Every position is in Good shape. How do you go 6 – 7, lose your 3 best offensive players (Green, Bolin, Durham) all your RBs, your 3 best def players and everything is in good shape? Oh, it’s Athens in the preseason!
Jax 2011 – Florida 31 Georgia 17 Todd Grantham chokes on cuss words (aimed at a college student) and a lack of class.
azdawg
July 12th, 2011
11:36 am
The only returning starter that impresses is Boykin. As a unit they allowed to many long TD’s last season and left receivers wide open most of the time. The difference maker for this unit will be a (hopefully) much improved def front w/run stop and pash rush ability. Otherwise, it’ll be deja vue all over again.
One real fact
July 12th, 2011
11:38 am
Folks, the UGA D line is nothing of what it was in 2011. John Jenkins and Gathers were not on the playing field last year. Period. This year in the middle, UGA ought to be much improved and the former N Guards are either second string or moved to D End, their natural positions.
Abry Jones and DeAngelo Tyson are not natural Nose men. They will be supported by Ray Drew and a company of faster LBs and Frosh LBs and D Ends. Our entire D line depth barring disastorous injuries will be much improved.
It should be entriely different on D line, thusly providing help for the D backs in pass coverage with PRESSURE.
Go Dogs.
***UGA FAN BEFORE 2008
July 12th, 2011
11:41 am
You will see a TEAM play this year. Cancer’s are gone.
jp
July 12th, 2011
11:42 am
st richt show your ignorance the d gave up 22 pts a game in the first year and ranked 4th ovreall in d in the sec. it is idiots also got 13 more take aways than last year. it is bosos like you that never played a down of ball since pop warner when your mon pulled you out to play dodge ball with a helmet . keep up your ignorance and go pull for some other team .go watch world cup soccer ,you blow
SkokieDog
July 12th, 2011
11:44 am
Will Grantham have this unit practice defending (or even recognizing) the wheel route this August? If not, look out for some more long TD’s scored by our opponents. I hope the incoming freshmen will be allowed to play rather than wearing the red shirt. There is room for some playmakers in the defensive backfield.
anotherdawg
July 12th, 2011
11:52 am
Need to add Ogletree to this “key Loss” list since he was moved to linebacker, although I do think he fits linebacker better than safety. Also, I hope the Jakar ( the hitman ) lives up to his name this year. I don’t how he got that nickname.
JB
July 12th, 2011
11:54 am
Change Jakar’s nick name from “hit man” to “sit man”……. Glad he is not starting…unless somebody has been coaching him. I’m hoping with our improved line play our VERY FAST linebackers will make the hitting plays. We will have the fastest LB’s in the SEC. They were all sprinters in HS.
Braves fan
July 12th, 2011
11:54 am
Trust me….. Nick Marshall will be a name that UGA Nation will hear over and over…..This guy is going to be a star
Palm City Dawg
July 12th, 2011
12:04 pm
2005 Auburn at Georgia with Willie running the D…4th and 11 for Auburn, receiver wide open over the middle and takes it to the 2. Auburn kicks winning field goal. No we have Grantham and I feel he will not let that happen, but we look back to the 2010 Arkansas game…I really feel we will have the heat on the QB this season and not as likely. Dawgs D dominate the SEC this season!!!
I-DOG
July 12th, 2011
12:09 pm
I think the jury is still out on this defense. It looks good on paper other than maybe the safety position and if we lose Jarvis Jones for any length of time due to the issues he had at USC, that would leave us awfully thin at the critical OLB position in the 3-4.
I saw some improvement at times with the defense last year, but as late as the Kentucky game we simply could not get off the field on 3rd down. On KY’s opening drive, we stopped them pretty much cold on 1st and 2nd and they would convert a 3rd and 7 or a 3rd and 12 with what seemed like relative ease.
We had to be one of the worst in the SEC in percentage of third downs converted against.
Lots of reason for optimism especially with two 350 pound nose tackles that can play at a high level, but we won’t really know until after the 2nd game.
I-DOG
July 12th, 2011
12:15 pm
Rabid Dawg Fan:
Toward the end of the first quarter against Hawaii, I was actually concerned about Colt Brennan’s safety. Our DE’s were blowing by the slower tackles of Hawaii and we started rushing just three and still getting to the guy. I was worried that Colt might suffer a Joe Theisman type sack/injury. It was about as one sided as things get in college football.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 12th, 2011
12:16 pm
I would sure like to see some plays where both Jenkins and Geathers are on the field at the same time. I can’t imagine much running up the middle with them both out there. If our LB’s are as good, fast and strong as advertised, UGA will be very formidable on defense, if the secondary can hold up their end. If the front 7 can force teams to be one dimensional, then we can be very special. If you force a guy like Garcia to throw more than his comfort zone allows him, because the running game is severely hampered, you stand a good chance of controlling S.C.’s offense.
There is no question that our D has to play big this year, and create turn overs. Our offense is going to be largely a works in the making for the first few games. Hopefully, with minimal injuries and game experience, the offense will be up to par after about 5-6 games. Some first year players on the O side of the line will really need to step up.
RabidDawgFan
July 12th, 2011
12:36 pm
Why is everyone against the offense? I know on paper our offensive line looks thin, and we don’t have a spectacular receiver but maybe that’s a good thing? Obviously Green couldn’t lead us to the SEC title game so what good would he have done us this season? In fact, the 2 SEC titles that UGA won, they didn’t have a dynamic receiver. They had great TEs, which we have. They had a GROUP of receivers that could get the job done and a QB that managed games.
We have two RBs with Crowell and Malcome and although they’re very young, they can get the job done IMO. Malcome is so big and strong and he’s a banger at 6′0 and a solid 226 lbs. We’re going to be just fine on offense and if the defense can create a few turnovers and hold teams under 20 points a game, we’ll be fine.
Rabid Dawg'84
July 12th, 2011
12:44 pm
Question, how do you compete in practice and let those 5 300-350 lb D-line guys hit our O-line without someone getting hurt? We have to hit so that we are not soft in the game, we tried not competing with Willie and couldn’t tackle or cause a fumble. If you go full speed in practice, those D-line will hurt someone – our thin O-line.
Ca dawg
July 12th, 2011
1:07 pm
Agree w dawg in lex: I was saying 9-3 before king was out; now I’m thinking 8-4.
Dawg in Malta
July 12th, 2011
1:07 pm
@coach bare?? bryant = legend
For someone who can’t spell…
I wouldn’t be calling out people about reciting their ABC’s?
“bare” is spelled “bear” in Coach Bear Bryant.
Go back to your trailer park and poison some more trees!!
Go Dawgs!!
GA_BOI 24/7_365
July 12th, 2011
1:12 pm
Good Question Rabid Dawg’84 and I’m still kinda iffy on the secondary other than Boykins. Hopefully the front seven can help them out
DAWGMAN
July 12th, 2011
1:16 pm
“Richt has the offensive genius to score with what he has.” “If he wants to(score”. Please
Black Mountain Bulldog
July 12th, 2011
1:18 pm
Rabid Dawg 84: That is what the scout team is for.
Joe T toughening them up.
Just ask Benedict.
hunker down
July 12th, 2011
1:24 pm
If the Dawgs can keep JJ eliigible for play then they should be really solid on D. Love to see us flying to the ball like I once remmebered.
Jimmy Crack
July 12th, 2011
1:25 pm
Our newly improved defensive line and linebackers will make our secondary alot better because of less time needed in downfield coverage. Take away a second or two of pocket time from decent QBs like Moore and Garcia and suddenly you have a mediocre QB who has to force throws into tight spaces, or at the very least throw to a check down in front of the defense. Two good things in our favor about the Boise State game are Titus Young and Austin Pettis, both of whom are no longer in Kellen Moore’s arsenal. Additionally, Garcia lost his best TE in years (Saunders) and another tall receiver (Gurley). Our defense will have to dominate to win both these games.
nobody
July 12th, 2011
2:03 pm
if you limit the conversation to speed, strength, jumping ability, quickness, mobility, or any other athletic skill, Jake Scott would probably tell you straight up that he couldn’t touch today’s kids, especially these kids…however, if you are comparing their football instinct and smarts to his, he would probably just grin….as blessed with both as were Terry Hoage and Kirby Smart, I suggest that not even their skill sets could hold a candle to those Jake possessed.
Uuggh...
July 12th, 2011
2:11 pm
Can we please all agree that it is possible to be a UGA fan and enjoy soccer?
I am talking to you jp. Just call the clown a troll if you have to…why insult the rest of us by lumping him in with all soccer fans?
BTW…Soccer fans as a demographic in the US, are better educated and better earners than non-soccer fans. Just FYI.
indianman
July 12th, 2011
2:15 pm
i predict undefeated season
7576DAWG
July 12th, 2011
2:16 pm
CHIP
Will Fall practice start on August 1st and will there be 2 a day. Do you know if Georgia will have open practices or are fall practices usually closed?
RxDawg
July 12th, 2011
2:22 pm
I can’t help but wonder if the coaches aren’t tempted to try Boykin out at RB. Since he’s a senior and incredible CB I doubt they will. But he’d be one heck of an option.
cadawg
July 12th, 2011
2:33 pm
rxdawg: there have been rumors about using boykin on offense, but more at WR than at RB. i agree that he’s so dynamic — and our offense so hamstrung by lack of depth at RB and OL — that we’re going to need to think outside the box a little bit this year. i’d like to see boykin on offense a little bit, too.
choke
July 12th, 2011
2:36 pm
Safety is a huge liability. Boykin is extremely good and reliable; no doubts about that. Sanders showed a lot of improvement and will be more than serviceable at corner. Smith is good in the nickel role. At safety, though, Rambo is only a starter by default; he was a huge liability in pass coverage last year. Shawn Williams is unproven and has a lot of promise, but he’s got a long way to go. I’ve never heard of a more ironic nickname than “The Hitman.” Nobody knows anything our freshmen. I’m sure there are some future stars in that group, but clearly none are physically or mentally ready for extended play on Saturdays. Look for Moore to see the field the most and earliest out of any of them.
cadawg
July 12th, 2011
2:38 pm
i feel pretty good about our secondary, but we need to get more out of williams/hamilton (”sit man” is hilarious, btw). i think rambo will become more consistent this year, but i worry about those other two guys.
lex is right about an improved front 7 making for an improved secondary as well. talking about the defense makes me feel good about the season. talking about offense… not so much.
choke
July 12th, 2011
2:42 pm
The pass rush from the front 7 will certainly make a huge difference. A formidable pass rush, however, is still not going to do a whole lot about safeties just blowing deep coverage or getting split deep on Cov 2. W/ this, corners share some of the blame, though. Gotta be able to press receivers in this scheme. That’s hard to do when corners are undersized. Boykin (despite size) and Sanders are actually decent at this, but they can’t play every snap.
Uuggh...
July 12th, 2011
2:43 pm
Sounds like we have promised too many recent signees Offensive playing time to give Boykin any touches. They’ll give Branden Smith and the two new kids a chance before Boykin. Plus the other teams special teams has to play us differently when he is back there returning kicks. Don’t want to give that threat and our lock down corner up because he gets injured pass blocking or blocking on a tricky end around or something.
Stinger2
July 12th, 2011
2:43 pm
UGA fans are paranoid. They have great talent at every position and yet continue to worry, whine, and rationalize about how bad this or that position is going to be. Are any of you glass half full people? How sad would you be if you faced this season with the GT team?
RxDawg
July 12th, 2011
2:47 pm
Rambo catches more grief from fans than he deserves. He is not a bad player at all. I remember he missed a tackle because he didn’t wrap up early one year and everyone seemed to write him off. In reality he has made a lot more plays than he’s whiffed on. Anyone remember that INT he got while fliping over the hedges? Rambo is a good ball player. It’s the rest of the safeties I worry about.
Uuggh...
July 12th, 2011
2:49 pm
You are right. That would really be hell Stinger2.
cadawg
July 12th, 2011
3:00 pm
rxdawg: agreed 100%. rambo is going to be fine; it’s williams/hamilton that scare me a little…
JDawg1785
July 12th, 2011
3:23 pm
JB, I’m still laughing about “sit man” 3 hours later!
Vance
July 12th, 2011
3:26 pm
Congratulations to Boykin for understanding the importance of completing his education, as well as having a football career! I hope he wins many awards this year for his dedication and outstanding performance for UGA. Fortunately this appears to be a strong area for UGA this year.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 12th, 2011
3:28 pm
Folks,
I wouldn’t worry too much about our defensive line hurting our thin offensive line during practice. We have to think that the offensive line can do what is needed and be OK. If they are going to get hurt bad in practice, that is still better than them getting hurt in a game. At least if they are hurt in practice, we can get a youngster prepared to step in, where in a game, if it happens, the youngster might be stepping in unprepared. Practice is the time to get hurt. I would think also, on two a days, the reserves are going to get at least half of the workout and play on the line. The coaches know they need to step it up a little with reserves maybe training for full game situations a little more than normal. Hopefully, with the added emphasis on S and C and step up in that program, injuries will be at a minimum. You can’t play fearing you are going to get injured and win.
TallyDawg
July 12th, 2011
4:27 pm
The offense will be so bad, the D better be top notch or we will have another 6+ loss season
JDawg1785
July 12th, 2011
4:47 pm
I’m surprised that there’s been so little mention of Sanders Commings in the discussion. He came up with some huge picks last season. Assuming he continues to improve, we’re in good shape at corner.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 12th, 2011
5:36 pm
Still no Bryan Evans? Yes it is a strength then….
Stinger
July 12th, 2011
7:32 pm
LMAO UGAly will fold – GT will absolutely run them off the field come November. GT will have the best team in the state once again. Nobody (even the vaunted UGAly defense) will be able to slow the Jackets TO down.
BirdDog
July 12th, 2011
8:28 pm
Boykin is a DGD! Have a beast of a senior year dude!
RamboDog
July 12th, 2011
8:31 pm
Stinger @ 732 pm
The UGA Dline will “stuff” the middle, then the DBacks and LBackers will TKO Gay Techs running backs when they go outside on keeper or pitches, then pick up 2 or 3 fumbles and a couple of helmets when they get “ROCKED”, just like last year…. then ya’ll will have to put it in the AIR…I can’t wait!!! My Tech buddy or me always have a GA / GT game at either my house or his. Each year the location is determined by winner of previous year’s game. My wife is starting to get tired of it “always” being at my house…9 out of last 10…the Tech guys have been making excuses to stay home, breaks their little hearts to see the “beat downs”.
UGA owns this state and ALWAYS will…. just be happy you get to beat your chest “every few years”, like my little Tech buddies do…
If Texas Tech tries to come to the SEC, I HOPE Ga Tech grows a pair and comes in also…SEC Football, the BEST.
ugab
July 12th, 2011
8:56 pm
I have heard alot this off season about the S and C changes. OK!!!!! What have the players been doing to prepare for Boise and SC. These 2 teams are going to exploit all the changes and unpreparedness of MR. Coaches know there are problems and weanesses.
Levondawg
July 12th, 2011
11:14 pm
a true strong point of the entire team. i’m no fortune teller, but if they have their stuff together early, i see a fearsome foursome making things problematic. things could look a WHOLE lot worse at DB.
Levondawg
July 12th, 2011
11:21 pm
my favorite posters are the guys that have nothing better to do than to sabotage an otherwise friendly and informative space. please go to your respective team pages and support your own team. UGA fans will stay thick no matter the win-loss record, attrition situations, or any other problems that every team faces throughout time. trolls are haters without accountability or credibility.
Garrett
July 12th, 2011
11:36 pm
As long as Bryan Evans isn’t back there we will be okay.
Chip Towers
July 12th, 2011
11:40 pm
7576DAWG: You must’ve missed my answer to your question Tuesday morning. UGA hasn’t decided its start date yet but expected to be Aug. 2 or 3. Haven’t heard if there will be any two-a-days this year but infamously there was not last summer. I’m betting there’s at least a couple this year. But that’s just a guess. Coaches go on their “hideaway” soon to determine all these things.
Chip Towers
July 12th, 2011
11:42 pm
Charlie Hayes: I should have mentioned Chris Sanders. Stupid oversight on my part. Not sure he’ll have an impact this season but he’s a fine prospect for sure.
Chip Towers
July 12th, 2011
11:43 pm
macrotech: I agree. In fact, I’d say the key to Georgia’s season is how well the defense plays. Along with strong special teams, they must win with defense this season.
truedawg
July 12th, 2011
11:48 pm
if they don’t score we will never lose…Erk
Tech is Rennie's B!TC#
July 13th, 2011
1:03 am
First of all stop slamming Malcome on his “breakaway speed” 6 yards and a cloud of dust can go a long way for a drive. And second if Jarvis get’s suspended Ray Drew will start in his position and he is a hard hard hard worker. I believe the last freshman linebacker we started was Rennie Curran and look what he did for us!
DawgFan
July 13th, 2011
1:30 am
Secondary is clearly our biggest weakness on defense, but it isn’t too bad. Brandon Boykin has always been solid and Bacarri Rambo is decent. Strong Safety and our other CB spot are worry-spots. I liked Connor Norman, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see one of the safety spots and CB spots taken.
Frankie Teasley
July 13th, 2011
5:37 am
The thing I enjoy the most is watching the Dawgs beat GT into the ground while treating myself to a dozen doughnuts during the game!!!!!
Paddy
July 13th, 2011
6:57 am
Conner Norman did not move up yet because all the guys mentioned in this article are ahead of him. It is impossible to name everyone who might see some playing time.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 13th, 2011
8:05 am
We will learn a lot I think with this campaign coming up and the practices that start in August. I hope some folks are working out on their own because 30 days is not a lot of time to get it together. We are going to find out this year, how many of these young men are willing to work hard and put in the work needed to be successful. We are thin in a few places on experience, but a lot less on defense than offense. Hunker down DAWGS.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 13th, 2011
10:13 am
I still think the team can have a fairly decent season given the schedule. Admittedly, the first two games are tough, but the competition, at least on paper, looks manageable after that. This year, an 8 win season might be good, but the next year should be a whole lot better, given the experience that a lot of the younger players will be given, versus having more time to adjust and train for the SEC and big time college football. I know everybody expects each year to be a top year for their team, but sometimes, the team has to learn on the field, and step it up just a little. I don’t think any coach prepares for the attrition and injuries that have already occurred with UGA at this time, but it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise. The AD has said the evaluation of this year and CMR is going to be based on more than just wins, so we shall see. I think we will see at the least a more physically fit team, and I think the players are going to come together as a team. These young members of the Dream Team, will learn at a little quicker pace than would be normally required, but that will be a good thing. I look forward to them being stronger, faster, and I hope, more team oriented than lat years team. I don’t hold any high expectations of UGA winning the SEC East or beyond that, but I think you will see a team that is focused on their job, plays with a lot of enthusiasm and is in shape. If this happens, next year might be really special.
BigDawgZ
July 13th, 2011
11:30 am
I agreee with Frank, Conner Norman is a smart and very capable player. He needs to get more looks on the field.
HardTruth Soldier
July 13th, 2011
11:34 am
Sure hate that they moved Ogaltree, this was the second coming of T. Davis. Receivers would’ve refused to go across the middle.
bobby
July 13th, 2011
12:00 pm
yes this could a strength especially at corner. but i want to see brandon smith start a corner with boykin and move sanders cummings to safety. i don’t know a shawn williams at safety he got talent but did’nt make any big plays last year and rambo struggled in coverage uga needs competiton at safety but i think corner will be a big strength.
'94 UGA Alumni
July 13th, 2011
12:37 pm
Hey Big Earl,
You must have read my mind about Samuel because I’ve been thinking the same thing. Move him back to RB where he is needed more.
Big Dirty Dawg
July 13th, 2011
1:27 pm
HT Soldier….big Tree will still make receivers think twice coming thru the middle! LOL plus RBs trying to break through the hole. Tree was a liability at safety…getting completely blown by in coverage, gave some some big BIG TDs last year. He’s better fit at LB. =0)
chickenman
July 13th, 2011
2:11 pm
i think this is the most talented group in a few years… hopefully a pass rush will give us that back edge danger
Special teams: Georgia’s group looks as good as any anywhere | UGA sports blog
July 13th, 2011
4:13 pm
[...] July 12 — Secondary [...]
Nauti-dawg
July 13th, 2011
6:07 pm
really? no,….. REALLY?
The secondary sucked last year. Why should the same guys be great this year?
Chips on drugs.
Nauti-dawg
July 13th, 2011
6:15 pm
With BooBoo calling plays they’ll need to win on D.
… and what part of last year’s Defensive Coaching by Daddy G has everyone so optimistic?
I hope y’all are right, but I reckon you’re drinking the Koolaid.
Hendu
July 14th, 2011
2:02 am
Key loss? Cuff’s departure very much STRENGTHENS our secondary. He could barely cover his own mouth when coughing. Chip, you probably were sad to see Bryan Evans go too. Those two were the most putrid DB’s since Kirby “put my head down when I tackle” Smart. Horrid.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 14th, 2011
9:32 am
Nauti-dawg,
I guess you do not have much knowledge about football. If you can’t see what having two true NT’s can make a difference on the D team, then you really don’t understand the game. It is really quite simple. Shut down the middle, force them to the outside and let your LB’s pick them up. If three men occupy the 5 OL men of the opposing team, guess who has the numerical advantage? You have four linebackers, where one can blitz, one can fall into pass coverage to protect the middle, and two can follow the ball and put the hit on the player with it. You shut down the middle, you make for a long day, for any RB, I don’t care who he is. The big ugles can change the shape of a game. We have the big uglies, and the LB’s to do just that. Everybody will be in better shape and if they play with their skills and heart, we might just see Junkyard DAWGS again. This will help a lot as our offense gets its act together and some of the key players get seasoned.
deacon
July 14th, 2011
6:42 pm
a five star recruit big fast explosive in your progam 3 years and you still have not found and defined way to use him what world is going on in athens