Special teams: Georgia’s group looks as good as any anywhere
Ninth and final installment in a series breaking down Georgia’s 2011 football by position groups. . . .
- Georgia senior punter Drew Butler, who sports a gawdy 46.1-yard career average, already has a Ray Guy Award in his trophy case. (AP photo)
SPECIAL TEAMS
- Returning starters: P/H Drew Butler (Sr., 6-2, 214), K Blair Walsh (Sr., 5-10, 192), KOR Brandon Boykin (5-10, 183), PR Branden Smith (Jr., 5-11, 176), SN Ty Frix (Sr., 6-0, 210).
- Others to watch: Senior Brandon Bogotay is on scholarship and occasionally handles kickoffs (10 in last two seasons). He has made field goals in each of the last two G-Day Games. . . . Junior Carlton Thomas and some incoming freshmen will be given a look returning punts.
- Punters: Butler won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s best punter in 2009 and was a finalist for that award last year, when he averaged 44.5 yards punt punt — 15 were 50 yards or more — and nearly half landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. At 46.1 he is currently UGA’s career leader in punting average. Chip Andrews holds the career record at 43.2. Two-time All-America and All-SEC, Butler is the son of former Georgia All-American place-kicker Kevin Butler.
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- A Lou Groza Award finalist each of the past two seasons, Georgia kicker Blair Walsh hopes three times a charm. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Place-kickers: Walsh was a Lou Groza Award semifinalist in 2009 and 2010. “The Booter from Boca [Raton]” has scored 303 points in his career (fourth in school history) and needs 107 this season to break Billy Bennett’s school record of 409. He had a career-best 106 last year. Walsh has tremendous range and is 8-of-12 on field goal attempts of 50 or more yards. He also holds the school record for consecutive PATs without a miss with 119 before missing one in the Kentucky game last season.
- Kick returners: Boykin took over as UGA’s career record holder in kickoff return yardage last season when he compiled 866 yards. He now has 1,813 yards on 72 returns with four touchdowns (ties the SEC record). Boykin is the only player in SEC history to have three single plays of 100 or more yards. Smith averaged a respectable 14.3 yards on 10 punt returns last season and also returns kickoffs. Despite their obvious big-play ability, the Bulldogs need to improve in overall consistency. They were 10th in the SEC in kickoff-return average (20.7 ypr) this past season and 5th on punt returns (10.6).
- Key fact: Georgia may have more specialists on scholarship than any other school. The Bulldogs will count five against the NCAA limit of 85 (Bogotay, Butler, Frix, Walsh and incoming freshman snapper Nathan Theus). They already have a kicker (Marshall Morgan of Miami) and a punter (Collin Barber of Cartersville) committed for the Class of 2012.
- Key question: How will Georgia’s kickoff coverage fare a year following Warren Belin’s departure. Belin came in last year and took the Bulldogs from eighth in the SEC in kickoff coverage (40.1 yards) in 2009 to first last season (46.4). Belin, who came to Georgia from Vanderbilt to coach linebackers, left after one season to take an NFL job with the Carolina Panthers.
- Outlook: Excellent. The only area of It’s doubtful that there is any team in the country with a better group of specialists from top to bottom.
- Your turn: What say you about Georgia’s special teams?
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101 comments Add your comment
cadawg
July 14th, 2011
1:02 am
the idiots are up early and up late.
RED DOG 77
July 14th, 2011
1:10 am
Boy-Howdy !……….To all you Tech, Auburn, Fla., Bama haters……I say hate on!!……..To you sissy, wet the bed, bummed-out, negative Georgia fans……….Just wait until a field goal wins us a game, or mabe a 100yd kickoff return turns a game in our favor, or mabe just a punt, downed at the 1yd line and let our defense take over for the win………….Wake-up fools! Any coach that puts as much stock in special teams…….is a dagum smart coach if you ask me……….and that smart coach is without a doubt the smartest in the SEC…………Coach Mark Richt………….Regards, RED
dawgfan
July 14th, 2011
6:50 am
not sure how UGA having good kickers/punters means that we have an inept offense? Some people are really stretching on here
Michael Vick Nike Bi**
July 14th, 2011
7:05 am
Special freaking Teams! Are you kidding me? Thease guys are ok, but we TD to win big games! No one cares about kicker awards and kicker stats, infact if the stats are too good that means yolur not putting the ball in the end zone. The downside to UGA this year will be their offense or lack there of. Mike Bobo should have been fired 2 years ago! Now we have no experience at running, unproven receivers, a thin offensive line, a player that has played just about every position playing full back, an idiot as OC and a head coach who liuke hiring his buddies because of loyalty. That equals 7-5 and an end to the Richt era finally! I have had enough!
Michael Vick Nike Bi**
July 14th, 2011
7:14 am
Dagfan this offense is horrible! They couldnt score a touchdown against UCF!!!!!!!!! Remember last year everyone returning on offense with Murray being the only Freshman, well Murray was the best player and everyone else sucked! If you know anything about football, being a DAwg fan put aside, you cant honestly say this offense is any good! I say it starts with coaching and putting together a game plan. I feel the players are here, but the coaching is stale, old and predictable! how many UGA fans like myself can actually call a play before it happens? A lot of us! Dont get me wrong, I love my DAWGS, I will watch every game this year, but the reality is that new blood is needed on the offensive end and I think a new voice at the Head Coaching side is needed as well. I am not bashing Richt, but these players need a new voice! Every since the celebration FIASCO against Florida, its been all down hill. Now we cant beat them! This script in Athens has run its course. Richt will be fired next year after 7-5 season!
Joey
July 14th, 2011
8:38 am
Who woulda thought that two Mark Richt – era kickers would be the all-time scoring champs at UGA? (Rhetorical)
The man loves him a field goal!
DawginLex
July 14th, 2011
8:39 am
I heard Danny ford speak one time about his recruiting philosophy. Even though he was a tractor riding, tobacco chewing cheating scumdog, he could coach football.
His 1st recruit every year when he needed one, was always a kicker. He went on to sya if he was starting a football team from scratch, having a placekicker was the most important position to recruit.
He might have been stretching a bit but his point was well made. Just like this year with UGA, IF the defense can stop people, our offesive questionmarks lead to needing a kicker who can win a game for you.
Still at the bar-Your comments were lowdown even for your standards.
Joey
July 14th, 2011
8:48 am
“coaching is stale, old and predictable! how many UGA fans like myself can actually call a play before it happens?”
************************************************
MVNB**,
Did you copy that from one of my previous posts?
I actually believe even if we have a 7-5 season, Richt can save himself by demoting Bobo back to QB coach and going to the NFL for a bright young offensive genius. The offense just needs some new blood, new ideas.
Joey
July 14th, 2011
8:53 am
I too can’t wait to see the D this season. If we can keep those two big guys healthy, and Jones or Drew can get in the backfield like Houston, we may in for a treat. And Ogletree may be the fastest MLB in the country.
Dawg in Milton
July 14th, 2011
9:06 am
I really think we win the East this year…we a very lucky to be on the weak side of things in the SEC. The West is a blood bath but I just don’t see any team in the East that is better than we are? I see a UGA/Bama title game. I would love to beat that little jerk Saban
bill arp
July 14th, 2011
9:31 am
Here’s a question for ya, Can anyone tell me the last time we attempted a fake field goal or fake punt? Or maybe even a sneaky on-side kick? this is where i say we’ve gotten to predictable…
Jeff
July 14th, 2011
9:41 am
The downside to this……instead of going for it on 4th and inches inside the red zone- we trot Butler on the field…..result?? 10-6 debacle in Memphis. These guys are great- and we need them. I just wish our coaches would get up a little nerve and make a statement to the opponents and our own players….if you can get a couple of inches and make a first down- we dont deserve to win
RedandBlackDAWG
July 14th, 2011
9:42 am
If you can’t understand what good kicking can do to help a team, it is quite simple. You don’t understand the game of football.
UGAgrad71
July 14th, 2011
9:47 am
You build a football to be stong in all areas. I would rather have a stong kicking game and not have to depend on it than to need a critical punt or field goal or return and not be able to produce.
DawginLex
July 14th, 2011
9:52 am
bill arp
2006 Bowl game vs VT. It worked too.
bill arp
July 14th, 2011
10:16 am
something tells me we’ll see more than one this year…what’s the over/under on Boykin running one back, 2 or 3?
RxDawg
July 14th, 2011
10:17 am
Word is that the coaches have asked Richard Sameul to move back to RB. All I have to say is NOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo! Unless of course it just isn’t working out at LB… which I kind of suspected when they wanted to move Tree from safety. That’s just too bad because Sameul flat out isn’t a natural RB at all. That said, I really hope I eat some crow on that last statement.
Mr. Ed
July 14th, 2011
10:18 am
With previous and (recently) current UGA “student-athletes” such as Hines Ward and Caleb King publicly showing off their intellectual prowess, it sounds like the Bulldogs should invest much more heavily in some Special EDUCATION Teams.
Alabama | MrSEC.com
July 14th, 2011
10:22 am
[...] night’s ESPY awards. (As millions tune-in and fall into ESPN self-hype trap.)5. Georgia looks pretty good on special teams… again.6. With major attrition at running back in Athens, Richard Samuel — a tailback turned [...]
A rough loss
July 14th, 2011
10:27 am
Florida defeated UGA last year with a FG after Aaron Murray choked that entire game.
THEIR PUNTER kicked the winning FG and we lost that freaking game. He was from the state of Georgia and Paulding County HS. He made UGA pay for not recruiting him harder.
Last year, their special team’s SECOND STRING FG kicker defeated us. Bitter memory.
UGA man,
class of 71 & 73.
Robert Edwards
July 14th, 2011
10:31 am
Coach Goof had me at LB and decided to play me at running back and I scored 5 TDs vs SC and nearly single handily defeated UT, before I blew my knee out. Peyton Manning and I put on a show that game.
Maybe Richard Samuels is a more mature physically equipped man this year. He was only 17 when he played R back two years ago. I say play him at running back and let us see what he can do.
Goooooooooooooooooooo Dogs.
RxDawg
July 14th, 2011
10:41 am
Robert, coach Goff actually had you at CB not LB.
I don’t know too many 6′2″ 240 # RB’s. But at least we’ll be able to put some punishment on some opposing teams. Since we probably won’t solely rely on Richard it could make for a nice change up. But it was never Richards’s physicality of not being able to play the RB posistion. It was more his balance and technique. He was far to easy to bring down. Honestly I’m more dissapointed that Richard isn’t working out at LB because I had high hopes for him there.
Of course, none of this is official yet. I think the coaches are leaving the decesion up to Richard.
Bobo only knows 2 plays
July 14th, 2011
10:43 am
Can the special team’s coach call plays? If not we are doomed. Bozo will tank at least 6 games. All kidding aside I feel for these kids who committed to Richt and will be disappointed for the rest of their life.
Big Ten Champs Nebraska
July 14th, 2011
10:46 am
Whatever……
78 DAWG
July 14th, 2011
10:55 am
Chip how can a team that be strong at every position and not in the top 25?
Is this the same team that was 6 – 7 and lost it’s top 4 players to the NFL?
bill arp
July 14th, 2011
11:13 am
I always thought Samuel would be a better fit at safety, more of a Greg Blue, Thomas Davis type. Of course, what do i know. He is, or at least was, too easy to bring down, but, with the situation we’re in, i can’t say i don’l blame the coaches for going that route.
gbal
July 14th, 2011
11:19 am
“Belin came in last year and took the Bulldogs from eighth in the SEC in kickoff coverage (40.1 yards) in 2009 to first last season (46.4).”
I don understand this stat 8th in kickoff coverage to first? 40.1 to 46.4? Help me
Michael
July 14th, 2011
12:06 pm
Bam Bam Boykin is one of the most underrated athletes in the SEC. People don’t realize how athletic he is. There is a reason opponents don’t throw his way…he has a 40 + inch vertical leap and top end speed.
And, even his 30 yard kick off returns look nasty…he’s one of the most talented runners I’ve seen at UGA. Hope he has a big time Senior year and gets some attention from the NFL.
Dawggonefan2
July 14th, 2011
12:07 pm
Boykin will be the Punt Returner too, Brandon Smith is not returning punts this year. Boykin is the MAAAANNNN!!!
McDawg
July 14th, 2011
12:18 pm
the guy you have overlooked is Sailors/Saylor a gunner on the KO-did an excellent job last year
Info for you Dog Fans
July 14th, 2011
12:23 pm
Anyone here familiar with the repeated comments from the one they call Tide Roll? Not certain where he’s getting his info (#9 SEC OL class on Rivals !!!!!).
You know, I actually checked that out on Rivals, and UGA’s OL recruiting has actualy been very good, though there have been a few relatively lean years. Not sure where the #9 came from, Rivals actualy has UGA as #8, still not good enough, but it only takes one mistake to call out a boob, which this clown obviously is.
Here you are, UGA OL SEC recruiting rank, since the inception of the rankings in 2002
#’s- – 1, 1, 4, 9, 2, 2, 2, 5, 6, 8. 10 year rank, #4 in the SEC.
Oh, and that’s PER RIVALS !!!!!!!! lol, enjoy
Dawg in Malta
July 14th, 2011
12:43 pm
@dawginlex
You’re revealing your age…I know because I’m the same.
From the Erk Russell as DC days…
Dogs defense will go from under dogs to wonder dogs this year!!
Go Dawgs!
Chip Towers
July 14th, 2011
1:27 pm
gbal: I think this is it but will check when I get a chance — It’s the net amount of yardage where the opposing team ends up with the ball after the kickoff from the 35-yard-line, or 65 yards downfield. Team ends up 46.4 yards away, that’s average field position of 18.6-yard line.
reebok
July 14th, 2011
1:38 pm
tech fan here…i have to admit, georgia is very loaded on special teams, year after year…i always feel that UGA can block a punt, take a return to the house, or make a 60-yard field goal at any time.
kevin
July 14th, 2011
1:48 pm
Auburnlit,
You’re right UGA has only beaten you 4 of the last 5 years and 6 out of the last 9. And also, in 2006, we beat you. It’s called google. Use it before you post, genius!
boytoy
July 14th, 2011
2:34 pm
Need to keep Brandon Smith away from all food if his wieghing in at 1736, we grow them big at UGA.
lol
July 14th, 2011
2:58 pm
lol@ Branden Smith being 1736 pounds
big john 360 lbs
July 14th, 2011
3:03 pm
Wish I had as much confidence in our run game as I do in our kickers.
AltamahaDawg
July 14th, 2011
3:06 pm
Robert Edwards, you need to learn a bit more about your history before posting. Might want to check with the blogger known as ST. Richt. He seems to be the expert on how that all when down. Of course it was in a phantom year according to him, but he’d put “any amount of money on it”.
JDawg1785
July 14th, 2011
3:15 pm
Coaches’ preseason All-SEC team:
First-Team Specialists
PK Blair Walsh, Georgia
P Drew Butler, Georgia
RS Brandon Boykin, Georgia
AP Joe Adams, Arkansas
RedandBlackDAWG
July 14th, 2011
3:50 pm
Special teams can and will make a big difference for UGA this year. It can sometimes be an effective a weapon as the offense can, and help out the defense tremendously. UGA’s special teamers are great and it is a well coached unit. FG’s do win games.
NCAA Critic
July 14th, 2011
4:02 pm
Definitely a gifted group of players on our special teams. But, will they lead? Will Butler turn the field when we are backed up near our endzone? Will Walsh guarantee a 50 yard FG if we are 3rd and long from the 33 and want to try for a first down instead of getting a closer look for the FG? Will Boykin and Smith force opponents to kick away from them and risk bad kicks, or make them pay for kicking away? The kicking game is the one area where we have the skill and experience to press for an advantage. But will the coaches demand leadership and excellence from these star players and the others on the special teams? Or will we have to develop another fair catch specialist like Logan Gray or endure another season of short kickoffs with poor coverage? I’m hoping for the best, but our coaching has not been a source of pleasant surprises the past few years.
Chip Towers
July 14th, 2011
5:19 pm
78 DAWG: You must have missed my breakdown of the offensive line.
FLA DAWG
July 15th, 2011
10:03 am
Alta,
No posting on the Samuel move!?
Dawg Tired
July 15th, 2011
1:55 pm
We definitely need a good punter.
Dawg Tired
July 15th, 2011
2:01 pm
Actually I’m not surprised Branden Smith has ballooned to a weight that is actually a year in history. After all, Tyson went from 6′2″ and 290 pounds to 6′4″ 309 pounds in 4 paragraphs last week. I’m guessing he’s on the same regimen as Branden. We could be the largest team size wise in the history of college football the way these kids are growing. Joe T must be on to something. This may also explain why Benedict left. He just couldn’t see carrying all that weight on a bad knee.
Dawg Tired
July 15th, 2011
2:03 pm
I am worried about how quick these kids will be with all this weight gain going on.
Class of 93
July 16th, 2011
9:12 pm
Is Terry Hoage still eligalble to block kicks?
Columbus
July 17th, 2011
3:06 pm
Bryant-3 10 win seasons in his first 20 years. 6 more of those same 20 years he won 6 or less games…..
Dooley-3 10 win seasons in his first 16 years, then Herschel arrived
Paterno-6 10 win seasons in first 10 years!
Bowden-2 10 win seasons in first 10 years (not counting at Howard where they played 9 game seasons)
Mark Richt-6 10 WIN SEASONS in 1st 10 YEARS as a head coach!
ONLY Mark Richt and Paterno! The others did HALF as well. Does this show you haters how silly and ignorant and DUMB you are and that you need to keep yor mouth shut and maybe, just maybe do an ABOUT face and SUPPPORT Richt with EVERYTHING you got before you run one of the BEST coaches in NCAA HISTORY out of ATHENS!
Everybody EXPECTED the last 2 years to be down years with Cox at QB and Moreno gone. Then a new freshman QB and New defense and coaches last year plus a weak OL. Last year was a FLUKE and UGA EASILY could have lost only 2 games STILL last year without bad breaks and suspensions. so 6 and 6 was not expected but understandable. The bowl game was TOTALLY Bobo’s fault. All games UGA could have won or were in position to win except the Auburn game but bad breaks, untimely turnovers and penalties and terrible calls by the refs at the WORST time and UGA could have went 9-3, 10-2 or 11-1. Last year was a fluke. Every team goes through a tough spell. UGA is now BACK so PLEASE DO NOT jump back on the UGA or Mark RIcht bandwagon these next 5 YEARS while we are back to winning 10 plus games a year and SEC championships. OK?
Bobo may need to go but Richt? NEVER!
ugab
July 18th, 2011
9:56 pm
Boykin needs to hold on to the ball!