Georgia LB Richard Samuel agrees to move back to tailback (UPDATED)
Junior Richard Samuel (22), here in Georgia's G-Day Game, was actually looking pretty good as a linebacker. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
In the wake of attrition at the running back position, Georgia announced Thursday that junior Richard Samuel will move back to tailback from linebacker.
Samuel, a former five-star prospect from Cartersville who was recruited at both positions, played tailback his first two seasons with the Bulldogs. He agreed to a move to linebacker last year, then redshirted. The 6-foot-2 athlete is now up to 243 pounds. He played tailback in the 225 to 230 range.
Georgia lost its top two tailbacks of the two last seasons — Caleb King and Washaun Ealey – to academic ineligibility and transfer, respectively, since the end of spring practice. True freshman Isaiah Crowell, junior Carlton Thomas and redshirt freshman Ken “Boo” Malcome were the only remaining tailbacks on scholarship.
Following is UGA’s release:
Georgia junior linebacker Richard Samuel of Cartersville will return to the tailback position, according to an announcement Thursday by UGA head coach Mark Richt. Samuel, who played tailback as a freshman and sophomore, had been moved to linebacker a year ago but injuries led to a redshirt season in 2010.
“After discussions with Richard, his family, and our coaches I’m excited that Richard wants to make the move,” Richt said. “He’s one of our fastest and most powerful players, is very mature, has a strong character and is a man we can count on. I’m proud of him for always putting the team first and I look forward to seeing what he can do.”
Said Samuel: “I’m excited about the opportunity at tailback. I’m ready to do anything that will help the team win.”
In his two seasons at tailback (2008-09), Samuel played in 22 games including six starts (all in 2009). He carried 114 times for 528 yards and three touchdowns.
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353 comments Add your comment
Mike
July 14th, 2011
10:53 pm
Yawn!!! People seem to forget how bad he was at RB. For being so “powerful”, he always went down on first contact,and could not make anyone miss. Tells me he was never gonna see the field at LB.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 14th, 2011
10:54 pm
If CMR had his druthers this move never gets made. Thomas is not a #2 back. Malcombe has yet to stay healthy so putting the burden of him being a Co-#1 with Crowell is insane. Expecting Crowell to walkin and be the next Lattimore or Dyer is fools Gold. CMR had no choice but to humbly ask Samuels to make the move. Make no mistake Samuels will carry the rock this fall. He will be the starter against Boise St. The move comes with some expectations to take care of Samuels I am sure. I applaud the young man for being open to it. It is a character move on his part. CMR had zero options at this point.
Missy
July 14th, 2011
10:55 pm
Samuel is a class act and stellar athelete. He will be more successful this time at TB. Thanks for the making the switch, Richard.
Paul in RDU
July 14th, 2011
10:56 pm
I hope things work out well for Samuel – he certainly deserves good things to happen to him with all of the changes he has had to endure. I have to think he has been badly jerked around though by the coaches in his life.
hotdawg
July 14th, 2011
10:58 pm
Samuel and Figgins in the backfield. I would hate to try and tackle those to beasts!
hotdawg
July 14th, 2011
10:59 pm
sorry – two beasts!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 14th, 2011
11:01 pm
http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/samuel_richard00.html
Here is his bio. The young man just turned 20. He has two years to grab a hold of this thing and make it work. I have some issues with this move, but I think it is a needed move. I hate it but thanks to King and Ealey others have to make sacrifices. We are fortunate to have such a capable player in Samuels to call upon.
RabidDawgFan
July 14th, 2011
11:03 pm
The players that we lost this season IMO were bad apples in the bunch. We lost:
-Caleb King
-Washaun Ealey
-A.J. Harmon
-Marcus Dowtin
-Brent Benedict
That’s it right? But the thing is; NONE of those were because of arrests which excites me. I’m so glad we’ve stayed out of trouble this off-season. I don’t really think King was a bad apple, he just didn’t make good choices but I really do wish him the best. The guys that we have now have a different attitude about them. They want to win and I don’t think they’re going to let Boise or anybody else get in their way. I love that.
RabidDawgFan
July 14th, 2011
11:07 pm
Depth chart for 2011 season (barring injury)…*I love doing this* lol
LT: Cordy Glenn
LG: Kenarious Gates
C: Ben Jones
RG: Chris Burnette
RT: Justin Anderson
TE: Orson Charles/Aron White
SE: Marlon Brown
FLK: Tavarres King
QB: Aaron Murray
FB: Bruce Figgins
HB: Richard Samuel/Isaiah Crowell
RabidDawgFan
July 14th, 2011
11:08 pm
Defense:
DE: Abry Jones
NG: John Jenkins/Kwame Geathers
DE: DeAngelo Tyson
OLB: Jarvis Jones
ILB: Alec Ogletree
ILB: Christian Robinson
OLB: Cornelius Washington
CB: Sanders Commings
FS: Bacarri Rambo
SS: Shawn Williams
CB: Brandon Boykin
another career unfulfilled
July 14th, 2011
11:11 pm
First, kudos to Richard Samuel for being a team player first and foremost. However, a potentially great linebacker,( size, speed, intelligence) is lost to sit behind a freshman who will be given every opportunity and then some to start. I just get tired of seeing athletes who show potential to be great at one position shuffled around for four years and never get to show what they can do…Brandon Miller, Kiante Tripp anyone?
I hope it works out for all, obviously. Richard is an absolutely great kid and will do well in life, regardless of how much Richt and Bobo jerk him around.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 14th, 2011
11:12 pm
The only group if you look at starters alone, take out depth concerns, is at WR. The starters at any group outside of WR are as good as any in the SEC. Hard to beieve after all these years depth is going to be a issue at some huge positions but that is the reality.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 14th, 2011
11:12 pm
Concerned about it should read is the WR’s.
Mobile Dawg
July 14th, 2011
11:18 pm
Don’t know if I can take another month and a half of this. I’m ready to see the product, but then I’ve always been a little impatient. For the record, I’m with the crowd that thinks things are really screwed up in Athens.
truedawg
July 14th, 2011
11:19 pm
DGD Richard!! No one here in their heart is 100% happy about this move. We have mixed feelings. But I know RS wanted to be a RB. We have tallent at LB. We have tallent at RB, but unproven. Adapt and overcome… I do think RS will be a bulldozer on short yardage. He does know the blocking schemes better. By mid season If Malcome is healthy, or Crowell is the”real deal” do you move him back to LB? sit him on the bench? Time will tell. I hope he is 10 times better than before and sets some records.Would be better for everyone if Crowell can redshirt. Not a more desrving guy on the team. Real team player and someone the Bulldog Nation can be proud to cheer. I see alot of team mentality this year and it’s music to the ears. GATA!!
I just hope Bobo is up right now studying film on Boise and working on a game plan.
Wishing all the best to Richard!! GO DAWGS!!
Bobo, Bobo, a pirate's life for me
July 14th, 2011
11:21 pm
I pray this works out for Richard, and I hope he does well, congrats to him for the team first attitude. But he works best at linebacker in my opinion, i was really looking forward to seeing him lay some wood against opposing offenses.
Spike 80DF
July 14th, 2011
11:24 pm
i think we’ll throw to open up the running game quite a bit. tavarres king, marlon brown, orson charles, aron white, rantavious wooten, michael bennett, chris conley, malcom mitchell should all see playing time and very talented though some are not very experienced.
anotherdawg
July 14th, 2011
11:29 pm
Great! Got to like his size and speed, plus he’s done it before. I love players like Richard, D J Shockley, and Herschel. TEAM / me
Tide Roll
July 14th, 2011
11:37 pm
Richt/Grantham smart enough to go after 6′5 220lb. weakside linebacker JUNIOR GNONKONDE?
‘
Zoli
July 14th, 2011
11:41 pm
Please stop with all the bickering of losing a LB. We are stacked there….and if another RB shines he can always move him back to LB. If I were a defense and saw a 6′2″ 243 lb. runnning back with break away speed, I’d be screaming Ma Ma!
Tideman
July 14th, 2011
11:53 pm
I think this was an obvious move the Dogs had to make and I applaude Samuels for being up to the challenge . I think he was once considered the next Hershall Walker. Best of luck from a Crimson Tide fan that lives in Valdosta, Ga. Hope the Valdosta freshmen can help the Dawgs this year.
Tideman
July 15th, 2011
12:00 am
@ Brian….. If you think Freshmen are going to help you win the SEC, you do not know SEC football.
Rogeriter
July 15th, 2011
12:01 am
DGD Richard Samuels. I am proud of him, of our team and our coaches. Now, does anyone know of a dawg blog sight for true dawg fans and that doesn’t let teenage-acting idiots post?
G Dawg
July 15th, 2011
12:06 am
Great move. Get our best athletes on the field. There is a reason why you see #40s on the D-line and single digit linebackers at Ala and Fla, they get their athletes on the field. Great athletes win games. Smart move that is similar to moving Ogletree.
DawgFan
July 15th, 2011
12:08 am
Ohhh. A guy who’s been getting ready to play linebacker for almost a year is a scary thought to think he’s going to be running the ball.
If he doesn’t fumble the ball a one-two punch of Crowell and Samuel sounds pretty deadly.
observor
July 15th, 2011
12:11 am
This tells me they must feel good about the Jarvis Jones situation, otherwise they would want to keep Samuel at LB for insurance purposes because they both have the same body type and he would be a perfect outside rusher.
Just saying...
July 15th, 2011
12:17 am
Like his attitude
Think he has been jerked around
Should have been defense all along
Should have redshirted when he was 17 y/o
No running instinct or cutting
Goes down easily and runs into the ground
Feel coaches are desperate
Just because he is big doesn’t mean he can block
History of fumbles
I have NEVER heard so much kool-aid drinking in one session. To hear many of you he was the man all along and we just made a brilliant decision.
Hope I am wrong
dawgforlife
July 15th, 2011
12:25 am
you know Lynch is white right tide roll?
RabidDawgFan
July 15th, 2011
12:27 am
@Just saying…would you like to run up with Richard Samuel?
dawgforlife
July 15th, 2011
12:28 am
UH Tideman….the name Hershel Walker mean anything to you in regard to what a freshman can do ikn the SEC?
Tide Roll
July 15th, 2011
12:57 am
Yes I know Artie Lynch’s white. Promising tight end. Ya’ll were going to have Cam Newton back him up. Just when you’re about to get over your red panty holdin’ athletic director, your head coach and offensive coordinator GO PUBLIC (they don’t keep it on the “down-low”, they GO PUBLIC) about their evaluation of Cam Newton and coming to the conclusion that he was a TIGHT END!! Therefore, ya’ll opted to head out to Missouri to land Logan Gray instead! Richt/Bobo ought to take it on the road. Richt could be Dean Martin, and Bobo would be great as Jerry Lewis. Damon could accompany them as well. You can’t make this stuff up!!
Bali
July 15th, 2011
12:59 am
I don’t know gentlemen….something just doesn’t quite set right with me about this move. But seein how neither Mark Richt or Greg McGarity called to ask my opinion, and there’s not a dam thing I can do about it, I’ll just watch some football come September and see what happens. It does have a hint of desperation to it though. 3 million a year ought to give us a rock solid plan from the get go. We can get trial and error for minimum wage.
Tide Roll
July 15th, 2011
1:10 am
For those of you who don’t know about Martin/Lewis. Richt could be “Tater
Salad” guy, and Bobo could be the guy that says “That Thar’s funny” (Can’t remember either of their names). Damon could be himself.
Odell Collins
July 15th, 2011
1:29 am
This is probably in Samuel’s best interest as well…..although he does not have great vision, I think the transition to LB was not going to be easy this season…..he probably has a better chance to have an NFL career as a RB/Special Teams guy…..as someone posted, he is a straight line runner, but then again, so was Musa Smith…..he just has to be able to hold onto the football.
dbc
July 15th, 2011
1:44 am
I’d love to see Samuel gain 1200 yards just to make CMR look stupid. He’s the epitome of a team player, and CMR and company have no idea how to evaluate and/or use talent. While they waste his eligibility due to lack of planning and coaching, others maximize potential, Why is it that UGA constantly has issues that could affect the upcoming season. Every year it’s something. The lack of depth is really a telling tale. Like others, I think Richt is a good man, but wow, does he not plan at all for the future. He’s flying by the seat of his pants like always. I don’t think he has a clue how to fix things. He’s throwing what he can against a wall, and waiting to see what sticks. You just can’t run an SEC team like that. Hopefully this year will prove it one way or the other.
G. Tampa Bedwetter
July 15th, 2011
1:56 am
Richt is an idiot ,,,,,,,,,,, he knows about as much about coaching as Bobo, But he is such a wonderful religious man ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, good, get him a job preaching.
Vance Duly
July 15th, 2011
2:26 am
How about some facts!?!…: His name is SAMUEL, not Samuels……. According to the stats at the official UGA website, his “history of fumbles” includes 2 during his freshman year, when he only carried the ball 26 times, and 1 fumble in 2009, when he carried it 88 times. Are there some mystery fumbles recorded somewhere? He had 51 of his 88 carries in the first 3 games (OK State, SC and Arkansas) for 256 yards, with 4 catches and 34 receiving yards.
On the other hand, for those who keep pumping the fact that his career average is 4.63 yds per carry, if you take away the one 80 yard run in 2009 against Arkansas, his average for that season was only 3.62 per carry and his career average dropped to 3.96.
MAYBE he will be more consistent with more age and strength, but Coach Bobo also needs to adapt his playbook to include some running plays that takes advantage of Samuel’s strengths. This creativity has not been Bobo’s strong suit since being OC. Otherwise, we would not have seen Carlton Thomas repeatedly getting flattened trying to run between the tackles. But, let’s face it. With our shortage of proven offensive linemen, and lack of depth as well, we may have to find other ways to score, unfortunately.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 15th, 2011
3:14 am
MarineDawg,
Well said about 1953. I don’t recall, in reading these blogs, anything good he has had to say either. If he is expecting perfection every year from any team, he is always going to be disappointed. I am not even sure he is really a DAWG fan. Most likely he is just on here to try and cause dissension, but that is his business. UGA will do Ok, and this was a good move by CMR.
As for Mr. Samuels. Where can we get 84 more like him. An unselfish young man that puts team first. This is what team sports is suppose to be all about. He is a physical specimen who is in good shape, and he is going to be a load for anybody he runs against. He will do much better this time at RB I think, as he is stronger, dedicated, more mature and I am sure he did not forget how to play the position. It might be a stop gate type move, but it could turn out to be highly successful. A need has been filled and can improve the team. That is what it is all about in the long run. He can make the offense better and himself as well.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 15th, 2011
3:20 am
Tide Roll,
I notice you never seem to be able to do much but criticize UGA, but when a legitimate question is asked of you, since you think you know it all, you refuse to answer it. Why is that my friend? Perhaps you need to worry about your own team and offer Saban some sound, helpful advice. Perhaps he would appreciate it since you know so much about football. Personally, I think you just come onto a blog to troll, with your comments and you are beginning to fail at that.
Douglas
July 15th, 2011
5:01 am
Hey Lazlodog and marinedog: I grew up in Athens and graduated from UGA in 1985. I have supported Richt most of the time but he has done nothing over the last several years to show me this program is improving. If you can’t handle criticism, get out of the kitchen. Someone criticizes the program and you call us “fair weather” fans. So let me get this straight: if your boss criticizes you for not doing a good job, or you going to say he is just a terrible boss? Oh, that’s right…you two boys are victims here. I guess Richt is a victim too when he gets criticized.
"CaneDawg"
July 15th, 2011
6:11 am
Bobo is a quarterback coach hired by Richt to be a OC. Just like Samuel was a RB that Richt said ought to go to LB so he could run off CK & WE, just to move Samuel from LB after a year back to RB. This is because Richt just got a revelation from Heaven to put RS back at RB due to the fact that he has a great attitude and he’s one of the fastest players on the team. LIES all LIES that dumb kool-aid guzzlers like idiot MIKE and silly WEST uga swallow by the dirty milk jug gallon. These kind of loons respect CMR’s 2-8 record vs.UF. Richt can’t tell the truth to mediocre fans because they love the mediocrity outcomes of all the poor decisions that’s crippling a once proud but now mediocre program. Bobo can barely coach qbs much less coordinate a whole offense. Meanwhile Richt is screwing up so bad with personnel it would make a wet behind the ears, rookie, pee-wee league coach jealous. I would not be surprised at all to see more performances out of this team like we witnessed in the Liberty Bowl, when the offense barely mustered a measley SIX points vs. mighty Conference USA powerhouse, Central Florida, a team even Savannah State has beaten in the past. That game vs. UCF was so long & boring, I fell asleep and then changed the channel to watch Judge Greg Mathis. The mediocrity is building to idiotic levels at UGA. You delusional reprobate wannabe fans enjoy the final year of the mediocrity. This time next St.Mark will be working full time in the ministry where he rightfully belongs. I hope he takes the whole bunch of kool-aiders with him. May we never forget CMR must have been drunk from his own kool-aid when he said he recruited Cam Newton to come to UGA as a TE. That’s an example of just how out of touch and delusional CMR has become. bow-wow to all you kool-aid reprobates.
gomdawg
July 15th, 2011
6:14 am
Richard Samuel think you for thinking of the team , that is what beening a Bulldawg is where ever you nare needed step up and play . This reminds me of another player Hines Ward
Paddy
July 15th, 2011
6:33 am
tide roll…you just can’t stop name dropping, can you? Get a new theme, padner. Your act is running thin. But come back, your ok. Just a little stale with tunnel vision, thats all.
RedandBlackDAWG
July 15th, 2011
6:58 am
I hope this works out for UGA. If the young man can tote the rock and be successful, it will help alleviate the problem with experience at RB we now have. My worry is, do they move this young man around if the other RB’s get the game time they need to do the job, yet again. It is important to be fair to this young man as well.
dap01
July 15th, 2011
7:11 am
Bail Bonds R Us: Yes, Crowell toured the jail with your mother.
Bitter "ROUGE BOOSTER"--ncaa investagation
July 15th, 2011
7:12 am
poor ohio st., all=burn——–both will burn now that gt tech got hammered——–
—————who will make fun of ST RICHT NOW—————bammer trolls—tree killers
Chris
July 15th, 2011
7:29 am
Does it even matter when Bobo will come out running the first three or four plays, then abandons the run for 2 1/2 quarters……
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
7:53 am
Why does Richt and Booboo have to have a 3 tailback system.
Yea let Samuels practice and have him ready as a 3rd place back but I know where this is going he’ll start and wont do anything at tailback. And we’ll use him for several games because HE KNOWS THE PLAYBOOK AND CAN BLOCK
He’s not an SEC tailback. If someone farts he falls down.
Good grief this is crazy
how2fish
July 15th, 2011
8:07 am
First Kudo’s to Mr. Samuels he is a poster boy for Team First! Second while he does seem to be a better natural fit at LB it seems he is OK with the move and understands the reasons behind it. So if he does I think we should, its not his fault Ealey left or King couldn’t/won’t cut it in the classroom. He is being called on to help his team at a time when he is needed. If we weren’t opening the season with Boise and USCe this may not be needed as we would have some time for IC and Boo to show what they can do and the OL to jell. But we are and they won’t have the chance, our best chance of winning early is to have a RB who has some experience and KNOWS THE PLAYBOOK AND CAN BLOCK….how anyone who has ever watched football thinks those two things aren’t important is beyond me. Good Luck Richard no matter how this turns out you have proven your a DGD!
sirluciouscp
July 15th, 2011
8:10 am
Terrible move. Terrible back. Team is thin everywhere. Terrible recruiting. Terrible program.