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
RedandBlackDAWG
July 16th, 2011
8:31 am
The Defensive Coordinator has his say about it. I think he would have rather the young man stayed on defense, but he knows it is a good move for the team.
http://redandblack.com/2011/07/15/grantham-looking-to-make-offensive-opponents-one-dimensional/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRedAndBlack+%28The+Red+and+Black%29
azdawg
July 16th, 2011
12:02 pm
Switching him back and forth doesn’t do his future career any good. He’s not a typical 2 way player. Hopefully he’s more mature than he was as a frosh. Like many have said as a RB he didn’t have any moves except forward. Seemed to trip over his own feet or the grass and went down w/o much of a hit. He fumbled too many times as well. Yet, hope he does well.
Dawg Tired
July 16th, 2011
3:23 pm
First – I’m way past being “a kid;’
Second – I only have one handle;
Third – I’m a former UGA season ticket holder who now lives out of state;
Fourth – I’m not a Tech fan.
Fifth – I will always live and die with UGA football’s fortunes (or misfortunes).
Sixth – I call it like I see it.
Any other questions?