Q&A: Richard Samuel says UGA career ‘full of opportunities’ (UPDATED)

Q&A WITH TAILBACK RICHARD SAMUEL

Richard Samuel walked into an interview with reporters Friday morning wearing dark blue slacks, a light blue dress shirt and tie. No, he wasn’t looking to impress a bunch of sportwriters as a resurrected tailback. He’s actually working this summer as an intern in UGA’s compliance office. And, no, he said he has “no idea” what’s going happen regarding Jarvis Jones’ eligibility. As for his recent move to tailback from linebacker, Samuel seemed very positive and upbeat about the situation. While he knows the position isn’t going to be handed to him, he did seem confident about his chances of becoming the starter before the Bulldogs’ season opener against Boise State on Sept. 3. Following is the exchange of questions and answers between Samuel and reporters covering the UGA beat:

Samuel

Samuel

Q: So what’s this week been like for you?

A: “It’s been a little confusing. I had some tough decisions to make.”

Q: Ultimately was the decision left up to you or were you told ‘this is what we need you to do?’

A: “It was more like the option or the opportunity was brought up. It was like, ‘Richard, think about this.’ We went through the scenarios of the offense and the defense and the possibility of playing. So it was like, ‘think about this and let us know what you want to do. Nobody is going to make you make a decision. It’s all up to what you want to do.’ It was totally left up to me.”

Q: Were you called up to Mark Richt’s office?

A: “Yes, it was Coach Richt. I had a feeling something was coming. You know, you hear little rumors and talk about it. It came up only after Caleb’s situation.”

Q: So you knew what was coming?

A: “I had a feeling after hearing that [Caleb King] was completely done. If you look at the history, there’s no other backs besides Carlton [Thomas] that had playing time. So something was going to have to be done.”

Q: Do you think it will be difficult to make the transition back to tailback after working so diligently to learn defense the last year or so?

A: “I still remember most of it. Yesterday was my first day in pass skel and I still remembered most of the plays and most of the blocking schemes. Everything is mostly the same.”

Q: Were you guaranteed playing time?

A: “It’s a complete competition. Like Coach said, I can’t come over and they just hand me to position. It’s straight competition. The best man’s going to play.”

Q: What tipped the scale on your decision to move back to offense?

A: “What tipped the scale was thinking I have two years left and also looking at where I am on the depth chart, my abilities and the guys that are ahead of me at linebacker on defense. And then considering the whole running back situation and the fact that there are no veteran besides Carlton playing running back. I was thinking about how can I be on the field with the most quickness, or how can I get playing time. I was thinking about that and weighing through the options. I was thinking about staying on defense and possibly rotating depending on what kind of rotation they’re going to do or go to offense where I’ve been and I’ve played and have a history playing.”

Q: How much do you weigh right now?

A: “About 238.”

Q: Do you need to lose weight?

A: “I’m OK with the weight. I just have to get back into the running back scheme, cuts and the stuff a running back should be able to do.”

Q: Did you feel like you were progressing as a linebacker?

A: “I was starting to get comfortable with it and learning the defense. I was getting used to the pass coverage. I was getting comfort with the reps I was getting. I was getting more used to it.”

Q: This is your third position change after having to decide to play running back or linebacker coming out of high school. How would you describe your UGA career to this point?

A: “I would describe my career as a career full of opportunities. I didn’t redshirt my freshman year, started my sophomore year, things weren’t going so well, decided to follow another avenue at linebacker and then redshirted last year. And then here’s another opportunity to go back to play running back and be able to do something and make changes and learn from the time I was playing running back. So it’s just another opportunity.”

Q: Has it been a frustrating process?

A: “The knee thing was the most frustrating part. The transition wasn’t that frustrating. I was able to get used to it and play some on the scout team. But the whole knee thing kept me from being on the field period.”

Q: How’s the knee now?

A: “It feels 100 percent now.”

Q: So any chance you go back to linebacker after one season?

A: “This is a two-year commitment. I’m going to end my career playing running back.”

Q: What makes you feel you’ll perform better at tailback this time?

A: “I feel like I’m more mature. I know how to look at a situation and analyze things abetter and make better decisions. Back when I was 17, I was just doing what the coaches said instead of looking outside the box to make sure I get the job done.”

Q: What do you need to improve on?

A: “I have to say play with more instincts and stop thinking so much. Not thinking so much about whether I’m on the right track or hitting the right hole or doing things so much by the book.”

Q: So now that the position change is a done deal, how do you feel?

A: “I’m more excited about it. Like I said, I’m back to something I have a history with and I kind of know. I have a good feeling about it. I’m not as stressed to learn a whole new playbook. So I’m more excited about it. I’m just excited, I don’t know how to explain it.”

Q: What did you weigh when you last played tailback?

A: “I was like 225.”

Q: Are you going to have to lose weight to play running back?

A: “No, as long as my speed and ability hasn’t decreased, Coach doesn’t care what my weight is.”

Q: What was the most you weighed after you moved to defense?

A: “The most I was was like 241 or 242. I feel like I could play at that weight. The only thing I I’m going to have to transition is getting my feet back to doing things a certain way and getting back to a running back mentality.”

Q: So what’s with the dress shirt and tie?

A: “I’m working in the compliance office.”

Q: What has that experience been like?

A: “It’s a big learning experience. There’s a lot that we take for granted. We don’t know how much planning and preparation goes into the whole traveling and making sure everybody follows the rules of preparation. There’s a lot behind the scenes that I’m learning about it.”

Q: You’re now the senior-most tailback on the roster. Do you feel like you need take on a leadership role with all the young guys back there?

A: “I feel like being the one there with the most experience is really going to help them and show them how things are done. I’ll show them that you may have the opportunity to slack but you have to take it serious. You can’t slack off on the field or in the classroom. So being there hopefully I can be some kind of role model. Hopefully, they’ll see, ‘OK, Richard does it this way. He works hard; he studies hard and it shows on the field and in his academics.’ Hopefully, I’ll be like a guide or someone they can look to instead of doing it on their own and making wrong decisions sometimes.”

Q: Is it still hard to believe you’re in this situation considering Washaun Ealey and Caleb King were here in the spring?

A: “Yeah, I feel like the whole thing, how it happened, is crazy. They were there; they were the main ones playing. So I said, ‘OK, running backs seem solidified.’ Now that they’re gone I feel like I can help the team and this will help benefit the team. It was the best decision for the team.”

Q: Has it been frustrating to always seem to be in catch-up mode at a position?

A: “Yes, I feel like it has. Some guys come in and play one position the whole time while they’re here. I’m transitioning and having to learn some things from scratch and having to pick up on some things that some others are already two or three years used to doing. It’s tough to feel like I have to put in extra work to learn what to do and also put more work in on the field to show I’m the person to get the job done.”

Q: How many position coaches have you played for now?

A: Let’s see: Ball, McClendon, Coach Grantham, Coach Olivadotti, Coach Belin. Five I think.”

241 comments Add your comment

npgator

July 15th, 2011
3:11 pm

@ Tim Riggins – Stay firsty my friend!

Vampire Bill

July 15th, 2011
3:13 pm

Best of luck to you Richard !! Go dawgs

bubba4dawgs

July 15th, 2011
3:15 pm

You gotta like Samuel!! Here’s a man with a very positive attitude, exactly what the DAWGSj need! Let’s wish him all the luck in the world in his transition back to tailback! With his linebacking experience, he’ll probably be very good at pass blocking for Murray. His size and quickness will be valuable! Congratulations, Samuel! Much love from the DAWG Nation!! Thank You, Coach Richt, for giving him this opportunity!!

Snoop Dawg

July 15th, 2011
3:18 pm

Snoop Dawg predicts that Richard Samuels will go down in UGA football history as one of the very best ball carriers in its history. He doesn’t need swivel hips if he waits for the blocks to develop, runs over people, and stays healthy and in good shape. Samuels is the kind of Dawg we covet.

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
3:23 pm

You people are on crack

Do you not see whats going on here

Coach Richt and Bob-o basically looked at each other in the meeting room and basically said boy we really messed up with King and Ealy

Hey I know lets selfishly put Samuel back a running back until Crowel and Malcolm gets going then after that he can sit the bench, practice at LB and maybe next year he might get to play with the 2nd string because he has been strung around with no experience at our expense to save our jobs

Great idea, I know this will work because Samuels is a good kid he’ll do anything we want and those DREAM TEAM KOOL-AID FANS we have will think its another one of my fine idea’s.

Tobias Funke

July 15th, 2011
3:29 pm

Flat Tire

Again with the idiotic comments. You were the same person saying what cancers Ealey and King were. And that Richt should clean house. Which is it buddy?

slapAjacket

July 15th, 2011
3:35 pm

Give me 2 samuel’s, 2 slingshots and a few river rocks. Then tell tech’s entire team to meet us in the grassy field. Attitude is 2/3 of the victory. This kid is a DAWG. No doubt about it.

Tobias Funke

July 15th, 2011
3:39 pm

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
3:39 pm

Tobias Funke

Richt didnt clean house the stupidity cleaned its own self

Richt got himself here now he selfishly wants to ruin a kids career to patch a hole to save his $3 million salary

Thats an idiotic comment yea keep serving up some more DREAM TEAM PUNCH

Samuels couldnt even beat out the 2 idiots that are gone and everyone on here thinks this is such a smart move.

Please show me a highlight other than the gaping hole run against Arkansas that deserves such praise and excitment that this move is drawing from the Kool-Aid crowd.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
3:40 pm

Flat Tire again proving he is a moron. He is in a battle though for the lone Nebraska fan for “Troll of the day”.

DawginLex

July 15th, 2011
3:41 pm

“It was more like the option or the opportunity was brought up. It was like, ‘Richard, think about this.’ We went through the scenarios of the offense and the defense and the possibility of playing. So it was like, ‘think about this and let us know what you want to do. Nobody is going to make you make a decision. It’s all up to what you want to do.’ It was totally left up to me.”

***********************************************

Flat tire

so you aren’t buying it was his call?

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
3:43 pm

Flat Tire,

It is a needed move. A smart move because it provides depth at a now weaken position. Position scarcity dictated the move. So hince it is a good move. Now that the young man is 20 and not 17 lets just see how it works out.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
3:45 pm

Amazing how a Gator is so caught up in our program. UGA must be like “Hillbilly Heroin” to some of these Trolls. Once they get a taste of how great it is to be a Dawg they just cant stop coming back for more. They are addicted to blogging on UGA football.

Flat Tire = Hillbilly Heroin

tony

July 15th, 2011
3:53 pm

AL E. GATOR
July 15th, 2011
2:23 pm

Predictions:
UGA will be 8-4 at BEST – could wind up 7-5 or 6-6.
UGA will lose to Boise ST., S. Carolina, Mississippi State, Florida.
The Tennessee game is 50/50.
UGA will beat Ole Miss, Ky, Vandy, Auburn and GT

I don’t see how you came up with those predictions because this team will be better than they were a year ago here’s why.

#1 Ray Drew and Crowell will make a huge difference because of their prowess and Drew’s personality(leader)…..something this team hasn’t had since David Pollack and K.Moreno.

#2 Defense and Offense improved from a year ago and should be even better this season with A. Murray coming back as a better qb and with Ray Drew and Big Jenkins coming to help solidify the rush defense.

2009 Rush Defense Rank 36th
2009 Pass Defense Rank 51st
2009 Total Defense Rank 38th

2010 Rush Defense Rank 56th
2010 Pass Defense Rank 17th
2010 Total Defense Rank 23rd

2009 Total Offense Rank 75th
2010 Total Offense Rank 56th

#3 Too Mr.Richt’s credit, he has an outstanding record against non conference teams. I think he will
handle BS.

#4 Those games against Miss St and SC were close games under a new DC and in my opinion I think Mr.Richt handcuff Murray in those games. I believe the outcome will be different this season.

#5 With or without Meyers I think the dawgs will turn things around against the Gators.

Mr.Richt would of look like a genius had he moved RS to fullback instead of tailback. Same old Mr.Richt!

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
3:54 pm

Lowountry Moron

You think because he is 20 that makes him a better running back when all last year he was injured and was practicing to be at LB

Now with just weeks away you think someone who didnt prove it on the field before and who was moved because of him not performing at this position is going to fill a hole right away yea Im the stupid one

Dawgin Lex

No I know how these coaches are when their backs are against the wall they’ll do anything behind closed doors and make the fan think it was all the kids idea

DawginLex

July 15th, 2011
3:55 pm

Flat tire

Regarding Richt:

Lord knows that boy needs to win the SEC East.

However, he did tell Ealey goodbye. King flunked out but Ealey grew tired of Ealey’s antics and punted him.

You could make the case that our starting backfield for 2011 is at LSU and Jacksonville State

Saying the cancers cleaned themselves out is not accurate.

DawginLex

July 15th, 2011
4:00 pm

So you are saying in an interview with Samuel, Richt had told him what to say and not tell the truth?

I’m not buying that

I didn’t agree with the move but now that it is done, and because of the type of kid he is, I am hoping it works.

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
4:01 pm

And Low Country Moron

Im a die hard dawg fan who frankly after spending $22,000 of my hard earned money the past 10 seasons to watch the Barney Fife brigade take a program with more tools to win big than 97% of all college football programs

with results of nothing but a bunch of 10 win who cares seasons, and the hope that FL loses out every year so we can have the chance to go to an SEC championship game because we are too stupid to beat them on the field.

All the while we pay $5million a yr for this crap while the fan has to deal with raised ticket prices and donations

JRW7

July 15th, 2011
4:01 pm

Sounds like RS is a fine young man, with team first attitude. RS, I wish you the best. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!

Big Ten Champs Nebraska....Dawg

July 15th, 2011
4:02 pm

@ Spike

You’re a real tough guy.

I’m not making personal attacks. You are. It’s OK to disagree. I just find the insulting rhetoric uncalled for.

I’m sorry your life is so messed up, you have to build your self esteem by calling me a douche.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
4:04 pm

Hillbilly Heroin addict,

O the sky is falling..
Lets not play the season…
All hope is lost Obama is getting a second term…
Coastal Carolina is now favored….
We are not even going to field a team now….

Good grief, hell you act like you have all the answers. Just sit back and watch it unfold, ya never know you might find yourself wrong. If your right so be it. I will be on the blogs under the same handle just like I have been the past 5 years.

Bulldog born..
Bulldog bread.
and when I die…
I’ll be by god Bulldog dead.

JRW7

July 15th, 2011
4:08 pm

I agree with you, FLAT TIRE IN I 95, CMR has been taking UGA money, CMR is a good college football coach, CMR is great recruiter, but CMR is NOT a great college football coach, He does not have the heart, the burning desire to win, like the Sabans and the Meyers do!

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
4:08 pm

Dawgin Lex

Why do think the cancers didnt clean themselves out, we had to deal constantly with King and Ealey’s antic’s when they should have been stopped imeadiatly but were not.

Finally with Richt up agains the wall Im sure Ealy pulled something more than we know he finally realized Ealy isnt worth it

King didnt care, and the result FAILURE

I wish Samuel well but I was impressed with Malcolm and I dont understand why Malcolm and Crowell will get the ball ASAP. But instead were going to give Samuel more practice time and the start when he should basically be a 3rd or 4th go to guy

Will

July 15th, 2011
4:12 pm

Recently CMR called his offensive staff into a meeting…… CMR asked the guys what was the most basic offense they had ever won a game with. Surprisingly, Mike Bobo said he had not won an actual game with it but saw a movie that said “The Veer”. Bobo said that it was developed for teams with poor offensive lines and lack of depth at rb. Coach Ball said he had seen that movie as well. CMR said let’s install “The Veer” at once! CMR then erased his depth chart off the chalk board. It only took 2 wipes by the way to erase the 2 man deep depth chart.

AltamahaDawg

July 15th, 2011
4:14 pm

I feel sorry for flat tire, when FLA DAWG gets here.

Will

July 15th, 2011
4:15 pm

CMR then called his old friend Bobby Bowden and asked him if he had any old tapes of “The Veer”. Coach Bowden said get in your van and come on down. When CBB hung up the phone he told his wife he felt sorry for the guys and he might offer them a lunch if she would fix it.

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
4:16 pm

Hey Flat Tire – that’s why you aren’t a coach and Richt is. All you seem to do is whine about the current staff and the money you say you spent supporting the program. I suspect that UGA probably doesn’t need your type of fan support if that is what you call it. Keep goin’ down I-95 and over on I-10.

AltamahaDawg

July 15th, 2011
4:17 pm

Wasn’t funny the last 2 pastes Will.

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
4:17 pm

Lowcountry Bulldawg

Be on here next year at the end of November 2012

I dont want to hear about how this team is turned around at the end of this season when we have the easiest schedule weve ever had.

Come on here next and you can pound your chest

If Richt beats FL 2 yrs in a row, not just this season because of a new coach
Beat a Tenn team who’s possibly back on there feet and competing again
Not loosing to teams like Miss ST, VANDY, KY, or an Ole Miss
Beat a tough team like AL
And he plays in the SEC championship next year with a win against FL to get there

If that happens then yea Richt got the message and you can have a field day on me all you want

Frankly I hope Richt does it but I dont think it will

Will

July 15th, 2011
4:18 pm

Sorry, I was cracking up.

tide roll

July 15th, 2011
4:21 pm

You guys are right about Kiante Tripp. It’s almost criminal the way he was treated. Richt states publically that he’ll be a 1st round draft pick at offensive tackle. I’m sure the kid relied on this. It’s his head coach after all. Then, in typical UGA fashion, Clint Boling becomes the point of emphasis and Richt/Bobo proceed to start messing with Tripp. Richt should at least apologize for misleading the kid. That’s the thing about Richt, He does these things to people, and then takes a seat on the front pew. At least you know what you’re getting with Bobo.

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
4:21 pm

Doesn’t the world end on December 22, 2012?

Dawgs Tell

July 15th, 2011
4:21 pm

@Flat Tire-I do see your viewpoint on Richt.I have scratch my head a many of times on the decisions he and the coaches have made in the last 4 years. On the Samuel deal; I get this gut feeling that the coaches are not impressed with what Crowell has shown in S/C and the class room.Same thing with Malcolm.But I still say they should stick with the bed they made with King and Ealey. They recruited them to be our backs and it did not work out for whatever. This switching back and forth says to me that we are in a real pile of shi# when it comes to our running backs.We shall see come Sept 3. Go DAWGS

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
4:22 pm

Troll this and roll that. Yawn.

dmr

July 15th, 2011
4:23 pm

Richard Samuel answered questions and responded like a mature young man. Everyone should take a holiday from complaining about whatever it is you think ails this team. Take a moment to recognize Samuel as a team player, a leader, and an overall good kid. It’s nice to be able to focus on the good things for a moment that are more about life than the game.

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
4:25 pm

Bring Back Wally Butts

No UGA doesnt need my money but again your too stupid to understand what my point is.

My point is UGA should stop demanding extra donations to recieve season tickets and paid parking to watch mediocrity with high salaried coaches

You wouldnt know about buying season tickets because you cant afford it so it doesnt bother you that you have to pay high prices from poor results

Yea and UGA has too many fans like you who love 10 win seasons and beating Div II GT

Keep up with the trend, as we will continue to watch FL play every year for the SEC championship and continue to be the laughing stock of the SEC

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
4:26 pm

Flat Tire,

You sir are a disgrace to Dawg Nation. CMR has taken this program from completely irrelevant from 1989 to 2001 to a program where now you feel entitled to run your mouth on a anonymous blog.

You know what stop giving your $22,000 dollars over the next 10 years. I promise you it will not be missed. Hundreds more will gladly lineup and take your place and still be proud Dawgs.

Also the 10 win seasons you bitch and moan about? How many had we had during that same time frame of 1989-2001? One, 1992! Still didnt win the SEC then….

Just because we are UGA does not mean we are entitled to play in a SEC Title Game or a National Title. If you know anyhting you should know luck is as much involved as any damn thing in terms of those two aspects.

CMR understood how important this off season was and worked his ass off on the recruiting trail to address this. He cannot help the fact that Ealey and King are morons. He was forced to ask RS to move back into the position.

CMR understands just how important this offseason is so why would he wanna trust 100% the backfield to Malcome- cant stay healthy, Thomas- 3rd down back at best, and a True Freshman who knows nothing about pass protection? It was the BEST move for the program. Moving Samuels gives Murray the BEST chance to be successful.

Logic my friend is failing you. You cannot see the forrest because of the trees, but that is ok. I have a strong feeling some humble pie is heading your way.

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
4:29 pm

Hey Flat,

Seems to me that if you want pay for performance you are watching the wrong sport. Isn’t that call the National Football League? If you made all of your previous statements about the Falcons, I would be the first to agree with you.

Not sure if I am the stupid one here.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
4:29 pm

Flat Tire,

Go ahead and give up your season tickets now, because next years home schedule is terrible. So regardless of the results being a fickle fan like you are I doubt you will find any enjoyment out of it.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 15th, 2011
4:35 pm

I may take alot of umbridge to CMR and CMB in alot of things but good grief I think we should reserve judgement or better yet condemnation of them until the season gets under way.

Wally

July 15th, 2011
4:36 pm

Richard Samuel is the kind of player and the kind of person who makes me proud to be a Bulldog!

441North

July 15th, 2011
4:39 pm

RS is a DGD, for sure. UGA needs more classy guys like him. Ealey and King should sit at his feet and learn how to be a man. Maybe he’ll be another Robert Edwards if he stops tripping on his own feet.

Bulldog Bill

July 15th, 2011
4:40 pm

Is this the same Richard Samuel that went down like the Titanic when barely touched? That couldn’t hold onto the ball in critical situations either? If so, I’m not impressed! If we end up having to use him, we’re sunk, IMHO.

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
4:43 pm

He is older, he is stronger and by his own admission, he can just react now instead of having to stop and think (while running up the backside of his blocker). I, for one, think that we need to give the kid a chance. And, while we are at it, consider the fact that the coaches who see him every day may know more that we do.

Bulldog Bill

July 15th, 2011
4:47 pm

Bring Back Wally Butts, I hope you’re right, but the staff hasn’t really shown that much acumen the lastr few seasons.

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
4:59 pm

Low Country Moron

FL 10 SEC championship appearances
AL 7 SEC championship appearance

5 National titles between them

Since 1990

Now guess what who has put more players in the NFL during this time um oh yea UGA
Who has had more top 10 recruiting classes in this time span, um oh yea UGA

Now what really has Mr. Richt done since Brian Van Gorder left and Donnan’s kids were gone

I think I understand UGA isnt an entitled program but I think a program that sits in the middle of the #4 ranked high school talent state, #2 last year and
2nd in money among all college football programs

Should have a little better results than consistently losing to FL and not going to an SEC championship game or winning the SEC, while beating FL in the same year since 1982

And luck sometimes but you dont say FL and AL appearing in that many title games is luck.

Its called a program that believes in winning, and a fan base that demands more than just 10 win seasons

The reason for our results is we have to many drunk, 10 win loving, beat GT, delusional morons like you and Wally Butt head

No you two are a disgrace to this program for excepting mediocrity

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
5:00 pm

Bulldog Bill. Agreed. But they didn’t get much help from the kids either in attitude or effort. (Yeah, I know that they recruited them).

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
5:02 pm

Dang Flats, you off your meds again?

Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville

July 15th, 2011
5:04 pm

Wally Butthead

No Im not delusional like you, no I dont take your meds

Bring Back Wally Butts

July 15th, 2011
5:09 pm

Well, Flatty, here’s the deal. I will take you seriously when you stop your emotional ranting about how much the current staff has disappointed you and how much you have spent without getting MNC every year.

So far, you haven’t presented anything else.