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
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.”
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241 comments Add your comment
ARdawg
July 15th, 2011
5:12 pm
Flat tire
You surprise me a bit there old friend. I’ve always took your posts with a bit of carmudgeoned flavor and I have in the past understood your positions and why. This with Samuel though has me a bit perplexed. You do seem to be projecting your distaste for Richt and Bobo on to this one move. Samuel wasn’t a ‘bad’ back before. He wasn’t performing as good as the other two and realized that.
He is now bigger, stronger, faster and much more matured. I think he has the extremely good possibilities to do very well. I do not know for fact but if one measured carries he’s probably the one with the most of all the backs coming in this year. It makes sense to move him. His continuing prospects at LB wasn’t very bright, he would see playing time but not likely that much.
I know how you feel on Richt and Bobo. I don’t blame you. I feel that pain but to poopoo on Samuels is certainly misguided.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
5:13 pm
1990 Florida? Really that program with Spurrier changed th ewhole landscape of the way football was played in the SEC.
Blame Goff and Donnan
Alabama? Outside of 1992 till Saban arrived the program was mired in turmoil.
Yeah they have the hardware in between but CMR has been really close. I believe in 2007 with the #2 finish it was without VanGorder and without a Donnan player.
I cannot say though I 100% disagree with your comments, but your reasoning behind moving Samuel is the starter to our disagreement. I firmly believe you are wrong on that account.
Yep I am a disgrace for accepting how many Top 10 finishes since 2001? O thats right it was ALL Donnan and VanGorders doing.
I really would like to know if not CMR then who? Dan Mullen? Chris Peterson? Kirby Smart? Hell its the toughest conference in the country. Sorry UGA is not what YOU think it should be.
Bob
July 15th, 2011
5:21 pm
I’m still thinking Samuel’s move to RB was because he wasn’t panning out as an SEC calibre LB. In my opinion, a better move would have been Justin S-W to tailback…size, lightning speed, and ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball, like Percy Harvin. But, what do I know. I don’t make $3M a year coaching, nor did I go 14-12 the past two seasons.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
5:26 pm
I found this blog post by me after the beatdown in Tennessee in ‘07. Just so you know I am not a rose colored glasses homer. Not that in ‘07 I realized the program may be in trouble.
By Lowcountry Bulldawg
October 6, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
I am shocked that I am typing this, but FIRE MARK RICHT! FIRE THE ENTIRE STAFF! I am confident that this staff cannot take us to the National Championship. The offense is to 1980’s and simply will not cut it.
I do not want to talk about our SEC Titles like we talk about the NC from 1980! Mark Richt and Co. maybe good people, but right now he is a SOFT COACH! Today was completely unacceptable!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
5:27 pm
Here is the link to the blog, I believe over 700 comments on it. Also note out that Buck from the NW was on the blog. He was a DGD!
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/uga/entries/2007/10/06/big_deficit_for.html#comments
How much has changed in four years?
ratfink
July 15th, 2011
5:27 pm
I think it’s a advantage to have played both sides of the ball,Richard will be a good running back and a heck of a blocker.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
July 15th, 2011
5:28 pm
The kid should stick around. He could be coaching the team at mid-season. If I was a running back I would sell every shirt I could get my hands on before Coach Richt gets fired. The new coach (Grantham) may decide to clean things up and limit a student athlete’s chances to make some extra cash. I am selling all my game-used bowls and sweaters on e-bay. A little dog has to make a living when he’s only a temp.
ARdawg
July 15th, 2011
5:32 pm
Lowcountry
While we’re being honest, I didn’t want Richt back this year. I never called for his dismissal until last year and to be completely frank, it wouldn’t bother me if they fired him this year. I hope that he turns it around and has an acceptable season and the talk of fire Richt goes away. Although I am not holding my breath. I think he had something once, I’m not sure it’s still there.
There are a lot of Dawg fans in the same place as Flat Tire and rightfully so. It doesn’t matter the move Richt makes, they’ll hate it. This is borne from having your trust as a fan repeatedly shoved up the backside.
Bob
July 15th, 2011
5:33 pm
You know Richt’s going to be fired when our AD sets up our 2012 schedule with half the home games against div 2 oponents…Buffalo, Fla Atlantic, and Ga Southern. Any coach would be drooling to come to Athens. But, as a season ticket holder for 40+ years, how ’bout a discount?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
5:35 pm
Country Boy
Toughest conference yea and what happened to the following when they found the right coach
LSU
AL
FL
AUB though cheating
And my point for Samuel is this, a 5 star kid wasted just to fill a whole for a few games
Again I have no problem for Samuel being the 3rd guy and still allow him to play linebacker if needed
But its time for Crowell and Malcome to step up and to do that they need to play.
And remember one thing people dont remember 10 win season, Im mean how many top 12 teams finish with 10 wins, usually everyone of them. People remember conference and national titles not 10 win seasons
2007 LOL thats a great example of Richt not getting the team prepared or motivated, losing to S.C and a medicre Tenn team.
2007 another example of misuse of championship talent down the drain just like 5 star Richard Samuel
Get it now Wally Butthead?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
5:36 pm
Ar,
I think we definetly should expect to win 10 games this year. I think slip ups could come at Miss St and maybe in Knoxville. Richt 100% has to beat Florida this year.
I think anything less than 9 wins and CMR is gone. I thought also he should have been gone, but he is not. So now we gotta support not only him BUT more importantly the young men who where that Red and Black we cheer for. That is why I am left to defend him.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
July 15th, 2011
5:37 pm
A lot of times people will pull a little dog’s ears when they are trying to make friends with him. At UGA they don’t pull my ears. Our AD has some really big ears and he gets most of the ear pulling on game days. He may do some hair pulling of his own when we line up without any running backs. I know they’re moving some people over from defense but there’s always unexpected injuries and arrests that can rob you of a running back before you can hear your Miranda rights.
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
July 15th, 2011
5:43 pm
Coeds are always helpful in recruiting. Last year when I was helping with recruiting some new running backs to replace the ones that were always in trouble I met some really nice coeds who were there to be friendly to the recruits and encourage them to come to Georgia. One coed I remember would bring me doggy treats in her coveralls pockets. I liked her a lot.
ARdawg
July 15th, 2011
5:43 pm
Lowcountry
I’m going to support the Dawgs it wouldn’t matter if Charlie Weis was coaching. Richt only has my support this year because he is the coach. Just as the times when he did have my unwavering support, when he makes what I perceive as bonehead moves or calls, I’ll call him out on it.
I am however pleased with his move of Samuels. It indicates Richt might be ready to coach again rather than be the CEO of a losing program
Bob
July 15th, 2011
5:44 pm
Russ..I don’t have a clue what you’re saying, but I didn’t like it when they painted your a$$ so you would look good on TV. Smoke and mirrors, Richt and Bobo’s game plan the past five seasons.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
5:46 pm
I agree 100% AR, and thank God it isnt Weiss we have to cheer for. I love UGA but damn that would be hard,lol.
ARdawg
July 15th, 2011
5:48 pm
Lowcountry
That could certainly be construed as Purgatory..LOL
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
July 15th, 2011
5:49 pm
That a$$ painting was the low point of my time at UGA. They took me into an electrical closet and held me down and used a whole can of Krylon on my a$$. They said it was so I’d look good on camera for the bowl game. H3ll we were in Shreveport. Nobody was even watching. It took several weeks soaking in mineral spirits before I got the color back in my a$$. If I get the chance before they replace me with another inbred Uga, I am going to try and paint Coach Richt’s bald head with some hair in a can.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
5:52 pm
Low Country
You want to know what bothers me the most about Richt
Its when he supported and refused to demote or fire his buddy Slick Willy who by the way was the cause of Van Gorder leaving.
I lost respect for him because he showed me that friendships come before UGA and its fanbase.
Sorry but UGA is not owned by Mark Richt
He will have to earn my respect back. While I totally respect him for what he has done off the field.
As a coached paid as much as he is you have to make better decisions than to see to it that your friend is taken care of even when they have no business being a DC over the good of the program
Bob
July 15th, 2011
5:56 pm
LOL Russ…just don’t mess up his “in the middle part” or his spray-on tan. If you want to hike your leg against his new Nikes, that OK.
59bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
5:57 pm
Richard Samuel is a young man of quality. It’s refreshing to see a “team first” attitude for a change. It speaks well of both him and his parents. Glad he’s a Dawg!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
July 15th, 2011
5:57 pm
Coach and I were riding around town in his F-150 today and the phone in his truck started ringing. Well, everybody knows the NCAA told Coach he can’t talk to anyone on that phone. So, Coach asked me to answer. “Hello, Russ the Temporary Mascot speaking. May I help you?” As a result, I will soon have my own potato chip commercial on television. Coach thinks it was a wrong number.
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 15th, 2011
5:59 pm
Well, the quickest way to get to 10 wins/season is to load up on Div 2 opponents like the rest of the SEC does each year. Why shouldn’t UGA do it as well?
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
July 15th, 2011
6:02 pm
Well, I enjoyed blogging with everybody. I have to leave now so I won’t be late to class. Soon I will have yet another degree from UGA. Being a dog and doing that makes me very proud.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
6:03 pm
Glad to know Wally Butthead is a 10 win fair weather fan
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 15th, 2011
6:09 pm
I-95. You need to seriously get over yourself.
Try to get a grip, will ya’?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
6:13 pm
Wally Butthead
I have a grip Im just waiting on your “meds” to kick so you can give me something with substance to have a real debate instead of a stupid poem, or all I do is whine for your responses
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
6:17 pm
Flat Tire,
My post of my comments from ‘07 give you a idea of how I have viewed CMR and his stewardship of the program. He though does not have to “earn” my respect back. I think he really doesnt care about what many of us think. I am glad for that also.
AR,
Weiss would definetly be purgatory. I think that would be my worst nightmare. Weiss or Urban.
Bring Back Wally Butts
July 15th, 2011
6:19 pm
Here is something with substance. You seem to think that you small contribution to the UGA football program over the years entitles you to trash everyone in sight and make all of the decisions for the Athletic Department. If that were true, there would be no need for McGarity because you could just run it yourself. Obviously, you are a legend in only your own mind. And, when you lose your self control, you resort to name calling everyone in sight.
Like I said, try to get a grip.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
6:19 pm
Also the whole Willie thing played out to long, but look its a new year. I think you need to lighten up a little and look to the positives. Many positions that UGA is going to field this year has A grade talent. The depth is weak so that is a concern, but if if we overcome our coaching SEC East Title in a down year should be expected.
Bob
July 15th, 2011
6:22 pm
Lowcountry…I agree; however, A grade talent and D- coaching = another disappointing season. I expect better for $3M.
mike bobo garbage play calling
July 15th, 2011
6:24 pm
I believe Richard with his weight and speed will do just fine.He has to protect the football.Crowell will be pushed believe that.Richard at 235 coming full speed just think what other def. will be punshed
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
6:24 pm
D- coaching? LOL! Bob, man that is not even fair,lol!
AltamahaDawg
July 15th, 2011
6:26 pm
I think one thing folks simply choose to ignore in the “shoulda fired Willie the summer everyone was voting them #1 in the country” debate is this. CLEARLY Richt didn’t view his defensive staff as the DC ….and everybody else. I would think the fact that he made a move on ALL of them tells you it was way more complicated than just the name of the DC. And I don’t recall too many coaches making wholesale changes to half thier program right in the middle of one of thier best run in years.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
6:27 pm
If anything I do not like is a offense that gets a fanbase excited about a TE being converted to FB! I mean FB is a dead position in football! Lets open this offense up a little and get a little creative. If I had a gripe, that would be it. The whole “Pro Style” offense is funny.
Bob
July 15th, 2011
6:33 pm
AltamahaDawg,
Desperate men do desperate things…$3M is a lot to give up.
AltamahaDawg
July 15th, 2011
6:48 pm
I’m not sure of your point Bob. Mine would be that making a huge change in half your staff is never easy (as made abundantly clear this past year losing 3 more games that he would have) and Richt did it the very year he knew it was the right time? And yours?
AltamahaDawg
July 15th, 2011
6:52 pm
Maybe I should rephase to be more clear. I don’t know any other coaches making major changes in the middle of success, so not sure why folks claim Richt should have. He made it same as the rest of the world bosses, in the middle of UN-success.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
7:01 pm
Well looking back at it was it Willie or was it the strength and conditioning that did a disservice to the defense during those last few years Willie had? Revisionist history is never a good thing as it almost always leaves a sour taste in ones mouth.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
7:01 pm
Bring Back Wally Butts
Again your too illiterate to understand my comment on donations
Once again a coment with no substance. A post with substance would be to show me stats or reasons why your point is better.
But all you do like the current President you obviously voted for is talk talk talk and blame and want to call people out with nothing to back anything up.
I gave my opinion on why this Samuel move does no good for us and it absolutely puts Samuel in a bad circumstance by playing a position that he has shown he is not suited for.
I feel sorry for Samuel because he’s being used as a ginny pig to shore up a problem that Richt and Bobo created.
But you being a Richt homer and Kool-aid drinker do not care about the future of Samuel just a coach that when his contract runs out in 2013 will have collected $33 million from UGA. Samuel might not get that opportunity in the NFL since he’s been strung around too much
Shame on you to misuse a kid that will be sitting the bench most likely mid season if Crowell and Malcolm are what they are touted to be.
Keep putting the coach on the pedistal moron
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
7:04 pm
Zero chance RS is sitting on the bench even if Crowell looks like the next Herschel Walker, remember Joe T? CMR will repay loyalty Flat Tire.
stevo
July 15th, 2011
7:10 pm
All of the blithering aside, our coaches have underachieved. It’s as simple as that. Too many times , we have either been out-coached or not motivated enough to win when the big game… plain and simple. It all started against WVU in the Sugar Bowl. The Dogs have never fully recovered.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
7:11 pm
Yea and what did loyalty get us Willy Martinez and Brian Van Gorder leaving the program
Joe T took a seat to Stafford
And if you think if Samuel looks like he did before at running back you can bet Richt will yank him out if Crowell is any good he has a job to secure
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
July 15th, 2011
7:13 pm
stevo
correcto on the WVU game
Well theres always motivational uniforms right. $3 million a year to come up with that idea brilliant
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
7:18 pm
Joe Cox then,lol! Good grief dude!
MaconKnight
July 15th, 2011
7:31 pm
Let the kid play both ways, like the kid out of stanford did last year…
JDAWG
July 15th, 2011
7:47 pm
Flat Tire, you do have options, find another team.
AltamahaDawg
July 15th, 2011
8:29 pm
What about Joe T or Joe Cox?
AltamahaDawg
July 15th, 2011
8:30 pm
Why would a player not get to start that won the job in camp?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 15th, 2011
8:35 pm
Flat Tire is a Gator…..