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Tailback talk: Thomas out 1 game, Samuel to start No. 1, Crowell to wear 1

11:24 am July 21, 2011, by Chip Towers

Hoover, Ala. – Georgia coach Mark Richt and three Bulldogs players met with the local beat writers and a few national reporters Thursday morning before their main session at here at SEC Media Days. As expected, UGA’s running back situation was the issue most discussed.

To his credit, Richt was not wishy-washy about his feelings on the position or what he expects to happen. So without further ado, here’s what he had to say about the tailbacks:

  • Richt confirmed that Carlton Thomas is indeed suspended for the opener against Boise State and that it is a one-game suspension.

“All I’ll say on that is Carlton won’t play Game 1 and I’ll say ‘team rule’ and you guys can figure out whatever you want.” Asked if Thomas would be back for South Carolina, he stated flatly, “yes.”

  • On overall running back situation in light of attrition with loss of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King:

“I’m just going to reserve my decision on whether or not we’re losing anything there or not. We may be gaining, OK? A year ago, I can’t sit here and say I was ever really at a point where I was saying, ‘man, our guys are being highly productive and kicking butt and they’re guys I can count on.’ That wasn’t happening. By the end of this year I might say, ‘these guys were kicking butt and guys I could count.’ So I wouldn’t sit here and say our running back situation is worse now than it was a year. We’ll see on that.”

  • What about the young backs, Isaiah Crowell and Ken Malcome?

“These are talented guys who are going to get an opportunity to make plays. I’ve seen so many young backs play well over the years, I’m not fretting right now. I don’t lay awake at night going, ‘oh my goodness, what are we going to do now.’ I just don’t. I know that we’ve got some guys on this team that can be highly productive offensively. Now will we find a back that carries the ball 20 times a game? I don’t know. Maybe we will, maybe we won’t.”

  • What about moving Richard Samuel from linebacker back to tailback?

“I do think moving Richard Samuel back was very much needed. If anybody needed to be soothed a little bit, that should do it, because he’s a very physically mature man and he’s a mature man in the way he goes about his business. And he certainly has two years experience within our system and knows what to do. So it’s not like we’re wondering what he can do.

“He’ll be in those meetings and will be a great example of how to prepare and how to play the game and the position of tailback. I know he’ll hold onto the ball; I know he’ll secure it; I know he’ll strike you; I know he’s fast; I know he’s powerful; and I know he’ll play hard. He’s not really interested in dodging many people, but he is what he is. I’ve seen a lot of backs with that type of style who are going to hit you and drive their feet and make it tough on you to take them down. So there’s a lot of very positive things about Richard that are really going to help us.”

  • Will there be anymore players miss the opener due to suspension or ineligibility?

“Well, I’ll say this: If there’s anybody else we need to announce, we’ll announce it at the appropriate time, which is not today. We’ll see. But we’ll be ready to play on Sept. 3rd, I can promise you that.”

  • What do you know and what have you heard about Crowell?

“He’s a freshman like the rest of them. He’s got to learn how to handle college, period. I think he’s doing well. I don’t know. You can’t get reports from your strength coach and you can’t go out and watch or coach those guys. You can talk to your players. You might want to ask [Aaron] Murray, you might want to ask [Ben] Jones or [Brandon] Boykin, who are here. They’re really leading our off-season program. They can tell you how they’re doing.

“But we don’t expect Isaiah to save the program. We don’t expect Isaiah to put the team on his back. We just want Isaiah to learn what to do, to do things the Georgia way and try to do anything he can to help the team win as a freshman. How far that goes, I don’t know.

“I’ve got a sense of anticipation. I’m excited to find out what’s going to happen when we put the pads on for the first time and get him in an inside drill or go live and see what he does. I want to see how he handles getting hit real hard and how he handles the speed of the Southeastern Conference. I’m like any other fan would be, just curious to see how it’s going to go. We won’t treat him a whole lot different than any other player who is talented, but we want to make sure that he has success.

“Was I anxious to see A.J. Green and what he could do? Yeah. I’m anxious to see these guys also. But, you know, you could have a missed assignment at receiver and not be nearly as devastating as a tailback missing an assignment when it comes to pass protection or going to wrong way on a run. When a running back makes a mistake it’s not good. When a wide receiver makes a mistake you can probably just line up and run another play or punt. There’s a buzz out there about him. Our veterans believe he’s a very talented guy.”

  • Who will start the preseason as the No. 1 tailback?

“I would start practice with Richard No. 1.”

STORIES FROM HOOVER:

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167 comments Add your comment

Dwayne

July 21st, 2011
11:30 am

first

Nomobama

July 21st, 2011
11:31 am

All those # 1’s will result in a #1 finish this year…NOT.

Dwayne

July 21st, 2011
11:34 am

so samuel wasn’t good enough to be 8th best rb behind ealy, king, crowell, malcome, thomas, trainer, waterboy is now first. Ima UGA fan, but how can anyone feel UGA will win the east…

You have to be kidding...

July 21st, 2011
11:35 am

…moving Samuel is just a ploy to make HIM feel good. He just is not a D1 running back OR linebacker, but at least he is a good kid who is being used as an example of how to be a TEAM player in order to “lead by example”. If he is still the #1 running back at 8pm on Sept. 3, then UGA is in for a LOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG season unless someone else steps forward at that position during the BS or SC games…

Sam Robards, Dawg Fan

July 21st, 2011
11:43 am

I’m feeling very good about all this situation, honestly.

Think about it this way, we were all on this ride last year when the position we were all fretting about was QB. People were asking about how thin we were, about what would happen if Murray got hurt, about inexperience, etc.

And I’d say things turned out pretty well in that scenario.

Players make plays. Yeah, the RBs are young and relatively inexperienced. No one enters college with big game experience. They’ll gain that experience as they play. In this case, they’ll be tested early and hard, which I think will only make our playmakers (whoever they are) step up to the plate.

Go Dawgs!

EDAWG

July 21st, 2011
11:45 am

Cant get a read on this guy hanging around check, check, check

81Dawg

July 21st, 2011
11:45 am

I think Samuel is going to be hard to beat if he can hold the football. Sounds like we have several immediate impact freshment coming in the door.

I wonder if ole “Chiz” is feeling the fire getting a little hotter under his feet at his Angelic never do anything wrong, why are ya’ll always picking on us Barn?

I hate the habitual cheaters that say catch us if you can. Looks like the lid is about to come off. It would be one thing if they could win without flagrantly buying their players.

http://www.teamspeedkills.com/2011/7/20/2285291/cam-newton-danny-sheridan-finebaum

Druid City

July 21st, 2011
11:45 am

…and an 0-1 start in Game 1.

BAMA dude

July 21st, 2011
11:47 am

Maybe Samuel will turn out like Robert Edwards for you. Just two requests: please kick the snot out of the Barn and the Creamsicles.

DawginLex

July 21st, 2011
11:48 am

I don’t know how the season is going to play out but after watching Richt speak I can say I am truly proud to have him as our coach.

He has a look of someone who is disgusted inside over where things are and also looks like he knows he has something really good coming.

slydog

July 21st, 2011
11:48 am

Samuel moving back to tailback means one thing? this will be a mostly short passing and power running offense. malcome and crowell are not entrusted with picking up blitzers and overall pass protection just yet. samuel, by playing lb for a year, is an even better pass protector. the offense is going to be bend but don’t break and chew alot of clock. this will be a defensive team. i see samuel as #1 starting the year, if not the entire year, with crowell/malcome splitting the majority of the carries as the season progresses.

Born2Bark

July 21st, 2011
11:50 am

@ You have to be kidding: How can you say he is not a D1 RB or LB?…you must not have a darn clue! He is a world class athlete with all the tools. He just needs a plenty of reps to prove it….. He ONLY had 114 carries and averaged 4.6 yds, and looked pretty damn good breaking through ARkansas on an 80yd run! He fumbled a few times as has every other RB in history. He has the size, speed, and experience to be a factor. AS you LB, none of us got to see what he could so that further proves you don’t know what you’re talking about.

P-Man

July 21st, 2011
11:50 am

Regardless of what anyone says or believes, we will know how the running back situation works out by the end of the year. Everything else is just speculation and/or opinion, and, like noses, everyone’s got one.

I, for one, have faith in the coaching staff and the players. I believe they will play hard and smart, and to the best of their abilities. The results will speak for themselves, but I believe in this team.

Gary

July 21st, 2011
11:51 am

I seem to remember that Samuel was a good back who ran hard. His problem was hanging on to the rock. If he has that solved we are fine with him as a starting tailback, but I am really looking forward to what Crowell can do.

Jimmy Crack

July 21st, 2011
11:51 am

Yea, Samuel is only a ploy. A 240lb ploy that’s going to punk the first opposing linebacker he sees. Richard is a hammer and he will bring pain.

Alaska Dawg

July 21st, 2011
11:52 am

Let’s just see what happens. The NCAA, especially the SEC, is full of surprises yearly. It sounds like Samuel is a mature kid who has been patient and is ready to contribute wherever he is needed. I think everyone out there is waiting for Crowell to be the next Herschel Walker. Let’s face it, Herschel was a really special back. Crowell should not have to be pressured in to being the second coming of Herschel. Murray is poised for an awesome season. If we can get 125-150 yards per game running the ball, then who cares if we have a feature back or not. Go Dawgs!!!!!

Concrete Pete

July 21st, 2011
11:53 am

If Crowell will wear #1, what # will Branden Smith be? He will be playing offense as well and can’t wear 1

UKNOWIT

July 21st, 2011
11:54 am

Samuel might not be a slagher like so many uga fans seem to like but one thing is for sure hes going to flight run over you and if he breaks into the secondary go luck catching him. To be 245 the guy stilll runs like hes 205.

ECB

July 21st, 2011
11:55 am

I was really glad when he moved to LB. Now I will go back to closing my eyes when they hand him the ball!

seabass

July 21st, 2011
11:57 am

Again, Richard Samuals was a 5 star linebacker who was also a running back, coming out of high school . He is quick, and big. Bigger than he was two years ago when he was a running back. I would hate to have to tackle him.

Dirtywhiteboy

July 21st, 2011
11:57 am

Remember Herschel was a true freshman the first time he walked on the field, same as crowell will be. We’ll be fine , every year everyone is worried bout one postion on another and it pans out, CMR has a plan and will do his best at game time,

Coach Grohbo

July 21st, 2011
12:07 pm

Richard Samuel = Robert Arnaud.
Isaiah Crowell = Jasper Sanks.
Ken Malcome = Brett Millican.

This is not going to end well.

Tobias Funke

July 21st, 2011
12:07 pm

I hate the double number. Hate it.

Lowcountry Bulldawg

July 21st, 2011
12:07 pm

Smith and Crowell can each wear #1. They jusy cannot be on the field at the same time on offense.

Samuel was assured of starting camp #1 RB at the start of camp, make no mistake. He though will have to fend off Crowell and Malcome but I still think no matter what RS starts against Boise simply for outting the team ahead of his on interests.

Samuel if he holds on to the ball will be a brusing back in the mold of Lattimore. Still only 20 and with two years at RB he could be primed to take the bull by the horns and be the man at the position. I would not be surprised by it at all.

Billy Haynes

July 21st, 2011
12:08 pm

I like a Figgins / Samuel back field pound the ball down their throats then turn Murray loose.

Tobias Funke

July 21st, 2011
12:10 pm

Coach Grohbo

Sucks to be a Yech fan, doesn’t it?

KeepDreaming

July 21st, 2011
12:11 pm

Kinda surprised he would just anoint Samuel the #1 running back BEFORE fall practice begins. Lets at least give Ken Malcome or Crowell for that matter the chance to start to keep the competition at RB healthy.

Coach Grohbo

July 21st, 2011
12:12 pm

We’ll be ready to pick up Sanks’, I mean Crowell’s fumble this year.

ATL Sports Fan

July 21st, 2011
12:13 pm

Being #1 on the depth chart on August 2, does not translate into being #1 on Sept 3.

ATL Sports Fan

July 21st, 2011
12:14 pm

Grohbo, you and everyone in the world knows that was not a fumble. Just be thankful the NCAA didn’t mandate instant replay until well after that game.

ATL Sports Fan

July 21st, 2011
12:15 pm

Keep Dreaming he never said he is the number 1 and will be the starting RB opening day. He said to start camp he is the #1. Heck, you people would complain if he listed Crowell or heck even somebody else as #1.

@coach grohbo

July 21st, 2011
12:16 pm

the peanut gallery speaks, Samuel would be the best athlete on techs squad. Would start at linebacker or whatever backfield position that the transfer from Colgate would be playing. Wake up on the wrong side of probation this morning?

John

July 21st, 2011
12:17 pm

Last year, if the backs simply hold onto the ball, UGA wins two more games. Fumbles were killer.

mgdawg

July 21st, 2011
12:17 pm

Samuel is number 1 at the start of camp, that doesn’t mean he will be there at the end of camp. The only real reason he is number 1 is because he’s the only one with experience.

BAMA dude

July 21st, 2011
12:17 pm

He though will have to fend off Crowell and Malcome but I still think no matter what RS starts against Boise simply for outting the team

He outed THE WHOLE TEAM??? TMZ must be all over this one.

Sorry, couldn’t resist.

Tobias Funke

July 21st, 2011
12:18 pm

KeepDreaming

Suprised? Why? Its to motivate the others. You must not have played any sports growing up. Pretty obvious to me. Samuel is #1 going into practice. It doesn’t mean he will be #1 at the end of summer practices. (He won’t.) My prediction is Malcome will be your starter on Sept. 3rd.

The Mole

July 21st, 2011
12:20 pm

Richard Samuel will be the starting fullback by the third game. Crowell and Samuel in the same backfield sounds like the good ole days.Fantastic

OEJ

July 21st, 2011
12:21 pm

Samuel is going to start spring as number one, but he is not going to be the starter against Boise. Samuel is going to probably get carries in every game, but if every RB can stay healthy he wont start any game,s only get playing time.

P_The_Ricker

July 21st, 2011
12:22 pm

I second DawginLex’s interpretation of the interview exchange.

Selecting Samuel as the No. 1 TB going into camp means little, but if anyone was expecting anything different….they’re kidding themself. He’s a Jr who’s proven he’s a team player and he also has the most game experience. He’s the correct choice. If performances by the other TBs changes up the starting roster, so be it….but don’t count on it going into the season opener.

On a side note,

Coach Grohbo

July 21st, 2011
12:22 pm

The Bulldogs picked up their second OL prospect in less than a week when Chester Brown committed on Wednesday. The 6-foot-5, 331-pounder from Bradwell Institute picked Georgia over Georgia State and South Alabama.

Georgia State and South Alabama? Y’all are on a recruiting roll now!

Tobias Funke

July 21st, 2011
12:23 pm

Yech goes 4-8 this year. PJ is fired at the end of the season.

Top Row Dog

July 21st, 2011
12:23 pm

Hey coach thank goodness for lucky win in 08 and not having to vacate the 3 games where you used 17 ineligible players, otherwise Tech has not beaten Ga since the charity championship of 1990. Citrus Bowl National Champion, what a joke. One conference championship since 1952 and no appearances in the BCS bowls (officially). What a legacy.

God it’s sucks to be a Tech Man/fan.

Tobias Funke

July 21st, 2011
12:24 pm

Grohbo

Thank you. The kid is a beast.

hot diggidy damn

July 21st, 2011
12:28 pm

Look people, RS is older, better, bigger, stronger and just as fast as he was a cpl years ago. How many of you have actually seen this kid up close??? He is HUGE!!!!! Bruce Figgins is too. Kids with their size and strength need to be on that field. I am very optimistic about our season. I”m glad RS is going to get the chance to play. ITs your time to shine Richard!!!!! This is the opportunity you have been waitng on!! And Richard will be a better mentor for Malcome and Crowell than Ealey or King. We as fans need to count our blessings in that regard. Go get em dawgs!!!!

HardTruth Soldier

July 21st, 2011
12:33 pm

Here we go again, the critics, who have probably never played a down of college ball(Dwyane,and you have to be kidding) but seem to have the solution, and think this kid will be a flop. First any kid that makes it to the SEC or any other school is a success, but back to Richard Samuels, This kid came to Georgia at 16 years old, alot of expectations, and alot of hype. Sixteen man! Could you handle the pressure of being a sixteen year old with 92;742 thousand people looking at you to be there savior? I think not. Lets hope that his maturity off the field has spunned his maturity on the field, and he’s looking at this as a second chance to show that I can handle this.Georgia will win this year, and win BIG, but it will be with a defense that’s going to bring alot of pressure, and thats huge across the front. Everybody in the state is focusing on Crowell (those that really don’t know football) but aren’t these the same fans that said King, then Ealey, or the forgotten Dontavious Jackson was going to save Tailback U Southeast. This is the hardest conference in football, bar none in college. Take it from someone that played in the Big Ten(now the Big eleven or twelve or whatever)and was able to see ample playing time. I’m from Athens, Ga and know this program well. Georgia will win, and win big. Just one thing all SEC fans need to know, it will be Ga vs Arkansas, not LSU come December. By then #1 will know what to do and so will #22, and #24. The three headed horsemen in Bulldawg nation.

PreyDawg

July 21st, 2011
12:33 pm

Some of you statistic nuts look up the fumbles. I dont think Samuel fumbled THAT much. Yes he had an issue with it but as someone said he is stronger now. He was nothing short of dominant against Arkansas. I dont think this is such bad news.

OMG

July 21st, 2011
12:34 pm

Dwayne…you’re a dork…who cares who’s first.

Spike 80DF

July 21st, 2011
12:36 pm

@grohbo, wow, haven’t thought of Brett Millican in a long time, haha….

PreyDawg

July 21st, 2011
12:37 pm

@HardTruth- I will have you know sir, that I was a star for a single A Georgia High School Team that failed to win a game for my entire 4 years. I could mix the best dam gatorade you ever tasted and I rapidly delivered the tee to the kicker before returning to my spot on the bench. So I think I am qualified to run a major division 1 program thank you very much.

Did you really play Big Ten ball or are you messing with us. If you did, that is outstanding man! Hat’s off to you. I like Samuel too.

Ace

July 21st, 2011
12:39 pm

Coaching is lacking, the past 3 years show it. Get used to it.

poopdawg

July 21st, 2011
12:42 pm

Grohbo , let me guess a tennis coach?

HardTruth Soldier

July 21st, 2011
12:43 pm

Oh yeah, One last thing, If any critic thinks they can do better, go challenge the kid in a tackle to tackle drill. You’ll find out that getting hit by someone 6′ 2 243 hurts a lot more than you think. Oh but you can’t, you see you NEVER MADE IT TO THAT LEVEL.

PhilSteeleBELIVER

July 21st, 2011
12:47 pm

Couple of things:

1) I think we are going to see a big improvement on deffense…I dont think you can underestimate a 340 lb nose tackle in this system….ask Alabama and Terrance Cody

2) O-line scares the heck out of me…it may not matter who is running the ball

3) Expect a big year from Marlon Brown

4) Every true college football fan should buy a copy of Phill Steele’s college football preview…guy is ALWAYS on the money and the things he writes about UGA are extremely promising.

HardTruth Soldier

July 21st, 2011
12:50 pm

PreyDawg, Honestly I played with the Golden Gophers(U of Minnesota) and although we were just average, 2 bowls in four years, it was an accomplishment, Thanks for the comment man, and thanks for being the best Bobby Bushea( The Waterboy) ever 0)

norris

July 21st, 2011
12:51 pm

Richard Samuel had what four fumbles? If you can find more, please post the stats. It’s not like he was the one out there fumbling with the game on the line people. I can guarantee our team would be in a big mess if he had not changed positions. That is the facts folks. Be glad we have an unselfish player who thinks his team should be first. Have we not had enough of the “ME” people? If you read between the lines on Mark’s comments he is all but saying we had problems with those players. No need for him to draw us a picture; we lived it last year. We fumbled at the goal line in three games last year and we lost all three. Watch the South Carolina, Colorado, and UCF games again if you need reminders.

T-dawg

July 21st, 2011
12:52 pm

Samuel will be hard to tackle. No questions asked. He will run people over!!!

Jimmy Crack

July 21st, 2011
12:53 pm

Good stuff on Samuel:

http://www.opposingviews.com/i/college-football-zealots/georgia-football-richard-samuel-shifts-back-offense

Concerning his 2009 season where he seemed to lose grip on the starting TB job, if you check the stats there was no Bulldog running back that fared very well in those games thanks in large part to a pathetic passing attack led by a good Bulldog but a lousy QB in Joe Cox. Opposing defenses were playing 9 in the box that season, so it is an unfair assessment season for Richard. This upcoming season will be his real shot at greatness with a solid QB balancing the offense.

Coach Grohbo

July 21st, 2011
12:53 pm

Phil Steele picked Georgia to finish in the Top 20 last season.

tide roll

July 21st, 2011
12:54 pm

Samuel’s a STUD. 43 touchdowns his jr. and sr. years at Cartersville. You think Richt’ s saying this stuff about him just to be talking? The kid defines North/South runner, which is just what you need. Ya’ll got too caught up in trying to find the next Knowshon Moreno, when what you really needed was the next Musa Smith.

tide roll

July 21st, 2011
12:58 pm

JIMMY CRACK, you’re right on the money

PhilSteeleBELIVER

July 21st, 2011
1:01 pm

@ Coach Grohbo…..can’t always be perfect. I just tend to buy in because of his track record and the ammount of research and time he put into his magazine / web site.

You aren’t discrediting him because of UGA season last year are you? By the way….Phil Steele didn’t plan on A.J. Green being suspended for 4 games…..Just saying.

HardTruth Soldier

July 21st, 2011
1:03 pm

PhilSteeleDeliver, Man your so on point, It’s hands down the best college football mag in the world! I’ve seen him be off with Georgia one year, and that was last year. Simply the best $8.99 you’ll spend on football.

fountain

July 21st, 2011
1:19 pm

i really like what the coach had to say…it is past time we got rid of the cancers on this team..if you don’t want to play here and play hard and the georgia way…get outta here we will find someone who does..i am soooooo tired of the 5 star athletes coming in and just setting the program back even farther. it amazes me how places like utah, boise state, tcu and others can recruit 2, 3 star athletes and compete for the national title every year…..lets get back to true kids that want to be dawgs!!! lets bring the pride back to georgia….GATA!!!!

UGA= delusion moron

July 21st, 2011
1:19 pm

Wow that’s something to get excited over. A guy from defense who use to play offense is now your starter. Good luck with that. Gonna be a loooong season on offense for you rednecks this year

Ga Peach

July 21st, 2011
1:20 pm

Just can’t wait – we love Coach! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxg1I1jA29c

JB

July 21st, 2011
1:20 pm

Mark uses the word anxious a lot. I would say that sums up the entire Bulldog Nation. We don’t have a clue if we’re going 6-6,11-1 or somewhere in between. The “horror” of that bowl game still lingers in a lot of our minds, although I feel a cancer cleansing has taken place, with the team and the staff. This staff can’t afford to coach”scared”. They have got to let it all out and see what happens.

phil steele dumbass

July 21st, 2011
1:21 pm

yeah cause uga only lost games that aj didn’t play in. colorado fla aub and gt were all wins. do they teach you uga morons to be ignorant? is that a class?

Mr. Dawg

July 21st, 2011
1:23 pm

If coaches and officials do what they’re supposed to do then SEC Media days is nothing more than a time for lip service and voicing the obvious. What excites me about it is the fact that the table is being set for the new season. Go Dawgs!

ATLBAMAFAN

July 21st, 2011
1:25 pm

Your defense, OL and Murray will be the key to your season anyway. OL is very thin. I would be willing to bet that some combination of the Malcome kid, Crowell and Samuel will be at least, if not more productive than the two guys you lost. If you have any kind of running game, that will make Murray more dangerous to defenses. Good QB’s count in this league.

PhilSteeleBELIVER

July 21st, 2011
1:28 pm

Oh WOW… to the guy with the creative dumb** reference….UGA started out 1-4, didn’t see in my post where I said UGA only lost A.J. Greenless games…dont think it effected the season? Well it doesnt matter what you think actually. “Thanks” for the response

signed: Ignorant Moron

Dawglover

July 21st, 2011
1:37 pm

Not a good sign that Samuel is starting out as the 1st string. And nobody asked about the O-Line?

Obviously, Born2Bark...

July 21st, 2011
1:46 pm

…you have no clue about what it takes to be a D1 player at any position. You say that Samuel never had a chance to “show” what he could do at linebacker – I guess he never practiced over the past 2 years at that position so the coaches just do not know how good he is…and HE LOST his STARTING job at running back during his only year as a player, and you still think he has what it takes to be a D1player?

D-MAN

July 21st, 2011
1:52 pm

Bobo is still my biggest concern!But with big dose of Samuel Boo and Figgins against the small Boise D-line,we should have a big advantage.Run at them over and over till they puke on there shoes,then it’s Crowell time baby and don’t forget about Murray,can’t wait!

LB & Atheletes don't always make TB's

July 21st, 2011
1:54 pm

From a former d-1 player. He is a football player who will bring experience – been in the system for a few years, knows the scheme. His extreme athletic ability will cover-up the fact he is more of a FB than TB. It will work, but we will need to bring in some lightning to mix with the thunder.

Most importantly, we need the O-line to protect and run block, period. If we have consistency and spread the ball around then we will be fine. If we become one sided and can generate the ball around or can’t blow people off the ball, then you get expoused. That has been our problem. From a d-1 player.

suwanee dawg

July 21st, 2011
1:56 pm

O line is concern. RB will be fine. Naming Samuel #1 also motivates Crowell and Boo. I don’t drink the kool-aid all the time, but think this move makes sense. Sure wish some of the 2012 OL could play now. Agree with Dawg in lex comments. GATA!

PreyDawg

July 21st, 2011
1:57 pm

@ HardTruth- Good come back. Got a chuckle out of that one. I’m like you. Samuel gives us a physical back we have not had in a long time. Let him punish then let Crowell come in some and run by them. I am much more concerned about no Trinton Sturdivant. Coming out of Spring I felt like he was key to the running game and pass protection.

Folks criticize Richt. But he has a much bigger play book that he has not been able to use because he can’t get the sustained blocks he needs. Now that might be his fault on recruiting but there is no question it has limited us for two years.

Old Dawg Fan

July 21st, 2011
1:57 pm

Having these big backs like Crowell and Samuel remind me of old school UGA football. That is what CVD did with Worley, Hampton, Tate, etc. In order to win in this league we must be physical with the run game and play smash mouth on defense. Ask the the last two national champs how to get it done.

UGAgrad71

July 21st, 2011
2:00 pm

UGA got a big OT, where is Tide Roll to tell what is wrong with him!

ToccoaDawg

July 21st, 2011
2:01 pm

But we’ll be ready to play on Sept. 3rd, I can promise you that.” That’s all that counts coach. GATA If they play hard and never quit that’s all I can ask. I for one am proud to have CMR as our coach.

Ed

July 21st, 2011
2:07 pm

Thanks for letting us know what # rasta man will wear. I have been pining over that for months now.

F*cking A

July 21st, 2011
2:10 pm

I think Samuel is a great fit for RB. As a LB, he mirrors RBs all day. Now as a RB, he’ll be looking for those LBs as he plows through… Just have to get some stickum for those hands. It will also take some pressure off of Crowell to “save the program”. They’ll be fine but it’s going to be tough to go 2-0 out of the gate…

Stinger2

July 21st, 2011
2:10 pm

Any player who wears No. 1 must have a huge ego. Since Crowell has announced he wants to gain 1000 yards and be an All-American as a freshman, I guess No. 1 is appropriate for him. By the way, GT had a certain QB who wore No. 1 a few years ago. He had a problem counting to four. Oh well, a tailback does not have to keep track of the downs.

James K Polk

July 21st, 2011
2:22 pm

Samuel’s problem was not fumbling, it was the fact that he couldn’t break any tackles at all. He went down on the first contact every single time vs Oklahoma State…he never started at RB again.

Coach Grohbo

July 21st, 2011
2:28 pm

Samuel is a magnet to contact, which is great if you are a linebacker.

Ted Striker

July 21st, 2011
2:30 pm

Good article, Chip. Thanks for your fine work!

UGA Insider

July 21st, 2011
2:35 pm

The “big one” I have been telling you about for the last 4 months is about to hit. This one will bring the almighty Mike Slive down with it. Possibly bring the first “NCAA Death Penalty” case given to an SEC member. This one will change the SEC for years to come. Many programs are involved. The SEC will soon be changed forever. Stay tuned.

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
2:38 pm

I’m sorry, but to any person who thinks Samuel can’t be a good back b/c he has no agile moves is stupid. Did H.W. have any moves? No, he just run your @$$ over. Samuel can do the same thing. He’s 6′2″ and 240 lbs. Thats a huge TB.

Jona

July 21st, 2011
2:39 pm

Samuel is the best option to hold the position with average gain and good pass protection until we get a burner going. Maybe Samuel will run more like a RB instead of a FB this time around.

Mobile Dawg

July 21st, 2011
2:46 pm

When?

inspired

July 21st, 2011
2:47 pm

I think Richard Samuel is a totally different breed of Dawg today… youth and lack of confidence are gone….we are talking about an older, bigger, stronger, tougher, wiser, and far more mature person now…. expect the best from Richard Samuel…expect we are in for a pleasant surprise from his performance and expect that Isaiah Crowell will also be a beneficiary because Richard Samuel may, now, be the real deal…

AltamahaDawg

July 21st, 2011
2:51 pm

I never thought he was as bad as folks made him out to be as a RB in the first place. Watchng a couple of those early games in 2010, he had his moments.

Still wanting to see him at LB, or should say that I am disappointed at not being about to see him at LB, as I think he would have been (everything said about him above) at that position too. I guess it’s more about need than want.

Dawg4Ever

July 21st, 2011
2:53 pm

Again, the outside rift-raft commenting on the University of Georgia … they’re my focus, too. But why are their yours? Go ‘Dawgs!

DawginLex

July 21st, 2011
2:55 pm

Insider

Are we in trouble in any way in your opinion?

i hope it is only auburn

St. Richt

July 21st, 2011
2:57 pm

Are you serious? CMR is not sure how things are going with Crowell? And says to ask the 3 players that are there? Really??

Mobile Dawg

July 21st, 2011
2:57 pm

My worst fear is “as always” and I know some of you “hate” my pessimism on the coaching. Can Mark Richt figure out how to use the players he has for the “benefit” of “UGA” instead of how he likes scoring points. Like some of you, I want to see a tough, smash mouthed football team. That hasn’t been Richt’s style. I like what I see personnel wise this year, they are capable of winning the East, maybe “contending” for the SEC. Good leadership, planning, and yes, execution is critical. And yes, a little luck can’t hurt. Let’s have a good year.

microphone assasin

July 21st, 2011
2:57 pm

check check

DawginLex

July 21st, 2011
2:58 pm

Who is to say that we are not going to change our stripes offensively?

OL coach-trained to teach power running game
1st team OL-big enough to plow people
fullback a converted TE 270 lbs
new running back a former LB at 240 lbs

Toss sweep left
Toss sweep right
Thrown on 3rd down only if toss sweeps don’t work

Punt and play defense

dooley ball????

St. Richt

July 21st, 2011
2:58 pm

Not buying it. I think Richt would be very quick to respond “things are going great” if they really were with Crowell.

DawginLex

July 21st, 2011
2:59 pm

St Richt

Richt can’t have direct contact with the players. These summer drills are run by the players.

That’s why he said talk to the players

Mr. SEC

July 21st, 2011
3:10 pm

With Samuel getting the opportunity at LB some, I will bet you are going to see a much improve RB in him. He has got so much going for him, #1 being a team guy and not an “I” guy. I look for good things to happen with him; could be the surprise player of the year, we will see!

Mobile Dawg

July 21st, 2011
3:14 pm

Do you think Richt has that in him Lex? That would change my opinion of him 180 degrees.

edumacated

July 21st, 2011
3:15 pm

I’m supposed to be optimistic over the fact that our number 1 at RB against Boise has been playing LB for the past year? Richt sure knows how to sugercoat it, and a lot of you are buying it as well. If Samuel had been half decent at RB, then he would have stayed there, but he couldn’t break tackles or avoid contact either. That one long run against ARK was through a hole big enough to drive a truck through. I sure hope Crowell is as good as everyone thinks he is. We are going to need him or else Murray will be running for his life all season.

Big Earl

July 21st, 2011
3:16 pm

@DawginLex…I like the way you’re thinkin with the power game! In that same “Dooley” vein of thought… I think EVERYONE on our schedule will present a tremedous challenge to our little bitty Dawgs because their kickers are just outstanding! We may not be able to even stay on the field with anybody…..I used to love Dooley’s mealy mouth comments before we played Vandy…or anyone else for that matter. Then we’d go out and beat the snot out of them. I hope those days are about to return.

FLA DAWG

July 21st, 2011
3:17 pm

Like I said………..”not even a tough call.”

RAMBLE ON!!!

July 21st, 2011
3:18 pm

DawginLex,

I agree that you should be proud of Richt. He’s is the best coach you mutts have ever had…much better than Dooley, but, your sidewalk fan base will run him out of town after this probable 8-4 season.

It will be interesting to see how things pan out.

FLA DAWG

July 21st, 2011
3:19 pm

Correction…………I had Samuel at Fullback and Crowell at Tail – and I still think that would be a better tandem.

UGA what a Joke

July 21st, 2011
3:21 pm

I pray to the God’s that UGA doesn’t win 1 game this year.They will still be in front of a tv camera with 1 finger up and that’s the finger they pick their butt and nose with.. I totally hate UGA. Forgive me Lord and Bless All The Little Pygmies In South America..Bunch of Freaking A$$ crybabies..

JE

July 21st, 2011
3:21 pm

Just line Figgins and Samuel up in the backfield and let the other tb’s follow their blocks. With those two back there the other backs should find a hole to run somewhere. But one thing for sure you cannot sacrifice Samuel’s speed and size for him just to block. He will have to touch the ball. One thing that has hurt our offense in recent years is there has not been a running attack for the FB except inside the three yard line. Defensive Coordinators know this. They also know when the screen pass will be thrown to the FB. What happened to the Haynes play.

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
3:22 pm

Yahoo sports is writing on an SECw team and it’s not LSU or Arkansas. It’s supposed to be huge. I heard this on 680 the fan from Chuck n Chernoff

FLA DAWG

July 21st, 2011
3:22 pm

So after the abysmal record of last season you think that Richt is a really good coach even if he goes 8 – 4 this season!?

That does not compute.

gdawginkalamazoo

July 21st, 2011
3:24 pm

Insider, throw us some bones on the story dude.

FLA DAWG

July 21st, 2011
3:26 pm

Probably Auburn. NCAA is still doing their investigation(s).

gdawginkalamazoo

July 21st, 2011
3:28 pm

And congrats to #22. Hard worker and great team player.

edumacated

July 21st, 2011
3:29 pm

It doesn’t take an insider to know that the NCAA isn’t done w/ Auburn yet.

FLA DAWG

July 21st, 2011
3:30 pm

Didn’t say I was an insider…………pick up a book and read

Ace

July 21st, 2011
3:31 pm

UGA fans talk big in the summer, after the UF game they are like church mice or 2 year olds.

"All da Way Turnt Up" not

July 21st, 2011
3:33 pm

#1 Crowell will be # 1 Bust. Bank on it! Buh Bye Mark Richt……

Ace

July 21st, 2011
3:39 pm

The last 3 teams had better players and what did they do ? 3 more years of pain, fun and high ticket prices.

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
3:46 pm

Let me comment!!!!

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
3:48 pm

Let me comment about I.C’s fb page.

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
3:48 pm

Jerk

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
3:49 pm

I.C said he deleted his fb page

UGA '05

July 21st, 2011
3:49 pm

Eiterhe lied or someone is impersonating him to make him look bad

truedawg

July 21st, 2011
3:51 pm

I’m really excited about this season. seems to be a real, “i’m tired of this mediocore play and doomed state, and I’m working my butt off to make this year better” type of attitude in Athens. Seems like the players are pushing each other harder. Working together more, and demanding more of themselves. CMR seems to have a work hard mind set as well. “blunder to Wonder-DAWGS!! feel free to use that AJC, after the Dawgs start 2-0. GATA GO DAWGS!!!

Vince Lombardi

July 21st, 2011
4:09 pm

Let’s see Crowell is now in line behind a former reserve linebacker? Can’t wait to see how this plays out. Maybe Thomas Brown needs to get him out of bed a little earlier in the mornings.

ugab

July 21st, 2011
4:14 pm

Bringing Samuel back to rb is the right move. Samuel has the size and speed. He has experience also

ugab

July 21st, 2011
4:16 pm

Crowell has to learn the offense and learn how to pass block. He may get to play in the 3rd game. I do not see him play in the 1st two games. Why do we play boise to start off the season? We need a couple of games to get the ball rolling. Its all about money.

ugab

July 21st, 2011
4:19 pm

Everyone needs to support our players. Our coaches are making and taking the right steps to get this program back to par. Football season is almost here!!!!Gooooo Dawgs!!! woo hooo

Oh, the bitterness on here

July 21st, 2011
4:20 pm

What did UGA do to hurt your feelings?

Need to calm down, its not good to go through life full of anger and jealousy.

Mark Richt 2011 Farewell Tour

July 21st, 2011
4:24 pm

I knew it! Its Thomas Brown and Knowshon all over again. Sit the best player and play the one with senority. Dont let the door hit you Richt.

inspired

July 21st, 2011
4:31 pm

all you old dawgs will remember Al Wilson, #23 at UT….tuff as nails… that’s what I believe Samuel will be…a whole new breed of RB who is LB tuff…can’t wait to see it….maybe Crowell will pick up a few points from the new Samuel…

Charlie Hayes

July 21st, 2011
5:13 pm

Has great vision and balance and runs in traffic extremely well. Rarely brought down by one man and has excellent speed in the open field. Can run with power, but often can beat a player without having to absorb contact. Plays both sides of the ball with a linebacker mentality. He’s excellent in pursuit, and extremely aggressive attacking blocks and the ball carrier. Samuels could star on either side of the ball — Scott Kennedy, Scout.com.

This was the review on Scout when Samuel was being recruited by UGA. He was a 5-Star # 4 in the nation tailback…..Now we will see without the other two morans in his way of how well he will live up to his former hype. I have a feeling that he will prove a lot of people wrong and be a huge asset to UGA in the backfield. With Figgins blocking for Samuel I expect a lot of traps and misdirection pounding between the tackles to control the game/clock.

kerryb

July 21st, 2011
5:35 pm

Everyone is judging Samuel on what they saw 2 years ago. Samuel was a 17 year old kid when he came to UGA. Now he is a man who’s bigger, stronger, faster, and more mature. I can’t wait to see what he does now with a huge FB in front of him. Between him and Figgens that’s a huge and powerful backfield.

the dude

July 21st, 2011
5:45 pm

ALL THIS JIBBER JABBER IS A WASTE OF TIME. SEPT 3RD WILL BE HERE SOON ENOUGH. ALL I KNOW IS ga tech IS A LOSER AND CHEATER AS WE ALL KNEW THEY WERE. SO DAWG ON.

Chip Towers

July 21st, 2011
6:02 pm

Lake poet: It’s a fake Facebook page.

Who cares?

July 21st, 2011
6:13 pm

When I first saw the link to this article I thought it said “UGA Tailbacks Arrested”. That makes more sense, anyway.

Who cares?

July 21st, 2011
6:13 pm

did someone really just say “Dawg on”? My God, I weep for your future.

gtfanfrom1951

July 21st, 2011
6:37 pm

Its going to be a long, long, long, season for UGA!!!!

Joe

July 21st, 2011
7:04 pm

It will be a miracle if they win 8 games. Of course Coach Richt does not lie awake at night worrying, he has more money in the bank than his kids will ever be able to spend, and he is going to get paid for another year before he retires to his missionary work.

He is a fine human being, but no longer has the dedication it takes to succeed in the SEC. Whether that is looking the other way, like many of the coaches in the conference do, or it is being a 24-7 guy, he is not doing the things it takes. Been a good run, but this will be the last year of it.

HECKLE

July 21st, 2011
7:52 pm

Will someone honestly settle the question of how tall or short Murray is? This question has gone on far too long!!!

Just saying

July 21st, 2011
8:02 pm

Should have recruited Bobby Rainey when he came out of Griffin, he finished 3rd in the nation in rushing last year with 1649 yards and 15tds. Check his highlights on you tube. He will be playing on Sundays. Better than King or Ealey.

LogicalUS

July 21st, 2011
8:11 pm

“Kinda surprised he would just anoint Samuel the #1 running back BEFORE fall practice begins”

There are no other options.

Look UGA is are down to using this 3rd team LB who was shunted off there because he was a 4th team RB and could make the field behind the “cancers” Washaun Ealey & King. Of course just a few months ago both of these kids were better than the Lattimore kid at SC or the Trent kid at Alabama, today they were just holding back the newest undiscovered Hershel who was being hidden on the scout squad at LB????

But the situation is really so dire that all sort of delusions have to be invented to sooth the knawing realization that this season is toast.

Yep, the 3rd team LB is just a Lattimore\Trent in waiting. Who is crazy enough to believe such silliness?

bobby

July 21st, 2011
8:11 pm

uga could have a nasty power running game picture this samuel at 245 pounds, malcome at 220 as the power backs and crowell as the change of pace back plus people forget that you have bruce figgins at almost 275 pounds at fullback plus remeber o the line is huge you got glenn at 345, gates at 330, beane at 350, ben jones at 320 and brunette at 315-320 that’s a huge line and if the line blocks and the backs pan out this could be a devasting running game.

LogicalUS

July 21st, 2011
8:19 pm

“uga could have a nasty power running game picture this samuel at 245 pounds, malcome at 220 as the power backs and crowell as the change of pace back plus people forget that you have bruce figgins at almost 275 pounds at fullback”

Yeah, that the ticket, I guess there is enough silliness going around.

Look people this isn’t 1943 and modern college football teams can NOT run the flying wedge anymore. But I suppose when you are left with nothing else any fantasy will do.

RB U

July 21st, 2011
8:23 pm

Crowell should be starting in game 1, not samuel. Samuel’s not that good.

FLA DAWG

July 21st, 2011
8:38 pm

Charlie,

I agree with you. Samuel will hit the line hard with experience and confidence. Unfortunately there will be few holes for him because of our below average (in my opinion) O Line.

LHarding Dawg

July 21st, 2011
8:40 pm

I believe Samuals is going to be fine at tailback. He probably should have never been moved to linebacker. Coach Richt has been coaching him since he was 17 and knows what he can do. You Georgia fans need to relax and let the coaches do their jobs. The haters and trolls, well you simply don’t matter.

bigroot

July 21st, 2011
9:14 pm

UGA lost it’s top WR to da draft and Richt still can’t get da top WR’s in GA and da top RB’s in GA are going TENN,AUB,ALA & FLOR

Tech Vacates Their Bowles

July 21st, 2011
9:56 pm

Is there a rule that says Tech fans must be homos?

bigguy

July 21st, 2011
9:57 pm

Crowell will have to wait til Sept 10 to see SEC speed. I saw that he couldn’t handle Calhoun speed. I wish him the best. We’ll see…

buzzDawg

July 21st, 2011
10:26 pm

They talked of using John Jenkins to run the ball on special occasions. Can you imagine 340 pound Jenkins following 275 pound Figgins coming through the opposition’s defense on a goal line stand?

Dr. Osborne

July 21st, 2011
10:27 pm

Coach Grohbo, Isaiah Crowell is another Mike Rozier. Just review some of Rozier’s footage on youtube to remember how he used to seperate himself from the pack in every game! Rozier just ripped Penn State and the rest of his opponents enroute to 2,225 rushing yards during his senior year averaging 7.8 per carry! Rozier and Co. even beat Bo Jackson and Auburn, 41-6, in 1982! Isaiah Crowell will bring back memories of the great Mike Rozier! What good will do to make Crowell fumble after he is already in the endzone?

buzz engineer

July 21st, 2011
10:39 pm

crowell will probably be suspended for something before game 1, so samuel better be ready to carry the ball a lot.

Dr. Osborne

July 21st, 2011
10:45 pm

bigguy, I was at that game. I know plenty of football. I know the Calhoun Yellow Jackets as well. 100 player team, extremely dedicated community. Not a fair comparison because most communities lack that – as I taught school in Bankhead, Atlanta and coached football as an assistant at a high school there. It would take a complete team, and Carver-Columbus is far from complete. Creekside is a much better example of an inner-city (such as Atlanta) powerhouse that you could better equate with mighty Calhoun, but please don’t throw Carver-Columbus in the same sentence with Creekside and Martin Luther King High School. If Isaiah played for the Dalton Catamouts, then you’d of seen the real Crowell facing Calhoun – and then you could better gage the young man’s talent in a head-to-head matchup with awesome Calhoun. I’d like to put Crowell on Tucker’s team or maybe even Lowdnes County. Either way, a team has to be conditioned to go four quarters.

Dwayne

July 22nd, 2011
8:23 am

hardtruthsoldier, not kidding, if i told you i played college ball, you wouldn’t believe me, if i said i didn’t, you’d say i told you so. it’s a mute point. make all the excuses/reasons you want, he was moved to linbacker because he could’t beat the other guys out, and as you pointed out, was a good linebacker in high school. i hope UGA wins the east, wins for a 2nd time in the dome and plays in a BCS bowl, but after following UGA since the 70’s, i stopped letting them break my heart. they are hyped every year as the next NC. i need to see it first. i need them to beat florida, please beat fla. please don’t mention my spelling or puncuation. i’m at work and could care less if i use caps.

Look at the UGA RB situation this way

July 22nd, 2011
9:17 am

We all know what Ealey and KIng can/could not do. They were unable to rip their legs away from a tackler, 3 yds past the line of S. They caused problems on the team and Ealey thought that he was a legend in his own time but he was only a fool in his own time.

See the 2010 MSU game where he sat in the end zone with that ball rolling around his legs and he looked so dumb. Grab it and TD but he let it roll. Look at his fumble vs SC on the 3 yd line and look at his fumble vs KY in 09 on the goal line. These 3 incidents caused UGA to lose those games. King fumbled in the Colorado game preventing UGA from a last second winning FG. Ugh!! We should lament them being gone? I think not !

No, I prefer a smart, hard working and um, ah, FAST 6′3″ 238 LB running back named Richard Samuel to either one of these clowns ……………now gone.

Why? The other two could not be counted on …………… that is why.

Attitude is 85% of any engagement. Samuel has a team first attitude and the other two have their jail house first attitude.

Jborodawg

July 22nd, 2011
10:41 am

“Richt says 2011 tailbacks could be even better.”

I’ll go with CMR’s assessment that we’re in decent shape at TB. Then ya got Figgins at FB. Then ya got Big John Jenkins picking up the TD from the one.

But don’t forget Dawgs fans, there’s some possibly great RB’s in the rest of the SEC…like at Awbun, Tenn, Ala, and SC. Will one of ours get 1000 yards this season? We hope so. But only time will tell. I, like CMR, just pray our O-line stays healthy. And, don’t think the season’s over if we go 0-2. We can still win the rest of the games and still possibly go to the Dome. It’d be outstanding to beat Boise. It’s a little more crucial to beat SC. But 0-2 won’t be the end of life on this planet as we know it.

Dwayne

July 22nd, 2011
11:58 am

I was FIRST to comment on this blog….who cares??? I do!!!! I AM WINNING!!!!

keith contarino

July 23rd, 2011
5:34 am

Richt can’t seriously think about starting Samuel against Boise State. Samuel still has to break his first tackle. Was horrible watching him run straight at people and go down everytime. Good kid, lousy tailback

L.A. BULLDAWG

July 23rd, 2011
7:05 pm

I HOPE COACH RICHT LEAVES RICHARD SAMUEL AT THE TB POSITION TO FURTHER ENHANCE HIS FUTURE IN THE NFL. THIS KID WAS A 5-STAR RECRUIT! WHILE I APPLAUD RICHT’S DECISON TO START SAMUEL TO ALLEVITATE PRESSURE ON CROWELL, LET’S MAKE SURE THAT WE DON’T SCREW THIS THING UP WITH 5-STAR CALIBER PLAYERS! I STILL MAINTAIN THAT UGA SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN MORE OUT OF A.J GREEN AND MATTHEW STAFFORD, BOTH 5-STAR RECRUITS ALSO. RICHARD SAMUEL HAS BEEN GOING BACK AND FORTH LIKE A YO-YO, SINCE HE GOT ON CAMPUS 3YRS AGO! EVENTUALLY, YOU HAVE TO STOP BLAMING THE PLAYERS, AND START LOOKING AT MIKEE BOBO AND MARK RICHT!

drdawg

July 23rd, 2011
9:48 pm

How many times did the coach say “I don’t know”??? Three million a year?
My boss tells me they pay me for what I know. How about you guys?

I-DOG

July 24th, 2011
10:53 am

Logical Us:

I don’t think that Georgia fans here are saying they expect the former LB to be an All Star running back. If you read these blogs, you will notice that most fans are saying that they hope the defense will be solid with a pair of 350 LB nosegaurds that are highly regarded and some pretty serious talent overall on that side of the ball… most are hoping that the offense scores enough to win a lot of games. We will be more than a 2 point underdog in maybe 2 games all year, so the schedule is favorable. If UGA can win at least one of the first two games, they have an easier schedule than they normally do, so even if this team isn’t dominant, we can win a lot of games.

Offensively, I believe that people are hoping that Samuel will have improved from the time he was a Sophomore RB (remember he came to UGA about as young as a football player does at barely 17). Most are HOPING he is “solid” and that Malcombe will stay healthy and be a bruiser and that Crowell will be a terrific player. I don’t think any of that is illogical.

Further, most of us on here are PRAYING that the offensive line stays healthy. At an average of 325 pounds accross the starting five, they will be the largest group of humans we have ever had at offensive line and 2-3 of those 5 will play in the NFL. Unfortunately, due to injury and attrition, we are extrememly untested at the backup spots on the OL. We COULD be pretty good on the offensive line, good enough for any of these backs to get 4-5 yards on a carry.

We have a first team All SEC QB which is an important position. WR is a big question mark, but it is likely we will be at least adquate at reciever. We have excellent TE’s and if we use them properly, they should be tremendous weapons.

Some are assuming Crowell will be great this year, most are hoping so. Not many are saying that UGA is set at RB, and that we will be a dominant team. What you should have been gleaning from these blogs is the hope for a much improved defense and enough offense to be competitive and hopefully win the early close games that USC, Boise, and Mississipi State should be and then take it from there. Seems perfectly logical to me.

Crowell Rules

July 24th, 2011
11:12 am

Crowell should start against Boise not samuel. He’s the real deal and will be up there with lattimore as the best back in the SEC.

Mobile Dawg

July 24th, 2011
9:00 pm

Good point dr dawg. I remember in my corporate days a few people being canned, actually demoted, for using that exact phrase “I don’t know”.

RaifDawg

July 25th, 2011
10:39 am

I can see RS and IC in the backfield together. The I-formation would be unstopable with RS as the fullback. He has both power and speed. He can also pick up the blitz while IC goes out for a screen. They would make a great combo. I would’ve taken RS over King and Ealey any day. At least he ran with heart and attitude.

d

July 26th, 2011
3:36 pm

uga the best stop doubting us

Coach Lil Jon

July 27th, 2011
1:38 am

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