Practice report: Georgia TB Isaiah Crowell now in his element
ATHENS — For the last three months there has been a lot of talk about Isaiah Crowell the person and the high-profile recruit. But over the last four days, Georgia has been able to get a close look at Crowell as a football player and early reports are the Bulldogs like what they’re seeing.
Crowell’s energy and focus, running backs coach Bryan McClendon said, have reminded him what drew the Bulldogs to recruit Crowell in the first place.
“I went to a practice, it may have been his sophomore year in high school, and I saw then how much he loved just to practice,” McClendon said of Crowell, then at Carver High..”He’s out there clapping and being excited about playing and having fun just going out there and playing football. That’s one of the things that excited me the most, to see a guy that talented that didn’t take practice for granted. He goes out there and he wants to get better.
“He’s been the same way out here. He’s focusing on getting better, focusing on every rep. He’ll come to me and ask, ‘what can I do to get a little bit better.’ That was the biggest thing. I thought, ‘this guy has what it takes to be something.’”
Georgia just completed the fourth of 29 preseason practice opportunities on Sunday. But McCelndon has seen enough to know that Crowell is back in the environment he enjoys most.
“He’s just a great humble kid who wants to be good in football,” McClendon said. “And that’s what he’s doing. He’s doing everything he can to make sure he’s doing that. He’s doing a good job of studying. He’s doing a good job of learning it. That stuff comes pretty quick to him. And that happens when you have a guy that, one, wants to be as good as he wants to be; and, two, and is serious about football. Football is serious to that kid.”
As for Crowell’s on-field abilities, teammates say his speed and quickness is apparent and he has exceptional cutting ability. But coaches are reserving their comments until they get a look at him in full pads. That begins Monday.
Hutson Mason solid at No. 2 QB
Everybody knows Aaron Murray is solid as the Bulldogs’ No. 1 quarterback and it appears Hutson Mason is equally entrenched as the No. 2 guy, at least in the early going. Christian LeMay, a signee who enrolled in January, is still grappling with the playbook.
“You see his athletic ability and flashes of what a good quarterback he can be,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “But right now he’s still trying to get a handle on everything, especially during these first acclamation days. We’re installing the whole playbook and we’re throwing a lot at him. He’s running everything we’re installing. Once we get out of acclamation we’ll script more what we’re going to do when he’s in there and it will be more about what he knows and what suits him. I think you’ll see him start to improve tremendously then.”
Andrews, Dantzler emerge on O-line
With just five experienced offensive linemen to put on the field, Georgia is obviously looking to young players to provide depth. And in the early going, it appears the first two freshmen to emerge are David Andrews and Watts Dantzler.
Andrews (6-foot-2, 280 pounds), a signee from The Wesleyan School in Norcross, is now the No. 2 center. Dantzler (6-7, 310), from Dalton, is getting work at both guard and tackle and looks poised to work his way into the rotation.
“We haven’t been out here a week, but I think the guys that have played the best so far are Andrews and Dantzler,” line coach Will Friend said. “They’re probably a little ahead of the new guys. But we’ve had four days and their heads are spinning. I’ve seen some good things in the whole group, but those two have done some good things.”
Sanders working at CB
Chris Sanders was considered one of the best safeties in the state when he signed with Georgia out of Tucker High. But the Bulldogs are finding out how good of a cornerback he can be.
“We’ve talked about that really since we signed him, that potentially he might be a guy we could look at at corner,” secondary coach Scott Lakatos said. “Size-wise he looked pretty good there, movement wise. He might be able to help us from a depth standpoint. He’s physical enough, he plays hard, he’s quick. He could be a guy who could be a safety as well. Athletically he could be either-or.”
The emergence of Sanders and other freshmen such as Damian Swann at cornerback have enabled the Bulldogs to give serious consideration to moving Sanders Commings back to safety. Commings is working at both spots but more lately at safety.
Some might say Lakatos has benefited most from the Bulldogs’ “Dream Team” recruiting class. He landed Sanders, Swann, Nick Marshall, Devin Bowman, Corey Moore and Quintavious Harris out of the deal.
“They’re athletes,” Lakatos said. “We knew all those guys when we took them were very good athletes. We knew they were offensive guys, defensive guys, receivers, returners, quarterbacks, DBs, they played safety, they played corner, they were good at other sports, whether it’s baseball or basketball or track. We knew that. Now we’ve just got to find a spot for them. We’ll put them out there and let them play.”
NG Geathers ahead of Jenkins
It sounds like defensive line coach Rodney Garner would at this point give the edge to Kwame Geathers over John Jenkins in the competition at nose guard.
“Kwame is definitely continuing to pick up where he left off this spring,” Garner said Sunday. “We’ve got to get Jenkins to keep coming and get him more up to speed. I feel really good about the 1s and I think the two ends [DeAngelo Tyson and Abry Jones] have really elevated their games to another level. Kwame’s continuing to improve we have to continue building depth.”
Practice update
The Bulldogs practiced for two hours in shells (shoulder pads and helmets) Sunday in intermittent rain. Monday represents the first of 11 full-contact practices (including three scrimmages). The objective of this first one? “I want to see who will strike somebody, who won’t flinch,” Bobo said. “That’s the biggest thing.”
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180 comments Add your comment
RabidDawgFan
August 7th, 2011
4:10 pm
I think Ogletree is going to be our next big hitter that UGA is so famous for having. Greg Blue, Thomas Davis, Paul Oliver, to name a few.
Mad Dog One
August 7th, 2011
4:12 pm
Mr. Crowell, As for one long time Dog fan what we expect from you is to play until the whistle, keep your head on straight, take care of your school work, stay out of trouble. I think if you do this you will make one DAMN FINE DOG.
bitter vince dooly
August 7th, 2011
4:23 pm
ive heard enough from bammer nation—-im headed to the rest room
————–ill be needing that roll of tollit paper tide————–just saying tree killers
cantondawg
August 7th, 2011
4:23 pm
Tide Roll,
Do you actually type out your comments every day or just copy and paste. You say the same old thing everyday. Your Crimson Tide is the most overrated team this year and will end up with at least 3 losses. If Trent Richardson gets hurt, it will be 4 or 5 losses. You have no qb with experience, serious lack of depth at RB and no wr threat.
Cmon man
August 7th, 2011
4:26 pm
Its funny how everybody is quiet about crowell now. The whole off season everybody had sources and there nephews cousins uncle on his mothers side was a walk on and said crowell had an ego and didnt work hard. You people need to fire your “sources”.
bitter vince dooly
August 7th, 2011
4:26 pm
you vote for best recruiting reporter============carvell____towers____
————————————final vote carvel 12——-towers 918—————what say you AJC
deaddog
August 7th, 2011
4:37 pm
How is the felony report?
Dawg in Milton
August 7th, 2011
4:42 pm
I’m not a “recruiting expert” but is this guy as good as the USCe RB? GOOOOOOO DAWGS
Dawg in Milton
August 7th, 2011
4:44 pm
Tideroll, you are soo typical of the Alabama fanbase…You guys are getting the next NCAA hammer with this Men’s Clothing Store issue…ala Ohio St.
Dawg in Milton
August 7th, 2011
4:45 pm
One more ?, I thought our JUCO nose guard was the next Nick Fairley type of player? WTH? He might not even start?
RabidDawgFan
August 7th, 2011
4:47 pm
Dawg in milton…Jenkins must get acclimated to the SEC speed and SEC type practices. Nothings handed to anybody. You must compete. Apparently Geathers is out doing him right now. Doesn’t mean Jenkins won’t be ready come September 3rd. I bet you he’ll be making plays.
RabidDawgFan
August 7th, 2011
4:53 pm
Everybody get off Jenkins. He’s only practiced with us for 4 days. He made it through 3. The first day hit him harder than he thought and he had to take a breather. That shouldn’t be a problem again. Once we get in full pads, we’ll see just how much he can collapse the pocket and stop the run. I believe he will be a force to be reckoned with come September. He may not start, but he will play because one nose guard isn’t going to make it all game especially weighing 350. Both Geathers and Jenkins weigh over 700 pounds combined. Neither one will be able to compete for a full 60 minutes at full speed; they’re going to rotate. That’s why depth is so important.
Delbert D.
August 7th, 2011
4:56 pm
This from SI caught my attention: “According to the most recent five-year data compiled by the NCAA, Vandy graduated 81.5 percent of players within six years of enrollment. Ole Miss finished second at 53.5 percent.”
Ole Miss???
T-Dawg
August 7th, 2011
5:14 pm
When I read tide roll I envision Byan McElderry, the process server from All Worked Up… “Now let me get this straight!”
Un-Tank
August 7th, 2011
5:17 pm
Greg Pyke is rated higher than Brandon Greene on Scout. Maybe the UGA coaches simply wanted the better player. Also, how is it possible that Saban fails to land the best QB in the state and possibly the nation when the kid lives exactly 45 minutes from Tuscaloosa? Not white enough for Napoleon?
drbasic
August 7th, 2011
5:20 pm
@Tide roll
You are pathetic. You are eat up with all things against Ga and Richt. Did you get spurned by Richt at some juncture in your life? I for the most part have learned to just ignore your post as I am sure most people here have. Your rhetoric is exhausting and frankly no Dawg fan gives a *&$% to what you think
red&black
August 7th, 2011
5:49 pm
I’m inspired, that there were no off field issues this off season. There’s certainly something to be said for that. Time will tell what sort of bunch this is, or will eventually turn out to be. I would however like to make a comparison to not to distant past UGA teams who won 6 games more or less one year and the results for the following year. 1965 won only 6 followed by 1966 SEC champions. 1967 won 7, followed by 1968 SEC champs. The 1979 team that had only 6 wins that year. And went on to have pretty good season the following year. So my point is, that yes while last year was certainly a disappointment, we have had these in the past, only to bounce back the following year. There is hope. We don’t need for Herschel to return for his other year of eligibility (joke), we just need what we have to step up and play. For all the Bobo bashers. Remember he calls the plays that are in Richt’s playbook, and while he might submit a game plan. I sure CR signs off on it, while probably making some suggestions of his own. This is Richt’s boat, and you don’t rock someone else’s boat.
Remember, Vince was drivin’ the boat for 25 years. Not all of his teams were like the 80,81,82 teams. There were also the 69,70,74,77’s all 5 win teams.
So, that said lets strap in on and see what happens in 2011.
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
5:58 pm
Why is it so hot everywhere? Can you imagine practicing football in Texas right now? It is too hot to even walk on the beach.
Anyway……..Don’t count on Jenkins being the savior of your defense this year. It might happen….but it took Fairley at Auburn an entire year to adjust from JC to SEC football….and I think he might be just a little bit better of a player than Jenkins. Jenkins probably has never had anyone block him like he has been blocked since he arrived at Georgia. He has a lot to learn….no matter how talented he is…..and he didn’t go to JC because he is a fast learner.
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
6:03 pm
P.S…….I watched video of Brantley throwing in practice yesterday…..one word (actually two): NOT IMPRESSED.
Also….Muschamp and Weis were “very impressed” with Jacoby Brissett. Muschamp said he is smart, athletic, and has a great throwing arm. It will be interesting to watch the battle between Driskell and Brissett to replace Brantley at QB for the Gators…..and it might happen sooner than later….unless Brantley throws better than he did yesterday in practice. He again looked unsure of himself, threw wobbly plasses, and was panicky in the pocket….feet always moving and throwing technique inconsistent. I am very concern about Brantley leading the Gators this year. Either he gets a lot better….fast….or the Gators will…..once again….be very offensive on offense.
college is forever
August 7th, 2011
6:11 pm
http://www.collegelunchboxes.com It’s time to buckle up and see what we got, Go Dawgs!!
richmondDawg
August 7th, 2011
6:11 pm
Tampa, might be a situation where Brantley starts the first couple of games, struggles, and then takes a seat…Just watched the rerun of the UAA game, and Driskell looked solid….
Dawgs report to camp
August 7th, 2011
6:29 pm
[...] Practice report: Georgia TB Isaiah Crowell now in his element | UGA sports blog Buck can go eat a big bag of $hit! Reply With Quote [...]
RockDog
August 7th, 2011
6:48 pm
WOW, that’s a blast from the past — Gosh would I love to see Greg Blue hit again.
LAKE OCONEE DAWG
August 7th, 2011
6:53 pm
tide roll:
TAKE YOUR UNDER ARMOR ALL AMERICAN CRAP AND STICK IT…THAT STUFF MEANS VERY LITTLE…ALL THIS RECRUITING SERVICE 5 STARS AND 4 STARS AND 3 STARS IS A BUNCH OF BULL…NO WAY TO SEE ON A VIDEO WHATS IN A KIDS HEART…WHATS HE GONNA DO WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN…THE ONES THAT RISE THEN ARE THE ONES WE WANT AT UGA…YOU TAKE THE HARDEES ALL AMERICANS….
Poopdawg
August 7th, 2011
6:58 pm
Tampagator , where is Brissett from? True freshman right. If he looks better than Driskell he must be a stud. Height weight speed on Brissett? I feel sorry for Brantley, but every athlete goes through that eventually.
oledawg
August 7th, 2011
6:59 pm
Thought I’d drop by to see if this blog had cleaned up the little kids with computers that glommed here before. See that they have really taken to use the word “idiot” like they just got freed from the Dungeon. I read about 70% Dawgs on here , but the little crumbsnatchers deflect any sustained good reason to return.
Really sorry that has happened , Chip. Know you and the good loyal bloggers will carry on , but there’s something lacking in the reality dept. of some of these little sociopaths that defies explanation or any reason to put up with their antics. Didn’t see some of your older and best contributors either.
Thanks for reporting on the Dawgs and I have to go back a little bit to compliment you on the job you did in keeping us informed about John Jenkins during his recruitment. It was good that you both seem to have an appreciation of each other’s position. I’ll keep reading your stuff, but have no heart for talking passionately on this blog. Good luck.
Boise in ATL
August 7th, 2011
7:01 pm
Tide Roll – nice Schtick……as if Saban will not play a true freshman….yeah right. Isn’t the Dawgs center from Alabama? Isn’t he pre-season All – SEC and is considered and NFL caliper player?
Big year for UGA – as I fave stated, I think Boise will take this one as we are catching UGA early – and with so many issues being addressed – it might take a few games to iron out and come together.
UGA could be a monster toward the end of the year – big thing is Murray, and improvement on the Defense. I would be concerned with offensive line – continuity and RB.
Also – as DAWGinLEX keeps reminding me – Boise lost our top 2 receivers – well…… so did U of Georgia. Big thing though – is if UGA impreves on defense – this will automatically put the offense in a better position.
Can’t wait until our meeting in the DOME. This will be a monster of a game – and we appreciate UGA for taking this gamble. Said it before – this is ALMOST a no win situation for UGA – so we thanks to Coach Richt and UGA’s AD for agreeing to play us.
Would love to have UGA come play on the Smurf Turf!
After our game in the Dome – best of luck to UGA for the rest of the season.
Crowell Rules
August 7th, 2011
7:03 pm
Mark this down—crowell and lattimore will be the best backs in the SEC! Crowell will run all over boise st.’s weak D for big yards in an easy UGA win!!!
Dirty Dawg
August 7th, 2011
7:14 pm
That was a very reasonable post Boise in ATL. If I were in your place I’d certainly believe that my guys were better than their guys – particularly since my guys were rated ten or fifteen slots higher in the preseason polls. But then I’m not in your place I’m in mine and I believe that Georgia’s defense is going to much improved over last year, faster, harder hitting and likely to dominate Boise States’ line of scrimmage and indeed your entire offense.
As for our OL and running game, it’ll be good enough to make the necessary short yards and potentially break the big ones. Fact is, I’m afraid that you guys will have gone to the well once too often with the early season effort to get a jump-start in the BCS race.
Then again, that’s why they play the games, ain’t it? Best of luck after 9/03.
I-DOG
August 7th, 2011
7:16 pm
Power Dawg: I agree, given Jenkins size, I’m not concerned that he trouble making it through the first practice. The fact he made it through the next few without incident tells me that he is in pretty decent shape for a guy 350 pounds. First game will be played at 72 degrees, but the S Carolina game will be a hot one the following week. If we have 2 noseguards to rotate, it should be difficult to run on us.
Midland Dawg
August 7th, 2011
7:40 pm
I hope we are injury free and with enough experince going into the SC game, they are predicting that they will be BCS winners this season.This year does reminds me of the early 80’s when both schools had the nations best young running backs with Walker and Rodgers. We’ll see but if history repeats it self and tradition continues, the DAWGS will prove their self and Carolina will go down with a bad case of the chicken curse. If Ole ball coach don’t believe in it he may want to ask Holtz about it.
Tampa Dawg
August 7th, 2011
7:41 pm
oledawg, well said sir. well said.
CHDawg
August 7th, 2011
7:53 pm
I think this is a great blog, Chip, and I think that if you can get enough people acclimated to reading it regularly, yours will win top blog by acclamation…
CHDawg
August 7th, 2011
7:57 pm
Boise, let’s get one thing straight…as great as BSU is, if they can stay within two touchdowns of UGA, then their staff will have dramatically outcoached the Dawg staff. BSU has a bunch of two and three star recruits. Ga is bigger, faster, deeper, and more athletic. What Boise has accomplished in the last couple of years is a real credit to the staff and players! This will be a great comparison of the two staffs. Should be a great game.
Hairy Perry
August 7th, 2011
7:57 pm
do it dawgs!
Hairy Perry
August 7th, 2011
8:07 pm
I think it is extremely important we win this game. I know alot of fans think it won’t be a big deal but I disagree. There is no such thing as momentum, it’s confidents that wins games and produces winning seasons, knowing you can pull it out no matter what happens in the game.
Hairy Perry
August 7th, 2011
8:08 pm
good night !
Dawg in Milton
August 7th, 2011
8:08 pm
Am I crazy to think we have a shot to run the table this year? I am usually very tough on UGA but the more I look at our schedule the more I like it. The SEC East is down, and we avoid the top 3 in the West…We win our first two and we will go 12-0….
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
8:09 pm
PoopDawg…..
Jacoby Brissett is from Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He played with Matt Elam and Gerald Christian there….when he was a Jr. Also…the outstanding TE that signed with FSU this year. He is 6′5 and 225 lbs…and can really move around in the pocket when he needs to….and can run with the ball as well…. and has a cannon for an arm. Weis’ insisted on recruiting him when he arrived (he was on his way to the Canes at the time). Meyer did not recruit him because he is more of a pro set QB….and Meyer only wanted Driskell….who is Tebow like but a better passer. Driskell is 6′4′ and about 235. These two QBs will be tossing and running it for Muschamp and Weis for years to come. QB is in future good hands down in THE SWAMP.
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
8:13 pm
Dawg in Milton….
You keep on believing the SEC East is down. SC is very good…..and Florida is very talented….and will be extremely well coached this year, especially on offense…..and they weren’t last year under Addazio. Meyer took the year off, unfortuantely. Also….Kentucky is well coached….and so are the Vols (and they also have an outstanding, young QB….Bray….who may be even better than Murray). Vandy will be improved as well under their new coach. But the West is better…..and Georgia for sure has the easiest of the schedules in relation to SC and Florida. This is your chance….Richt better not blow it…because Florida is coming on….and will be very strong next year.
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
8:19 pm
DawginMilton……
Nice to know you already have the Dawgs winning in Jax…..(all you have to do is beat Boise and SC and the rest of your schedule is made of cupcakes, huh?)…..that easy for you guys to win down there, huh? You know what making assumptions does for you, don’t you? It makes an a……out of you……and then you turn into Gatormeat in November.
No butt texting, please
August 7th, 2011
8:28 pm
Has Israel Troupe peed on anyone yet?
LakeDawg
August 7th, 2011
8:29 pm
I like what I’m hearing out of Athens. It has the ring of truth, backed up by several changes in how things are done there and the clean arrest record for the summer. Not to mention losing the players everyone knew weren’t all in. As for Kwame, he has the genes. He just needed to grow into his body and a little motivation from Jenkins doesn’t hurt. Also gives Jenkins a little time to acclimate. By mid-season they could be a monster combo.
Always... Patsy Cline
August 7th, 2011
8:31 pm
Am I crazy to think we have a shot to run the table this year?
Yes, you’re crazy. And you drink too much, too.
LakeDawg
August 7th, 2011
8:33 pm
Tampa Gator
I agree with your assesment that the east will be stronger than people think. I also agree the Dawgs have to do it this year. This is their opportunity. If they blow it this year UF might just take over for the next few years. However, if UGA takes care of business this year it could change everything.
LakeDawg
August 7th, 2011
8:35 pm
No butt texting, please
August 7th, 2011
8:28 pm
Has Israel Troupe peed on anyone yet?
Are you saying you want to be peed on by Troupe?
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
8:41 pm
Some poster came on here yesterday and said Florida has small DTs and LBs and will get pushed all over the field….well, I checked the size of the Florida DTs and LBs and-
THIS POST IS FOR HIM:
DTs
Omar Hunter – 6′0′ and 300 lbs….slimmed down from 320 and much quicker and stronger this year….and plugger in middle in the 3-4)
Shariff Floyd – 6′3″ and 295 lbs…..slimmed down from 310 and much quicker and stronger this year…so quick and strong that he will play DE in the 3-4 this year)
Jaye Howard – 6′3″ and 300 lbs…..and healhty again after spring surgery to fix his foot (a beast and is quick enough to play some DE in the 4-3 this year)
Dominique Easley – 6′ 1″ and 285 (same notes as Floyd….but Muschamp says he has the quickest first step of any defensive lineman he has ever coached…and he has coached some really good ones)
LBs
Weakside LB
Ronald Powell – 6′4″ and 245 lbs. (fast, quick, strong and will play both DE in the 4-3 and hybrid LB in the 3-4….and he will come forth on the national stage this year in Florida’s new defensive scheme….which takes full advantage of Powell’s skill sets…unlike last year’s non aggressive scheme)
Strongside LB
Larentree McCray – 6′2″ and 245 lbs….fast and will knock you head off in the 3-4. Will play some DE in the 4-3. Another one to make the national scene this year.
Middle LB
Joe Bostic – 6′1″ and 240….and preseason 3rd team all-SEC.
COME ON…..PUSH THE GATORS AROUND!
Poopdawg
August 7th, 2011
8:43 pm
Tampagator , I read where Brissett didn’t come in till the summer . Driskel would surely redshirt this year if Weis is loving Brissett .
Roll Tide
August 7th, 2011
8:44 pm
I’m sorry the med’s my mom gave me is making me irrational. I’ll post later when I feel more like myself and my mom stops rubbing me and making me itchy crazy, ain’t nothing like the stroke from my mom.
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2011
8:45 pm
LakeDawg….
I really liked what Charles has to say yesterday about no more “me”….and more “us”……that has been a big problem for Georgia in recent years…..it was all ahout A.J. Jones, Stafford, Mareno….etc….and less about the whole team playing as one. The thing about Tebow….he was a leader without ego…..and made his whole team play better. Murray needs to step up and be more of a leader on the field this year….as the QB…..and lead his team to play as one….and if they do, they are as dangerous as anyone in the SEC….based on the talent that is….and has always been….on that team under Richt. Let’s see what happens…..but you have to beat Boise….or the noise will get loud….and then you have to be SC….or it will get really, really loud….