Georgia players work hard to avoid ‘Energy Vampire’ distinction
ATHENS – There are lot of things Georgia players don’t want to be called but one of the main ones this season is “energy vampire.”
“Energy vampire” is a new distinction the Bulldogs have come up with for somebody on the team who doesn’t meet certain standards or who complains. If a teammate nominated by another player for the “energy vampire” board and coach Mark Richt approves, he ends up with his pictured plastered all over video boards in the weight room, usually photo-shopped to include fangs and other unflattering enhancements.
“If you say something negative, if you’re not doing something positive when we’re doing activities as a team, you can be called an ‘energy vampire,” explains sophomore linebacker Chase Vasser. “Anybody who hears you say something like ‘I don’t want to be here,’ you can be turned into the coach and you’ll get your face on the board. They’ll take a picture of you and put a wig on you with some vampire teeth and crazy-looking eyes.”
Actually it’s a motivational technique that Richt borrowed from Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith.
“There’s a book called ‘The Energy Bus.’ John Gordon wrote it,” Richt said. “It’s something that Coach Smith of the Falcons had read and incorporated it with his team. When he came to speak at our summer clinic he was talking about a positive attitude. He said when guys aren’t positive they call them ‘energy vampires.’ So I was asking him about that and that’s where he came from.”
Richt said anybody can end up on the energy vampire board. “Even me.” But all nominations have to come through him.
“I don’t want [the players] just taking it over and making up stuff,” Richt said “It’s got to be legit.”
The bottom line, Richt said, “We’re looking for guys who want to be positive.”
As for the photo-shopping. “We’ve got people in charge of that,.” he said.
Branden Smith continues to impress
The Bulldogs had their first full-contact practice Monday morning and, as expected, it made for a lively workout.
Once again, Branden Smith came away making the play of the day. The junior cornerback hit an unnamed freshman receiver so hard it knocked his helmet off.
“I was just trying to show them that this is not high school football anymore. This is SEC football,” Smith said.
Over the weekend, Smith had five interceptions in one practice.
“Branden Smith has really continued to impress me,” Richt said. “He’s just practicing with a greater focus than I’ve ever seen him practice with. He’s a lot more physical. He’s not a big man so it’s hard to be totally dominant. But he’s playing physical and with an edge that he hasn’t shown before. I’m really impressed with what he’s showing out there.”
Officially, Richt said the defense won using the scoring system they use each day. He said it was tied 17-17 going into the last four or five plays and the No. 3 defense dominated the No. 3 offense.
Boykin on Hornung watch list
Georgia’s Brandon Boykin has been named to yet another watch list, and this latest one seems very well-suited for him.
The senior cornerback and return specialist was included on the preliminary list of candidates for the Paul Hornung Award, sponsored by the Louisville Sports Commission. The Hornung, named for the former Green Bay Packers great, is given annually to the player considered most versatile player in college football.
Boykin finished 2010 with 44 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with three interceptions. Boykins is UGA’s leader in career kickoff return yards with 1,813 and is the only player in SEC history to have three 100-yard plays of any kind. He’s also Georgia’s active leader with six career picks and has started and played in every game the last two seasons.
Boykin is also on watch lists for the Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award, Jim Thorpe Award and CFPA Defensive Back Award & Kickoff Returner Award.
Gilliard looks good as a Mike
Another player drawing a lot of praise is inside linebacker Mike Gilliard. The junior from Valdosta is currently the second-team “Mike” linebacker behind Christian Robinson.
“Mike is one of the guys that has flipped the switch, so to speak,” Richt said. “He just got very serious about doing it the Georgia way. You can see it in his body language, just his stature. He’s stronger. He’s focused. He wants to be a consistent player and hopefully he’s a guy who’s going to play a lot for us. I’ve seen a lot of good from him
They said it
Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo on the incoming freshmen: “We’ve got some athletic guys at the skill positions. They’ve got a chance to be some of the most athletic guys we’ve had at Georgia since I’ve been here. All of them are green, all of them are learning, their head’s are spinning. But you see them make plays and I feel good about those guys.
Asked to elaborate, Bobo said, “[Malcolm] Mitchell, Christian Conley, Christian LeMay, and those guys on defense: Damian Swann, Nick Marshall, Chris Sanders. I mean those are some athletic jokers that are making some plays.”
This and that
Georgia will hold two practices on Tuesday, one at 8:45 a.m. and the other at 5 p.m. It will have just one other two-a-day. . . . Tailbacks Richard Samuel and Isaiah Crowell split time with the No. 1 offense on Monday. “Those two guys were impressive today,” Richt said. . . . Tailback Brandon Harton was out with “mild concussion.” He should return later this week . . . Freshman cornerback Chris Sanders was held out of contact due to bruised shoulder suffered Sunday. . . . . Boykin and Jakar Hamilton are still out with hamstring pulls. . . . Smith said he’ll be returning punts again, or at least intends to. “There’s competition there. Me, Boykin, TK [Tavarres King] and some freshmen. But I’m not going to make it easy for them.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
167 comments Add your comment
f4ifrank
August 8th, 2011
8:07 pm
I think we HAVE to be 2-0 to set the tone for the rest of the season.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:08 pm
Jackson….
Obviously, you haven’t spent too much time in the Tampa Bay area…..tons to do…..but right now, it is just too hot and humid….and rainy…..to go out and do it.
f4ifrank
August 8th, 2011
8:09 pm
First, it’s friggin “ENERGY VAMPIRE”
Second, this team had some cancers on it last year. Sounds like to me, that CMR and the players that were there last year want to win, THIS SEASON. They know that the freshman bring alot of talent to the field and are trying to set the right expectations from the start. To bad it took a couple of years to do that.
igotJUIC3
August 8th, 2011
8:10 pm
hahahahaha….florida has a shot…..hahahahahahaha…good one
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:12 pm
Rabid….
Muschamp had to deal with those players as well when he arrived…..some “decided” to transfer….others…..like Ealey, Powell, and Floyd…..have bought into what Muschamp is selling big time…they really had no choice. No “energy vampires” is a good thing……as is posting without such words as idiot, moron, tampax, etc.
how2fish
August 8th, 2011
8:14 pm
Tampa Gator thanks I hope we are 2-0 but I’m thinking 1-1 , hoping we are both doing pretty well by Jax but your bunches schedule is way tougher this year than ours…here’s hoping both teams get thru summer camp intact and healthy…
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:14 pm
igot……
sort of like for 18 out of the last 21 years…….no shot…..ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Win in the fall……not summer……and post that stuff, will ya?
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:16 pm
Rabid…..
I am a Dawg fan…..when they don’t play the Gators. Not ashamed to say so…..though family might be ashamed of me for saying so.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:17 pm
….and Rabid…..
I am not sure why Dawg fans don’t want both the Dawgs and the Gators to be undefeated when they play…….makes for a better national game…..vs. that crap from last year.
f4ifrank
August 8th, 2011
8:18 pm
Tampa, crap, now you’re taking the summer from us too? Dang man, I guess we’ll have to whoop you guys in the fall then, Go Dawgs!!
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:18 pm
Rabid….
That would be both Georgia and Florida…….??????????
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:20 pm
f4ifrank…..
Good luck with that! It should be a battle between two very good teams….no matter what many of these Dawg fans think. Muschamp and staff are making it happen….this year….in Gainesville.
P.S. The Braves sticks are working tonight. Go Braves.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:22 pm
This idiot, troll, and moron…..now is gone. Have a nice evening. Kick off is one day closer. Go SEC!
f4ifrank
August 8th, 2011
8:22 pm
Castanza is off the charts, he wants to stay in the bigs
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:23 pm
I wish all of you would realize how smart I am. I know more about GA than anyone on this site. I will go head to head with anyone. I know what GA needs. I’ve got the answers.
LakeDawg
August 8th, 2011
8:25 pm
f4ifrank
August 8th, 2011
8:09 pm
First, it’s friggin “ENERGY VAMPIRE”
Second, this team had some cancers on it last year. Sounds like to me, that CMR and the players that were there last year want to win, THIS SEASON. They know that the freshman bring alot of talent to the field and are trying to set the right expectations from the start. To bad it took a couple of years to do that.
You are right. There were some cancers and maybe this was a good way to change the tone. However, I wouldn’t hang on too long to this “strategy.” I can see how it could cause team DISunity with players “narking” on each other and players being ridiculed on a board. I would be much more comfortable with an honest straightforward approach, like coaches and captains calling out players with a bad attitude in team meetings. Much tougher to do, but much more honest and repectful and builds character with the captains. If they have the guts to call a player out, it shows they’re really committed to winning and that they’ve learned a valuable lesson…..That its more important to lead than be buddies. It would change the entire culture of the locker room to an attitude that we’re here to be champions.
D Fence
August 8th, 2011
8:25 pm
If we ever start showing up again in Jax and play like we used to, then guys like the wonderful Tampa Gator will revert to time well spent at the Duval country fair with all the other tanks n mullets.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:26 pm
I wish all of you would realize how smart I am. You just wish you could match wits with me. I know more about GA and FL than anyone. Just ask me.
bill arp
August 8th, 2011
8:27 pm
just read the article on Murray, glad to see he knows he struggled in the 4th qtr. he was pretty dismal at the end of the game. good for him though. let’s hope he doesn’t have the ole sophomore jinx.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:28 pm
Really, what does she need??
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:30 pm
I am a cuckold and I am proud of it. Whoo Hooooo!!
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:30 pm
There is danger from the AJC in posting under someone else’s blog name….just saying….8:26pm. And my wife…..believe me is happy and has all she needs in life.
Good night….and Tampa Gator at 8:26……have fun posting as me for the rest of the night…..maybe you will learn something.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:31 pm
I see you are. Continue with you fun…..and maybe a ban will come you way soon.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:34 pm
Looking for bulls for my wife.
f4ifrank
August 8th, 2011
8:34 pm
someone posted as me too Tampa, and it wasn’t me, it’s all good.
Inlet Dawg
August 8th, 2011
8:36 pm
I think some of us fans need to try to keep it positive for a while.
Tampa Gator
August 8th, 2011
8:36 pm
I guess I should expect that, after all I am coming onto another teams comment board showing my ass. I sure wish I could upload a pic of my ass. Maybe a bull would want me too.
jaglaw
August 8th, 2011
8:37 pm
Tampa Gator…I always back the SEC teams, but dont go on their blogs. I do think you are a legitimate and reasonable fan. You usually post realistic opinions. You would likely make a good sports joutnalist. But if u are going to come on a UGA blog….u have to expect some of these responses. Oh….and although I attended a Florida law school…I will always love Ga. I too grew up in south Ga.
jim
August 8th, 2011
8:37 pm
TampaGator, there is a key just to the left of the period on your keyboard. It is called a comma. You can push it once instead of hitting the period key 3 or 4 times.
edumacated
August 8th, 2011
8:43 pm
Why do you guys encourage morons like Tampa Gator to hang around and argue?
I’m glad he roots for Georgia when the Gayturds aren’t playing them. As for me, I would root for Satan and his disciples against the orange and blue.
jaglaw
August 8th, 2011
8:43 pm
Tampa… Ur posts are legit…..but there is a lot of ” funner” things to do in Tampa than blog. Sex capital of the south!!!!!!!!! Great town.
Dagny
August 8th, 2011
9:10 pm
Boise State 56, UGA 17
Gonna be another looooooong season!
TallyDawg
August 8th, 2011
9:14 pm
All the news is encouraging, but don’t forget that Mike ” run the 150 pound guy between the tackles” Bobo is still the OC and we will continue to be as predicable a cheap soap opera.
T-Dawg
August 8th, 2011
9:17 pm
Dagny, get back to yo’ mama’s basement. Else I loose tide roll on you.
JB
August 8th, 2011
9:25 pm
Open 2-0 and people will laugh off this Gimmick. Open 0-2 and it will be a big deal…Like it caused the team to be split etc…All that said, I’m getting good vibes. I been as down as anyone on this team….I really feel the play and effort will be a total turn around this year.
East Repeat
August 8th, 2011
9:37 pm
Seems a bit childish. Does UGA coaches really post picture with fangs? Huh?
Dawg Whisperer
August 8th, 2011
9:50 pm
For a minute there, I thought I was reading grafitti on a public bathroom wall. I think maybe some of those posting tonight have been posting on the bathroom walls as well. I know it’s free to read it but it wasn’t funny before and it still isn’t unless you’re in middle school.
ARdawg
August 8th, 2011
9:51 pm
Energy Vampires….. I like it
Dumb Jean shorts
August 8th, 2011
10:03 pm
Tampa DAWG, so what is your view of reality.
You guys, in one sport-football have owned us the past 2 decades. Just like we owned you in decades past. There is your reality, you were born in a good generation to be a gator FB fan. Most can’t say that. Congrats, although you had nothing to do with it, unless you play football.
There is your reality:)
jb
August 8th, 2011
10:22 pm
The “energy vampire” thing has worked out pretty damn good for the falcons. I was at a luncheon before last year where Coach Smith spoke. He spent a good portion of his speech on leaders dealing with “energy vampires” and how to get these people to buy in. Whatever Mike Smith is doing is working! First multi year streak with winning records ever in the 40 + year history of the organization. I for one am happy if a little of Coach Smith rubs off on the Dawgs
Carlton
August 8th, 2011
10:35 pm
Tampa,
I know you’re off this blog by now..FINALLY, after staying on for a good 2 hours..we can go head to head. I’d like it. You talk about Dawg fans staying in the 80’s and in one of your posts talking about the ‘94-’95 Gators. Really? Sorry Spurrier showed his colors by reinstating a QB for the fifth time for alcohol charges, shows his character..
By the way, you’re welcome for Muschamp (a former Dawg safety). Hope that makes y’all sleep well at night. Bit of fact, Dawgs have a week off before the Florida game this year, and we have a team that has bought into “Doing it the Georgia Way” this off season. Could be translated-we’re going to make S&C be more physical, practices more physical, and starters aren’t guaranteed sh** with this up and coming freshman “Dream Team” class vying for playing time.
Let me know how Muschamp and Weis’ offense (more pro-style) works with all those speedy guys Meyer recruited for his spread offense this upcoming season. Should be interesting!
Hit A Single
August 8th, 2011
10:39 pm
I hope we can stop the run this year.
Tampa Gator = Energy Vampire
August 8th, 2011
10:56 pm
What a troll!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 8th, 2011
11:16 pm
Energy Vampires
I nominate the coaches since they like to complain about player execution after every loss
DawgATL
August 8th, 2011
11:18 pm
I am now dumber for reading all of these posts, what a bunch of 2nd graders. Go Dawgs.
Strange Murphy
August 8th, 2011
11:23 pm
Tampa Gator = Energy vampire
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 8th, 2011
11:25 pm
Can we please cut with the gimmicks
Lets see uniform changes, growing beards, jumping in the endzone, energy vampires.
No wonder we garner no respect anymore, this is like a pre-school class
Whatever happened to hard work + good performance means playing time.
Poor performance means you join Kathryn in passing out kool-aid
Hairy Dawg
August 8th, 2011
11:27 pm
If they are looking for positives…why do they manufacture a negative award? Why not be positive?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 8th, 2011
11:43 pm
Hairy Dawg
Couldnt have said it better myself
Ive seen this done before and it only causes division amongst people. All it will take is one player getting over heated or something stupid and another player turns that player in because he’s either mad or jealous because they arent getting playing time and the next thing you have divisivness among the team
CJDawg
August 9th, 2011
12:02 am
tampa Gator has nothing else to do. What a shame, a normal everyday shame, but still…quite a shame.