‘Real football’ underway as Bulldogs go through first full-contact practice
ATHENS – Greetings from Woodruff Practice Fields. It’s time for real football!
The Bulldogs’ fifth practice is underway and this is the first of 11 in which they’ll be in full pads and hitting. I just got my first look at the 2011 team in full gear and, without question, it’s an athletic-looking group. Unfortunately they didn’t give media but 15 minutes access this morning and all that was their standard drill work they do every day.
The first full-contact practice is one the returning lettermen always look forward to. They look at it as their opportunity to “indoctrinate” the freshmen and first-year players on the ways of SEC football. It’s a chance for them to give the “Dream Teamers” a little dose of reality, if you will.
We’ll have an opportunity to talk to Coach Richt and selected defensive players around lunchtime so I’ll get you an update then on how they think things went.
Couple of quick observations from my short time out there this morning:
- Looks like the same guys are still out, including CB Brandon Boykin and S Jakar Hamilton.
- Didn’t see heralded walkon TB Brandon Harton with other RBs. Thought he may have been pumping iron at far end with other injured players. But they restrict where we can be on practice fields and, by default, what we can see. So I’ll have to get some verification later.
- TB Ken Malcome still out there fighting through groin. Looked good this morning, in my opinion.
- CB Chris Sanders, who has been getting a lot of love lately, was in green jersey, signifying non-contact status. But he was working out hard with everybody else early on.
- – DB Nick Marshall just an impressive athletic specimen. That dude is going to have to get on the field somehow, some way.
- – Big John Jenkins looking more natural in a No. 66 jersey. He’s still going to wear No. 6 this season but they didn’t have one big enough to go over his shoulder pads, per Athens Banner-Herald. Some new No. 6s on the way.
- – Stacy and DeNae LeMay, the parents of QB Christian LeMay, were intently watching their son from the sidelines.
IN CASE YOU MISSED:
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
191 comments Add your comment
Dirty Dawg
August 8th, 2011
11:16 am
Hey ‘finer’…what happened to your guy ‘latti’ in that Peach Bowl game? Did he forget to ’shift his lip’ before the FSU kid put him on the sidelines for most of the game?
Chip Towers
August 8th, 2011
11:17 am
Palmetto: Think so. Didn’t see him.
JustinTime
August 8th, 2011
11:17 am
I kinda agree with Nate the Great in a way.. We’ve become too conventional.. too textbook.. too predictable.. thats not the SEC of 2011.. a team needs to be able to not only play when they are making plays but also adjust their own game when the other team is getting over on them.. positive thing is that we stepped up our turnover ratio last year tremendously, now all its gonna take is turning that into points.. which might take our defense to do for us.. another upside is that as long as u get the ball close to 50 yards away from the posts, we got a kicker in blair walsh that can guarantee points, not that fans can/should settle for that. but its nice to know that hes there just in case..
Chip Towers
August 8th, 2011
11:19 am
DawgInLex: Been tons of discussion about JJ. UGA filed its report last week. They’re legal folks are arguing with others that it’s not subject to open records because of FERPA. We’re saying his athletic eligibility should not be protected under that federal law, which is designed to keep academic information private. We’ll see.
Dawg Gone
August 8th, 2011
11:20 am
Well full pads…now some of the pieces of the puzzle can begin to fit together…size, speed and even talent will only carry a player so far in some positions …you have to be able and willing to HIT SOMEBODY ! We had a bunch of guys last year that looked good an could run to the ball…they just didn’t do so well once they got there…
Chip Towers
August 8th, 2011
11:20 am
DawginLex: I’d say at least half of this recruiting class will get on the field this season. Stay tuned for future blog.
LogicalUS
August 8th, 2011
11:21 am
“Boise’s much smaller, less athletic OLine”
Ah, you do realize that Boise has three OL who are projected to be top 50 picks in the NFL draft including one who may the first OL taken, right?
You may want to read something besides the AJC to get more info about games. Look people understand it is easy in the bubble of ajc homerville to not find out that teams UGA is playing are as talented than the vaulted UGA juggernaut but it makes the shock less abusive on Saturday afternoons.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 8th, 2011
11:21 am
“latty” has gained 15-20 lbs making him bigger target to hit and a step slower without the oline to block.
——————————
Yes, Lattimore has bulked up.
No, he has not lost a step.
Yes, SC’s o-line will be mediocre again (maybe slightly better than last year). But we all know that he doesn’t need a superb o-line to get yd’s and td’s.
ARdawg
August 8th, 2011
11:23 am
Nate the Great
I seem to recall that was against OST. It was close to the goal line and he was called for a head shot but the replay clearly showed it squarely in the chest and a clean hit. Jones clocked him. I saw it on the TV and was fuming when I saw the flag. It was a crucial time in the game and made a difference in momentum
BKbroila4224
August 8th, 2011
11:25 am
Well, I am ready for some football…I have been watching Boise State replays from last year…trying to scout those rascals…Let me tell you something…those rascals can play some football…They seldom run the same play twice…Offense or Defense…Their playbook must be 2000 pages…their blitz schemes resemble Alabama…they are fearless and very relentless when they get after an offense…They don’t let the game come to them…They are a very well-coached, disciplined football team and they make minimal mistakes…I hope the Dawgs don’t play timid, or they will get their asses handed to them…UGA is gonna need that home crowd atmosphere in the dome come Sept 3…It’s gonna be a hellova game!
59bulldawg
August 8th, 2011
11:26 am
Thanks Chip! Things sound very encouraging way up here in the DC area.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 8th, 2011
11:27 am
SC is the only team in SEC history to return a 1,000 yd receiver, 1,000 yd rusher, and 3,000 yd passer from the previous year.
SEC defenses better be well rounded if they want to win games…
AltamahaDawg
August 8th, 2011
11:27 am
I don’t know how fair it is to say that Grantham never recognized that tech was going to run the ball and adjust to it. Pretty likely he knew that. The whole world knows they are running the ball. Not really sure anyone “adjusted” to it very well. I guess it’s fair to say that his defense didn’t adjust to SC running the ball well, but that was in fact the first real game those guy had played in the new alighment. You are assuming they had an “adjustment” and just didn’t use it. I’m not so sure. And SC also killed us on a few passes that day. I think it’s just they were real comfortable with any of it yet. They did seem to improve as the year went on.
JustinTime
August 8th, 2011
11:29 am
@BKBROILA—-Its very easy to be poised and spread the ball around and look good when you dont play speedy athletic defenses from the SEC week in and week out… Kellen Moore and Boise State are just another Colt Brennan and Hawaii in my opinion..
DawgsFan02
August 8th, 2011
11:30 am
Chip — I was watching a replay of the Tech game last year…. and it might have turned out different if Dent hadn’t jumped on the fumble Jakar Hamilton tried to pick up and run with. This brought back extreme anger from the Florida game where we DID NOT jump on the fumble in the first quarter — which would have been HUGE.
Can you please ask Richt/Grantham if they stressed gaining possession on fumbles and not trying to be hero?? Ever since Odell took it to the house against AU 98 yards or something it seems like we are physically unable to simply laydown on the ball…..
PLEASE ask this question.
Da Man
August 8th, 2011
11:31 am
Hope Lemay’s parents don’t see Marshall throw the football – he’d be gone for sure then.
AltamahaDawg
August 8th, 2011
11:32 am
I guess the individual stats are nice but as your own coach pointed out, when you are in the lower half of the SEC offensively as a team, what does that matter?
RabidDawgFan
August 8th, 2011
11:33 am
You can’t defend a 6′7 WR…you just can’t.
AltamahaDawg
August 8th, 2011
11:33 am
Throw it to Brandon Smith, you mean?
Da Man
August 8th, 2011
11:34 am
Lonnie Outlaw was one of Marshall’s favorite targets in high schools. He’s really bulked up at GMC.
ARdawg
August 8th, 2011
11:35 am
Altamaha
Unfortunately TG was stuck in the GT game. We didn’t have the experience of the players for the 3-4 and the nerds had the running game to cap on it. Watching that game though, I didn’t see much in the way of adjustment on defense. Almost like TG was stating “eventually, it will work and stop them” but, it never did. The tech line were blowing our 3 guys off the ball every play yet, he rarely brought the LBs up to compensate
BKbroila4224
August 8th, 2011
11:38 am
@JustinTime…buddy, I hope you’re right…but Our Defense in 2007 was a far cry greater than the inconsistency from the last 3 years…we have a lot of question marks…I know we have the talent to keep up, but it is gonna take some serious preparation…Boise may not have the speed to keep up with SEC schools week in and out, but they have proven in openers and bowls that when they have a month or summer in this case, to prepare, they definately go for broke and can hang with anybody on any given saturday!!!
honest harry
August 8th, 2011
11:38 am
Does Bobo have a clue how to use what he has this year is the question!!!
ARdawg
August 8th, 2011
11:39 am
Hawaii was smoke, mirrors and media hype captializing on a weak schedule. Boise is the real deal. They are more than a gunslinger QB. They are a good solid football team. Dawgs beat them I have no doubt but, Boise is bringing a game to town
Atlanta87
August 8th, 2011
11:46 am
@ honest harry That’s the question that every Dog fan should be asking/worried about! This is also why I love Gus Malzahn because I know he knows what to do with the cards that he has on the table. Best of luck to UGA this year. Can’t wait for November 12th. It’s football time!
gatorsrebuilding
August 8th, 2011
11:47 am
Ahhhhhhhh – it’s August and time again for the UGA fans to pump their chest. I say give UGA the National Championship Trophy now and be done with it.
Destin Dawg
August 8th, 2011
11:47 am
Can’t wait !! it’s great to start with 2 big games .. instead of Div. 11 small schools,.. Grantham’s DDDEEEE… Junkyard Dawgs defense = turnovers.. …. kicking game = field position…. balanced run/pass… Go Dawgs !!!!
schmeckdawg
August 8th, 2011
11:47 am
reebok
August 8th, 2011
11:06 am
tough call for the georgia coaches…really push these guys and risk injury and thinning the depth even more…or save the guys and risk not being in good enough shape for those first 2 big games…the dogs are thin on O line…good luck and stay healthy
———————————————————————————————————————————
You have got to push them and hope for the best. We saw what happened a couple of years ago when CMR went with limited contact during Fall practice.
Bama Mike
August 8th, 2011
11:48 am
From sound looks like LeMay in the learning curve. Dawgs are solid at QB 1 & 2. Mason had great summer. LeMay’s parents there in stands observing? Kid is going to want to play. Nice problem to have.
azdawg
August 8th, 2011
11:48 am
They’ll need these new defensive backs as the “veterens” we have didn’t do very well last season defending against the pass.
JustinTime
August 8th, 2011
11:49 am
Once again, play competitive games week in and week out.. let some of the best athletes in the country pound on you.. tackle some of the speediest players in the country every week.. then tell me that boise state is a great football team.. they are disciplined.. they can plan very well for one game when given time… they have a great coaching staff.. but what they dont have is size and strength to stop georgia from running the ball or to get their own steady run going.. our NTs are 6′4 and 6′5 both around 350lbs and their Center Thomas Byrd.. listed at 5′11/288 lbs… so thats a half foot 60 pound difference up the middle??? hmm…
dostadawg
August 8th, 2011
11:50 am
hey chip, when you get a chance give us some feedback on m.mitchel and also wooten. have not heard a whole lot about him.
schmeckdawg
August 8th, 2011
11:51 am
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 8th, 2011
11:27 am
SC is the only team in SEC history to return a 1,000 yd receiver, 1,000 yd rusher, and 3,000 yd passer from the previous year.
SEC defenses better be well rounded if they want to win games…
Who cares!! It was an 8-5 team that got their a$$es handed to them in both the SEC Championship Game and Chik-Fil-A Bowl (Or as I still call it…The Peach Bowl)!!!!
Concrete Pete
August 8th, 2011
11:56 am
LogicalUS, I can’t wait to debate the results of the game on the morning of Sep 4th with you. Exactly who are the “top 50″ OLine prospects? the 5-11 288 lb center? The 6-3 280lb tackle? You realize thats a decent high school OL in GA?
Santa Cruz Bulldog
August 8th, 2011
11:57 am
Any word on how the linebacker unit is doing. If Jones doesn’t play they will probably be the weakest link, on what looks to be a GREAT Defense?
AltamahaDawg
August 8th, 2011
11:59 am
I thought we did an admirable job against tech. I just think that is a terrible game to pick as an example of “adjusting”. They do what they do. You play it. What’s to “adjust” to? You knew what they are doing on Tuesday. To me not “adjusting” is that a team found something you weren’t expecting, or some weakness, and you don’t make any changes. Not you couldn’t stop something. Tech’s entire philosophy is to do the same basic thing, with a variety of options to counter where your guy is taking out the lane, so I do think its best to just play it straight up and make the play.
But my point was that IF it’s a matter of recongnizing they were running and adjusting to it, (as the poster claimed Grantham didn’t do and presumably could have) then everybody on tech’s schedule would have just done that.
JustinTime
August 8th, 2011
12:04 pm
@Concrete Pete… Im with you on that one dude.. LogicalUS is delusional… and @logical —change ur name man.. It makes just as much sense as your comments..
DawginLex
August 8th, 2011
12:08 pm
gatorsrebuilding
Thanks for your comment. We all don’t know how we would survive in blog land without such stellar bits of wisdom.
Now, back to reality. Will you please not burn the fries today. A little crispy is fine but black is not the in color for french fries. I have reported you to the manager once already. Lunch break is a finite period of time and I don’t have time for you to screw up my food.
LogicalUS
August 8th, 2011
12:08 pm
“who are the “top 50″ OLine prospects”
Well for one….Nate Potter (RS Senior), OT, 6’6″ 300 is considered the top OL prospect for 2012. I guess he could start at those Ga High Schools.
But not to worry, just pointing out the absurdity that UGA fans think NOBODY has any talent but the might Dawgs. I am sure the 4-deep supermen in Athens can handle everybody like they always do….that is until the season starts.
Armchair QB's
August 8th, 2011
12:15 pm
Hey jacklegs! I think the coaches uderstand the whole Jarvis Jones situation. I’m sure they appreciate all of your knowledgable advice to make sure someone else is ready. And DawginLex, you’re on the blogs everyday! This is the first you’ve heard or seen about Lonnie Outlaw? He was recruited by UGA last year but couldn’t make the grade. That’s why he’s at GMC. Btw, what’s so impressive about a DE that’s 6′6″ and 280? They’re a dime a dozen these days.
DawginLex
August 8th, 2011
12:16 pm
Logical
We underestimate Boise to our own peril
I do believe we will win the game. I have predicted 4-5 point spread.
Some have said we blow them out and I just don’t see that.
JustinTime
August 8th, 2011
12:17 pm
One linemen isnt going to save you..look at our d line last year.. best lineman we had was justin houston and he was bouncing back in forth between OLB and DE his whole career.. omg what was that? was that a suttle insult on our own line? yes it was. reality. something you believe georgia fans arent capable of. @LOGICAL… and now that we’re keeping it real how about I say something that people have neglected to mention.. the lines are better conditioned and weathered in the play calls.. what does that interpret into?? getting to the right place at the right time, a lot faster.. i dont think we have much to worry about in the trenches
doug dawg
August 8th, 2011
12:17 pm
rev and mrs lemay better stay out of it. their son is now an adult and a member of the georgia football team. what happens with him will be at the behest of the coaching staff. this is not high school ball in south carolina. in the best interests of winning games. he has no right or guarantee to take over from a proven qb, who is noted as the best in the conference. sub? ok. maybe. but probably not this year. mason is a great potential player. and lemay may be third for forth down. he’ll have to eat that. that’s the way it goes. if he’s best, beyond best, i’m sure he’ll play. mom and dad need to understand they are NOT coaching the dawgs. this sounds messy. my guess? the spoiled brat will wind up at a div2 team in the next year. how about southern or, even, teck?
Concrete Pete
August 8th, 2011
12:20 pm
LogicalUS: Looking forward to your thoughts on September 3rd, at about 10:00PM. When the Broncos go to halftime realizing the fire ant bed they have sat in. There are NO warm fuzzy stories about little underdog Boise in the SEC. Don’t think for one second that you will see a team like Va Tech. Not even close. Enjoy the next 3 plus weeks. September 3, reality will smack fire from your @$$
DawginLex
August 8th, 2011
12:20 pm
Armchair
I’m not expecting the coaches to read and take my advice smarta$$.
Regarding Fields and Outlaw, I had forgotten about them since it has been 2 years since we recruited them. Sue me.
I’m just glad they will get to be Dawgs. Not a lot of the JUCO kids that originally verballed to UGA ever end up there.
I’m on the blogs every day? You know that how? I don’t see your blog handle every day so you must be another in the long TROLL line that changes his/her handle every day and does a drive by shooting at UGA.
doug dawg
August 8th, 2011
12:24 pm
and i will say i don’t know a dawg fan, prognosticater, or anyone else who wishes lemay would be the qb this year. only two folks: mommy and daddy. they took their kid out of a legit school because they were not ‘happy.’ they’ll take him out of georgia when they find out he has to work to prove himself, or sit on the pine. oh, mr richt and all, get rid of this early, before it becomes ugly. doug dawg
Concrete Pete
August 8th, 2011
12:25 pm
Nate Potter will not be the #1 OL NFL prospect on Sept 4. Mark it down
norris
August 8th, 2011
12:27 pm
Ok folks, please get a grip! Why is everyone making a big deal out of Christian Lemay’s parents being at practice? Has anyone thought that they are just here before classes begin to see their son? He is from North Carolina by the way, not South. I’m pretty sure they have enough experience with football to know that he isn’t walking in the door and being handed the job. From what I’m hearing about him he is a pretty grounded guy so I wouldn’t worry too much about him being put out over not starting this year.
ARdawg
August 8th, 2011
12:28 pm
Altamaha
All depends on one’s idea of “adjustment” I guess. For me, if what we had planned to use to stop or slow a ground game isn’t working out so well, I say it’s time to adjust and do something different. Of course, I’m not paid to coach either. There might be some correlation to that.
Our defense was bad all year and at that point I was use to it so the frustration level was low, except, it was Tech. I hate to see them have success at any level.
DawginLex
August 8th, 2011
12:30 pm
Altamaha
I think the defense’s inability to stop the run was created by a lack of a true nose tackle. However, I thought the Tech game was horrible.
Johnson OWNED Grantham and in the end, Richt. The whole world knew they were going to let us score at the end except for our head coach. We were lucky to win.
Kinda summed up the whole crappy seadon.
If we aren’t LOTS better than that in 2011, we will have a new coaching staff in 2012