Practice report: Emergence of Shawn Williams eases pain of losing Hamilton
ATHENS – The bad news is the Bulldogs lost one-time starting safety Jakar Hamilton to a season-ending ankle injury this week. The good news for Georgia is there was a good chance Hamilton wouldn’t have started had he been healthy.
Williams
That’s chiefly because of the emergence of Shawn Williams. The junior from Early County has been one of the success stories in year two of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 defense. With Hamilton sidelined for the entirety of preseason, Williams has been as solid as a block of granite in the back third of the No. 1 unit.
And he knows it.
“I pretty much know each and every play what I’m supposed to do,” said Williams, who started three games and played in all 13 last season. “I’ve got it down pat. I’d say [I'm grading] at least 95 percent.”
Not only has the light come on for Williams in terms of understanding schemes and knowing responsibilities, but his confidence has gone through the roof.
In regard to his ability to field the position, he said: “I’ve got the perfect size at 6-1-and-a-half , 220 [pounds]. I can run real fast. A lot of people underestimate my speed. And when I hit, I hit real hard.”
On losing Hamilton to injury: “We’ve got enough to play. We’ve got enough to play two or three secondaries. I feel comfortable about it. If the ones can’t get it done, the twos can get it done. We’re good.”
Heading into the last two weeks of the preseason, Williams appears to have locked down the safety position opposite Bacarri Rambo (the strong and free positions are interchangeable in Grantham’s system). Hamilton, a five-game starter last year, was listed behind Rambo entering camp but figured to be the next safety on the field regardless.
So that means some playing time is on the table. Sanders Commings is working much more now at safety than cornerback. Georgia also has Marc Deas and Connor Norman to turn to.
But Hamilton was also a prominent special teams contributor.
“I would think a young man like [freshman] Corey Moore would probably get a better opportunity to play on specials and he’s one step closer to the field as a safety also,” Richt said. “I would imagine that will light a fire under him a little bit.”
Williams’ flame is already burning hot.
“My name’s coming up because every day I’m just working to get better,” he said. “I try to make plays. That’s what I ask myself every time I step out on the field. What can I do to make a play?”
Crowell gets some work
Freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell was able to get in some limited work after missing four practices over the last six days due to a groin injury.
“He didn’t look full speed,” Richt said, “but he was healthy enough to get out there in a green jersey and run some plays.”
Originally Richt had predicted Crowell would return on Friday. Fellow tailback Richard Samuel, sidelined with a strained thigh muscle, won’t be back until “sometime next week.”
Practice update
Georgia held a two-hour special teams scrimmage at Sanford Stadium on Thursday. The workout was punctuated with 20 minutes of 11-on-11 work.
Richt said junior cornerback Branden Smith is currently running first team as the punt returner. Smith was the top returner last season with 10 for 143 yards. Behind him is record-setting kickoff return man Brandon Boykin and freshmen Malcolm Mitchell and Damian Swann are “battling” for the No. 3 spot.
Asked if Georgia would operate with two deep safeties/return men on kickoff return this season, Richt said, “that’s classified information.” Boykin is the school record holder with 1,813 career yards on kickoff returns and four touchdowns.
Narrowing it down
Heading into the last half of preseason camp, the Bulldogs are almost ready to set the depth chart and start determining playing rotation. Richt said he and the coaching staff sat down this week and went over every freshman to determine whether the assistants were slating them for the two-deep on offense or defense and whether or not they’d be available for special teams.
Off of those evaluations the Bulldogs next week will organize the scout team and begin earnest preparation for the opener against Boise State. Richt wasn’t prepared to unveil any of those decisions.
“There’s some guys we’re pretty sure, there’s some guys we’re not sure and there’s some guys that probably won’t,” he said. “I don’t know if I’m ready to give all that out because that usually causes players and moms and dads to maybe be happy or sad or whatever. I’m not ready for that today.”
Etc. . . .
Sophomore defensive end Derrick Lott, who had a deep cut on his right leg from a scooter accident late this summer, is now practicing without limitations. He backs up DeAngelo Tyson at right defensive end. . . . Georgia has now completed 15 of 29 preseason practices. Number 16 will be a full-contact practice Friday at 4:30 p.m. . . . Picture Day is Saturday at 1 p.m. at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs are expected to unveil the Nike Pro Combat uniforms they’ll wear in the Sept. 3 opener.
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280 comments Add your comment
dtc
August 19th, 2011
2:29 am
Slydog, if your comment was true, which it isn’t, it would be better to currently have no plan, than to have had no plan that worked for nearly 3 years now, and to have nearly doubled our national debt by the end of one four year term.
7576DAWG
August 19th, 2011
5:35 am
Boise State is in a no lose situation. Even if they lose to us all they have to do is get by Nevada and TCU and they will end up 11-1 ,a BCS game and in the top 8. The only way they wouldn’t end up in the top 8 with only one loss is if we dominate them and beat them like a rented mule which probably want happen since they have one of the best Quarterback’s in America this year.
Hit Real Hard
August 19th, 2011
5:54 am
. . . . real hard hits on Boise State all game long . . . .
Hit Real Hard
August 19th, 2011
6:01 am
Thanks for the update Shawn Williams, that’s a great motto for the Dawg Defense.
`
” hit REAL hard”
Destin Dawg
August 19th, 2011
6:17 am
This is Todd Grantham’s career opportunity… he knows it… he’s a great coach… we have the schedule… the players… look at Shawn’s attitude… “Hit Hard.. if the 1’s go down… the 2’s will step up”… Junkyard Dawgs are BACK !!!
slydog
August 19th, 2011
6:46 am
@dtc Bro, it was just a joke from an earlier posting. Personally, they are all crooks and care absolutely nothing for any of the average citizens. If you an’t pay them a minimum of $100,000, your issue and whatever “great ideas” you have will be largely ignored. The people, not the “leadership”, need to get together and hammer these issues out and stick them up Congress’ rear, be it Rep or Dem controlled. Let’s not let the actions of 536 liars make the other 320 million attack each other. That’s what their doing to us now. Together we must stand but divided we will fall.
Warm Springs, Georgia
August 19th, 2011
6:58 am
`
—– nothing to fear, —– but fear itself.
Prozac Dawg
August 19th, 2011
7:15 am
Chip,
You did it to me again. I was up at 8:30 last night and on ajc.com, thirsting as ever for more dawg news, and I did not see this article. I will buy you a new watch my brother if it will help. Your friend Prozac Dawg
AltamahaDawg
August 19th, 2011
7:29 am
If you consider the 27th as just a bye week, we are 2 days away from the college football season.
East Repeat
August 19th, 2011
7:33 am
Yes, the young man is very confident. When you state your height down to the last 1/2″ it is obviously because you are very confident. Or is that insecurity? Wear thicker socks and you will be 6′2″ and SUPER confident!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 19th, 2011
7:38 am
Would love to hear the conversation between the coaches involving the two deep chart and evaluating which Freshmen will contribute on Special Teams. Simply reading that part has me fired up for a little Saturday fun in the South.
AltamahaDawg
August 19th, 2011
7:39 am
BTW, did anyone else see the Vandy Alum dipshi7 on CSS TF last night openly hoping that UGA would start 0-2 and fall apart?
AltamahaDawg
August 19th, 2011
7:41 am
Well if that works, I’d say the SC safeties need to wear platform lifts. I understand they have zero confidence.
dawgcrzy
August 19th, 2011
7:58 am
just read the Boise State blog we are going to have to kick 9 field goals to win it’s the only advantage we have. and they call us homers
KRS-1
August 19th, 2011
8:00 am
Dawg fans calm down we will be ok! We are not the only ones to have a down year…. Texas, USC(Trojans), Florida, and Notre Dame all had 5 or more losses and all these schools are considered football powerhouses. The offense is suspect but the defense is giving me goosebumps!!! GO DAWGS
RSGATA
August 19th, 2011
8:15 am
Here we go…can’t wait to see this defense. I think it will be big time. Offense, has potential, but needs more time. Think the D will keep us in games until they get things going, then with this schedule, look the heck out!!
Bronco Billy
August 19th, 2011
8:17 am
Boise State 48, Georgia 13
Buh bye to Richt and his band of illiterati!
Sydney
August 19th, 2011
8:19 am
“… want to see them return to their old form…”
You mean losing?
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 19th, 2011
8:21 am
If you consider the 27th as just a bye week, we are 2 days away from the college football season.
———————————————
Not good for your running backs.
They need all the time they can get to prepare for the season.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 19th, 2011
8:23 am
Well if that works, I’d say the SC safeties need to wear platform lifts. I understand they have zero confidence.
———————————————–
Good thing Ga’s passing game is weak.
dawgcrzy
August 19th, 2011
8:29 am
Billy been smokin that blue weed this morning
Dawglasville
August 19th, 2011
8:32 am
Daisy – wow, you don’t usually find women who are that big of a racist. If you are a guy, using Daisy as a blog name, there is some hope for you. At least you’re not a homophobe as well.
DawginLex
August 19th, 2011
8:36 am
There is no way we are going to win them all.
There is no way this team will win the national title
I’m just wanting to see if there is a different style of play on offense in particular. I’m confident the defense is going to hold its own. With a new OL coach and a better defense, I would be looking to eat clock knowing our defense is most likely going to be ebtter than a year ago on 3rd down stops.
Anyone but a troll will admit we weren’t that far away a year ago from winning 3 or 4 more games. Auburn was the only blowout.
If we can protect the ball and for once in my lifetime, play SMART, we can win a lot of games.
SEC Football News APP
August 19th, 2011
8:39 am
Georgia has an injury….they just re-load
DTC
August 19th, 2011
8:41 am
Well Slydog, I agree with that final statement. I am a Republican, but I despise what Boehner and the rest of the Republicans allowed to happen with this poor exceuse of a bill and give the spend happy people everything they wanted. Higher debt limit, which will double the debt in 4 years, $2.4 trillion more to spend and what will be the end result of an increase in tax funds which will only allow them to spend more, not help offset the shortage of funds, and no plans to pay off the debt.
Destin Dawg
August 19th, 2011
8:44 am
UGA 31 Boise State 17… UGA 27 S.C. 20…..
just a fan
August 19th, 2011
8:45 am
@DawginLex we were plus 10 in turnover ratio last year we did have several fumbles that were costly but we were improved in turnover margin from previous years and I expect it to be bettere this year with improved play by the DB’s and more pressure from the front 7.
just a fan
August 19th, 2011
8:46 am
@Destinn Dawg I only think about 27 total points will be scored in the UGA vs USCe game
Destin Dawg
August 19th, 2011
8:46 am
Project : ” Dome to Dome ” Go Dawgs !!
East Repeat
August 19th, 2011
8:48 am
Yes, DawginLex, samething applies to SC. I hope we beat UGA as game is big for us here in Atl, but even if we lose to Dawgs we could still win East (just a Dawgs could win East even if they start 0-2). Either would need help from FL, TN, etc… UGA has had some of its better year after the rare loss to SC- UGA lost to SC in 2007 but almost won NC, but was ripped off in polls.
slydog
August 19th, 2011
8:49 am
6-7 does not bother me. 8-5, 8-4, 10-3, does not bother me. But the way we have been losing bothers me. Whether or not you like it, CMR has done less with more.Period. If he can’t muster up the intensity and commitment to win it all at least once, fine. Not all good or great coaches win NC. But the finesse style of play since the CMR era began has caught up to this program. When they get smacked in the mouth, too many times I have seen this team wilt. Remember the LSU loss in Athens? Forget the penalty, some slow a#$ RB ran straight up the middle for a score, like he was Reggie Bush or something. Last year, Trey Burton, another average speed option QB, right up the middle for a score. Penalties after good plays, fumbles,etc. It’s not the losing. It’s losing with no dignity or pride that bothers me the most.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 19th, 2011
8:50 am
Absolutely no way Ga scores 27 on SC.
Destin Dawg
August 19th, 2011
8:50 am
I’ll bet Garcia throws at least one TD. pass…… to the Dawgs D backs !!!
slydog
August 19th, 2011
8:52 am
Nothing Could Be Drunker
Mark it down, Lattimore will not see the second half. 3 weeks and One day left. YEAH!!!
DawginLex
August 19th, 2011
8:52 am
I agree slydog. I think richt knows our style of play and the way we went about our business were more disturbing to us as alumni and fans. Losing is bad but losing and playing stupid is inexcusable.
If we give SC all they can handle physically and we are mentally into the game and we lose, I won’t like it but it will be a lot better than a year ago when we just rolled over and gave them the game
Jakar Hamilton
August 19th, 2011
8:53 am
What will Williams grade be after Boise State tosses 6 tds on him ? 0 %.
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 19th, 2011
8:54 am
Lattimore will not see the second half.
——————————————————-
Its possible that SC could seal the deal in the first half.
East Repeat
August 19th, 2011
8:54 am
Football only, please. Politics dominate enough of our lives already. I will not state were i stand, but lets just say i work for a living.
Blue Boise
August 19th, 2011
8:55 am
Boise State 42 UGA 24
Destin Dawg
August 19th, 2011
8:56 am
I”ll bet Boise State throws at least one TD. pass…. to our Dbacks !! Big rush from Granthams’ Junkyard Dawg Defense !!
MikeDawg13
August 19th, 2011
8:57 am
This team has a chance to be good. We do have leadership at most main areas, but we also need some good things to happen during the games with B.S. and S.C. for us to win. no one outside the state is giving us much of a chance in either game but don’t be surprised when these 2 games are over…
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 19th, 2011
8:59 am
NCBF,
Just know that if UGA wins against USC you are welcome for the rest of the year on these blogs IMO. Your one liners are pretty good and as a UGA guy you seem to not take any of this personally which is a good thing, especially when UGA beats its 2nd consecutive Top10 team to begin the season at 2-0 and vault into the Top 10 themselves.
slydog
August 19th, 2011
8:59 am
@East Repeat You sound like a good NCO to me…lol
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 19th, 2011
9:02 am
Lowcountry, I’ll be gone after Sept. 10.
I don’t take anything personally on a blog and don’t expect anyone to take what I type personally. I just like getting geared up for the season and its nice that SC plays Ga early because its one of my favorite games of the year.
Coach Richt
August 19th, 2011
9:06 am
I take the comments personally.
I’m tired of losing.
I kicked the cancers off the team.
I have guys who want to win as a team now.
I have whipped Spurrier many times and I plan on whipping him this year.
DawginLex
August 19th, 2011
9:07 am
Anybody going to Picture Day?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 19th, 2011
9:13 am
Coach Richt
Sorry you take comments personally but your paid $3million a year,
Im glad your tired of losing, maybe you will act like it during a game
Lets wait and see if your discipline is really going to work
We will see if you have players who care about UGA and not uniform changes and constantly embarrassing the program with monthly arrests, etc.
Im glad you have whipped Spurrier please learn to whip FL because your current top 10 salary basically says your supposed to do that more often than you have
Destin Dawg
August 19th, 2011
9:18 am
3 huge improvements…. 1. McGarity replacing Damon Evans…. more intense focus… 2. New S & C.. more importantly two nutrionists and a planned meal every day… 3. Todd Grantham’s Junkyard Dawg Defense
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 19th, 2011
9:22 am
2. New S & C.. more importantly two nutrionists and a planned meal every day
————————————————
A planned meal every day? You’ll definatelty beat Boise then.
Dawglasville
August 19th, 2011
9:23 am
Bronco Billy – “Buh bye to Richt and his band of illiterati!”
Are you saying that your players are smarter than ours? Your players don’t attend a better school than ours. Business News has UGA ranked 56 in 2011. I couldn’t find Boise St. in the top 200.