15 of Georgia’s 25 ‘Dream Teamers’ likely to play this season
ATHENS — The Georgia coaching staff is currently going through the process of determining which players will be on the scout team and which will end up on the varsity, or travel squad.
Barring injury, this freshman is likely to play and play a lot. (UGA photo by Steve Colquitt)
As coach Mark Richt pointed out recently, this is always a difficult time for the coaches. While being placed on the scout team doesn’t guarantee a redshirt year, it’s a strong indication you won’t be counted on this season and often that can be a bitter pill to swallow. But you have 125 players per team, 85 on scholarship, dress out only 60 in conference games and can only play 11 at a time. So it’s a numbers game in which everybody can’t play.
While the coaches are still making their decisions, let’s go ahead and take a crack, centering on the freshman class. I encourage you guys to weigh in as well. This is a hypothesis at best.
Here’s a rundown of the first-year guys:
1. David Andrews, OL 6-3, 276 Wesleyan
One of two true freshmen linemen O-line coach Will Friend said are in position to suit up and possibly play. Andrews has impressed with his ability to play center but at this point would likely be the third man end behind senior Ben Jones and sophomore Dallas Lee.
2. Sterling Bailey, DE 6-4, 250 East Hall
Was recently medically cleared to participate following shoulder surgery last spring. Late start likely assures redshirt season.
3. Devin Bowman, CB 6-0, 175 Ridgeland
Was unable to attain academic eligibility until one day before preseason camp opened. Good athlete but late start puts him behind several other young players at the same position.
4. Chris Conley, WR 6-3, 185 North Paulding
One of just two signees to enroll early and participate in spring practice. Battling to get into six-man rotation at receiver. Regardless, likely to dress out and at least play special teams.
5. Isaiah Crowell, RB 6-0 210
Missed four practices with a groin injury but extremely impressive when full speed. Strong candidate not only to get significant playing time in opener but also to start at tailback.
6. Watts Dantzler, OL 6-7, 315 Dalton
Most impressive of freshmen offensive linemen, has trimmed down 20 pounds since reporting and is currently backing up Cordy Glenn at left tackle. Likely third in at that position. Dogs would move guard Kenarious Gates to left tackle should Glenn have to come out.
7. Zach DeBell, OL 6-7, 275 Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Excellent athlete but a little undersized to make an immediate contribution. Likely redshirt.
8. Ray Drew, DE-OLB 6-5, 250 Thomas County Central
This five-star signee was backing up Cornelius Washington at weakside linebacker and getting reps with the first team before a scooter crash left him with a separated shoulder. Back at practice in a non-contact capacity, still likely to dress out and contribute early if not in the first game.
9. Quintavious Harrow, DB 6-0, 185 Carver-Columbus
Best known as Crowell’s best friend from Columbus, Harrow is making transition from linebacker to defensive back. Likely redshirt.
10. Amarlo Herrera, LB 6-2, 215 North Clayton
Another impressive freshman in line to play until he was sidelined with a shoulder injury. Likely to play at least on special teams but maybe not first game.
11. John Jenkins, NG, 6-4, 243, Meriden, Conn.
Sidelined the last several days with a “mild” hamstring, Jenkins has been unable to unseat Kwame Geathers on the first team. Will be part of a two-man rotation at nose guard.
12. Christian LeMay, QB 6-3, 200 Matthews, N.C.
Also an early enrollee, LeMay has wowed coaches with his play-making ability but behind Aaron Murray and Hutson Mason in command of playbook. Will dress out as No. 3 quarterback but Georgia will try to redshirt him.
13. Hunter Long, OL 6-3, 293 Eads, Tenn.
Younger brother of redshirt freshman Austin Long. Third string at guard and not likely to play this year.
14. Nick Marshall, CB, 6-2, 200 Wilcox County
Would have been a certain contributor until a collision on a punt return left him concussed and forced him to miss four practices. Working at third-string cornerback and likely contributor on special teams.
15. Malcolm Mitchell, WR 6-1, 190 Valdosta
One of the early standouts among the freshmen, this explaosive athlete cooled midway through camp with a pulled leg muscle and occasional struggles with playbook. But a definite contributor who could end up starting in a three-receiver set.
16. Corey Moore, DB 6-1, 185 Griffin
An excellent football player who seems likely to start in the future. Battling to break through on No. 2 defense at safety and definite contrbutor on special teams.
17. Jay Rome, TE 6-6, 240 Valdosta
Fantastic athlete and future star at his position but currently buried behind three top-notch lettermen. Will get to prove his worth on special teams and occasional play on offense.
18. Chris Sanders, DB 6-0, 175 Tucker
Another one of Georgia’s bountiful supply of freakishly athletic skill players. A safety in high school, he has worked his way up at cornerback and threatening to make the two-deep. Will play special teams at the very least.
19. Justin Scott-Wesley, WR 6-1, 200Mitchell County
Raw athlete and one of fastest players on the team, Scott-Wesley is still learning the position. Would benefit from redshirt year.
20. Sanford Seay, WR 6-2, 190 Lee County
A late addition to the signing class who has proven even better than advertised. Likely redshirt.
21. Damian Swann, CB 6-0, 175 Grady
Would compete with Crowell and Mitchell for title of “most impressive freshman.” Swann will likely get snaps on defense in the first game and will be a prominent player on special teams.
22. Nathan Theus, SN 6-3, 255 Jacksonville
Backup to Ty Frix on all special teams snaps. Will dress out but will be redshirted if at all possible.
24. Xzavier Ward, OL 6-7, 260 Colquitt County
Still recovering from spring ACL surgery and has not practiced. Will redshirt.
25. Ramik Wilson, LB 6-3, 225 Tampa
Has been getting work at both inside and outside linebacker. Will back up both positions and contribute on special teams.
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162 comments Add your comment
RamboDog
August 23rd, 2011
6:00 pm
Sven, I know you wish someone would do it since GT can’t. Better head for the tickle pile or you will be late again!
Atlanta87
August 23rd, 2011
6:01 pm
@ Rambo Dog No I’m an Auburn Fan. Congrats on beating Tech though year in and year out. What did they end up last year? 6-7 with a loss to Kansas? That’s funny. Kinda like UGA ended up 6-7 with a loss to Colorado. The college football in the state I live in sucks!! Thankfully the Falcons are good!
bubba4dawgs
August 23rd, 2011
6:04 pm
all these bashers have nothing to cheer about for their team so they think if they bash the dawgs, it demotes them to their level! GO DAWGS!
@Atlanta87
August 23rd, 2011
6:05 pm
Certainly a good school. Don’t know why you would slam the Dawgs though. It is, I assume, your home state. Statements like: “That’s all you Dawg fans got” sound kind of like sour grapes. I know you had a good team last year, but I believe UGA prevailed the previous 4 years. All in all, a great rivalry, but honestly, isn’t there an Auburn blog out there somewhere? If you scroll up to the top of the page, I believe it says UGA Sports, not Tiger Sports, or War Eagle Sports, or whatever your mascot is this week.
Bob
August 23rd, 2011
6:06 pm
I’m with you “Dirty”. JS-W can be a great RB and he has the size and speed. We’ve already seen Samuel’s lack of balance and inability to pick up his feet, thus down on first contact.
RamboDog
August 23rd, 2011
6:07 pm
@Atlanta 87….well you got a NC for a bit. You and I both know SCAM and his Daddy are dirty…it will come out and Numbnuts Cheezewhiz, whatever his name is, will be moving on. His record before he came should have been a warning, has to CHEAT to win, but ya’ll are down with that…prepare for a beat down this year, no Freak to bail you out.
bubba4dawgs
August 23rd, 2011
6:09 pm
Say, anybody watched Clowney coming off the edge? I just wonder who’s going to be selected to stop him. Word is, he can’t be stopped! When he hits, he knocks his blockers into the middle of next week. He’s also runs the 440 on the track team. He sounds too eerie to be true!
RamboDog
August 23rd, 2011
6:11 pm
@bubba4dawgs, we may have to study tape on GT and learn those dirty chop blocks they use.
Bob
August 23rd, 2011
6:18 pm
Wonder why Turene chose a prep school in Matthews, NC that no one has heard of? I don’t think he’ll ever play for UGA.
Valdosta Cat
August 23rd, 2011
6:19 pm
I’ve got two words……Malcolm Mitchell. Make that three words…. Malcolm Mitchell: Superstar
bigonz
August 23rd, 2011
6:20 pm
Bill King is a ? You keep doggin Mike Bobo. FYI….since Bobo took over the play calling 4 years ago it’s been the highest scoring four year period in UGA history. Not to mention that he’s also a hell uv a recruiter!
Tennessee Dawg 4 Life
August 23rd, 2011
6:22 pm
Georgia will win first two games and will slip up somewhere along the schedule and finish with one loss and play for SEC championship book it, write it down it’s going to happen. Recruiting will finish in top ten again and then all you haters can suck a fat egg!
Atlanta87
August 23rd, 2011
6:22 pm
@ @Atlanta87 Yeah it is rough growing up in Georgia when it comes to college football so I’ve always been kind of sour towards the Dogs. Yeah UGA has beat Auburn the past couple of years before last year, but the record over the last 12 games is 6-6 so the rivalry is pretty even. I do go on my team’s blogs all the time. I just happen to read the AJC too and comment on the articles/blogs.
@ RamboDog as far as having a NC “for a bit” (whatever that means), why would Auburn invest $180,000 in a JUCO Quarterback that was what, third string for Florida, and not know what they were getting in return. If Cam (notice the proper spelling of his first name) was a bust, then Auburn would’ve wasted all that money. Don’t tell me that was a risk Auburn was willing to take. There’s a difference between recruiting a bust and paying a bust.
I’ve got to go eat dinner, but I’ll be back on later to read what you have to say. Good luck this year!
GWP
August 23rd, 2011
6:25 pm
Typical UGA hype. Always the best recruits…..but the coaches?
Mad Dog One
August 23rd, 2011
6:30 pm
Boys I try not to get all jacked up before the first snap of the year but d@#n. i’m going to have to quit reading about my DOGS or just go ahead and say it as put by ONE OF OUR BROTHERS FROM THE DOG NATION “DOME TO DOME!!!!!!!”
Mad Dog One
August 23rd, 2011
6:38 pm
Just a question. How many of you’ll remember when we got a medallion with the schedual printed on the back of it with our season tickets? Looking through some of my old UGA. stuff and saw 3 or 4.
Dooley for Prez
August 23rd, 2011
6:46 pm
Show’s Richt is concerned about job security. He is finally playing to win while at the same time setting us up for another excuse for not meeting team goals much less fan expectations. I can hear it now…”Yeah, we are a little young this year. We have played 15 true freshmen but the future is bright” to justify another 8 win or less season. Just sick of the excuses so GATA and win or go to UM and coach their practice team during their death penalty years.
Destin Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
6:50 pm
project ” Dome to Dome “. 3 wins in Atlanta this season…. Tech of course is the 3rd…. Go Dawgs !!
Destin Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
6:51 pm
Richt for President….. Grantham for Sec. of Defense !!!!!
CHDawg
August 23rd, 2011
7:07 pm
Dome to Dome is great Destin, but let’s not stop there! Dome to Dome to Dome! Let’s make it all the way to the LA Superdome for the BCS—while we are thinking positive. That won’t be a bad drive for you, either. On CMB for the earlier discussion, I think the last three years have helped him a lot. He has had to get by with less ability and running game, and it forced him out of his box. I think we may have the best running game we have had in a few years, so that should help him a lot. I think he will be a much better play caller this year. Also, everyone is talking about our kicking game, but nobody is discussing our return teams, featuring Smith and Boykin. I think they have the chance to be the best return tandem UGA has had in a long time, and maybe ever! We’ll see. I just hope they are working on turnovers–heard a lot of talk last year, and nothing this year. We have to get better there if we want to wind up in New Orleans in early ‘12! Go Dawgs!
Dome to Done.
August 23rd, 2011
7:11 pm
Project “Dome to Done – The Farewell Tour”. 3 wins this season. It begins and ends in Atlanta.
HardTruth Soldier
August 23rd, 2011
7:12 pm
#1 Tight End in the country buried behind 3 deep at T.E, #2 QB in the country buried behind 2QB’s and all this dream team behind some body. If you don’t think these guys got there head outta there behinds this year you kidding yourself. They will be in the top ten before Oct. This Defense that people sleeping on will shut down the SEC. BANK ON IT!
Dirty Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
7:18 pm
Thanks bigonz for saying that about Bobo…BK needs to lighten-the-he!! up on him, after all Billy ain’t exactly no Mark Bradley, or Furman Bisher, or even Chip Towers for that matter (talk about settin’ the bar low).
Hey Atlanta87. Couldn’t help but notice that you didn’t say anything about actually attending AU. What’s up with that by the way? Do they have a ‘pay-for-pullin’-for-us’ program as well?
But it was good to see you’re realistic about the fact that that team you pull for in some state other than the one you grew up in, but never attended, is far more adept at judging what these kids are worth…after all you’ve had enough practice at it. As for what ‘a bit’ means, you’re obviously kiddin’ about that as well cause the one thing the NCAA has learned in the USC/Reggie Bush fiasco is that it ain’t gonna take ‘em six or seven years to act. But since you don’t really have any ’skin’ in your ‘rooting preference’ game, you can always pick somebody else to choose to be a fan of…see how easy it’ll be? Just think, if you actually had graduated from Auburn you’d have to consider burning your diploma or taking you AU tag off your car….
Midland Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
7:21 pm
Sounds like the best part of the game will be watching our special team players flying around the field. These guys are going to be nasty.
Dawgyuleall
August 23rd, 2011
7:28 pm
So basically Crowell,Rome,and Mitchell will contribute ? Next ?
Beast from the East
August 23rd, 2011
7:30 pm
Having to rely on so many true freshmen for quality minutes is never a good thing. My Gators are going to have to do the same thing this year. I expect both teams will be better than last year (couldn’t do much worse as neither of us beat a quality opponent), but how much remains to be seen.
Best of luck with the obvious exception of the WLOCP.
Go Gators!
bitter vince "got a ring------trolls"
August 23rd, 2011
7:31 pm
dont ever use my name or bad mouth me as———’s—unless you-(bamma trolls)—have a ring as
a head coach———–last time i check the bear was dead—————-stop hating—-
——–georgia will end the season where it started in the dome with a 28–3—victory over elephants
—————————————dawgs rule——————-ahahahahahah——just saying
CHDawg
August 23rd, 2011
7:34 pm
I think Harton can gain 2000 yds this year: put him behind Figgins and the Ds won’t even see him until he has five yards!
Contractor
August 23rd, 2011
7:35 pm
I say you split Orson Charles out, and then you put Jay Rome in at tight end. Bobo and Coach Richt have got to find ways to get these talented guys on the field. I’ll say it again and again that these guys did not come to sit the bench, so put them out there and let them be the athletes we are being led to believe they are. I have heard nothing but great things about Crowell, Mitchell, Rome, Swain, and Marshal, so let them freaking play.
CHDawg
August 23rd, 2011
7:40 pm
Beast, I disagree. I think the Gators will be very good this year. They aren’t getting any love right now from the talking heads, but that will change quickly. If you simply had a center who could snap, and a coach who would allow some continuity at QB (line up in the same spot twice in a row) you probably would have won several more. Weiss is smart and he knows how to employ the talent you already have, and having Will M. means will have a great D. I personally think the East is going to be way, way stronger than most think this year. Good luck till you play in Jax!
ROLLTIDE22
August 23rd, 2011
7:45 pm
RamboDawg do some research and tell us all the series record alltime between the pups and the elephants. We all know who is on the LOSING END of that series, but then again EVERYBODY in the SEC has a LOSING RECORD against the Tide. Fact……….
coach phil
August 23rd, 2011
7:48 pm
My lil cousin Damian “Dank” Swann will contribute out the gatew foe the dawgs. Trust that.
Santa Cruz Bulldog
August 23rd, 2011
7:50 pm
I heard Richard Samuel state that the team is no longer about selfish players and that the guys are really dedicated, now.
It seems that last years team was not together and this bunch has really came together, as a TEAM!
Number 23
August 23rd, 2011
7:51 pm
Dear Chip: You left me off your list. yours truly, #23
6 for 6 with 3 home runs
August 23rd, 2011
7:54 pm
DREAM TEAM BABAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Conrad Hill
August 23rd, 2011
7:57 pm
I don’t know what it is but I’m so excited about this 2011 team. They have a chip on there shoulder and heck of a season opener. I feel like the DAWGS can be a darkhorse national championship contender if we can get by these first 2 games. GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hugedawgfan
August 23rd, 2011
8:03 pm
swan is going to be great…
CHDawg
August 23rd, 2011
8:03 pm
The Broncos are going to try and pull their chariots through the Red Sea in the Dome on the 3rd–I think the Red Sea will prove to be a hostile environment for the Broncos and their chariots. Of course, the holes in the sea will open when the tribe of Benjamin leads Aaron, Samuel, Isaiah, Israel and the rest of the children to victory. (I hope Moses is in the stands or at least watching on TV). Alright…back to the regular channel…
kb
August 23rd, 2011
8:05 pm
Rolltide22, While you are correct for all overall records, its been a much different story over the past 30 years. 5-5 vs UGA , 7-9 vs Florida, 14-17 vs Auburn, 16-14 vs LSU and Tennesee. And if you look more recently over the past 10 years, 3-2 vs UF , 3-7 vs LSU, 3-7 vs Auburn,1-3 vs Uga, 6-4 vs Tennessee.Bama is enjoying a recent resurgence but in todays SEC expect it to be short lived.Not much difference in Bamas pre season #1 in 2010 season and the UGA season of 2008.
CHDawg
August 23rd, 2011
8:10 pm
I looked up who #23 is (Jakar Hamilton?), and I have uncovered an amazing fact–Richard Samuel and his great grandfather are both on the roster this year! Check it out,
http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/geo-m-footbl-mtt.html
UGA inside edition
August 23rd, 2011
8:35 pm
Yes, IC has been incredible according to the players….Gifted balance and illusivness, breakaway speed with a little power to boot…..His team mate’s are wow’ed….The real deal jus a little hampered with a groin pull but at full speed is up to the billing……Dantzler is last years K Gates…..Will be starting soon if not this year!…….Swann is a freak of nature…….
Beast from the East
August 23rd, 2011
8:44 pm
CHDawg,
Thanks for the kind words and I hope you’re right!
ugaclassof2004
August 23rd, 2011
9:04 pm
I’ll tell you one thing right now, if Richt goes below 8-4 with THIS easy schedule, he should be fired immediately!! Shoot, if he gets less than 10 wins than he should be fired. No Bama, No LSU, NO Arkansas. Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn will ALL be down. Tech and Vandy will be horrible. The only teams that are even remotely menacing are South Carolina, Boise, and MSU: all of which are still winnable. If Richt can’t rebound from last season with THIS schedule, then he clearly can’t motivate this generation of player in which case he must go. Shoot you give David Greene & Co. this schedule and they’d go 12-0. Get it done Dawgs! Enough of the excuses.
Prozac Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
9:13 pm
From Buck Belue’s blog
“Coach Bobo is a smart man. He will mix it up, but I’d be willing to bet he is ready to attack with the passing game.”
I have only met CMB one time and listened to him speak at a Bulldog Club meeting. Anybody out there been around him enough to have an opinion? Thanks
ugab
August 23rd, 2011
9:15 pm
JJ is a bust. Geathers will go so far. sorry
william
August 23rd, 2011
9:26 pm
Um….we’ve always had the talent, just not the coaching. I think the defense has better coaching now, and the offense will come together as long as Murray can get some easy first throws, and crowell some good holes. We should be fine. Our special teams will out play Boise, and put us in great position. Defense can keep them on our side of the field, and our offense can put up points. Hell at the very least, get walsh close enough to kick some field goals(not at the 4 this time though, go for those)
Prozac Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
9:37 pm
Nice post william
Prozac Dawg
August 23rd, 2011
9:49 pm
In situations where he’s still unsure, Crowell does have help in the huddle and backfield.
“I told him, ‘Hey, I’m right there with you. Just whenever you’re unsure, no matter what, just look at me and ask me and I pretty much know what they’re doing,’” said Murray = teamwork. This is encouraging
RamboDog
August 23rd, 2011
10:33 pm
@Roll Tide22….like I said, the Bear is dead and ya’ll don’t scare the Dawgs who OWN you in the most recent games, which is a good predictor of the next 2 games…just like I said. Book it, and go take care of some trees at Toomer’s Corner.
3 out of last 4…includes 2 games that Saban coached.
AltamahaDawg
August 24th, 2011
7:34 am
But 2004, even winning 10 games, he would still have those religious beliefs that you disagree so strongly with. Wouldn’t you still fire him if you were the AD?