‘Time management’ the toughest part for Georgia’s Isaiah Crowell
ATHENS — Isaiah Crowell is learning lessons right and left these days, sometimes the hard way.
Crowell
Take Tuesday, for instance.
Tuesdays of game weeks are always extremely busy. Georgia holds its weekly press conference, which brings dozens of media members into town, all needing content in advance of that week’s game. The Bulldogs, of course, open the season Saturday against Boise State. Crowell, a freshman phenom who will play a significant role in the game, is the subject of much interest. So everybody wants to talk to him.
Crowell was instructed to be available for interviews after practice on Tuesday. But instead of showing up for 10 minutes as instructed, Crowell blew them off.
This did not sit well with Georgia.
So UGA sports communication personnel tracked down Crowell, reportedly at an academic tutorial appointment, and brought him back to Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall afterward. It was after 10 p.m. when he finally showed up. He was greeted by seven reporters who had waited around to hear from him (another four or five bailed out). I was among the reporters who stayed.
To Crowell’s credit, he was polite and accommodating when he finally arrived. He was also contrite when asked about making the adjustment to big-time college football, which comes with all kinds responsibilities and demands beyond gaining yardage and holding onto the football.
“It has been overwhelming,” said Crowell, who attended classes all morning Tuesday, had meetings and practices in the afternoon, then tutoring in the evening. “In high school, if you didn’t do something, there wasn’t too much going to be said about it. If you didn’t go to treatment, nobody cared. Sometimes I didn’t even go to class. Nobody really said anything about it. But here, any time you’re one minute late, somebody will know about it. Time management has been the toughest thing for me.”
Crowell is still working on that. Saturday we’ll find out how that football part is going. By all accounts, it’s going well.
“He’s every bit as good as advertised,” quarterback Aaron Murray said Tuesday. “The kid has turned people’s heads every day in practice. He’s a tremendously talented running back. He’ll show everyone this year. He’s going to make some plays that people’s jaws are going to hit the ground like, ‘Wow, that kid just made that move.’ ”
Said offensive coordinator Mike Bobo: “I’ve been really happy with him. I think he’s going to be a great player here. Is it going to happen game one? I don’t know, but I think he’s going to be a great player. Just let the guy play football and let’s see how he develops.”
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271 comments Add your comment
RedandBlackDAWG
August 31st, 2011
4:40 pm
Give the kid a break. How many of you have had to meet the demands at 18, that this kid is already meeting. And to those that critsized UGA for creating the “Energy Vampire” motto. Why is it all of the sudden, some of you want to use that and apply it to this young man. Remind you of anybody, NCBF?
If this young man does well on Saturday, how many people on these blogs, much less the journalist are going to be worried that he blew off a small press conference. Doesn’t a young freshman have enough to worry about already, without having to spend time answering the same questions over and over again. The UGA press dept. or whatever they call themselves, should not make freshmen availabloe for these little journalistic get togethers anyway.
GO DAWGS and GATA
dumb a$$ alert
August 31st, 2011
4:43 pm
See no evil
August 31st, 2011
3:56 pm
People get real here! This dude is living up to the rap he had this summer – bad attitude and came in not ready to play.
“see no evil’ is a fool trying to act a bigger fool.
Uuugghh...
August 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
Hell at least he went to a tutorial session–better that than a Snoop inspired PPPTuesday session!
opinion
August 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
Trying to understand why the sports information director thinks it is ok for a student to be pulled from academic support to give an interview with the press.
Mike
August 31st, 2011
4:56 pm
When you only have one voice for the Program ie., Saban you dont have to worry about who is saying what when and where to the media. It eleminates idiotic comments such as the Boykin tweet. And oh boo Fing hoo on having to go to class and then practice. It doesnt seem to bother the student atheletes who contribute both on the field and in the class room and graduate in 3 years. Maybe the time management program CMR employs is why the practices are so soft. I noticed his comment that Crowell has had a great camp but he really has not been hit yet. So much for either the improved defense or new conditioning program.
Shannon in Athens
August 31st, 2011
5:08 pm
Wow, a lot of self righteous a-wholes here. here we have a kid, (yes, a gifted one), but a kid still, going from a horrible educational system (I used to live near that school, and it isn’t pretty), who is probably naive on the ways of the real world, and people are attacking him?
Give the kid a break.
The problem is CMR aputting him in front of the media as a freshman.
KJ
August 31st, 2011
5:12 pm
Everyone who never skipped a class in high school raise your hand.
Now use that hand to punch yourself in the face, because you’re a huge sucker. I could have skipped half my high school classes and still graduated with honors. Newsflash: high school isn’t that hard.
saldiven
August 31st, 2011
5:13 pm
Y’know, I’m actually disappointed with the UGA athletic department. They thought that Crowell talking to the press was more important that Crowell attending his academic tutoring session. Hey, UGA: Crowell staying academically eligible is much more important than him talking to some reporters.
Columbus
August 31st, 2011
5:16 pm
Crowell is going to be awesome and Boise St. is not going to know what hit them if we get him past the line of scrimmage. Think Moreno-like but better. Boise is going to be chasing him all day. I dont care how good their defense “is”. Their defense never is good against a good team is it? So it really isnt that good. For them it is good, but that is really below average compared to an SEC defense.
The Big Dawgs Eat Bronco Barbecue. Uga 41-Dinner 27.
Dawgs dominate the 2nd half. Have several turnovers. UGA wins the offensive and defensive and special teams battles and vaults to 12th in the nation.
Chip Towers
August 31st, 2011
5:19 pm
Read again, saldiven. They brought him back AFTER tutoring. He had plenty of time before but blew it off. Capiche?
UGAmutt
August 31st, 2011
5:24 pm
@kerryb
Is this an article addressing an issue that shows evidence that he is having academic issues? No. Is this an article addressing an issue that shows IC is having “off-field” issues? No. Then why was this article written? To stir controversy and to make the cages rattle. If he was Brandon Harton, this would be a NON-ISSUE. I.E.-this article is a boy crying wolf over a situation that no one should even waste time batting an eyelash over. So the media didn’t get 3 hrs to ask this kid the same questions they asked Boykin, Tyson, Murray and Richt. More pandering to the masses and BS spin. I’m sick of it. Could we discuss football and things relevant to football players again?
John
August 31st, 2011
5:26 pm
Crowell will be good until the Georgia coaches “coach” him up, just like most RB’s at UGA regress from freshman to senior season. Don’t listen to the coaches Crowell and you’ll do fine.
UGAmutt
August 31st, 2011
5:26 pm
Chip, I usually love your articles, but this had to be a slow news day, no?
bamaguy
August 31st, 2011
5:31 pm
This is why Nick Saban has the rule that true freshmen are off limits to journalists. No interviews. I realize the sports writers want the hot story, but this is exactly the situation that he tries to avoid. A true freshman is adjusting to college and the college football game. Interviews with the press are the last thing he needs.
Both Mark Ingram and Julio Jones said that they appreciated that rule even though the sports writers dog Coach Saban about it because it denies access to the current “hot commodity.”
Tom Resident Georgia Fan
August 31st, 2011
5:36 pm
Kudos to 1eyedJack for plucking that chicken fan!
“Crowell has Energy Vampire written all over him”
Even that is an improvement over having South Carolina written across his chest.
UGAmutt
August 31st, 2011
5:36 pm
I’m with bamaguy on this one. As much as I appreciate the bi-hourly updates on all things UGA, I believe that a lot of these topics accomplish no more than premature fanbase hysteria over a kid that hasn’t touched a ball in a live CFB game yet. As it stands, he could score a touchdown on the first play of the game. He could fumble on the first play of the game. OR…just maybe…he doesn’t touch the ball until the Coaches feel like they have a handle on the MO and the pace that they want to dictate. WHO KNOWS!?! All you can do is wish him luck, hope he has a good head on his shoulders and an iron grip on that rock.
CHDawg
August 31st, 2011
5:49 pm
@dumba$$ alert–thx for warning us about your post! It certainly was a dumb post! So, a kid cuts out an interview to make tutoring, and then has the energy and discipline to come back over later (upon being reminded of his responsibility) to talk. Note that Chip and others who talked to him said he was very respectful and pleasant. I wonder how many kids would be respectful and cheerful after going at it for 16 hours of school, football, and tutoring? How about you? So, you are absolutely right about the alert on your dumba$$ moniker: this story proves exactly the opposite of your thesis–he has a great attitude. And from what I’m reading, he can run the ball, too. The thought of Figgins coming at me in the Spiderman/Devil costume with IC following would cause me to have nightmares if I were a BSU LB! Go DAWGS.
UGAmutt
August 31st, 2011
5:49 pm
@ Tom RGF
Yeah. I caught that ChickenTroll on here yesterday, too. Here was the response.
“@ nothing could be finer
How does it feel to know that a hot-seat coach has six times as many 10+ win seasons as your football team has had in 120+ years of football? I’d mention his SEC championships, but 0 can’t be multiplied by 2 without the same result. Zero.”
oe6uty
August 31st, 2011
6:13 pm
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He'll get it right...
August 31st, 2011
6:37 pm
It’ll take some time. For all ye bloggers here, did you ever miss a class your FROSH year or have you ever been late for a company meeting? Give me a break.
WtfWruthnkn
August 31st, 2011
6:40 pm
How do we know the majority of the kids had no structure before uga?
CHDawg
August 31st, 2011
6:46 pm
Oops–that was directed at see no evil!
ugab
August 31st, 2011
7:14 pm
IC should be in class. It is 2 much 4 a freshman to do interviews also
Barkin'Dog
August 31st, 2011
7:43 pm
Abnerish AND VinnyD said it all at high noon. I believe in this year’s recruits and the smart attitude all of the dawgs’ teammates are adhering to. I foresee and expect great things this season – woof-woof.
UGA Law Dawg
August 31st, 2011
7:46 pm
Player admitting that he skipped classes in high school, blows off the media relations staff, a recruit And or commit committing crimes.
Boy are we proud of our future athletes.
By the way, would someone please give IC some help with his hair. It looks horrible.
CHDawg
August 31st, 2011
8:09 pm
Law Dawg, go over to Georgia Dogs and watch Crowell’s interview from a few weeks ago. Humble, respectful, down to earth, confident, and very pleasant would be how I’d describe him. The fact that he was pleasant and respectful at the end of a 16 hour day says a lot. Have you ever rearranged your schedule in the middle of a 16 hour day–like during Law school exams? He is equally busy, but with football and school, not just studying! Some of these kids have a lot to learn about life, maybe a lot more than you needed to learn. Cut him some slack. Looks like he is trying, and trying hard to me.
UGAmutt
August 31st, 2011
8:09 pm
Law Dawg-
You seem like a cop, not a lawyer. That said, who cares if he skipped a few classes in HS. Its extremely common everywhere, although no one cares if it’s say…a cop who used to skip classes. Would you like that kind of scrutiny? Secondly, he can blow the media off all day. He doesn’t owe them a thing. If anything, they owe Richt for keeping an open policy with his frosh player. Finally, I am proud of our future/current athletes. If you’re a DGD, then you would be too. No arrests. All of the attrition this summer was due to either hitting hard on the field or in the weight room, and the bad apples fell of that wagon. Give these kids the credit they deserve. Afterall, not everyone is as perfect as your criticisms portray you to be.
01HAWK
August 31st, 2011
9:03 pm
CROWELL……………………What an ARSE. Laid his former High School out to dry with his comments. I guess the Principal and faculty will hear about this one.
Crimedog
August 31st, 2011
9:44 pm
Crowell is already heading in the same direction as King and Ealey, and it ain’t toward the end zone.
Catman
August 31st, 2011
9:47 pm
Joker Phillips does not allow UK freshmen to speak to the media. It helps with their time management.
bitter vince dooly
August 31st, 2011
9:53 pm
things are back to normal after getting RED PANTIES fired—————the worst hire i ever made
————————–jesse jackson was putting the heat on my as——s
—————————————now we have a shot———————–go dawgs
bitter jim donan
August 31st, 2011
9:56 pm
@galawdawg——go easy, he is not running a ponsey sceam!!!!!!
Dumb Jean shorts
August 31st, 2011
10:39 pm
Good for him screw the media, tell them you will see them at the DOME!
Shawdaddy
August 31st, 2011
11:28 pm
I hope this young man has learned a valuable lesson: never put such short-sighted activities as studying ahead of obligations to the press on a Tuesday. He needs to understand what he is there for. It ain’t learning. Haha. Unbelievable what a signal this sends. What say you mr. Richt??
ca dawg
September 1st, 2011
12:25 am
i just remembered why i don’t go on these boards much anymore.
Mr Longleaf
September 1st, 2011
1:09 am
So..football games start tomorrow night. Wins and losses will ensue.some teams lose their chance at MCN glory. But the Thurs group can’t Get hurt too bad…except Ms St.I think Mem is down a bit. The Baby Bulldogs, coming off several key wins last season, should make this one easy. Points are about 20 though. Can they sustain a to or two themselves and cover this one, my bet …take the
Points and pray. Have liquors your standby.
Gangsta Gangsta
September 1st, 2011
2:08 am
Judging from how he speaks and his ‘tweets’, I wonder if he ever went to one class all of high school. (probably not)
Bobby
September 1st, 2011
4:51 am
Oh my, this kid has got Ealey and King written all over him.
Timing is Key
September 1st, 2011
6:10 am
Time management is still an issue for me, and I’ve been out of school for nearly 20 years!
Good Luck IC
DawginLex = Lonely Tech troll
September 1st, 2011
6:29 am
Should be common knowledge to most but just an fyi
Dawgdad
September 1st, 2011
6:37 am
My head hurts, so many people here that cannot read and comprehend a simple article. I won’t take any shots on local education systems…..
I have heard this kid will wow you, so I am psyched to see him and the Dawgs Saturday night. Defense and special teams will break this thing open not far in…..
GO YOU HAIRY DAWGS!!!!!
dawg fan
September 1st, 2011
8:13 am
He skip a press conference for a tutoring appointment? I think I like this kid even more. Being a student it is nice to know that Crowell know’s that school is important. Maybe he will be able to stay on the field unlike Caleb King.
dawgforlife
September 1st, 2011
8:23 am
hey Finer…Latimore seems like a good guy…now Crowell, he is 18…college freshman…trying to get used to the college life…took me my whole first year to get used to it …how about giving the kid a break?…see you game 2 in Athens
dawgforlife
September 1st, 2011
8:30 am
and Chip…I’m sorry he made you guys wait…it was rude no doubt..but, I am sure neither you or I did something others could consider rude at 18 years of age. I sure am glad I didn’t have the news media following me around when I was that age…blowing off a media event would have been low on the totem pole to what they could have reported…the kid has a lot of maturing to do…EVERY 18 year old does…again, he should not have made ya’ll wait; but, do you see the intense kind of negative comments reporting it has caused?…again, 18 years old…adjusting to everything…wants to play football…is good at it…and that puts him in a media storm..everytime he moves…all I ask is, if he does the right thing, print that as well
RedandBlackDAWG
September 1st, 2011
8:48 am
01 Haqwk,
Do you really think that high school principals and teachers are so naive that they don’t know that seniors do occasionally skip a few classes? Good lord man, I have been out of high school since 1968 and I never got the impression that I was really pulling the wool over their eyes when I skipped a class or two. I don’t think human nature or the teachers smarts have taken that big of a drop in 43 years.
GO DAWGS and GATA
Whiskey Breath
September 1st, 2011
8:51 am
“Sometimes in high school I didn’t even go to class”. Surely he didn’t say that. I thought Ga got the cream of the crop in students? Now how in the hell is he going get thru school unless Ga just gives him the grades? He may be the greatest back of all time, but the kid is not ready for the college classroom. However you Ga people will act like it is no big deal. Richt is not smart enough to prohibit freshman from interviewing with the media. That is for their protection.
01HAWK
September 1st, 2011
9:28 am
I doubt it was just his senior year he skipped classes. Someone gives you a break………………………………Keep your trap closed CROWELL. His Mother should be calling CMR putting a stop to his mouth and that UGLY HAIR he has.
RedandBlackDAWG
September 1st, 2011
9:38 am
01HAWK,
Yopu wouldn’t have a special agenda in your comments, be a little anti UGA and a bigot to top it off. What do you care how his hair looks. It is his hair, and unlike Samson, of greek mythology, I bet his hair length or lack of it, or excess of it, has very little to do with his ability to tote the rock or succeed in college.
Does his being honest about skipping a few classes, really destroy his credibility, his athletic ability or ruin the credibility of his high school? Not everybody can be as perfect as you.
Hate does distort some folks minds it would seem.
GO DAWGS and GATA
flo-ri-duh
September 1st, 2011
9:41 am
Crowell is a freshman and should not speaking to reporters PERIOD.
TampaDawg
September 1st, 2011
10:04 am
Notice the trolls focusing on the “skipped a few classes” rather than him missing the media session at first because he was going to a tutoring session. Pukes on here would rather bash a kid for his past despite the fact that theirs is hardly squeaky clean either.