Ken Malcome, Derek Owens become latest Bulldogs to leave program
ATHENS – Two more Georgia football players have decided to continue their careers elsewhere.
Ken Malcome, a redshirt freshman running back from Decatur, and Derek Owens, a sophomore cornerback from Jacksonville, both asked head coach Mark Richt to be released from their scholarships and are seeking transfers. Including safety Jakar Hamilton, that’s now three players who have left the program during this season.
Owens’ departure was expected and has been in motion for a few days. Malcome’s decision was an obvious disappointment for Richt.
“[Malcome] walked into my office just prior to practice and felt like he had gotten so far behind in the competition at his position, he felt like he needed to go to another school and get a fresh start and maybe get a better opportunity to play,” Richt said Wednesday. “So that’s where we are on that.”
Malcome, an all-state player at Southwest DeKalb High, was expected to step to the forefront this season with Georgia’s attrition at tailback. But after Washaun Ealey and Caleb King exited the program, Malcome fell behind true freshman Isaiah Crowell, junior Carlton Thomas and former walkon Brandon Harton on the depth chart in preseason camp. He did not the make travel roster for Ole Miss and finishes his Georgia career with one carry for zero yards.
Richt said he’d welcome back Malcome back if the player changed his mind.
“If Ken came to me tomorrow and said, ‘Coach, I lost my mind and I’,m sorry and I’d love to come back and compete here at Georgia, I’d hug his neck and say ‘come on,’” Richt said.
Owens played in Georgia’s first three games on special teams but also didn’t make the trip to Ole Miss. He had two tackles this season and six while appearing in 12 games last season. Richt said he does not expect Owens to transfer to Cincinnati, as has been reported.
Malcome and Owens represent the 14th and 15th Georgia players to leave the program with eligibility remaining since the end of last season. That includes players such as A.J. Green and Justin Houston, who entered the NFL draft, and Tanner Strickland and Tanner Sturdivant, who were medically disqualified. (See chary below)
The majority, however, left either because they’d fallen behind on the depth chart or did not see eye-to-eye with the football staff.
“Most everybody we recruit was probably the best player on their team or one of the best players on their team,” Richt said. “So most of them think they’re going to show up and play. They get around athletes that are just as good as them and now they have to learn to compete. Sometimes they see the mountain as too high too climb and they decide to go somewhere else. And that’s fine if that’s what’s going on.
“I want all these guys to get an opportunity to play. I want them all to get an education. But I think there’s value in fighting for your job.”
DOGS GONE
Pos.+Player+Class+Reason for leaving
- OL+Brent Benedict+RFr.+Transferred to Virginia Tech
- LB+Marcus Dowtin+Jr.+Transferred to North Alabama
- TB+Washaun Ealey+Jr.+Transferred to Jacksonville State
- FS Jakar Hamilton+Sr.+Seeking transfer
- TB+Caleb King+Jr.+Academically ineligible
- WR+Logan Gray+Jr.+Graduated w/ eligibility, transferred to Colorado
- WR+A.J. Green+Jr.+Early entry into NFL draft
- FS+Jakar Hamilton+Sr. +Transferring. Destination unknown.
- OL+A.J. Harmon+Jr.+Transferred to Alabama State
- LB+Justin Houston+Jr.+Early entry into NFL draft
- DE+Jeremy Longo+Jr.+Medically disqualified
- RB+Ken Malcome+RFr+Seeking transfer
- CB+Derek Owens+So.+Seeking transfer
- OL+Tanner Strickland+Sr.+Graduated with eligibility remaining
- OL+Trinton Sturdivant+Sr.+Knee injury, career over
- DB+Nick Williams+Jr.+Transferred to North Alabama
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574 comments Add your comment
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
9:37 am
Boo has been on the practice field Snow Dog!!! What do you want the coaches to do? “Hey Boo, I know you have had about 4 practices in pads since training camp began, but you go on in there ahead of the guys who are out there everyday working their butts off” … that should never happen and it didn’t.
Vampire Slayer
September 29th, 2011
9:38 am
Yessssssssssssssss…2 less energy vampires!
Blackberry Cobbler
September 29th, 2011
9:38 am
JB @ 9:15 yesterday–
We won’t have to wait till the Florida game. Trust me on this. UGA is not playing well. They haven’t beat a good team in a long time. If UGA loses to Missy State this weekened, CMR is toast.
Hammond
September 29th, 2011
9:39 am
Now that’s a smart move when the ship is taking on water it’s time to jump good move boys
DJ Dawg
September 29th, 2011
9:39 am
Rooster = C@CK
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
9:40 am
Mobile Dawg, you asked who has more pro-style attributes between Mason and Murray and the answer maybe both are equal. Murray played in a pro-style offense here in Tampa that was a juggernaut. As for the Ole Miss game, I just don’t like the QB rotation thing at all. Even after the late field goal, that put UGA up 2 TDs but one costly INT could have changed the complexion completely. I didn’t like the QB rotation when it was Greene and Shockley either.
ga gator
September 29th, 2011
9:40 am
TampaDawg I agree with your post that if he was the answer he would be playing. I also believe to a certain extint that Murray is Richt’s favorite. 2 springs ago he was outplayed in the Gday game by both Mettenburger and Gray and this past year outplayed by Mason. Maybe Murray is a better practice player or something but in live action he was outplayed. As far as Brantley, he is much improved under Charlie Weis and this offense than he was under Scott Loefler (Tom Brady’s Michigan coach also) and the spread option. Time will tell if he can live up to his #1 HS rating. This weeks game will certainly prove whether he has what it takes.
Mobile Dawg
September 29th, 2011
9:42 am
I guess you think you’re omitted from “you people posting on here are the biggest joke”. Seems like intelligent, informed people having a discussion based on our views vs people making silly comments about “looking in the mirror” makes for much more interesting talk.
Do IT
September 29th, 2011
9:44 am
Enter your comments here
Big Man
September 29th, 2011
9:45 am
I was rooting for the guy because I like SW Dekalb’s program, but i’d be lying if I say I ever thought Boo Malcome would amount to anything at UGA. He doesn’t fit the spread and UGA doesn’t have a power running game with these weak linemen.
AltamahaDawg
September 29th, 2011
9:46 am
It’s ok to give me credit by name Mobile. Don’t be afraid of somebody calling you a kool-aid drinker to agree with me.
BTW, its pretty easy to look backwards and say AHA, but making wholesale changes in the offsesaon before the 2008, (3 years ago) ranked #1 in the country….that’s what he should have done? Would you have?
Gary
September 29th, 2011
9:46 am
I remember reading an article in the WSJ critical of Saban and Meyer for giving a bunch of kids medicals to clear up scholarships. The formaer players were sayingt hey were told to do it for performance issues not injuries. I just can’t imagine this is bad for the dawgs. It is the palayers decision because the are underperforming and want to play. This gives the coaches to go after more players for next year who might perform better. Fell bad for the guys because Georgia is a great place to go to school, but they want to play.
Just Do it
September 29th, 2011
9:47 am
FIRE MARK RICHT!!!!!
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
9:48 am
ga gator, he got outplayed by Mettenberger yes, Gray no. Mettenberger got kicked from the team as he should have been. That kid should count his blessings that LSU was willing to give a second chance.
Mason didn’t outplay him in the G-day game either
Black Team
* Aaron Murray — 12-of-17, 122 yards, TD
* Christian LeMay — 3-of-6, 38 yards
Red Team
* Hutson Mason — 9-of-16, 109 yards
* Parker Welch — 5-of-10, 71 yards
Logan Gray, for people who think he should have been given a chance over Murray at QB, he doesn’t even get to sniff the position at Colorado and barely even gets looks at WR.
Alphare
September 29th, 2011
9:49 am
I am no expert, so expect me to tell you what UGA doesn’t do right as a football team.
But from my amateur prospective, BAMA defense plays like the NFL, everything goes so clean. But when you look at UGA’s defense, look chaotic most of the time.
Mobile Dawg
September 29th, 2011
9:50 am
I clearly see your point if things are clicking Tampa, you don’t want to risk messing with something that’s working. But things weren’t really clicking the second half, sometimes a change can be the spark you need. By all indications, and coach talk, Mason can play, why not use him situationally and get him more game experience? Murray made several “game changing” mistakes against USC, int, fumble, missed handoff to IC for a fumble, I know hindsight is always 20/20 and Mason could have done the same thing, but…..
ARdawg
September 29th, 2011
9:50 am
It is a non story but naturally the haters and jealous Minnies will be out in full force to pretend there is something wrong with the program in this respect. To them I say, get back to cleaning your pocket protectors and surfing midget porn. There’s nothing to see here
Richt summed it up pretty well I think. I would loved to have seen Boo succeed at Georgia and was looking forward to it. No pain, no gain. Good Luck to the young chap wherever he may rome
beanster
September 29th, 2011
9:52 am
How you play in the G Day has never been consequential when it comes to playing time. That game is one scrimmage meant to pump up the fan base. The coaches know who has the ability and who doesn’t. Making plays in the G Day game surely doesn’t hurt your stock, but there’s a lot more to being the starter than playing well in one scrimmage.
Chuck Allison
September 29th, 2011
9:53 am
Caleb King was academically ineligible? Surely that is the first time I have ever heard of anyone being academically ineligible at Georgia. How does that happen? UGA is the school athletes attend in order not to worry about studying or attending class. I’ll bet that must have really been a shocker to the entire university.
beanster
September 29th, 2011
9:53 am
“I’m no football expert”
Tell us something we don’t know.
Mobile Dawg
September 29th, 2011
9:55 am
Honestly Altamaha, I was just skimming comments and didn’t catch exactly who said it. I should have known it would have been you. I didn’t get to see the Ole Miss game, we were traveling but kept up with it. Hope I can get off the water this weekend and catch some of the MSU game. Got some “spectacular” weather predicted. Fresh Grouper and Amberjack for the AU/USC game Saturday night. I’m going out on a limb Altamaha and picking the Dawgs to win Saturday.
ARdawg
September 29th, 2011
9:56 am
Alphare
Bama’s defense is talented like no other team this year. It could be argued twice as much as any other. Saban is a great recruiter and defensive genius. It doesn’t however mean they won’t be defeated. Bama’s defense is light years ahead of UGA’s but a more disciplined offense will eat their lunch. I’m only guessing at this point but a balanced offense with several playmakers will give them a difficult time. To score on Bama, the LBs have to be kept on their heels. The FL game this weekend might be much closer than many think
TallaDawg
September 29th, 2011
9:57 am
Is this Richt’s problem or a problem of society that these guys do not expect to or want to compete and work for playing time? This seems to be a sign of recruiting great (good) athletes with weak character.
@sportsguru95
September 29th, 2011
9:58 am
Most players leave before season starts, but 2 QUIT on ur team & coach during the season is SELFISH! What do these guys think is going 2 happen when they transfer? UGA program is better off without these 2 CANCERS!
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
9:58 am
Yeah Mobile, I would agree with that that sometimes you need a spark in there. But the offense wasn’t lethargic .. all three of the missed field goals were in the second half and were on drives of 10, 10, and 15 plays.. that means the sticks are moving. Mason will get his time, just not in SEC games when there is still the possibility. And from what I have seen, I think the guy has big-time talent too. But with the line problems right now, I don’t think he would be any improvement over Murray.
1eyedJack
September 29th, 2011
10:00 am
It’s best not to let these things fester. One bad apple can make the whole barrel stink. Goodbye. Next! Who wants to play this game?
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
10:00 am
Ok Chuck Allison, way to make a critical statement without the first freaking fact to back it up. You get the “irrelevant stupid comment” of the day award.
beanster
September 29th, 2011
10:00 am
LSU’s defense is better than UA’s.
Fire Mark Richt!
September 29th, 2011
10:00 am
Just another reason why CMR should not be the coach at The University of Georgia! Yes, it is his fault! Stop making excuses for this man. He has turned out to be at total failure!
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
10:03 am
beanster, true enough on the G Day comments. But one thing it does do is tells the staff who has command of the offensive/defensive playbooks. When you see a lot of passes going to no one in particular, or blocks missed badly, or broken coverage, it sums up who is ready and who isn’t.
Mobile Dawg
September 29th, 2011
10:03 am
“BTW, its pretty easy to look backwards and say AHA, but making wholesale changes in the offsesaon before the 2008, (3 years ago) ranked #1 in the country….that’s what he should have done? Would you have?”
First, I’m not paid 3 Million a year to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s happening with “my” team. Second, I’ve been commenting here for a few years and you have to remember me pointing out “mostly accurate” indicators that things weren’t as right with the foundation of this team as they appeared on the surface. Now if I can see that, you would think that Richt could have taken his head out of the sand, or stopped singing kumbaya with his buddies long enough to recognize what was going on.
You say he made the changes of his own accord, I say he was forced to make them to keep his job. IMO, that’s why he waited so long.
Now, I must open up ...........
September 29th, 2011
10:04 am
I was at UGA in 69 and I too quit and attended a JUCO in metro Atlanta for one quarter
(we were not on the semester system then) and UGA DID NOT miss me. I did return to work very hard and to eventually graduate in 71 & 73.
My point? I did not play ball and frankly, neither did these latest two defectors. They will not be missed anymore than I was NOT MISSED.
UGA now can offer TWO MORE KIDS in the 2012 class and that is good news, going forward.
Go Dogs
UGA class of 71 & 73
beanster
September 29th, 2011
10:05 am
Talladawg — the latter portion of your statement is correct. I think Richt has finally realized just how much the bad attitudes on his team (poor job of recruiting) were a cancer to what he is trying to accomplish. That is why we heard the phrase “doing things the Georgia way” so often over the off season. Some kids don’t like it because they aren’t up to the task and therefore they ask to leave. Boo is not the perfect example of this but he is parallel. Ealey, Harmon, others who bolted didn’t like the “new” way things are being done here in Athens.
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
10:06 am
Fire Mark Richt!
September 29th, 2011
10:00 am
Just another reason why CMR should not be the coach at The University of Georgia! Yes, it is his fault! Stop making excuses for this man. He has turned out to be at total failure!
—————————————————-
Sure thing GT fan, we will get right on that … you idiot. A total failure? Total failures don’t win the SEC .. twice. Total failures would cheat to win and sometimes, still not win. Ahh, that must mean you are the total failure.
ga gator
September 29th, 2011
10:06 am
Tampa Gator I disagree; I was there and he moved the team better than Murray. As usual Murray’s stats were good, but he made bad throws and appeared like the lesser of the two. Stats can be deceiving and as Spurrier once said they are for losers and baseball players. Murray has yet to win a game against a team with a winning record and clearly lost this years SC game by two poor plays and last years game in Jax; even though his over all stats in those two games were great.
ga gator
September 29th, 2011
10:07 am
sorry I meant TampaDawg (freudian slip)
Joey
September 29th, 2011
10:07 am
I’m with you Mobile Dawg, Richt himself was quoted on herea couple of weeks ago that they needed to get Hutson in the games somehow.
TampaDawg, I didn’t like the setup Richt had with Greene and Shockley either, until Greene left and Shockley played like he had been a starter for years.
Maybe we’ll get a lead that Richt feels comfortable with soon, and Hutson gets his PT.
Alphare
September 29th, 2011
10:10 am
I agree LSU is better than BAMA.
LSU’s defense has more unleashed power like horses running in the battle field, while BAMA’s defense is more of a controlled power like a nuclear reactor.
LSU’s offense is more potent than BAMA’s. LSU plays with power of running, mixed passing and tricks. BAMA’s passing game is questionable or abandoned sometime.
ARdawg
September 29th, 2011
10:10 am
beanster
Maybe, maybe not. Both are excellent this far. Bama’s front 4 are doggone impressive though aren’t they? Two are considered #1 nfl picks
LawDawg
September 29th, 2011
10:12 am
The depth of ignorance in the comments here never ceases to amaze me. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT EVERY MAJOR PROGRAM. Kids fall behind on the depth chart and transfer where they can play. You notice of the 16 listed, only about 6 are transfers and only 1 is a transfer to a major program. Hamilton, Williams, Malcome, et al, were simply not good enough to ever get significant playing time here and have been over taken by younger players at their positions.
This is not a comment on the state of UGA football and people who do not understand that are (for lack of a better word) stupid. I wish these guys all the best.
edumacated
September 29th, 2011
10:14 am
So basically we have one good RB in the backfield now. The others? Samuel trips over blades of grass. That guy is big and fast, but has a high center of gravity and falls way too easily. Thomas is quick and runs hard, but is what, 160 lbs? He should only be used out in space, not taking hand offs. That’s crazy. Harton? A walk on? Are you kidding?
We are depleted on the offensive line, at linebacker, and in the offensive backfield. The SEC schedule has just started.
It’s going to be a long year. 5-7 at best IMHO.
ga gator
September 29th, 2011
10:14 am
Alphare and ARdawg I guess we are going to find out over the next 2 weeks. From what I see John Chavis at LSU is super agressive in his scheme while Kirby is more read and react. Both will be extremely tough for the Gators. But neither one of them have high scoring offenses either so I am hoping we can hang in and make both games interesting.
TampaDawg
September 29th, 2011
10:15 am
ga gator, that was one hell of a freudian slip .. lol. Anyway, I know what you’re saying about stats. I just have a tough time believing that with all the hot seat talk that if Mason was a better option, week in and week out in practice, he wouldn’t be on the field on game day. And how did you not come out with your skin burning being a gator sitting there on G Day?
Mark
September 29th, 2011
10:16 am
Fire Mark Richt = Just Do It = Rooster = yawn
PT
September 29th, 2011
10:16 am
I do not blame the young men for leaving. Maybe they will be able to hook up with a winning program. Nothing is worse for a young player than not getting to play and also no being competitive in your own conference.
ga gator
September 29th, 2011
10:18 am
Tampa I dont know if you remember but I married a UGA girl and we go to all of the home games. Funny story, last year I got up from my seat and went to the restroom during a timeout and came back and told her and her mother that I had done something at a UGA game that neither of them had done; took a leak next to Vince Dooley! true story. I was also interviewed on the radio 2 weeks ago about my novel by Barbara Dooley.
Joey
September 29th, 2011
10:19 am
Let me be the first to apologize to LawDawg for our ignorance and stupitidy.
And for lack of a better phrase, kiss my ass.
bucket
September 29th, 2011
10:19 am
I understand the fact that Richt doesn’t want to bash these kids on their way out of the door and they don’t want to be hateful either for fear they won’t get picked up, but with the situation in Athens with lack of depth at running back I think a more definitive answer is owed on this situation. I understand that Gday is only part of a player’s evaluation, but there is no doubt that the most talented rb on the roster at Gday was Malcome. I understand that Crowell didn’t report until the summer and King had not been declared ineligible, but how did Malcome come out of Gday listed as 4th on the depth chart? In interviews after King and Ealey left, Malcome’s name wasn’t even mentioned. If he was a cancer and lazy, then someone inside the atheletic department needs to say it. As a fan all I know is that we are still having red zone problems and we are running freaking itzy-bitzy Carlton Thomas up the middle when we need 2 yards! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Malcome would have been a better option. Again, I am not in practice and I am not privy to all the facts – but someone needs to be accountable and lay out all the facts.
Mobile Dawg
September 29th, 2011
10:19 am
edumacated, your prediction is my worst fear, which unfortunately has happened on numerous occasions. I’m still predicting a win by the Dogs on Saturday.
jesse
September 29th, 2011
10:20 am
UGA ANT SO GOOD ITS THEIR NAME