Recent dismissals, arrest leave Georgia with secondary concerns
The dismissal last week of three Georgia football players coupled with the legal trouble facing Sanders Commings has left put the Bulldogs in a pinch in the secondary.
Initially thought to be a team strength heading into the 2012 season, Georgia’s defensive backfield is suddenly left precariously thin and extremely vulnerable after head coach Mark Richt booted off the team Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders. Including the departure of three other defensive backs since the start of last season — Jakar Hamilton, Derek Owens and Jordan Love all left, allegedly of their own volition — that leaves the Bulldogs with just nine scholarship defensive backs heading into spring practice next month.
Included in that number is senior and starting cornerback Sanders Commings. However, Commings is not expected to be available for at least the first couple of games next season due to his arrest on a domestic violence/simple battery charge last month. Unless those charges end up getting dropped, Commings is likely looking at a suspension of at least two games.
Game 2 is, of course, on the road against pass-happy Missouri. The Tigers return starting quarterback James Franklin, leading receiver T.J. Moe and two other receivers with 20 or more catches from last season. Meanwhile, they added wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, the nation’s No. 1 overall recruiting prospect, on national signing day.
The Bulldogs will play most of the season with four senior starters — Commings and Branden Smith at the corners and Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams at the safeties. Rising sophomore Damian Swann figures to fill in for Commings. But Swann is likely to be the starting nickelback as well and, as we’ve seen, Georgia probably plays 66 percent of the time in its nickel package.
So which players will be the sixth and seventh defensive backs on the field for the Bulldogs is the real issue here. It will have to come from a group that includes sophomore safeties Marc Deas, Corey Moore and Quintavious Harrow, redshirt freshman Devin Bowman and true freshman and recent signee Sheldon Dawson of Memphis. Georgia also has several walkons in the secondary, including juniors Blake Sailors and Luis Capella and sophomore Connor Norman. But generally if you’re having to play walkons you’ve got problems.
The lack of depth could affect the Bulldogs in other places as well. Branden Smith, for instance, was expected to return kicks and take some snaps on offense. But the Bulldogs might need to weigh the risk of Smith multitasking against the possibility of injury and/or fatigue. They’re going to need Smith to play great on defense next season, first and foremost.
And what about Georgia’s defense beyond this season? Again, all four starters are seniors. Who are the cornerbacks of the future? Are they on campus yet? Are there some 2013 prospects that are good enough to come in and start in the SEC?
Granted, that is a somewhat pessimistic view. As we’ve seen from defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, he has a decidedly NFL mentality when it comes to playing time, keeping his starters in the game for the entirety regardless of time or score. And his very mantra is to put the 11 best players on the field regardless of their declared position. You’ll never hear a coach, particularly that one, say they can’t get it done.
Here’s another thought: Would Georgia dare play Malcolm Mitchell on that side of the ball? The rising sophomore was the Bulldogs’ most explosive wide receiver last season. But he was, after all, considered one of the best DBs in the nation coming out of Valdosta High. Could he play defense even part-time?
All food for thought. It’s not my intention to preach doom-and-gloom for Georgia’s secondary. Again, at full strength and with everybody present and accounted for, there are few defensive backfields in the nation that can compare. But suffice it to say, injuries or further attrition of any sort could spell big trouble for this secondary.
Again, a brief rundown:
LOST DBs
- S Jakar Hamilton, transfer
- CB Jordan Love, transfer
- CB Nick Marshall, dismissed
- CB/S Chris Sanders, dismissed
- CB/S Derek Owens, transfer
STARTERS
- CB Sanders Commings, Sr.
- CB Branden Smith, Sr.
- SS Shawn Williams, Sr.
- FS Bacarri Rambo, Sr.
RETURNEES
- CB Damian Swann, So.
- S Marc Deas, So.
- S Corey Moore, So.
- S Quintavious Harrow, So.
- CB Devin Bowman, RFr.
ADDITIONS
- CB Sheldon Dawson, TFr.
WALKONS
- CB Luis Capella, Jr.
- CB Corey Dunson, Jr.
- SS Autin Herod, Jr.
- SS Connor Norman, So.
- CB Blake Sailors, Jr.
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321 comments Add your comment
@ugab
February 7th, 2012
2:48 pm
We should of signed some of the top DBs and Safeties this class.. Does CMR ever plan for the futre?
Well, the UGA program was very deep at the position until after signing day. One of the things recruits look for, is playing time, so that probably had alot to do with not signing that many. Of course, if we only had a crystal ball…..
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
2:50 pm
Richt loves the walk-ons. Thats why we had problems on special teams last year. You can add secondary this coming year.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
2:54 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
2:35 pm
On this again??? How many times do we have to show you how stupid you are before you will get it??
TDF
February 7th, 2012
2:55 pm
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
2:50 pm
Thanks for showing how dumb you are with this post!
bgness
February 7th, 2012
2:55 pm
Anyone else think ray drew is gonna live up to his number this year? You can’t just take pollacks #and not show out!
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
2:59 pm
but if you are this negative about the direction of our program, how do you feel about yours?
I have been negative about my team as well. Except the basketball team. At least they are making efforts to improve. I think CPJ has done a pretty good job but if the defense and special teams continue to play like they have then another change may be needed.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:00 pm
ugab
February 7th, 2012
2:22 pm
Man you are stupid. Just stop posting. You are clearly a retard.
Richt doesnt plan for the future??? Thats why he already has 2013 and 2014 commits. Thats why he was one of the very first to offer Robert N. could go on for days this is just a dumb statement
FYI dummy we have 14 OL for this year all that can play and compete for a starting job. 2013 is the year to pick up OL as its the deepest class in 30+ years. Also lots of very good DBs in 2013. We will sign a JUCO DB for this upcoming season (Said as soon as he gets the offer he will commit) and there is another 4 star DB JUCO for 2013 who said if UGA offered he would be a lock.
I hope you are just dumb bc this is the only place you go for UGA news (FYI this is the worst place for UGA news)
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:02 pm
On this again??? How many times do we have to show you how stupid you are before you will get it??
Of course i’m here again. I consider it my civic duty to educate UGA fans since the university doesn’t seem too concerned about it.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:02 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
2:59 pm
May????? CPJ is a joke and so is that offense. Sorry but it would take nothing short of a miracle for tech to be good again.
NC_Dawg
February 7th, 2012
3:02 pm
Your comment about walk-ons not contributing is way off. Sailors was all over the field on special teams last year. I know several players off the top of my head that came in as walk-ons and made big contributions. A guy named Will Muschamp comes to mind.
I think UGA have enough athletes on the team to fill any position needed. Time for somebody to step up.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:04 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:02 pm
I meant on the topic. (Lame joke again??? how many times do I have to remind you that the Avg UGA Freshman and Avg GT freshman are almost identical in test scores and GPA. But keep thinking there is a significant gap you clown)
Anyone who thinks that just bc LSU and Bama have no offense then no one in the SEC does, is a moron (AKA GTBob).
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:06 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:02 pm
FYI I feel its my civic duty to tell you over and over again how retarded you are! Well at least until it finally sticks
Howd that back to back GT MNCs prediction work out for you?
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:08 pm
@ GTBob-
Go up to an Arky fan and tell them they have no offense. see how hard they laugh in your face.
FYI SEC has the best defenses, so logically that would mean that the offensive numbers will be down a little bit compared to other conferences since SEC teams play 8 SEC games every year hmmmmmmmmm……………
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:10 pm
Dont think so. Look at Florida and LSU games last year. Funny watching a bunch of walk-ons chasing the speedster and honey-badger. What a joke!
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:13 pm
Anyone who thinks that just bc LSU and Bama have no offense then no one in the SEC does, is a moron (AKA GTBob).
Offensive ranks:
Arkansas – 29th
Alabama – 31st
Georgia – 39th
South Carolina – 73rd
Miss St – 84th
LSU – 86th
Vandy – 98th
Auburn – 100th
Tenn – 104th
Florida – 105th
Ole Miss – 114th
Kentucky – 118th
Oh yeah. That’s some great offense.
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:17 pm
so logically that would mean that the offensive numbers will be down a little bit compared to other conferences since SEC teams play 8 SEC games every year
Unfortunately, the SEC offensive numbers are down significantly since last year. So that argument doesn’t really hold water. Plus, when half of your conference is 98th or lower it’s a little hard to just say they played good defenses.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:18 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:13 pm
Once again retard, they are playing 8 SEC games against the best defenses in the country. So logic dictates that offensive numbers would drop.
And FYI top 40 is good when its out of almost 120 teams you clown.
JB
February 7th, 2012
3:19 pm
Quit feeding GTBob. He thrives off being answered by UGA folk…. It’s like feeding a stray cat. Quit putting food out….and it moves on. We can only hope.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:20 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:17 pm
Who cares if they are down, ppl graduate, teams changes you idiot.
And yes when you play 8 of your 12 games against some of the best defenses in the country offensive numbers can change dramatically. SEC had the top 3 defenses in the country this year, so logically offensive numbers go down.
Would you like to argue with logic some more retard??
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:21 pm
JB
February 7th, 2012
3:19 pm
You do what you want and Ill do what I want.
I much more enjoy proving over and over again how stupid he is.
You are done crying about our recruiting class arent you?
SEC
February 7th, 2012
3:23 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:13 pm
The goal is to win the BCS trophy, not rank number 1 in offense. The 7th in a row will come this year.
JB
February 7th, 2012
3:25 pm
TDF………thought the ones we got were great.We left 6-7 spots open in a State that produces 150-200 D1 players…..I cry when I see us gasping in the 4th quarter with little to put in.
Contractor
February 7th, 2012
3:25 pm
“if you’re having to play walkons you’ve got problems”. I think Brandon Harton did just fine as a walk on last year. First off, reserves like you said are rarely used. The reserves we have were Super 11 selections in Georgia their senior years, so we have plenty of talent and the ability to field a competitive secondary. This is all worry and just another discussion to rile everyone up. It’s not like we were at running back last year, where we have four total players, but there are two back ups at each position.
JB
February 7th, 2012
3:26 pm
You gotta love when Tech loses to us and they go straight to the stats
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:29 pm
And yes when you play 8 of your 12 games against some of the best defenses in the country
Just curiously, why were Alabama and LSU’s worst defensive games against out of conference opponents?
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:30 pm
The goal is to win the BCS trophy, not rank number 1 in offense.
That’s great. This is an argument about the SEC not playing offense, not the SEC’s ability to win games. Please enlighten us if you have something to add.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:32 pm
JB
February 7th, 2012
3:25 pm
JUCOs JUCOs JUCOs- Mario Alford out of GMC is a 4* DB who said if he gets an offer he will commit right away. (Cousin of a current player) and theres another one for 2013.
Richt had already given away 4 scholarships to walk ons before NSD due to how well they have done throughout their career and they did earn them.
So really we didnt have much more room left. Maybe 2-3 extra spots. One which will go to the JUCO DB and possibly another to a JUCO OL.
Dont go to Carvell for recruiting news it will make you as dumb as him. He likes to bash UGA and post how many guys we missed on I think he said something like 19 out of 31. Too bad he cant be a real journalist and compare that to say LSU and Bama who were more like 23 and 28 out of 160. Avery Young is the only recruit that hurt us by not picking us. But then again we have 14-17 OL for next year that can come in and compete for starting time. We will be fine, especially with the amount of OL talent in the 2013 class.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:33 pm
@JB Richt also decided to not go with plan B guys this year out of high school and instead see what JUCOs are available.
We will be fine in terms of depth.
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:36 pm
Harton gets killed against real competition. Cant run midgets against SEC.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:39 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:29 pm
LSU game was against Oregon one of the best offensive teams in the country you idiot.
And please dont tell me you are talking about Bamas game vs an FCS school????????
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:41 pm
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:10 pm
When there is no depth its kinda hard to play starters and others who see significant playing time, on special teams.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:42 pm
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:36 pm
He still deserved his scholarship that he got for this year.
Beast from the East
February 7th, 2012
3:42 pm
UF went through this last year and had to start several freshmen. Got burned a few times, but played solid overall. UGA will help their secondary out with a great pass rush more than any last minute transfers. No matter how good the WR’s are, the QB has to have time to throw the ball.
John
February 7th, 2012
3:43 pm
Connor Norman played quite a bit last year, and not just on special teams. He even played some minutes late in the season during games that were still in doubt. He is shaping up to be another in a traditional line of walk-ons at Georgia that have earned scholarships: Tra Battle and Will Muschamp are two that come to mind immediately.
Of the three players dismissed, only Nick Marshall was projected to play meaningful minutes as the season begins. Though Sanders would likely have joined the depth later in the season. Hopefully, Marshall can get his act together like Odell Thurman did and return for 2013.
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:44 pm
TDF, explain these rankings:
Total Defense:
Bama #1
LSU #2
USC #3
UGA #5
Total Defense Out of Conference:
Bama: #5
USC #9
LSU #18
UGA #37
Why do the top defensive teams in the SEC do worse against out of conference opponents then they do against SEC opponents if the SEC is playing such good offense?
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:46 pm
I disagree. Hes awful.
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:48 pm
If we have to play cooner Noman its going to be a very long season.
Jeff
February 7th, 2012
3:48 pm
Here we all go again!!!! same story different year…….just let us lose on the road to Missouri…MISSOURI that in itself should be grounds to dismiss these coaches. These players STILL dont get it- and unfortunately, they never will. As in our mentality with a QB that has given big games away with no consequences that same mentality filters thru….
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:49 pm
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:46 pm
Well thats your opinion but not a good one. Harton has everything but the size. Still a great player and valued member of the team.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:50 pm
Jeff
February 7th, 2012
3:48 pm
Wow you are stupid if you want a new coaching staff. Well actually more like border line retarded
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:51 pm
Yea Thats my opinion and why we will always be mediocre with Richt in charge.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:57 pm
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
3:44 pm
Figured you had 0 logical sense in you.
Teams in the same conference play more frequently than they play OOC teams. Therefore they know less about OOC teams than teams in the SEC that they hear about every week. So its harder to defend a team you know very little about than one you are very familar with.
Also in the SEC we tend to play easier OOC games. Meaning we run the score up and then pull the starters and let the back ups play. Sometimes they score against the back ups.
As for LSU they played Oregon and WVU two teams that are very good offensively and 2 teams they know very little about.
Where are your ranking coming from also?
TDF
February 7th, 2012
3:58 pm
VINCE
February 7th, 2012
3:51 pm
Well thanks for quickly showing you are stupid so I dont take you seriously.
Mediocre with Richt???? hahahahhahahahahahha not even close.
Beast from the East
February 7th, 2012
4:03 pm
TDF,
Here’s a great source for stats.
http://www.cfbstats.com/2011/leader/national/team/defense/split08/category10/sort01.html
Ace
February 7th, 2012
4:08 pm
While the lost of those DBs might hurt, you have to look at those DL and LBs that we have coming back that can put pressure on the QB. So while Missouri returns a starting QB, he now has to get use to SEC speed now (Jarvis Jones).
GTBob
February 7th, 2012
4:08 pm
TDF, I use the same source as Beast. cfbstats.
DawginLex
February 7th, 2012
4:08 pm
Maybe because we play twice as many SEC games as OOC games?
fishook dawg
February 7th, 2012
4:09 pm
I just don’t want to see another year like last year when 8 walkons received scholarship. It’s a feel good story for them, but to make this a every year thing is not very smart. You have to treat awarding scholarships like a business and give them to the best players out there, or you’ll never keep up with the competition.
UGA76
February 7th, 2012
4:09 pm
We had 27 scholarships available and only signed 19. We have now lost another 3 so we are going into 2012 down 11 players. That is absurd. The lack of an early start to recruiting has really jumped up and bit us in the backside. We are going to be woefully thin on special teams especially punts and kickoffs due to the acute situation in the secondary. I hope CMR has learned something from waiting around like he did this year.
Grantham will figure it out but we need to start scouring the junior college ranks as we are going to need 3-4 from there to go with probably 5-6 from high school for a total of hopefully 9. We lost 5 and will lose 4 more seniors. If we add in needing 6 offensive linemen and at least 2 inside LBs our recruiting priorities are pretty clear. We also need to get a very early start and use as many as possible of the 11 available scholarship spots on early enrollees. Alabama has had great success with early enrollees so we just need to follow that example. The guys better start offering DBs, OL, and ILB right now.
TDF
February 7th, 2012
4:10 pm
DawginLex
February 7th, 2012
4:08 pm
And yet another reason why GTBob has no logical skills!!
thanks Lex.