Isaiah Crowell proud to be No. 1, wants to make ‘run for Heisman’
Here’s the story on tailbacks and Isaiah Crowell in particular that I filed for print Tuesday night. . . .
ATHENS — Isaiah Crowell’s Georgia teammates bragged on his effort and attitude during the offseason. Apparently his coaches like what they’ve seen and heard as well.
The Bulldogs opened spring practice Tuesday, and Crowell, an enigmatic tailback from Columbus, was the first to line up with the No. 1 offense. “That’s where he’s starting out,” Georgia coach Mark Richt confirmed without elaboration.
That’s a significant development as Crowell ended the 2011 season not only on the sideline, but also in the doghouse. So unsure was the Bulldogs’ situation at tailback that they recruited two prospects to the position, which for a time raised the number on scholarship to seven.
That number dropped to six Tuesday. Rising senior Carlton Thomas informed Richt Tuesday morning of his intention to transfer.
“Carlton has decided to move on,” Richt said. “He came to me and said he has had discussions with his family and had been thinking it through and praying it through, and he summed it up pretty nicely what his intentions are. He wants to move on and try to find a place where he’ll get more playing time. We wish him well.”
Meanwhile, Crowell is starting atop the tailback heap — and he intends to stay there.
“There’s a lot of pride [in that],” Crowell said of being No. 1 on the depth chart. “I want to be the one who starts, and I want to help out all the new guys. That’s the reason that I was glad I was the first one out.”
Even with Thomas out of the picture, the Bulldogs still have a glut of tailbacks. Senior Richard Samuel and sophomores Ken Malcome and Brandon Harton, each of whom had starts last season, return at the position. Georgia recruited Keith Marshall — like Crowell the No. 1-rated tailback prospect in America — and he has enrolled. They also signed running back Todd Gurley, who will join the team in June.
Meeting with reporters for the first time since last season, Crowell said Georgia needed more tailbacks after seeing the position was thinned by attrition last season. He said the additions have strengthened the backfield while intensifying his focus and dedication to becoming the best running back in college football.
“My first goal is just to be a good teammate and help my team get to the national championship,” he said. “My second goal is I’m trying to run for the Heisman.”
Asked how realistic he thought his chances were for winning college football’s player of the year award, Crowell grinned and laughed. “Real realistic.”
Crowell twice was suspended for rules violations last season and drew the wrath of fans when an ankle injury caused him to miss more than what they deemed an appropriate amount of time out of action.
Richt said he met with Crowell after the season, but that the star runner often had “father-son talks” with running backs coach Bryan McClendon. Meanwhile, Dell McGee, Crowell’s coach at Carver-Columbus, had several one-on-ones with him.
“He’s been working really hard,” McGee said Tuesday. “I’ve been getting great reports on a weekly basis from his teammates and coaches and even himself. He’s eager to put last year behind him. I think he learned a lot from last season.”
It wasn’t like he was a bust. Crowell finished with 850 yards rushing and five touchdowns in what amounted to six full games. He was named the SEC’s freshman of the year.
Crowell believes he has much more to offer.
“I’m trying to be a good teammate and be accountable and be a person my teammates can trust,” he said. “That’s been my focus. I know there was a lot of improvement I needed to make and I tried my best to make that. I think it went well and I’m going to keep giving it my all.”
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130 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
7:35 am
“My first goal is just to be a good teammate and help my team get to the national championship,”
Yea, that’s a serious attitude problem right there.
ole yeller
March 21st, 2012
7:38 am
I hope “IC” isn’t mouth and gut wind with this new look. For his sake I hope he is serious. He is not alone in the backfield. UGA need them all, look at what LSU did with a five “RB” backfield.
Joe
March 21st, 2012
7:45 am
Here we go again…..lots of big talk in the spring and a flop in the fall. I am hoping that the message got across to this kid though I do think it had more to do with the 2 guys from Carolina than any revelation by Crowell……time will tell but from past experience I’m doubtful.
North Campus Trash
March 21st, 2012
7:57 am
IC has all the talent in the world. He needs two things to make him great… 1) a great O-line & 2) stay healthy. The O-line is the biggest question mark. He had absolutely no space to run thru last year & still got the yards!!! Yes, he got banged up a lot, but it is easy to make comments about another player’s lack of toughness from an armchair. Everyone’s physiological makeup is different. Some people get hurt more than others. Anyone who has played sports at a high level knows that. Hopefully, his improved workout regimen will help him stay healthier this year. Kudos to IC for showing a lot of maturity this off-season!!!!
UGA1984,
Here’s hoping he becomes a better teammate and team leader as well and that he realizes that accomplishing his personal goals are secondary to those of his team.
dogSTILE
March 21st, 2012
8:07 am
Funny I would have thought the only things he would be RUNNING FOR would be THE EXITS or a DIME BAG.
DIT
March 21st, 2012
8:13 am
I have no problem with a kid aiming for being the best running back in the country. However, saying it and becoming it are 2 different things. IC needs to prove himself on the field to his team 1st.
I think he can be a very good running back. Heisman worthy….. time will tell. I still believe the best thing that happened to IC was the signing of Marshall & Gurley. He knows that he has to work his tail off to keep the #1 spot. I’m pulling for the kid.
DIT
March 21st, 2012
8:17 am
I also agree with several posts on here stating that he needs a strong O-Line to get to an elite level.
side note – Congrats Dawgs on the win over tech yesterday in baseball!
Down the drain again for UGA
March 21st, 2012
8:23 am
A Heisman for Crowell? What a joke!
RxDawg
March 21st, 2012
8:40 am
“I have not read anything racist toward IC. his skin color or his hair. You must be a liberal as you are equating critque to race. I have read negative critiques on Murray – I guess if he was black you would be sensative about that too. Grow some nads and some skin.”
Well done Tide Pride. Well done.
fla dawg
March 21st, 2012
8:47 am
…and we wonder why Bama and LSU fans make fun of us. why doesn’t crowell start out with a goal of being the most productive back that we have and not continue to be the most over hyped with unlimited potential back that we have?
RxDawg
March 21st, 2012
8:55 am
Ok, after reading through the comments … slydog you’ve got to be the biggest presumptuous moron to grace this blog today. You do NOT represent what the majority of UGA fans feel or think.
kybodawg
March 21st, 2012
9:02 am
right slydog the reason people dont like malcom mitchel, jarvis jones, and rambo is because of his their skin color, why if aaron murrary had of been blsck people would of been complaing about his play to.
gdawginkalamazoo
March 21st, 2012
9:05 am
Well good for Crowell. At least he has set his goals for the year and we all know that you can’t win the Heisman if you smoke weed. Right Ricky Williams. Seriously, I hope the kid does well this year. He had a whole lot of expectations heeped upon him last year that any 18 year old would find difficult to deal with. If he stays on the right path great things are in his future.
GT is a 4th rate high school team
March 21st, 2012
9:14 am
Let us see if the Dawgs can at least occupy 2 slots in the Heisman list at end of the 2012 season. LOL
Freddie Blassie
March 21st, 2012
9:14 am
Let Crowell play a week at O guard to see that the big boys do and maybe this sissy will get the idea.
Concerned
March 21st, 2012
9:19 am
Starving to write something about Georgia, so we end up projecting that an okay running back can actually make a run at the Heisman. Sure, and what type are you smoking?
Let’s see, already suspended for (drugs) as has been shared, has behaviour issues on compliance of team rules, and is injury prone, as well showed signs of lack of conditioning.
Sure lets say that we bring back Knowshon or Matthew who were far better players, as they did not win a Heisman. Maybe they could win one with their extra years of E. Sure Crowell has a chance, but so does the newest of running backs as well Charlton Thomas who is leaving. As for note worthy reporting, are we starved for something to write about, lazy, or showing signs of retirement? I see no merit in wasting our time with the obvious.
Go again!
Billdawg
March 21st, 2012
9:22 am
Jimmy it don’t take much to make you happy.
It ain’t gonna happen–the kid can’t stay in class,out of trouble and hurt… damn why should anyone believe are trust him.
1eyedJack
March 21st, 2012
9:24 am
Mr. Towers, could you enlighten us on who the 5 guys were who lined up with the 1s on the OL?
Billdawg
March 21st, 2012
9:29 am
Well said Tide Pride…
G-Dawg
March 21st, 2012
9:32 am
Heismen really? IC just needs to focus on being the complete team player, giving 100% on the field and practice and the classroom…and let those things lead you to where you belong. When you start to believe in yourself, then others will start believing in you. Great things will follow after that!!
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
9:33 am
Why would some of these folks worry so much about his 2nd goal (which sounded more like he was just being jovial) and completely ignore his stated 1st goal. (as well as everything the entire team, former coach, and staff have been saying about him)?
Mobile Dawg
March 21st, 2012
9:33 am
This time of year anything’s possible. What’s the probability? One only has to look at the past to predict the future most of the time. There is an exception to every rule, but the probability of history repeating itself is high. Kool aid will make the pain easier to take, Mark Richt is selling it, a lot of UGA fans are buying it.
Chip Towers
March 21st, 2012
9:33 am
1eyedJack: Sure. Lining up first on the No. 1 offensive line on Tuesday were LT Kenarious Gates, LG Kolton Houston, C David Andrews, RG Chris Burnette and RT Watts Dantzler.
G-Dawg
March 21st, 2012
9:36 am
So what is everyone’s thoughts on that No. 1 OLine up from Tues?
Mobile Dawg
March 21st, 2012
9:42 am
Not much experience G-Dawg. I don’t hold a ton of hope that we will be able to dominate the line of scrimage, play calling and execution will be more important in our ability to move the ball than controlling the line of scrimmage, IMO. A “good” OC with an experienced QB should be able to keep the defense off balance, guessing, allowing the OL to mature into their roles.
Idiot Nerd Boys
March 21st, 2012
9:50 am
to all the idiots that were spreading rumors about Commings having mulitple offenses
“His sentence was comparable to other domestic violence cases in which there were no previous charges or criminal history.”
Now you can STFU and continue to be the losers that you are.
1eyedJack
March 21st, 2012
9:56 am
Thanks Chip. I guess Kolton has his problems straightened out. Is he better than Dallas Lee?
Running Game Has To Get Better in 2012-It Can’t Get Worse « The Grit Tree
March 21st, 2012
10:03 am
[...] The tailback position made some headlines in the paper today, for items other than hot boxing on the…. Richard Samuel doesn’t want to be forgotten, Carlton Thomas is going to transfer. Not much of a surprise there. Also, Isaiah Crowell wants himself a Heisman run. I am glad that Isaiah has such a good attitude following his up and down freshman campaign, and the reports are that he has been working hard in the gym and has added some muscle mass. But Isaiah has a loooong way to go before he can make a Heisman run, and that brings me to a topic I have had in queue for a while and haven’t had a chance to post on here. [...]
bucket
March 21st, 2012
10:04 am
Thanks to all the Gator, Tech, and Tide fans who daily show your obsession with UGA football, but honestly, we don’t really care what you think. I don’t visit your team’s page everyday and I really wish you would return the favor.
Chip Towers
March 21st, 2012
10:06 am
1eyedJack: People forget that Kolton Houston was slated as a starter at guard before he ran afoul of NCAA rules late last summer. Apparently he’s pretty good, but I honestly haven’t seen enough of him in action to have a strong opinion.
Mike M.
March 21st, 2012
10:07 am
Isaiah had so much pressure, in the way of expectations, placed upon him last year. Any mere mortal would have succumbed. As soon as he signed he was compared to Herschel. Guess what – there won’t ever be another Herschel.
We will see this year if IC lives up to his potentiale. Hopefully the expectations we have for him are a bit more reasonable than they were last year. The Heisman talk from him doesn’t help. How about a solid 1,000 yd + season with no turnovers and eligibility for each game? That would be an incredible move forward from his freshman year. We sometimes need to give these kids a break, but they need to understand the awesome responsibility of playing for a great program Coach Richt has in Athens. Go Georgia!!
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
10:16 am
It’s odd that Houston has had NCAA problems for this long and there has never been any more public information about what exactly that is. It it a privacy issue or just an ongoing investigation for this long?
MDAWG24
March 21st, 2012
10:20 am
Here’s hoping he can stay healthy and back that talk up!
Chip Towers
March 21st, 2012
10:26 am
Idiot Nerd Boys: The report to which you refer was written off court documents and was alleged by the victim.
GaTruth
March 21st, 2012
10:31 am
@slydog – you are an idiot. No one ever mentioned IC’s race except for you. UGA fans are, for the most part color blind. We don’t care what color a player is if he gives his best effort on every play and stays out of trouble. Given your race-obsession, you probably call that “acting white”. Ask the Dawg Nation who their favorite Dawg of all time is and most will say Herschel. Put the race game away, there is no room for it here.
SavDawg
March 21st, 2012
10:51 am
Can you believe slydawg comments @ 3/20 10 pm.sheez what a nerd!!!!
RxDawg
March 21st, 2012
10:53 am
Here’s an interesting tidbit about the offensive line. Most you probably think that Ben Jones was calling the shots (blocking schemes) last year from the center position right? Well…not right. It was actually the extremely intelligent Burnette from the gaurd position.
I’m a koolaid drinking believer that our offensive line next season will be an improvement.
Mister
March 21st, 2012
11:01 am
How can you guys continue to bash Crowell?? This young man had torn ligaments in his foot… I must admit I bashed him all of last season for his selfiness and toughness.. However, I didnt realize the severity of his ankle. But with that said, the same people on here bashing IC, will be riding his jock by mid-season when he has over 1,000yds. You people are idiots and hipocrites. Just like someone said the only thing that truly matters is, if the young man leaves UGA a better person. Life is full of trials and errors, which some of you 30, 40, 50 year old are still making. Speak postivies into this young man life, and stop the negative talk. Go DAWGS!!!
DaveDawg96
March 21st, 2012
11:06 am
Yes, aim high, we need more of that! Great attitude and, of course, great potential from Isaiah! (Not that 850 yards and SEC Freshman of the Year were chump change, but he CAN win the Heisman.)
Mister
March 21st, 2012
11:11 am
We need to rally the troops…. We are calling for Robert Nkemniche and Rueben Foster to become DAWGS! If you are true believers lets speak this into existence.
dogSTILE
March 21st, 2012
11:16 am
“Bucket”, Guess what?, I am a Tech fan and am happy IF we win (I aint happy to much). Thing is BUCKET, you no life PO-, you dog people (way MOST of you), go around thinking, your bleeping, Florida, LSU and damn sure – ALABAMA. Rather than have a realistic view of your self. Guess what “BUCKET”, check the records, you want to be like somebody (or BE SOMEBODY) on the UGA campus? Then be like the Mens Tennis Team – more national titles than you can count. An one other thing “BUCKET”, they don’t lead the SEC in ARRESTS like the football team does.
JImmy T
March 21st, 2012
11:35 am
The dude wasn’t there for his team several times last year and as a result, the team suffered. You can’t compete for an SEC or National title if you’re relying on walkons at tailback. When he was available to play, he was often hurt and unable to play. I know Slydog will see that as racist and discriminatory, but those are just the facts. The color of his hair or skin have nothing to do with what’s in his heart or head. Fans want to root for players who love their team and school and give their best. This is big boy football and we need IC to grow up and do his part to help us win titles. We all know he can be that guy.
DawginLex
March 21st, 2012
12:09 pm
Good for Mr Crowell
Prove all the doubters wrong
Time
March 21st, 2012
12:24 pm
You go get your Heisman Trophy Isiah. Real UGA fans and alum support you. Ignore the posers and Tech/Bama trolls on the AJC. Go Dawgs.
Jawja
March 21st, 2012
12:30 pm
Shut up Slydog.
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
12:31 pm
So, “they” are all idiots and hypocrits, but your own bashing of him all year long is excusable because you were never shown his xrays?
Jimmy Crack
March 21st, 2012
12:31 pm
Quoted from the Sanders Commings article which our community nanny says we aren’t allowed to comment on…
“He was also ordered to have no contact with his victim.”
The very best part of his judgement, IMO. I wonder if it goes both ways (hope so).
WDE
March 21st, 2012
12:38 pm
Lets see trolls what exactly would you have liked IC to say ? I’m going to sit on the bench and eat Twinkies ? I like what he said, and after last year he knows what will be said by the trolls…and he said it anyway! Hope he can back up the be the best he can be,and the best team mate comments and then Heisman will take care of itself. And slydog IC is black? Who knew? It amazes me that you will call everyone who doubted IC’s effort etc last year a racist, but not those that pound on Murray some of which are black not so much…double standard much?
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
12:39 pm
I have a feeling that when she heard that part she said……..”um, wait, what now?”
Jimmy Crack
March 21st, 2012
12:41 pm
Exactly, lol.