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.”
130 comments Add your comment
Jimmy
March 20th, 2012
9:45 pm
Could it be?
Jimmy
March 20th, 2012
9:45 pm
Wow. I actually have no more to add, but I’M FIRST! I can die a happy man now.
Mobile Dawg
March 20th, 2012
9:48 pm
It would be nice to see a motivated, unselfish IC reach his potential. I’m more of the let my work do the talking kind of person, I didn’t need to hear him mention the Heisman. If he lives up to his hype it will take care of itself.
MY Dawg
March 20th, 2012
9:48 pm
That’s what I wanted to hear from thisyoung DAWG! I look for big things from the running backs this season! Go Dawgs!
Jimmy
March 20th, 2012
9:49 pm
Ok, I do have something to add afterall; UGA needs more guys like Samuel, and less like Thomas. Guys like Samuel, who don’t get a lot of playing time, look at themselves as more of team leaders and are proud to be DGD’s, while guy’s the like of Thomas put themselves above the team, “I need more playing time so this is the best move for me” yaddi yaddi yadda. This guy think he’s going to be in the NFL one day?? Please!
He needs to be thankful he has a degree from UGA and move on w/ his life.
Dawglasville
March 20th, 2012
9:50 pm
Sounds great. We will have to wait and see.
phil
March 20th, 2012
9:52 pm
Are you kidding me? IC can’t finish one or 2 runs and now he thinks he’s up for a Heisman run?
LOLOLOLOL!!
phil
March 20th, 2012
9:55 pm
Fire everyone!!
slydog
March 20th, 2012
10:00 pm
Darn, I knew I should have taken notes on all the racist,biased, discriminatory comments made about IC. Just call the dude lazy and get it over with. As long as he’s a “good boy,” folks will cheer him on, but not when he struggles. Some fans you are. Now this post is gonna be full of hypocrits who will ACT like they never said anything negative about him and wished him the best the entire time. He was not given the benefit of the doubt because of his skin color and his hair. FACT!!! I just want him to finish his career as a Dawg, learn how to speak English properly, interview well, and get his degree. Anyway, he still has a lot to prove on the football field as far as toughness and durability. The diaper and the training wheels have come off.
FLA DAWG
March 20th, 2012
10:01 pm
Normally I’d tell this kid to take a ME break.
But if the O Line can open holes with any consistency and Crow is ready to hit and be hit he might just have a shot at some greatness. Afterall, the kid has speed………..now about the toughness……………………………………………………………………………….you’ll have to prove it every game IC.
AltamahaDawg
March 20th, 2012
10:02 pm
Good for you, young man!
trupert
March 20th, 2012
10:08 pm
I have no problem with Crowell blowing his own horn for the Heisman. He’s a kid that’s sure of himself and that’s a strength.
I believe he has the potential. We’re pulling for you Isiah, keep it going and go Dawgs!!!
bsg3003
March 20th, 2012
10:16 pm
^^^ that post makes absolutely no sense whatever.
AltamahaDawg
March 20th, 2012
10:17 pm
So, doesn’t have to make sense, just make sure you comment on every Georgia blog, eh?
bsg3003
March 20th, 2012
10:17 pm
*whatsoever
Flounder
March 20th, 2012
10:17 pm
good luck with that, oh annointed one. Are you sure he didn’t actually say “I wanna make a run for Hash”??
Dawg48
March 20th, 2012
10:17 pm
Crowell had torn ligaments in his ankle at the end of the season. That just shows you he is tuff for trying to play. Nothing wrong with shooting for the top.
bsg3003
March 20th, 2012
10:20 pm
this reminds me of the Washaun Ealey for heisman article.. lol. run for more than 1000 yards and 10 td’s first before you start talking heisman IC. You got the talent, but you gotta prove it before you toot your own horn.
RJ
March 20th, 2012
10:22 pm
Phil get a life
SCS
March 20th, 2012
10:23 pm
Isiah put down the crack pipe. You saying heisman is the most funny thing i’ve heard all year.
Brian
March 20th, 2012
10:26 pm
sly what is a hypocrit? dumbdog
MurfDawg
March 20th, 2012
10:31 pm
This is going to be interesting. IC thinks he can run the ball TWO times in a row and win the Heisman!!!
This was the #1 thing I did not want to hear coming out of spring practice. Maybe at Mars Hill or Newberry you keep giving a kid a chance, but this is big time,big boy football. And this is supposed to be UGA football and we are supposed to have somebody to run the damn ball. IC ain’t it!!
The #2 thing that I don’t want to hear out of spring practice, is Murray is a changed player and will lead the Dawgs to the SEC championship. Murray is 16-11. and has single handedly cost the Dawgs six games. he has had his chance. Can a new guy do any worse? Silly fumbles, poor hand-offs, and the glorious pick sixes have led to 11 losses. If Richt doesn’t ramp up the competition at qb and rb, we are in for another mediocre season. But Richt will have the careers of two players on his resume of saved souls.
The #3 thing to hear out of spring practice is one of the two freshman rb will transfer before the start of the season.
I hope i’m wrong.
Tide Pride
March 20th, 2012
10:35 pm
At Bama – we state the goal of winning National Titles – and work to get them.
Good for IC for setting high goals. Maybe Richt should set a goal of winning a National title – he just might win an SEC title in the process.
@slydog 10:00pm post – you carrying some kind of white boy guilt? I agree that IC has been criticized due to the huge expectations placed on him …..a freshman. Fact is – he is a freshman, had not had the conditioning to prepare – and the nagging ankle injury was not given the chance to heal and he only hurt himself more – never should have played against KY. Richardson, Ingram – they were not counted on to carry the team as freshman. Not fair to put that on IC or in coming freshman Marshall or Gurley.
slydog – 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.
and slydog……………… ROLL TIDE!
beanster
March 20th, 2012
10:41 pm
#1 — TEAM #2 – Heisman — There you go, Isaiah!!!!!
What back worth their salt wouldn’t say the Heisman is their goal? The kid has all the talent in the world. As long as he puts his teammates in front of individual accolades, I say the sky is the limit.
GO DAWGS! GO ISAIAH!!! GET AFTER THAT @SS!!!!!!
Lisa
March 20th, 2012
10:41 pm
Great Isiah. I am very proud you. Now let’s go get an SEC championship and as always GOOOO DAWGS!
Cdpridg
March 20th, 2012
10:49 pm
I dont see any reason why not. Kid has all the talent. Should be a hell of a year for the Dawgs!!!
Buzz2011
March 20th, 2012
10:50 pm
Run for Heisman??? The kid only plays for two series a game.. What a joke from Dawg central. Sounds like a Mark Bradley dream….Where is Hershel??
Mitch Cumstein
March 20th, 2012
10:55 pm
D@mn.. For once I agree with Turd Pride!
Slydog, meither you are a bed wetting liberal or just plain dumb! Nobody said a word about Crowell’s skin, now his hair!!! He could use a hair cut, I bet that is some nappy stuff.
Mitch Cumstein
March 20th, 2012
10:55 pm
either
Hey yall. CT is like gone
March 20th, 2012
11:16 pm
5′7″ 165 lb carlton thomas left uga ……………..so what?
UGA class of 71 & 73
We all know when we see it
March 20th, 2012
11:19 pm
IC is child. He talks big, he runs his mouth but can he ACT LIKE a man? SO far???
Time will tell. The players eitther will or will not respect him. It is up soley to IC.
UGA man here.
Paul in NH
March 20th, 2012
11:35 pm
The Heisman Trophy pretty much is a QB’s award now – only 2 RBs in the last 12 years – and the 2 RBs (Reggie Bush 2005; Mark Ingram 2009) were key players on MNC teams. Unless Richt hsa completely changed his offensive philosophy, Crowell has as much chance of winning a Heisman as a GT A back.
Score Check
March 20th, 2012
11:38 pm
Still@theKool-aidBAR is a sad, bitter little man.
Where does all of the hatred of all things UGA come from?
RED DOG 77
March 21st, 2012
12:15 am
I think the kid will do great…………I’ve alot of confidense in him…………..GO DOGS!!!!!
Dawgboy
March 21st, 2012
12:35 am
Reggie Bush and Mark Ingram could pound the ball series after series, game after game, against any level of competition. IC can do that against high school competition and some college competition. He has quick legs, but the rest of the big time package is just not there. Develop the other running backs. Don’t count on him.
go dawgs
March 21st, 2012
12:50 am
where is all the hate for everything georgia coming from??
dawgforlife
March 21st, 2012
12:50 am
uh…Earl Campbell could pound the ball…Reggie and Mark not so much. I am only going by what I am hearing from teammates. I believe IC will surprise some people. I truly hope he has a great year.
Dawson Dave
March 21st, 2012
1:30 am
Slydog….I don’t see too much racism from Georgia fans–who are 95% white, cheering for a team that is 95% black. Not exactly representitive of the fan base or student body.
dayshift
March 21st, 2012
1:52 am
just make sure Crowell when you steal somebody’s computer you throw it out the window into the dumpster like Cam Newton did before the police come. Have your father call and request six figures from Richt and then you will fit right in. That is all the integrity it takes.
hbcuclassics
March 21st, 2012
2:33 am
HBCU Classic Sports
2012 Draft Board (1-64)
http://hbcuclassics.com/hbcu_draft_board
Bigdsel
March 21st, 2012
5:12 am
Get after it young pup. Make the bulldog nation Proud
mulk
March 21st, 2012
5:21 am
First one out, helping the new guys, father son talks, teammates trusting him…. wouldn’t surprise me that the next thing that gets reported that he has found Jesus.
slydog
March 21st, 2012
6:21 am
An Alabama fan has no business in any discussion about race. Period. If you are foolish enough to believe that 95% of UGA fans are not racist, you must live in a different reality. You need to lower that percentile. The #1 point I was making is he was not given the benefit of the doubt because of the color of his skin. Fact. When Colin Barber was smashing mailboxes, the majority of the comments were like “big deal,” “I did that too”, “I hope he gets his life together.” It’s in the archives. Go check it out. Now compare that to IC’s posts when it came to injury or even the weed incident. How many of y’all said I did that too? How many idiots were stating that the (black) players need to cut their hair so the helmet will fit but said nothing about the 2-3 times Aaron Murray’s helmet fell off or all the other players around college football. Turns out the helmets were too big. You don’t have to be a racist to be racially biased. That’s common sense. Then, when trying to prove that you love all colored people and dare I have the audacity to call it fake, there is this little joke:
“Mitch Cumstein
March 20th, 2012
10:55 pm
D@mn.. For once I agree with Turd Pride!
Slydog, meither you are a bed wetting liberal or just plain dumb! Nobody said a word about Crowell’s skin, now his hair!!! He could use a hair cut, I bet that is some nappy stuff.”
Now if Jason Whitlock (I hate him, ok) should be fired for a common male back room joke, then what exactly is that quote above?
UGA fan...not fanatic
March 21st, 2012
6:26 am
hbcu, no one cares about your high school draft board.
RedandBlackDAWG
March 21st, 2012
6:41 am
I think the young man has grown up a lot since last season ended, both physically and maturity wise. I he stays healthy and gets some holes opened up for him, he will en up causing some defensive coaches to lose some sleep at night from opposing teams. He will be a leader on the team, before all is said and done, if he continues on this way. He is also now 220 pounds and reports indicate he hasn’t lost a bit of his speed, and that is great news. His body should hold up a lot better this year.
uga1984
March 21st, 2012
6:52 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!!!!
FLA DAWG
March 21st, 2012
7:04 am
The kid has speed and good vision for sure. If he was hurt badly enough to take himself out of games time after time he should not have played at all after the injury last season.
My concern with this kid is that he hits the line like a marshmellow and when he gets hit he folds like a bad hand on poker night.
Your Girlfriend
March 21st, 2012
7:13 am
Well… It’s the off-season.
Might as well go ahead and win the fantasy Heisman while the Dawgs are still the fantasy National Champions.
Beast from the East
March 21st, 2012
7:23 am
Why is he talking about the Heisman? Did you ever hear any of the past winners talking about postseason awards while entering their sophomore seasons? Do your job on the field and let your play speak for itself. I don’t like this kid’s attitude…at all.
Tide Pride
March 21st, 2012
7:34 am
slydog – are you on drugs? seriously! You are equating the fact that I am an Alabama fan means that I have a built in racist stance. That people that root for Alabama or went of the word ” racist”? Do you know the real meaing of the word “prejudice” There is a difference. The state of Georgia was a major part of the confederacy – so I guess that means you are racist and a member of the KKK. You are an idiot!
Most liberals are about lumping people into groups for their convenience.. It must be tough being a liberal living in an area of the country that favors freedom, individual rights and accountability.
Again, I have not read anything in several posts about IC, his skin color or his hair and helmet that are racist. Joe Namath was criticized for his long hair hanging out of his helmet back when he played for the Jets – I guess those folks that critcized him are against Hungarians. HMMMM, Hungarianphobes. I guess that those that criticized him believe that Namath and Hungarians are inferrior mentally due to breeding and race……. dang those racists for criticising Joe Namath!
Those who spout out the word racist like you do obviously do not know the definition of racist and are very dangerous people – probably as dangerous to those that are actually racist.
Now go away, and think of ways to take other peoples hard earned money to apply to your social engineering scheme and to make life “fai”: for those that envy hard work and success.
I agree with you on one thing – IC was criticized unfairly when in fact he had a very good year as a true freshman. Think of what he accomplished:
– major playing time as a true freshman – despite not being an early enrollee.
– over 800 yards rushing
- tried to play hurt (mistake by the coaching staff – should have let his ankle heal).
Going into his sophomore year:
– IC will have the propoer conditioning to prepare.
- will have quality depth to back him up – meaing the staff will be patient and not likely allow him to play hurt.
slydog – I am with you in that the criticism of IC was misplaced by ignorant fans. But none of the ciritcisms were racist in content. Be careful with your words.
I think UGA’s O-LINE was a major problem last year. Hmmmm, I guess that fact that there are black kids on the O-Line that I am criticising makes me a racist.
and slydog …………………………….ROLL TIDE!!!!
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.
Dawg Tired
March 21st, 2012
12:42 pm
SOUNDS good. I hope it works out for him.
Blue
March 21st, 2012
1:17 pm
I think he should start with a goal of not running his mouth on the field, immediately followed by him getting drilled by someone and dragging his butt of the field. Heisman winner’s aren’t guys that keep coming off the field hurt or winded.
bucket
March 21st, 2012
1:22 pm
Perfect example of “UGA Obsession Syndrome”: ““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.”
This is a perfect example of what obsessing about your opponent will do to a person! UGA football is nothing according to this person, yet this Tech fan just has to come on the UGA blog and post something. I am proud to say that since the invention of the internet by Al Gore I have never gone to another team’s blog and vomited on the screen. Guess that’s the difference between a fan and a fanatic.
Tom
March 21st, 2012
1:31 pm
Win the Heisman?
He’ll be doing well to learn how to spell “Heisman”.
Just Sayin
March 21st, 2012
1:36 pm
Yeah Man! I want to run! I run to run to my Homies and get some mo smoke!!!
78Dawg
March 21st, 2012
1:36 pm
How this POS comes out and talks about a selfish goal, the Heisman, is disgraceful and should tell everyone that IC only cares about IC. He should be GONE!
C$
March 21st, 2012
1:59 pm
#SoCrow
G-Dawg
March 21st, 2012
2:05 pm
Stile…um, what in the heck did you type?? didnt make a damn bit of sense!!!
G-Dawg
March 21st, 2012
2:08 pm
78Dawg…not sure what to think about his comments either…but still doesnt verberate with the team concept. If he would just on giving his best on the field to help bring championships..the rest will fall into place. I suggest less talk. and more action at this point. He hasnt proven anything to anyone till he hits the field, and stays on it.
ValdostaDawg
March 21st, 2012
2:15 pm
Forget Crowell — Malcome Mitchell for the Heisman!!
Go Dawgs!
docdawg
March 21st, 2012
3:13 pm
Young man has a ton of talent, insiders who are knowledgeable and watch practice consistently believe he has as much talent as anyone since Garrison and despite the injury and 1st year grow up pains, he was well within reach of a 1000 yard freshman campaign until the last few games with virtually no reps. Recurrent ankle sprains get worse with each new trauma, running straight full speed let alone cutting becomes impossible after a while. Most raggers about toughness never played a down after a sprain of any kind, or they`d know better. All that said, he`s obviously bustin it now, and that`s the best sign possible. All the backs will be in my opinion because competition for reps no matter who starts will be keen, and there is a great deal of variety in the talent pool, maybe the best overall group in many years. Speed may be the best ever since Herschel,size and power running with Malcome and Samuel and perhaps Gurley, who alot of folks believe may be the best back by the end of the year, and all of them have good hands. Lots of upside.We will see. meanwhile don`t know diet slydog is on, something not agreeing with his biochemistry, needs some serotonin is my guess.
BILLY JACK
March 21st, 2012
3:13 pm
I f you want to win the heisman stop taking yourself out of games and man up-great SEC tailbacks are durable and can take a pounding-Kieth Marshall and Todd Gurley looking over your shoulder will motivate you more-everybody deserves a second chance but you are under the microscope now.Have a great 2012 everybody is pulling for you.
Les W. Moore
March 21st, 2012
3:43 pm
Sure Isaiah And every mutt fan believes that, too! That’s why they were so happy with signing your replacement, Marshall.
The General Feeling
March 21st, 2012
3:44 pm
Group Hug! Now c’mon you guys.
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
3:44 pm
78, so you are going to completely ignore what he said and totally make up meaning to that one thing he said half joking by all accounts.
He needs to be gone for saying:
“There’s a lot of pride [in that],” “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.”
“My first goal is just to be a good teammate and help my team get to the national championship,”
“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.”
I suppose you consider all those players that have bragged on his team attitude and hard work over the offseason a bunch of liars too.
AltamahaDawg
March 21st, 2012
3:49 pm
“We need more than two running backs,” Crowell said. “I think we need like three or four because you never know what’s going to happen during the season. … Keith’s going to come in and help us a lot. I think it’s going to be a good backfield.”
Yea, what a POS this kid sounds like.
Einstein
March 21st, 2012
4:09 pm
Thanks, Chip, for some comic relief! I needed a good laugh this afternoon …………..
RPOLLARDREALTOR
March 21st, 2012
4:15 pm
I sure hope Crowell gets his head on straight. Just seemed to me last season he just didn’t have a care in the world. All the skills in the world but just doesn’t have the love for the game. Hopefully he’ll stay healthy and Marshall and himself we be an awesome 1-2 punch. Go Dawgs!
Tater in AFG
March 21st, 2012
4:25 pm
Amazing what a couple of big time recruits will do to your attitude. IC, I’m rooting for ya. GATA, son!!!
Crowell = Joke
March 21st, 2012
5:08 pm
Crowell winning the Heisman is a joke, unless they start giving points for laziness, crappy attitude, and failing drug tests.
ugab
March 21st, 2012
5:33 pm
IC is a great talented RB.. The problem is not IC.. The problem is CMR does not have an OL to block…??? Typical MR..The other problem is Bobo’s play calling is terrible. If the person on tv can tell you what play is coming(run up the middle) Defenses just know what is coming. Poor blocking and poor play calling will kill ICs career at Uga..Thanks alot MR.
ugab
March 21st, 2012
5:34 pm
Heisman is out of the question.. There is only 2 returning starters on the OL..No running back is every going to win the Heisman with no OL..
Why so Negative ??
March 21st, 2012
5:40 pm
Why do we do this every year??? We shoot down these kids who want to do something. Crowell will be fine this year. Somebody compare Ealy stats againts Crowell. I will take THIS kid over what we use to have anyday of the week.
Mark (another one)
March 21st, 2012
6:10 pm
What do people want IC to say? He was SEC Freshman of the year, and that was with significant injuries. We wants to do better and be the leader at tailback. He wants a national title. As a season ticket holder, I want players that think like that. I also like hearing that he is putting in the effort, not just talking smack.
Watching college sports is all about watching boys become men. IC has the potential to be a great running back, and he speaks of his desire. He also knows he has competition for playing time. All good things. It takes heat to create steel.
The real challenge will be the offensive line. Every back needs to find those critical yards but it starts with the line creating running lanes. Our line coach, Will Friend, is entering his second year. I’m hoping to see progress there as players develop. We lost three starters and need to also develop depth. Tailback is a glory position. OL is a blood and guts position.
No new surprises for Georgia as second spring practice underway | UGA sports blog
March 21st, 2012
6:12 pm
[...] wrote mostly about Isaiah Crowell on Day One. But even after Carlton Thomas decided to leave the Bulldogs still have six scholarship [...]
guy
March 21st, 2012
7:21 pm
Best of luck IC! Beautiful dreamer unless there is a lot of fire in the belly.At the same time,UGA needs men on the OL who can do the job.Didn’t happen last year by a long shot!
Z-Ro
March 21st, 2012
11:57 pm
Crowell is UGA’s Jerious Norwood two hits to the legs and their out for the game!!!
JOHNNY D
March 22nd, 2012
10:54 am
Ok the discovery channel got me twice on the search fot Bigfoot. Maybe Georgia coaches can find out if there is a real player under that Big G on his helmut.
Stephen A.Dogg: #32 > # 1
March 22nd, 2012
12:46 pm
Since ICrowell has stepped up, matured and wants to be a leader, there’s only one small thing left for him to consider than will help him to further and energize the fanbase. How about getting rid of that # 1 jersey for a number more becoming of a bigtime SEC RB. How about seeing Crowell don a # 32 or # 23 jersey for Georgia. It would be a big step up from a single digit number meant more for a WR or DB. Get ready for the pros now and drop the boyish high school mentality. No modern day pro RBs wear single digit jerseys because they a reserved mainly for QBs, kickers and punters. So Crowell’s transformation would be complimented with a change in jersey number. Maybe Richt will get around to talking it over with him. Go Dogs !
Thomas
March 23rd, 2012
4:11 pm
SOCROW!!!