Mitchell finds meeting room more challenging than field in DB transition
ATHENS – This is not the first time Malcolm Mitchell made a dramatic preseason switch of positions. When Rance Gillespie showed up as the new coach at Valdosta High, one of his first moves was to move Mitchell from cornerback and make him a full-time wide receiver.
Two years later, Mitchell is making a similar move, only this time it’s with the Georgia Bulldogs and it’s from offense to defense.
“We went backwards with it,” said Gillespie, who wanted to feature Mitchell in his new spread offensive attack at Valdosta. “I felt like he was probably an offensive player. Having to learn an entire new offense, we concentrated with him on the offensive side of the ball. Once he got that down, we did move him back over to defense later in the year. Maybe the sixth or seventh game, we started spot-playing him on defense and as we got deeper into the season he played more and more both ways.”
Gillespie’s move proved genius. Mitchell nearly matched the state record for receiving yards in a season with 1,419.
The Bulldogs hope that formula works in inverse this fall. Mitchell was arguably Georgia’s most explosive wide receiver as a true freshman. He made the majority of his 45 catches for 665 yards before a mid-season hamstring injury sidelined him for four games.
But because of attrition and suspensions in the secondary — starting corners Sanders Commings and Branden Smith will have to sit out some early-season games — the Bulldogs have moved Mitchell to cornerback for spring practice. He’s expected to play on that side of the ball for at least for the first couple of games next season.
“In order for Malcolm to really be able to function back there, I felt like he needed the entire spring to really know what to do and get his technique to where he could really play SEC football when the season begins,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “In the offseason my guess is that he will be running routes half the time and playing defense half the time. But if you tried to split practice and split meetings in the spring, he’d get lost.”
Wednesday represented Day 2 of the Great Experiment.
“It is [like high school], but it’s more intense by like 10,” Mitchell said afterward. “The schemes that Coach [Todd] Grantham uses, the tempo, it’s just a lot more difficult. In high school guys didn’t have the same ability that I had. So I could run out there and play around and still do good on defense. Same way on offense. Now I have to actually learn everything and get it down.”
Actually learning the defense has been a sobering experience for Mitchell.
“Just coming in here these first couple of days has opened my eyes to how much work is going to have to be put into it to doing what I want to do,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell described his first experience in the defensive team meeting as “terrible.”
“I didn’t know what they were saying,” he said with a laugh. “It sounded like a different language. They were using words I’ve never heard before.”
And therein lay the challenge for Mitchell. He’s extremely athletic, agile and fast. No one doubts his physical ability to do what is required. But understanding the complex coverages and terminology of defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s 3-4 scheme is where the difficulty is.
“Right now we’re just trying to fill him up with as much information as we can,” senior safety Shawn Williams said. “He’s a young guy and we’ve got to bring him along.”
Said Mitchell: “I don’t know what they’re talking about half the time, but all the guys help me. I’m working with the 2s right now and Connor [Norman] is telling me everything. He makes sure I know what to do.”
Mitchell has already wowed his teammates with a one-handed, over-the-shoulder grab in a drill on defending a fade route. And when the task is to simply line up and cover the guy on the other side of the line, he’s almost unbeatable.
“26 looks tremendous to me,” sophomore cornerback Damian Swann said, referring to Mitchell’s jersey number. “It’s like he hasn’t missed a beat.”
How much he plays each side of the ball in the fall, Mitchell said he’s neither thinking nor worrying about it right now. And Gillespie said that’s just the tact his former pupil should be taking.
“I don’t think there’s any question he has the physical tools to play on defense and he’s already proven he can play offensive side of the ball at that level,” Gillespie said. “It’s a matter of how quick he can pick up on all the different coverage schemes that are being installed. But I totally understand what Georgia is doing and Malcolm does, too. Just the type of kid he is, Malcolm is always going to do what’s best for the team.”
NOTES: Senior cornerback Sanders Commings pleaded guilty Wednesday to simple battery and disorderly conduct in Athens-Clarke County State Court. He was fined $200, sentenced to 12 months probation, 40 hours of community service, drug and alcohol evaluation and anger management. The charges stemmed from a Jan. 21 incident in which he was accused of striking an ex-girlfriend. A starting cornerback for the Bulldogs, he has been suspended for Georgia’s first two games of the season. . . . Sophomore linebacker Ramik Wilson missed his second day of practice. His father passed away this past week. Wilson is scheduled to return Thursday. . . . Players received their SEC East championship rings on Wednesday.
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139 comments Add your comment
Mr. Bitter
March 22nd, 2012
9:20 am
I admire what the Dawgs are doing. They are putting their talent on the field as much as possible (O and D) with the correct prep to get the job done. This is how great organizations do it.
Red Clay Hound
March 22nd, 2012
9:21 am
What is the latest word on Kent Turene? Did he make it into school? I don’t recall seeing his name again this year on signing day.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
March 22nd, 2012
9:22 am
1 of my friends pulled that on me, and he would be dealing with me. You know that. They know that.
And, what is this he wears glasses but not to throw ?
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
March 22nd, 2012
9:23 am
No Kent Turene went to Marshall.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
March 22nd, 2012
9:25 am
D Fence,
It wasn’t just Michigan State.
It’s been all 11 years of
3 wins 13 losses vs season end top 10
7 losses in a row all the way back to 2006 vs season end top 10
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
March 22nd, 2012
9:32 am
DawgNation, sir, do you mean posts like this one sir ?
___________________________________________
DawgNation December 6th, 2011 7:17 am
“I am NOT disagreeing. Yes change is needed as the direction under CMR has fallen in the past 6 years. You bugger eating morons”
____________________________________________________
dawgfacedby
March 22nd, 2012
9:32 am
What’s up with Ray Drew??? He was a highly touted prospect and he hardly played last year. Is he expected to contribute or is he one of many who fizzle out?? Just asking.
SouthGaBrave
March 22nd, 2012
9:37 am
evil empire,
Old rule of thumb was that any 10-win campaign brought rings with it. Not sure if that is still the barometer, just a little FYI. And heck, Tech has rings made up just for beating UGA a few years ago…..so it’s not like this is the weakest thing a team in this state has done. The players on the winning team of the Ohio State/Michigan game get individual trophies every year. The seniors on the winning side of the UGA/GT game every year get a smaller replica of the governor’s cup with the names of all the fellow seniors on it. These are all very normal things in college football. But folks who never played the game (and don’t take time to do any research) wouldn’t understand, I guess.
SouthGaBrave
March 22nd, 2012
9:41 am
dawgfacedby,
What’s up with Ray Drew, is that he came in as a freshman at a position behind Jarvis Jones (who led the SEC in sacks) and C. Washington (who was a 4th year player). Ray is gonna be just fine. He hasn’t even completed 1 full year of college. He’s body type had him destined to play DE, anyway…….where he will be a factor in the 2012 season.
D Fence
March 22nd, 2012
9:41 am
Right 13-1 SEC, not just MSU last year. Just the fact that Murray threw those two INT’s that changed the game on a dime and Richt decided to let Walsh kick from the right hash mark in OT when he was wide right last year in most of his misses, well excruciating and perhaps typical. You are spot on with his record since 06 against quality opponents, we beat none last year as all our rivals we did beat had bad years as you know. I just dont know anymore about him.
dawgfacedby: Drew is supposed to be the real deal with a good head, good work ethic and good ability. time will certainly tell however.
SouthGaBrave
March 22nd, 2012
9:47 am
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012,
Using a team’s “season end” ranking, as you put it, is a tired tactic used by people who try to manipulate statistics. Obviously a team that end the year in the top 10 only lost 1 or 2 games along the way, so everyone’s record against them is going to be reflected poorly. The ONLY statistic that goes in the books (and always has) is the ranking of an opponent at the time the game is played. For example, your philosophy doesn’t credit UGA’s win over Auburn last year as a win versus a Top 25 opponent, because AU didin’t end the year in the top 25……however, we all know that Auburn was in the top 25 at the time of the game, so that is what the actual records will show.
Your obvious distaste for Murray, Richt, or the whole program in general is quite obvious to everyone here. Save us the time by not posting your same old tired rants every day.
evil empire
March 22nd, 2012
9:54 am
just listed on ebay…former dawg selling his 2010 liberty bowl participation ribbon….
D Fence
March 22nd, 2012
9:59 am
Another listing on ebay…..Will Muschamp’s 7 win first season coaches shirt…..sweat and cussing included…
Just another Orgeron but shorter you guys got there.
Joe the Jeweler
March 22nd, 2012
10:05 am
Taking order now for “we beat Buffalo”, “we beat FAU”, and the soon to be popular “we were Mizzou’ first SEC win” rings.
DawgNation
March 22nd, 2012
10:17 am
13-1 SEC East, sir,
DawgNation, sir, do you mean posts like this one sir ?
___________________________________________
DawgNation December 6th, 2011 7:17 am
“I am NOT disagreeing. Yes change is needed as the direction under CMR has fallen in the past 6 years. You bugger eating morons”
____________________________________________________
I do believe that points out just what I am talking about. It is response to a tried conversation with others who just couldn’t get it that I was agreeing. I learned a long time ago on these blogs that people like you do get under the skin of those who are trying to respond to the blog. It is just your nature and that is all you have in life. So be it. You and so many others enjoy riling up the emotions of others and help with the blog hits knowing you will get and argument with everything you write. Sometimes I think you may even be paid by the AJC just for that purpose. Who knows? In any case I just don’t give a damn. I have seen that the first page usually has the mature people and somewhere between the 10th and 20th posts you pot stirrers come out. That’s about the time I stop reading. That quote was exasperation of which someone like you was successful in obtaining. I congratulate you in your ability to go back and pull any quote you like to use any way you like. Must make you feel vastly superior to all of us. Now unless your name is Chip why respond at all? Still fishing I see. Not biting today so sorry. sir
DawginLex
March 22nd, 2012
10:27 am
Still wrong to mention the pic and the girl’s name.
You know I’m right.
13-1 SEC East Champions 2012
March 22nd, 2012
10:31 am
They have not given Ray Drew any chance to play.
They did not trust him against Boise State and South Carolina and you saw how our pass defense was in both of those games. They put him in 1 play vs Coastal Carolina and then you knew what they felt about him then. They sat him down the whole game vs Ole Miss, for heavens’ sake in the very next game. The next 3 cupcakes he played like 1 snap each, Missy St, vols and Vandie who were 7-6, 5-7 and 6-7. Sat him down again whole game vs Florida 7-6 cupcake next game after that. Getting the picture yet ? Then, he got a couple snaps vs New Mexico State 4-9 and Auburn 8-5 not ranked any poll end season. Kentucky 5-7, LSU and Georgia tek 8-5 back on the bench not 1 snap even – again. Then, in the bowl game when the offense kept sending the defense back out there to save their offensive bacon, they had to put him in with the defense entirely gassed.
That’s where we are.
# 6 Defensive End in the United States of America 5-Star
# 1 Football Player in state of Georgia 2011 recruit
Now, guess what ?
Moving him to DE.
What with all the linebackers we have 2012 season and then they all leave.
GTBob
March 22nd, 2012
10:39 am
What’s up with Ray Drew???
He is more then likely a bust at this point. How many 5 star players get little playing time their first season and then switch positions?
LongTimeDawg
March 22nd, 2012
10:42 am
RollTideRoll.. you’re killing me! That is some funny stuff! And I was sorta embarrassed that the Dawgs can only put about 30,000 or so in Sanford for the spring game. Plus, I don’t think you folks need to worry about Obama’s fence….Saban will find a way to get ‘em to ‘bama in spite of it! You guys get all the 5-star guys! Wish we could get a few of those guys over here. Maybe it’s because only 30,000 bother to show up for the spring game. I love my Dawgs, but that is weak!
Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic
March 22nd, 2012
10:43 am
Half of the UGA players you mentioned will flunk out, fail too many drug tests, or be arrested for DUI, public urination, beating up their girlfriends, or stealing hashbrowns. Whatever, they’ll be off the team by midseason.
OldFan
March 22nd, 2012
10:46 am
Nicely done piece. Mitchell seems to be a stand-up guy who’s willing to use his tremendous talents to help the team first. It’s good to have a reminder that for every errant miscreant, we have a host of young men working to live up to their commitments to the team and the university.
Sasha
March 22nd, 2012
10:46 am
Anyone have Zach’s phone number?
DawginLex
March 22nd, 2012
10:48 am
Why don’t we trust our defensive coordinator to play Ray Drew in the right position at the right time? Especially given the FACT that his plans are to play him at DE AND LB????
Didn’t notice that one did we?
Yeah, he is going to play both because his size and body type fit both places.
Sounds to me like he will be in on a whole lot of plays this year.
Also, do we ignore the FACTS stated by Malcom Mitchell about how difficult it is to learn the terminology of the defense from our NFL caliber defensive coordinator?
Do we ignore the FACT that learning that would have been 3 times as hard for a true freshman who got injured early on?
I’m tired of the bashing of our coaching staff if it is not deserved. I’ve complained about Richt and Bobo but bashing Grantham about Ray Drew???
Good Lord
Truther
March 22nd, 2012
10:50 am
… for every errant miscreant, we have a host of young men working to live up to their commitments to the team and the university.
That’s called a Big Lie. It’s baloney.
SC game late this year
March 22nd, 2012
10:51 am
SC game is late this year. Possibly their talented R back Lattimore will not be 100% or he might have attempted to play earlier and re injured it more. His mama and uncles and daddy are all telling the SC running back to lay low, do not hurt that knee.
I do not see SC relying much on him in 2012 due to his many injuries and his desire to go to the NLF and NOT be considered ……………….damaged goods.
UGA backs? Heck we have about 3 or 4 that can REALLy play, PLUS a couple of NEW FBs ready to roll.
Go Dogs.
HS vs Colly
March 22nd, 2012
10:55 am
Drew IS perfect to play DE. At LB in HS maybe but his skill set is better suited at DE. Beside, Granthom knows what he is doing.
GT slugs are trolling. I love it because they know what is coming again and next time in Athens. CPJ is ON THE HOT SEAT and he will not win more than 7 games or even with 8 and will STILL END UP in the Sun or the Weedeater.
DawginLex
March 22nd, 2012
10:56 am
Truther
March 22nd, 2012
10:50 am
… for every errant miscreant, we have a host of young men working to live up to their commitments to the team and the university.
That’s called a Big Lie. It’s baloney.
****************************
The real truth is you are one big idiot.
i hope you really don’t believe what you type because you are wrong. If you believe your hater nonsense, you are stupid.
DawginLex
March 22nd, 2012
10:58 am
Rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic
March 22nd, 2012
10:43 am
Half of the UGA players you mentioned will flunk out, fail too many drug tests, or be arrested for DUI, public urination, beating up their girlfriends, or stealing hashbrowns. Whatever, they’ll be off the team by midseason.
***********************
WOW, we have never heard any of this before!
Thanks for the insightful commentary.
You can now return to prison to your cell and get off the prison computer.
dURp
March 22nd, 2012
11:01 am
These blogs suck. Nothing but Trolls on here. Online AThens is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better.
OldFan
March 22nd, 2012
11:07 am
I don’t know, but sure didn’t seem like a Big Lie when I typed it. Truther will eventually learn that he has to pull his head out of whatever recess it’s in to see the larger view of things. It also helps to actually want to see something other than an opportunity to condemn.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
March 22nd, 2012
11:14 am
@ Big Wally Butts:(11:13 pm post):
I would suggest that you immediately apologize to IDIOTS everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!
How would you like it if someone compared you with “Tide Pride”???
Tide pride = Single digit IQ = The Little Weasel Saban = Loiusiana Monroe Admirer = Zero
chilidawg
March 22nd, 2012
11:21 am
Woo Hoo! No more Thomas up the middle on 3rd and 15!
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
March 22nd, 2012
11:25 am
@ 13-1 SEC Idiot:
Murray was simply referring to his prep for Dancing With The Stars when he mentioned needing work on his “Footwork”. Are you some type Bamatard?????
You are too slow to be on here with adults.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
March 22nd, 2012
11:37 am
@ Long time dawg:
Do you and RTR live in the same trailer park???
I find it hard to believe how you berate the Dawgs but suck up to a Bamatard!!!!!!!!!!
In the words of Lewis Grizzard “Delta is ready when you are”. I’m not sure Delta stops in Tuscaloser but I’m willing to chip in for your Delta ticket………………………..provided it is ONE-WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
maharajiean shorts
March 22nd, 2012
11:48 am
I just can’t get behind this…….not going to work.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
March 22nd, 2012
11:50 am
Why would any of you find UGA losing to MS in OVERTIME such a huge deal.
MS was ranked in the Top 10 both prior to and after the win over UGA. One missed field goal in regulation by an All-American kicker was the difference in the final Team Rankings of UGA and MS. Otherwise UGA is in the final Top 10.
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life)
March 22nd, 2012
12:04 pm
@ South Ga. Brave:
You got it right several times on here but you are going to find it close to impossible to get through to many of the Single Digit IQ’s on here so be patient and please KEEP IT UP!!!!
I Don’t really mind the Bama, or any other school, bloggers regardless of what they have to say because many of them are actually rational and complimentary about UGA but to have someone professing to be a dawg come on here and deliberately demean and criticize UGA/Dawg Nation is extremely hurting whatever success UGA may have. They are DFINO(Dawg Fans In Name Only).
GTBob
March 22nd, 2012
12:10 pm
I’ve complained about Richt and Bobo but bashing Grantham about Ray Drew???
UGA has a pretty poor history in regards to 5 star players. Its natural to wonder if history is repeating itself again.
doolydawg
March 22nd, 2012
12:11 pm
I’m not convinced that DB is the best position for MM. He was an explosive player on the offensive side of the ball last year as a true freshman. With his talent he could be one of the best receivers in the nation.
cpDawg
March 22nd, 2012
12:14 pm
My prayers are with Ramilk Wilson and his family. I’m sorry for your lost. That’s got to be toug on a college kid.
SouthGaBrave
March 22nd, 2012
12:19 pm
Brainiac(Dawg for life/Richt fan for life),
Thanks buddy. Yeah, there are so many pot-stirrers on here that it is barely worth it to even comb through the comments section. There are a few good commenters on here (yourself, DawgInLex, AltamahaDawg, dawgster, heck even Blackoutanyone? and some of the fans of other teams bring good discussion most of the time), but the number of trolls is both tiresome and disturbing.
It would be nice if the AJC actually took the time to boot some folks from the conversation every now and then. At the end of the day, this is a free site so there are going to be all kind of crazies dropping by. Another reason that the paysites have more of the intelligent discussion and in depth information.
Mandrell Dawg
March 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
I think the offense will be ok without him, provided that we use this time to make a concentrated effort to spread the ball around to EVERYONE (that includes running backs, I don’t think the refs will give us a penalty for passing to our rb once in a while). It may seem scary now, but just get used to spreading the wealth and have the backs and receivers step up just a little, then we could have the best athlete on the team cover the best the SEC has to offer and then set up a little package for him on offense, once he gets the defense down to the head coach’s satisfaction.
Alabama | MrSEC
March 22nd, 2012
12:38 pm
[...] Malcolm Mitchell’s Georgia teammates are confident in his ability to play defense (even as he works to learn the corner role).5. Here’s a look at the Dawgs’ first offensive line grouping of the spring.6. So [...]
truedawg
March 22nd, 2012
12:42 pm
geez show some class!!! Don’t mention peoples families or girl friends!!
This is about Mitchell..and I can only say.DGD
GO DAWGS!!!
truedawg
March 22nd, 2012
12:45 pm
I hope BOBO uses the spead of Keith Marshall and does some toss sweeps, with his speed give him a lil room and he will give defenses fits!! Please Bobo mix it up…study the game..use the players you have and play to their stengths.
Go DAWGS!!!
AltamahaDawg
March 22nd, 2012
1:03 pm
Lex, how dare you doubt the wisdom of the self appointed spokeman for Erk Russell’s opinion?
ARdawg
March 22nd, 2012
1:03 pm
GTBob
Your pannies are showing again
G-Dawg
March 22nd, 2012
1:04 pm
Its obvious Bobo still hasnt removed those fade routes from his playbook. Still hasnt learned a thing.
DawginLex
March 22nd, 2012
1:08 pm
alt,
I know. I should know better
gdawginkalamazoo
March 22nd, 2012
1:36 pm
Damn Good Dawg this kid is. It is great that he is that skilled to play at a high level on both sides. The only problem I see with this is when he does play WR. The D could probably guess that the ball would be going Mitchell’s way. Especially with Bobo’s predictable playcalling. Regard this kid is a speedster.