UPDATED: Pecking order in Georgia’s backfield appears unchanged
MORNING PRACTICE UPDATE
Updated with comments from coach Mark Richt . . .
ATHENS – Todd Gurley’s standout performance in yesterday’s scrimmage did not appear to alter the pecking order in Georgia’s offensive backfield.
Take it for what it’s worth, but Gurley was still running as third-team tailback when the Bulldogs went through drills early in Thursday’s practice. Gurley, a 6-foot-1, 218-pound freshman from Tarboro, N.C., was Georgia’s leading rusher in the first scrimmage of the preseason on Wednesday. He had 58 yards on six carries and scored on a 40-yard run.
When the running backs were doing drill work with coach Bryan McClendon Thursday morning, the rotation stacked up like this:
- First team — fullback Merritt Hall and tailback Ken Malcome;
- Second team – fullback Richard Samuel and tailback Keith Marshall;
- Third team – fullback Quayvon Hicks and Gurley.
Again, it doesn’t mean anything in the grand scheme of things. It’s pretty clear that all six of those players — plus Brandon Harton and Kyle Karempelis, too — are probably going to see action for the Bulldogs this season.
“They’re really rolling like they’re all co-No. 1s,” coach Mark Richt said. “It’s not like the Nos. 3 & 4 on the depth chart only get reps wit h the second team. WE’ve been repping everybody. The top couple of guys haven’t gone with the 2s.”
Malcome had 32 yards on five carries in Wednesday’s scrimmage, Harton seven for 25, Karempelis four for 15 and Marshall seven for 11. Coach Mark Richt downplayed statistics from the scrimmage based on the varying circumstances and lineups.
Murray on ESPN with Pollack
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray and former Bulldog All-American linebacker David Pollack on Wednesday taped an edition of ESPN’s “Inside the Program” on campus. The segment is set to air duringon Thursday’s Sports Center.
Pollack and Murray discussed the ins and outs of the quarterback position, with Murray demonstrating skills including throwing the fade. Inside the Program is airing all this week on ESPN.
Pollack will serve as an analyst for ESPN’s Thursday Night Football in 2012 and will return as a host on ESPN’s College Gameday.
Injury report
Cornerback Branden Smith was in a green, non-contact jersey due to a shoulder contusion but was participating. Another new addition to the injury report was tailback Brandon Harton, who sat out with a hip contusion. . . . Fellow DB Damian Swann (neck) also remains in green. . . . Players who remain sidelined include DE Ray Drew (concussion), safety Marc Deas (hamstring), outside linebacker Dester Morant (shoulder) and tight end Hugh Williams (hand).
Richt’s “shout out” for Branden Smith
Richt opened his post-practice remarks Thursday by saying he wanted to give a “shout-out to Branden Smith.” He said the senior cornerback has stood out throughout preseason camp and going back to last spring really.
“He has been making plays every day. He’s playing with a lot of intensity every rep,. He l;ooks like a senior trying to lead out there. He doesn’t say much. He just plays hard and makes plays. Ive been really happy with what he’s been doing. He’s stood out. It just seems like something good has been happening with his play.”
Richt was asked if he thought Smith’s exemplary play could be connected to his recent announcement that Smith would not miss playing time despite his March arrest for marijuana possession. Smith accepted pretrial intervention in that case and passed UGA and court-ordered drug tests, so Richt wave the 10 percent competition suspension usually employed for marijuana-use violations.
“He’s known for a little while that he was going to play,” Richt said. “But I think to have it come out in the public probably was a boost for him and his family. But, you know, he had a great spring, too. He’s just practicing really hard. And he had his best summer by far from what the boys were commenting on. His stamina has been better throughout practice, and hopefully it will be throughout the season as well.”
O-line shows improvement
Asked for any insights he was able to make after reviewing video of Wednesday’s scrimmage, Richt said he liked what he saw from the offensive line.
“The No. 1 unit played very well I thought,” he said. “The No. 2 unit had some moments where they put it all together. . . . I saw guys individually getting better. So I think that group’s coming along.”
Some other observations from Richt:
On punt and kickoff return . . .
“The problem with kick return and punt return is we really haven’t gone live where you could say this guy is doing better than that guy or whatever. They’re catching punts in prepractive warmups and drillwork. The closer we get to the game we’ll have more opportunities to put them under a little pressure. Right now we haven’t gotten that far yet.
On place-kicking . . .
“Right now I would say that Marshall Morgan is our extra point and field goal guy. That’s what I’d say.”
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187 comments Add your comment
PIERCE DAWG
August 9th, 2012
2:02 pm
HICKS IS THE MAN. WATCHED HIM PLAY HIS WHOLE CAREER IN HIGH SCHOOL. GOOD FAMILY AND DISCIPLINED. GLAD GEORGIA GOT HIM!!!!! HE IS A BEAST!!!
Unbelievable the amount of naivte here
August 9th, 2012
2:03 pm
How much football have some of you watched? Passing judgement on one scrimmage that you did not observe and do not know what personnel were on the field at the time.
Probably the same people who think because Ealey may have averaged slightly more per carry than Herschel, that makes him the same caliber back. Same people who think Mason’s high school passing records are a significant factor in where he should appear on the depth chart.
To Gary, bucket, Dawg Fan 24 and others who are trying to use logic: you are fighting a mostly losing battle in trying to talk sense with some of these delusional anti-UGA keyboard jockeys.
Jerry Seinfeld
August 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
@unbelievable, I agree completely. There’s no using logic with some of the UGA haters.
bucket
August 9th, 2012
2:06 pm
I agree with you Pierce Dawg! Hicks is a beast and has a chance to be one of the very best fullbacks to ever play @ UGA IMO. To Unbelievable – you are correct and I’m done with that battle – for today!!!
AltamahaDawg
August 9th, 2012
2:08 pm
Or anybody’s offense that plans on using the forward pass.
BC
August 9th, 2012
2:16 pm
Thomas got over 8.5 ypc against Auburn, Crowell had 5.5 ypc against Auburn, and Richt gave Crowell a ton more carries in that game.
nobody
August 9th, 2012
2:18 pm
How fast is Gurley?
BC
August 9th, 2012
2:19 pm
Is bucket related to underachievers, like Marshall & Samuel, who both averaged 1 yard per carry?
Another breathtaking exhibit at 2:16
August 9th, 2012
2:26 pm
So you are saying if some Joe Sixpack had a better ypc in a particular game than Barry Sanders that makes him better? What about the Ealey-HW example earlier? Say Matt Leinert had a higher QB rating in an NFL game 5 years ago than Peyton Manning, he is the better quarterback?
This is amazing stuff! I honestly do not know how to debate this type thinking.
AltamahaDawg
August 9th, 2012
2:37 pm
The lesson being…….when you are tired of somebody’s act and want them to go away, just don’t give them the attention that they think they deserve?
JB
August 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
Will these two new backs have our 15 plays or so down come opening day?
Frank Lane
August 9th, 2012
2:44 pm
I want to see Samuel running the same fullback dive that Keith Henderson used to break away on. Get Samuel even with the linebackers and he is off and gone all the way right up the middle. I think that he can be a better fullback than tailback. No need to think and choose a hole, just first step and go.
BC
August 9th, 2012
2:58 pm
So since when does Matt L and Peyton Manning play for the same team like Thomas & Crowell do? When did they go head to head against the same defense, with the same offense and coaches and when did Matt L outperform Peyton Manning if that happened?
Sure, Ealey outscores the rest of the runningbacks combined, and doesn’t deserve more carries? I havn’t compared Ealey’s ypc to Walker, but if you’re right, and Ealey was better than Walker in career ypc, then Richt ain’t too smart for letting guys share carries, is he? Dooley just handed the ball to his top producing running back over 1000 times, and won a National Championship doing it. Richt would have platooned Walker with 5 other backs to limit injury and keep him fresh.
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
2:58 pm
So zero positive tests for using illegal drugs should result in how many suspended games for B Smith? YOU DO THE FREAKING MATH!!!
AKA, we gave him time to get it out of his system and then tested him. Sorry, after the Crowell debacle its hard to trust Richt on these types of issues.
Dave
August 9th, 2012
3:06 pm
GTBob, you are such a freaking presumptuous idiot. You just ASSUME that they gave him time to get it out of his system…because you hate UGA. The FACTS are that he took a test right after the incident..NEGATIVE…then he took a court ordered test…NEGATIVE….which means he wasn’t doing drugs. Until you can come up with some paperwork or a video of anything less then those facts, your arguement holds no water and all you are is loud, negative noise that means absolutely nothing.
LHarding Dawg
August 9th, 2012
3:06 pm
If you can’t trust Coach Richt, who the heck can you trust. Stupid comment!
Ghost
August 9th, 2012
3:08 pm
Some don’t realize when they’re making fools of themselves,(BC) obviously never played a down or participated in or witnessed a pre season scrimmage in their life.Keyboard coaches.
BC
August 9th, 2012
3:12 pm
Some fans (Ghost) think they’re smart for standing up for rb’s that average 1 yard per carry, wow, they identify with underachievers.
bucket
August 9th, 2012
3:16 pm
That’s a good one Ghost! I’ve heard of armchair qb’s, but Keyboard coaches is even better!
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
3:32 pm
>i>If you can’t trust Coach Richt, who the heck can you trust. Stupid comment!
UGA fans can trust Coach Richt. If a player does something wrong he will ensure they are suspended for the New Mexico St game.
Ghost
August 9th, 2012
3:34 pm
Bc, No I’m just not dumb enough to think , I can derive at RB performance from reading an article on the AJC and not knowing the circumstances on when who got what carries,in what situation it was. Keep typing , you keep making a bigger fool of yourself with each post.Your amusing me.
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
3:35 pm
You have no fatcs and you have no basis.
Here are the facts:
1. He was pulled over and his car smelled like marijuana.
2. His car was searched and marijuana was found.
3. He plead guilty to possession of marijuana.
So if he isn’t smoking then he must just be a dealer. Which would you prefer?
bucket
August 9th, 2012
3:37 pm
@ Arnold – that was a funny play off the SNL skit! I actually believe that Gurley has the body type and skill set to develop into a SEC caliber featured back. However, it is going to take more than one good day in a controlled scrimmage to elevate him to the starting line-up. Marshall and Gurley are legit guys who won’t sulk and pout when things don’t go their way. Those two will come back day after day working harder everyday until the whole world believes what they believe. Everyone who has ever played football knows about the RCPI mindset – the Relentless Continual Pursuit of Improvement. Marshall and Gurley have that mindset and they are not expecting anything to be given to them just because they showed up. They are DGD’s and they will have us back on track during this year and over the next couple of years at the running back position.
Tech Troll 13
August 9th, 2012
3:38 pm
@ Ghost
“keyboard coachs” I like it. We have a bunch of those as well.
bucket
August 9th, 2012
3:39 pm
Yeah GTBob – he was dealing less than an ounce! I hope you didn’t go to Tech with your logic or reasoning skills! He tested negative right after the incident and multiple other times. Maybe it wasn’t his dope and he wasn’t smoking it? I know, just a thought!
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
3:46 pm
Maybe it wasn’t his dope and he wasn’t smoking it? I know, just a thought!
So he is just holding dope for his buddies huh? Yeah, that sounds really reasonable. Maybe Crowell was just holding a gun for someone else. Maybe Mettenburger thought he was grabbing his girlfriend. All honest mistakes.
Ghost
August 9th, 2012
3:47 pm
Bucket , Gurley is physically ready to play SEC football.Good size , good speed. If he and Marshall can avoid injuries they both should be outstanding RB’s.
LSU fan
August 9th, 2012
4:01 pm
@GTBob, we at LSU really enjoy your posts, especially your thoughtful insight on players like Mettenburger (your post at 3:46) Could you please come over to LSU.com and share some more of your brilliance with us. These Dawg fans just don’t appreciate you like we would.
AltamahaDawg
August 9th, 2012
4:05 pm
Much more reasonable to just follow the facts.
kingdaddy
August 9th, 2012
4:14 pm
They can’t handle reasonable…
Terry
August 9th, 2012
4:19 pm
GTBob, You’re like a little old lady with too much time on her hands, you worry about things that do not concern you, and you stick your nose in were it doesn’t belong, if you would spend as much time working, as you do on these blogs, you mite have a more fulfilling life, and I said mite.
AltamahaDawg
August 9th, 2012
4:19 pm
Here are the fact that you made a point to ignore:
1. He had a passenger in the car who was also arrested for possession.
2. His passenger had just been arrested for the same thing a week bofore.
3. A drug test confirmed Smith had not used Mj.
4. Smith was not convicted of possession
AltamahaDawg
August 9th, 2012
4:23 pm
No idea what you made up the stuff about Crowell or Mettenberg, since all Georgia fans seem to think they were pretty guilty as charged. You points seem pretty disconnected.
Mark (another one)
August 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
Richt isn’t going to throw a kid under the bus and publically call him out. I respect it and wish some of the bloggers would follow the same policy. Ealey didn’t want to share the load but wasn’t going to be the single back. He left when the previous year showed it was best when he and King shared the load.
Ealey made his own decision and he’s man enough to own it. King had the decisin made for him later when he didn’t get the grades. That left Thomas and Crowell. Thomas has trouble inbetween the tackles was great as a scat back. Crowell had injury issues. Malcome and Samuel had to step in but they are more power runners.
Thomas made his decision to move on and I wish him the best of luck. I don’t see him as an NFL back actually Ealey had the most potential for the NFL but I don’t think Ealey, King or Thomas will make it. Each of these guys is trying to launch their young lives and sometimes they make mistakes. I hope they find success.
That is my last post speaking about those three backs. This is 2012. The backs are in camp practicing and the coaches are coaching and evaluating. One play or even one practice is not going to supplant a starter. I also don’t believe the coaches have hidden agendas. Their simple agenda is to win. Winning cures all ills. No UGA or other major college coach wants to lose.
Just Saying
August 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
Does anyone know what the NCAA did with GT’s ACC trophy after GT’s repeated sleazy behavior?
Just Saying
August 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
What is the status of the former coach at GT who was accused of assault on a female student?
AirForce1
August 9th, 2012
4:44 pm
Is it me or when I hear Mark Richt speak to the media over the last couple years he sounds melancholy? Where is the fire in the belly? I know CMR is not quite as emotional as other SEC coaches but come on man. Go Dawgs!
Just Saying
August 9th, 2012
4:44 pm
Is GT on the NCAA watch list for obstructing that investigation?
WDE
August 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
@Just Saying its in the same storage bin with USC’s trophy of shame….but keep that to yourself some of the Bugs think its still on campus and we don’t want to hurt their little feelings…
Just Saying
August 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
What is the status of the former GT basketball player accused of murder?
DIT
August 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
I think with Samuel at Fullback Bo Bo better get the fullback the ball a whole lot more. From what i can remember I only saw the fullback run the ball 1 time last year. Now I could be wrong, but I would bet at most you could count it on one hand.
To have a chance Bo Bo needs to really open up the offense and not let the throtle down. Being conservative has to be thrown out the window and take some chances.
We will know what this team is made up of after the Mizzou game. That atmosphere will be tough. Them Missouri folks with have that place “worse than bonkers.”
Just Saying
August 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
Are the GT players still going to Athens bars to have a good time?
DIT
August 9th, 2012
4:49 pm
Sorry that was suppose to be “let the throttle down.”
UGA freshman Marshall Morgan getting a kick out of all the attention | UGA sports blog
August 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
[...] Pecking order in backfield appears unchanged [...]
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
No idea what you made up the stuff about Crowell or Mettenberg, since all Georgia fans seem to think they were pretty guilty as charged.
Do I really need to post the blog entries from when UGA fans tried to say that the gun in Crowells car might not be his? You guys try to excuse everything.
Just Saying
August 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
DANG……I was hoping GT Bob would answer my questions since he thinks he has all the answers. The silence is deafening GT Bob
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
4:51 pm
What is the status of the former GT basketball player accused of murder?
Who knows, he isn’t at GT anymore so I haven’t kept up with him. He is probably out drinking with Hines Ward and Orson Charles.
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
4:52 pm
Are the GT players still going to Athens bars to have a good time?
There is a guy who should have been kicked off the team and out of school. Not for the crime he committed just because he was dumb enough to go to Athens.
Glory between the Hedges
August 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
GTBob
August 9th, 2012
11:40 am
If he wants to drop by my office I will be happy to tell him in person the negative ramifications of drug use.
Your Office!!??? HA …that’s one of your best lines yet!
LogicalUS
August 9th, 2012
4:58 pm
“Gurley had a 40 yard touchdown, which means that his other 6 carries netted 17 yards less than 3 per carry like the other backs”
Bingo and who knows the particulars…the 40 yd run might have been on the last play of the scrimmage while half the defense was working their way over to the water stations…
Yeah…he went 1,3,2,2,2,2,-2,4, then 40 and every assumes he is Hershel.