Football notebook: Back to school for Dogs — graduate school in QB Murray’s case
(Updated 9 p.m.)
ATHENS — As fall semester classes began Monday at Georgia, Aaron Murray opened a new chapter in his academic playbook: graduate school.
Georgia’s starting quarterback, who has two seasons of football eligibility remaining, earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology in May and was accepted into UGA’s graduate program in industrial-organizational psychology.
“It’s actually a doctorate program,” Murray said. “You get your master’s along the way.”
According to the UGA Department of Psychology website, the graduate program in industrial-organizational psychology “exists to develop, research and apply psychological principles to raise the quality of life for working individuals.”
Said Murray: “It’s a pretty big field nowadays. A lot of companies are hiring I-O psychologists.”
Whether Murray completes a master’s or Ph.D. degree in the foreseeable future might depend on how his other career aspiration unfolds.
He is eligible to enter next year’s NFL draft and has not ruled out that option.
“I’m not going to worry about that [now],” Murray said. “I’m just going to focus on the season, take one game at a time and at the end of the season, I’ll make a decision. Academically, we’ve set a plan for the next two years, what I’m going to do academically and we’ll see what happens.”
If he stays in school, Murray said he “hopefully” can get his master’s in two years and his Ph.D. in an additional two, although, realistically, the NFL figures in there somewhere.
“If I’m blessed to make it to the next level, [great],” Murray said. “If not, I could finish up my doctorate in four years and that would be pretty cool.”
An I-O psychologist, Murray said, “works on things like leadership in organizations, development, relationships between the bosses and the employees … figuring out ways to improve the company in general.”
Murray acknowledged it can be difficult to match the practice schedule of a football player with the academic schedule of a graduate student but said it worked out this semester so that his classes are in the morning three days a week.
Murray, who enrolled at UGA in January 2009, completed his bachelor’s degree in 3 1/2 years. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining because he redshirted in 2009.
‘An honor’ for 7 walk-ons
Georgia coach Mark Richt awarded scholarships for the 2012-13 school year to seven walk-on players over the weekend: fullback Merritt Hall (currently No. 1 on the depth chart at his position), wide receiver Rhett McGowan, tailback Brandon Harton, linebacker Kosta Vavlas and defensive backs Connor Norman, Luis Capella and Blake Sailors.
Harton and Sailors also received scholarships last year. The other five were awarded scholarships for the first time.
Richt announced the scholarships at a team meeting.
“Believe it or not, it’s a bittersweet moment for me,” Richt said Monday, “because as many guys as are getting scholarships, there are a lot that aren’t. And there are a lot of guys deserving. It’s very difficult to narrow it down to the group we narrowed it down to because there are some other young men who are probably just as deserving.
“I even debated if I should do it in a team meeting, because I know as exciting as it is for the guys who get it, it’s kind of heartbreaking for other guys. But when it happens, it is a very positive reaction — the first time I did it in front of the team a few years back, I was just impressed with the team in general and especially the scholarship guys and how excited they were for their teammates to get that honor. And it is an honor to say that you walked on and earned a scholarship somewhere along the way in your career.”
The scholarships were available because of attrition — dismissals and transfers — from the team. Counting former walk-ons, the Bulldogs now have 79 players on scholarship, below the NCAA limit of 85.
No movement on tailback front
Richt said “there’s not a lot of separation” among the top four tailbacks: veterans Ken Malcome and Richard Samuel and freshmen Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley.
“I think they’re all going to get their opportunity to play throughout the year,” Richt said. “Who’s going to be the starter, I don’t know. We’ll be anxious to see all of them, really. I will be.”
Etc.
Richt described Monday’s practice as “not bad, not great, not good enough probably to become a champion today. I think they’re still trying to get it done, but I thought I saw just a little bit of guys not giving it every little ounce they had today. I wouldn’t say it was the entire team, but there was enough of it going on that it wasn’t really that exciting to me.” … Defensive end Ray Drew was back at practice, albeit in a green (no-contact) jersey, after missing a week because of a concussion. … Freshman tight end Ty Flournoy-Smith was limited by a strained hamstring… . Three cornerbacks were in green jerseys: Malcome Mitchell and Branden Smith because of shoulder contusions and Damien Swann because of a neck sprain. … No surprise, but Richt said he expects offensive coordinator Mike Bobo to work from the booth on game days again this season. … Sounds as if freshman John Theus is going to be the starting right tackle. The No. 1 offensive line “for the great majority of all our practices” has included Theus at right tackle, Richt said, “and I think it’s been good.” … If No. 1 left tackle Kenarious Gates were injured, either Watts Dantzler or Theus likely would move there from the right side, Richt said.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
133 comments Add your comment
11Dawg
August 13th, 2012
5:45 pm
“I’m not going to worry about that [now],” Murray said. “I’m just going to focus on the season, take one game at a time, and at the end of the season I’ll make a decision.”
Which is football player speak for “I’m gone, suckers!”
6-18 Against End of Season Ranked Teams Since '05
August 13th, 2012
5:51 pm
Maybe he could use some of that Psychology background to keep himself from choking against ranked teams!!!
Augusta dawg
August 13th, 2012
5:51 pm
Whatever happens the dawg nation wishes him the best. I hope he brings home a championship both sec and NCAA. GATA.
B
August 13th, 2012
5:54 pm
Wow, that’s impressive. Thanks for the article on someone doing good.
Destin Dawg
August 13th, 2012
6:05 pm
Better attitudes for the team leaders, JJ, Murray, energy vampires are GONE… Junkyard Dawg defense will be SHUT DOWN… O line shaping up…can’t wait.. 2 more weeks.. SEC Champs THIS year !!
Beast from the East
August 13th, 2012
6:16 pm
Smart kid. Nice to see a student-athlete using that scholarship to it’s fullest by taking advantage of a free education.
SimpleDawg
August 13th, 2012
6:18 pm
Not too shabby…..
Work on that degree. The NFL is no sure thing. Tommy Lyons was able to become a dentist while playing football; surely Murray can get his PhD while he plays……if he makes it.
52 arrests in four years
August 13th, 2012
6:25 pm
Maybe he’ll make it if he stays out of jail, but being a dawg, the odds are heavily against him.
rex
August 13th, 2012
6:38 pm
How many of you haters graduated from college in 3 1/2 years?
Paddy
August 13th, 2012
6:48 pm
Great article and a great kid and player! We are lucky to have kids like this in the program.
Dawg Whisperer
August 13th, 2012
6:49 pm
Character, leadership, smarts & plain hard work. Aaron’s parents must be proud!
Delbert D.
August 13th, 2012
6:50 pm
Good feeder program for law school.
dbc
August 13th, 2012
6:52 pm
Good for you Aaron Murray! Most football players are only worried about adding up the money they MIGHT make in the NFL. Few have the brains to utilize their scholarship to its fullest. I think we can all add up the cost of obtaining both a bachelors degree and a masters at an out-of-state university. Worth at least $150K all together. Smart kid…
BC
August 13th, 2012
7:23 pm
Like to see Murray do well his Junior year.
Joe
August 13th, 2012
7:23 pm
Murray is a really impressive guy. I would take a football team full of guys like him. I would take a student body full of guys like him. I would take a son-in-law like him.
JB
August 13th, 2012
7:27 pm
I watched the replay of the Ga/Fla game from last year the other day. Murray better get that PhD. He missed about 20 open receivers in that game, all under 30 yards.
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
7:42 pm
That’s awesome for Murray.
@52 arrests
August 13th, 2012
7:46 pm
I keep asking for documentation on these charges, and there is not any. I am beginning to suspect it is just made up.
Man up and give us a link. Then you won’t have a guilty conscience about spreading false information.
Dawglasville
August 13th, 2012
7:51 pm
It only took two comments to find a douche. Nice.
Glad you’re still blogging George. Glad to see there are still a few adults on here. Very impressive Aaron. Glad you get the big picture.
Dawgmess
August 13th, 2012
7:51 pm
To: “52 Arrests In Four Years” – Very intelligent contribution. Obviously you too finished your batchelors degree in less than 4 years and already have your doctorate. We are honored and humbled to have your input!
Rick James
August 13th, 2012
7:52 pm
Nice,but I’m sure that Hutson Mason wants him to enter the draft.
MaconDawg
August 13th, 2012
7:53 pm
I love to see the jealosy rain down from all you non-UGA fans and even you so called Dawg fans. Everyone one of you can’t stand to see ANYONE be successful. And for youi JB, you are correct, he had plenty of opportunities to hit open receivers and didn’t but as they say in golf, it is not how you drive but how you arrive. He did complete two 4th down touchdown passes that were the difference in the game and UGA won the game. I am sure that is to your dismay. By the way, what is your masters or doctorate in? In fact do you even own a 4 year degree beyond middle school? I say “Congratulations Aaron and should you choose to enter the draft at the end of the year, good for you”
TMC DAWG
August 13th, 2012
7:55 pm
Hey,52 Get a life.
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
7:58 pm
You know I never want to give a UGA player too much credit, Dawglasville, but how can anyone dump on this.
18 days, boys.
BiggDawgK
August 13th, 2012
7:59 pm
Anyone else notice how how few comments there are when the ajc runs a rare favorable story about Georgia? I pray that my life is never so empty and pathetic that I have to resort to making hate filled comments about a guy who is bettering his life so that mine will seem less pointless.
1eyedJack
August 13th, 2012
8:00 pm
BC
August 13th, 2012
8:04 pm
1) One way I saw Murray improve in 2011, was he figured out how to win some big games, where there was big time pressure. After starting out 0-2, Richt’s seat was warming up, yet Murray went on a 10-0 winning streak. A big win over Florida, almost a must win after Richt lost to South Carolina. Murray came up big on 4th down aginst UF with some CLUTCH td’s, also made a CLUTCH throw to ice the game. Came up big against top 25 ranked Auburn, an incredible first half, made some CLUTCH throws, beating his first ranked team. Also, played a strong game against GT, beating another top 25 ranked team. First half against the #1 defense in the country, and his team was ahead and his offense outplayed Chavis’s defense. Played a good enough game to beat Mich St, but the defense gave up a last minute 80 yard drive, and Walsh missed a game wining field goal in ovetime. Those games will be good for Murray’s confidence as he now has solid past performances to hang his hat on when he doubts himself.
2) Look at RG3’s Junior year. RG3 never won a game against big teams in 2008, or 2010 or threw more than 22 td’s. Then as a Junior, threw 37 td’s and beat 2 top 20 ranked teams.
2008, RG3 went 0-5 against teams that finished top 20 (OK, OKS, Mizzou, Tex Tech, Texas)
2009, RG3 didn’t play in the big games.
2010, RG3 went 0-4 against teams that finished top 20 (TCU, OKS, Tex A/M, Okl) 3 of the losses were blowouts by 29 points or more.
2011, RG3 went 2-2 against teams that finished top 20 (TCU, Okl, KsT(lost by 1 pt) OKSt)
RG3, finished his Junior season with 4293 yards, 37 td’s, 6 int’s, 72% completions.
Won the Heisman.
3) Close game losses.
UGA lost 4 close games in 2010, Ark by 7, Col by 2, UF by 3, UCF by 4. A total of 16 points made the difference between a 6-7 season or a 10-4 season. 2011, lost 2 games by a field goal each, 6 points was the difference between going 10-4 and 12-2. He has played better than the record indicates, as 6 of 11 of the losses were by 7 or less points. LSU is the only blowout loss. So Murray played well enough in many games, but a new defense and def staff in 2010, and a terrible special teams in 2011, really hurt the team.
I think Murray could surprise many this season, including me, who tends to be more Larry Munson- esque pessimistic…
Man, I miss Larry Munson.
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
8:07 pm
Murray didn’t drop three touchdowns against LSU, either, BC.
BC
August 13th, 2012
8:15 pm
Yes, the 3 drops and punting to the Honey Badger will haunt me until September. Honey Badger also dropped the ball on the 1 yard line on his punt return, but no one caught it, we should have had the ball on the 20. Could have been up 28-0 at halftime and turned LSU into a passing offense, not their strength. murray mad a couple of boneheaded turnovers in the 3rd quarter, and then, inexplcably, we punted to Honey Badger AGAIN. Game over.
But in the first half against LSU, we looked like the best football team in the nation. It was a great feeling. Still can’t believe it happened.
I think that’s why most have us a the No 6 ranked pre-season.
fan
August 13th, 2012
8:19 pm
This is so funny. The two penitentiarys in Alabama fighting over the recruit Foster.
Whiznot
August 13th, 2012
8:21 pm
Get some schoolin’, boy. There is no NFL in your future.
George Stein
August 13th, 2012
8:24 pm
The turnovers would have never happened, BC, because y’all would have turned around and given the rock to whoever the hell was at RB that day. That game wasn’t on Murray.
BC
August 13th, 2012
8:27 pm
The odds are against Murray going Pro, mainly because of his size. But, if he puts up the kind of season 5′ 11” Russell Wilson put up at Wisconsin, 70%+ accuracy, 3200 yards, 33 td’s, 4 int’s, 2-2 against teams that finish top 25, either his Jr or Sr season, it will happen.
BITTER Q/B
August 13th, 2012
8:35 pm
AFTER the GAME AGAINST THE CHICKENS—-I will either support TURNOVER MURRAY
or ask for his HEAD on a PLATTER——-There want be a next year for Murray
–HUDSON MASON Time —-NEXT YEAR murphy
BC
August 13th, 2012
8:39 pm
Good point, the first half 3 dropped td’s, and Honey Badger’s missed call by the refs, certainly changed the offensive strategy. Up 28-0, we likely win that game, LSU just couldn’t pass effectively last year. Murray only technically cost us 7 points with his interception returned for a td, and Honey Badger only returned 1 punt for a td, but the defense just was too soft in the red zone in the 2nd half.
That 2nd half was heart breaking, we just couldn’t get a red zone stop.
That’s the difference between Alabama and everybody else, Bama only gave up 6 red zone td’s all season. Only 2 td’s against ranked teams.
Alabama’s defense only gave up a td 35% of the 17 attempts all season, and UGA gave up a td in the red zone 66% of the time.
Red zone defense td percentage in 2011:
5 td’s in 6 red zone attempts vs Boise, 83% td
2 td’s in 2 attempts vs South Carolina, 100% td
3 td’s in 3 attempts vs. LSU, 100% td
Not going to win many game giving up a td 83-100% of red zone attempts.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 13th, 2012
8:40 pm
Wilson played in a no defense league
BITTER Q/B
August 13th, 2012
8:46 pm
Murray did make a couple of tough trows in the FLORDIA BEATDOWN
and he did not drop the T/D’S against LSU
—–BOTTOM LINE——-JOE MONTANA FOUND WAYS TO WIN
THERE ARE WINNERS AND LOOSERS——–MURRAY—WHERE DO YOU STAND????
PaulPaul
August 13th, 2012
8:49 pm
52 arrests and JB
If you added both your IQs together and squared them they would get lower. Shame on both of you.
uncledaddy
August 13th, 2012
8:52 pm
Good for you Aaron Murray! If things don’t work out in the arena league, you can always pursue a career in human resources.
BC
August 13th, 2012
8:56 pm
True, Murray did go 6-7 his freshman season, and 10-4 his Soph, but RG3 went 4-8 his Fresh season, then RG3 went 7-6 in 2nd seaosn as a starter, then his Jr year, RG3 went 10-4, beating 2 top 20 teams.
I think the possibility of going Pro, encourages a lot of improvement in the year before you plan on going Pro, so Murray has a lot of reason to improve, about $3 million of them, 5′ 11” Wilson wnet 6-7, 6-7, 9-4 before his last year where he went 11-3. Russell Wilson landed a $3 million contract.
Just Saying
August 13th, 2012
9:03 pm
Are there any other teams in the SEC with a QB who is such a SCHOLAR athlete? Great job AM
BC
August 13th, 2012
9:03 pm
Richt said “not a lot of seperation” between the tailbacks.
I don’t know, seems like Gurley’s 10 yards per carry average, is about 9 better than either Marshall or Samuel’s in the first scrimmage.
10 yards a carry vs. 1 yard per carry.
Pretty good seperation.
BC
August 13th, 2012
9:07 pm
It would take Murray about 50 years to earn $3 million at about $60,000 a year.
Or if he goes Pro, he could earn $3 million in 4 years.
50 years, or 4 years, I think Murray has some reason to have a big year at UGA,
why not!!
August 13th, 2012
9:07 pm
J B he might not have hit the receivers in the Fl game last year but he could probably hit the wide open door on your single wide while you are cooling the trailer off.
Berry
August 13th, 2012
9:15 pm
As usual, the dawgs are all pumped up for another run at the SEC and a national championship. The Kool-Aid is flowing in copious amounts as they make ready to mow down their cupcake opposition.
.
.
.
Wait, haven’t we heard this before… as in every year?
.
.
.
And before long the dreams will be just shattered illusions, victim to 3rd rate coaching, failed drug tests, DUIs, girlfriends beaten up, academic failures, and a dozen other reasons.
.
.
.
So let me be the first to say so long, adios, sayonara, and adieu to the whimpering puppies, whose only hope is… are you ready for this…
.
.
WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!
Stephen Parrish
August 13th, 2012
9:29 pm
We need you to win games. Focus on that.
JB
August 13th, 2012
9:29 pm
David Greene, for all his accomplishments , yards, Td’s, Big wins, etc did not make it in the NFL. Aaron Murray does not have a signature win at UGA. Sorry, he doesn’t. I ‘m pulling for him, But he won’t even get drafted unless he has a big turn around ( personally at the position) this year.
Stephen
August 13th, 2012
9:30 pm
Enter your comments here
JB
August 13th, 2012
9:34 pm
What I want to see LESS of of Murray this year. After releasing a pass, both his hands on his helmet with that ” I can’t believe I did that look” on his face.
The Factor
August 13th, 2012
9:56 pm
@George Stein
Welcome anytime…..Obviously, not a pinhead
Mobile Dawg
August 13th, 2012
10:18 pm
Not quite sure why Richt would report that not everyone was giving 100% today, and that he wasn’t really excited about it. That’s a bit of information probably better kept to himself.
otn dawg
August 13th, 2012
10:28 pm
JB youjust hit the nail on the head. David Greene was good but didn’t fair verywell at the pro level. I still love my dawgs though and hope that this team can get it done. Go Dawgs
NJ Dawg
August 13th, 2012
10:39 pm
I doubt Murray’s tall enough for an NFL team to give him a real shot. If he had Mike Vick’s foot speed, it’d be a different matter, but while Murray is mobile for a passing QB and pretty accurate, he doesn’t have the kind of speed or arm strength that would cause teams to overlook his height.
It’s a shame, but there are tons of players whose skill sets were great for college stardom, but left them ill-equipped in the less imaginative NFL.
So GREAT for Murray that he’s making the most of his education!! I hope he proves me wrong and plays well on Sundays for the next decade or more, but it’s awesome that he’s got a backup plan. I’m sure that no matter what his football career holds, he’s going to be a success.
Brewmaster
August 13th, 2012
10:41 pm
Hey NJ Dawg. how tall is Drew Brees ?
Delusional Georgia hater
August 13th, 2012
11:08 pm
It’s not fair that Georgia gets such an easy schedule. They haven’t played a decent team from the West in FOREVER!!
Brian
August 13th, 2012
11:10 pm
I agree, NJ Dawg.
Delusional Georgia hater
August 13th, 2012
11:15 pm
Georgia always gets all the calls go their way! It’s not fair to everyone else. Murray ALWAYS plays bad against good teams. Georgia is the most overrated team in college football and Richt is the worst coach ever, even worse than Houston Nutt.
Delusional Georgia hater
August 13th, 2012
11:17 pm
Grantham only looked good because Martinez was so bad before. He’s so overrated! Georgia has more thugs than anyone and they are the ONLY team that wanted Crowell and Mettenberger!
Delusional Georgia hater
August 13th, 2012
11:19 pm
Gosh, I hate the mutts so much. I hope a bunch of their starters get hurt, but they will lose 6 games regardless.
Delusional Georgia hater
August 13th, 2012
11:23 pm
Where are my fellow haters today? My boy GTBob and a person smart enough to know and of course blackout anyone. I miss you SSI, you are so brilliant and know so much about the evil program in Athens.
ATL Sports Fan
August 13th, 2012
11:43 pm
NJDawg, not sure what NFL organization you worked in that qualifies you to determine whether or not Aaron Murray has the skill set. He was given a mid to 2nd/3rd round draft grade last year by the NFL. I’m pretty sure they know a little more than you do.
smellyfinger
August 14th, 2012
12:43 am
Hey Coach…if they’re not giving 100% in practice..then run gassers till they puke!!! Do you not understand that admitting that they didn’t practice hard…and that there were no repercussions (stated)…just looks soft?
.
CaliDawg
August 14th, 2012
2:08 am
I’m not sure that Murray has an NFL future. But, if someone is going to draft him and give him guaranteed money – he has to take that shot at the next level. This is a big year for Murray to PROTECT the ball and deliver some big wins.
scholarpon
August 14th, 2012
2:26 am
Check out this amazing school fundraiser http://www.scholarpon.com you cant buy daily deals and give back to schools.
Po'ed Up like Isiahhh
August 14th, 2012
2:29 am
52 in 4 years… that really is sad. Rev. Richt, that Christian saint he is, is the beacon of discipline in football. LMAO
WDE
August 14th, 2012
6:41 am
Congrats to A Murray glad to see you get the degree and then keep planning for the future. DGD !
Woofy One
August 14th, 2012
6:46 am
Murray is exceptionally committed. He spends 35 to 40 hours a week outside of class on football. I believe he will have an even better year this year.
Jimmy Crack
August 14th, 2012
6:51 am
“What I want to see LESS of of Murray this year. After releasing a pass, both his hands on his helmet with that ” I can’t believe I did that look” on his face.”
Exactly. Seen that too many times.
PHD or no PHD, he still throws too many ill-timed interceptions. He must work on that.
AAAAA Athens Bail Bonds R Us
August 14th, 2012
7:58 am
Any more dawgs arrested today?
Old Dawg
August 14th, 2012
8:02 am
52 arrests in four years: You must live in a really deep hole with a rock over it. Yes, UGA has had numerous players arrested and many have been kicked off the team.
This is a story about a student-athlete accomplishing his academic goals while also being an SEC athlete. The schedule is difficult and the scrutiny from fans and the media intense. Yet, Murray graduated and is working on his Master’s, which isn’t easy to do.
I’m sure. So sure. That you have equal success in your life. That’s why you ridicule someone who’s working very hard to make a positive impact with his life.
Folks like you are beyond pathetic!
Southern Belle
August 14th, 2012
8:11 am
At least this young man is taking his education seriously. A lot more than some. If your education is handed to you free at least make an effort. And he has. I am proud to be a bulldog fan today.
Lindsey
August 14th, 2012
8:17 am
Nice to read about a Dawg taking advantage of the great opportunity given to him with school and football. I hope Aaron has his best season yet, GO DAWGS!!
Joey
August 14th, 2012
8:31 am
“Aaron Murray does not have a signature win at UGA. Sorry, he doesn’t. I ‘m pulling for him, But he won’t even get drafted unless he has a big turn around ( personally at the position) this year”
********************************************
JB, our boy Greene had bunches of big wins, and I can’t think of another college player who played any better under extreme pressure (maybe Tebow?) than him. And basically no NFL career. So, I don’t think that winning or even big yards and TD passes have anything to do with getting drafted. Performing well at the NFL Combine is the ticket. Footspeed, athletic ability, and arm strength/accuracy will be what decides Murray’s NFL fate.
Murray was MVP at the Elite-11 three years ago, which included USC’s Barkley and UT’s Gilbert. This summer Murray impressed the Manning brothers at their camp.
Murray obviously has the physical skills. Hopefully Bobo helps him round out the rest – his reads, audibles, and protecting the ball. It would help also to have better protection from the O-line.
kingdaddy
August 14th, 2012
8:32 am
Aaron is a DGD with a very good head on his shoulders. He will be very successful in life and will represent UGA well after his college career is over…
gt4ever
August 14th, 2012
8:44 am
The kid is a winner! Period…
Gator Mike
August 14th, 2012
8:47 am
Murray’s personal goals are very impressive, and I salute him. He is using moore common sense in looking at his future than most athletes.
He is obviously a class act which should make all DAWG Fans proud. I wish we had someone like him at UF.
Vince Drooley
August 14th, 2012
8:50 am
Will someone get the word to SimpleDawg that Tommy Lyons did not become a dentist while in pro football. He became an MD and eventually an Ob-Gyn specialising in sophisticated state of the art reproduction corrective surgery-not bad for a plodding offensive lineman, I should think!
dawgfan
August 14th, 2012
8:51 am
I bet Murray gets in to coaching. Maybe he’ll even be our coach one day. Who knows.
Grits
August 14th, 2012
8:56 am
A Phd in industrial-organizational psychology! Wow that’s almost as good as a Phd in underwater basket weaving at Univ of Mami!
LHarding Dawg
August 14th, 2012
9:03 am
Grits – What would your PHD be in?
Shug
August 14th, 2012
9:20 am
Hhhmmmm, graduated in 3.5 years with a psychology degree. Reminds me of all those Duke basketball players who graduate in 3 years with a sociology major. Or, for comparison purposes only, those Florida State scholar-athletes who always seem to major in criminology.
Can we all agree that there are certain courses of study at certain schools that are not academically rigorous.
1eyedJack
August 14th, 2012
9:31 am
Shug, I think we can all agree that you are a complete knucklehead.
BC
August 14th, 2012
9:41 am
Murray compares favorably to Brees so far.
Both made it to the Elite 11 in High School.
Brees’ numbers in his first 2 seasons at Purdue:
62% accurate, 64 td’s, 32 interceptions
Murray’s numbers in his first 2 seasons at UGA:
60% accurate, 59 td’s, 22 interceptions
Kind of surprised Murray didn’t get invited to the Heisman Ceremony last season, considering his numbers.
If Murray puts up Drew Brees kind of numbers for the 3rd straight year, and isn’t in Heisman top 5 finalist, something’s amuck.
You get the feeling the ESPN guys don’t like UGA, for whatever reason.
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
9:44 am
Is it possible for Murray to have a huge year which would obviously benefit his draft potential, and see the Dawgs develop the dominating running game most of us would like to see? My concern is Richt and Bobo will see the need to pat Murrays stats. Personally, I’m glad to see Murray getting his education, but could care less if he is NFL caliber or not. I would just like to see him manage the games, and win, rather than be a spectacular QB. You can’t spell the word team with the letter “I”.
d-man
August 14th, 2012
9:50 am
Can someone tell me what GATA means? Thanks!
Shug
August 14th, 2012
10:04 am
d-man, among other things (probably), GATA means Georgia Athletics Trainers Association.
1eyedJack, you are too kind.
BC
August 14th, 2012
10:04 am
One way for Murray to lock Heisman top 5 finalists, is best Drew Brees Sr yr Purdue #’s:
3400 yards, 24 td’s, 12 interceptions, 60% accurate.
If Murray goes dramatically better than Brees Sr season at Purdue, he’s a top 5 Heisman lock:
3425 yards, 30 td’s, 10 interceptions, 65% accurate
Murray goes up against SEC defenses, so that kind of season would be remarkable.
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
10:12 am
So again the question, why do we keep signing the nations top prospects at tailback, if we’re concerned about our QB putting up Heisman numbers? And no dominant OL in recent memory.
BC
August 14th, 2012
10:15 am
Murray’s numbers are all the more remarkable when you consider he went against 10 top 30 pass defenses in 2011.
Murray will face 8 top 30 pass defenses in 2012. Imagine if he puts up Drew Brees type of numbers, going against 8 top 30 pass defenses.
These teams, on the UGA 2012, all finished in the top 30 in pass defense in 2012:
South Carolina, Florida, Tenn, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Miss St and Ga Tech
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
10:21 am
The only numbers I’m concerned about Murray putting up are W’s, and the final ranking he leads the Dawgs to. In doing that, I hope he’s extremely successful, but not at the expense of the rest of the team, aka, Stafford.
BC
August 14th, 2012
10:34 am
It would be smarter to recruit fullbacks, running backs, offensive lineman, and tight ends, that played on teams with great passing offenses, as they would excel at passblocking.
UGA will always be under Mark Richt a pass first team, it’s Richt’s strength, so why not design recruiting personel around it?
Getting guys like Crowell, Thomas, King, Marshall, who are small and fast, doesn’t help the passing game from a blocking standpoint.
Looks like Richt is kind of starting to do that by moving Samuel to fullback, and Malcome and Gurley back there with their big bodies, they should be excellent passblockers.
Tana
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
Pretty easy to get in UGA grad school when you are on the football team….UGA shoud have left some spots open for real psychologists.
BC
August 14th, 2012
10:43 am
Murray increased his win totals from 6 wins in 2010, to 10 wins in 2011, so he seems to be on the right track. Also beat 2 top 25 ranked teams in Auburn & GT and beat some teams with winning records like Florida and Miss St, Murray had done neither in 2010, so he is winning more games, and beating better teams.
Pitbull
August 14th, 2012
10:46 am
Did you guys hear about the 7 inmates that escaped from prison in Spartanburg?
Two were captured in North Carolina.
Two were captured in Tennesse.
Three were signed by Steve Spurrier and are living in a really nice hotel in Columbia.
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
10:47 am
Agree with your 10:43. I just want to see him be more efficient at managing the game. We all like to see the quick strike occasionally, I just don’t think it’s the best formula for consistency. That pass first philosophy of Richt you speak of is one of the major reasons I’m not really a fan or Richt the Coach.
WDE
August 14th, 2012
10:48 am
@Tana you know I think you won Troll of the Day with that spewage!
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
10:51 am
“blocking” as it relates to the passing game is not blocking in traditional sense, so the only function that size plays in it is that he can’t get run over. What is requiredfrom a RB, is to pick up a blitz, (a quick move) not push somebody forward. So the guys you mention seem more suited FOR that job, than some bigger slower RB, it would seem to me.
BC
August 14th, 2012
11:01 am
Richt is moving to more traditional tight end bodies, bigger, better passblockers than receivers. Richt is re-engineering the offense for a passing onslaught in 2012. You can tell, something big is brewing and it’s about to be unleashed.
shankit
August 14th, 2012
11:09 am
How did Drew Brees do in his last bowl game with Purdue?
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
11:11 am
I think the re-engineer was actually last year. This year is just going to be refining that. Still a 60/40 run to pass ratio, but a lot more plays, faster tempo. We just didn’t talk much about it last year for a couple of reasons.
1. It wasn’t all that effective till a few games in.
2. It would have required the fans to have actually said something good about Coach Bobo’s efforts.
Jimmy Crack
August 14th, 2012
11:32 am
“…real psychologists.”
A “real”psychologist’s degree and a dollar bill will pay for a side of hashbrowns to feed your inner fatty.
BC
August 14th, 2012
12:05 pm
Last year, it looked like Richt wasn’t sure of his offensive identity, he moved Figgins to fullback for a big runblocker, and had 2 non-traditional tight ends that couldn’t passblock. Add light and fast Crowell & Thomas to the mix, who couldn’t passblock either, and you can see Richt’s offensive identity was mixed.
In 2012, the offensive identity is there, it’s going to be a passing oriented offense, due to murray’s experience coupled with inexperience at tailback, Richt has moved to big blocking tight ends, Samuel a big body passblocker, moves from ill-suited tailback to passblocking fullback, and Malcome and Gurley, look to add 2 more big bodied passblockers at tailback, instead of the fast but light and ineffective passblockers Crowell & Thomas.
This offense is going to score, put mind-boggling numbers, have a lot more explosive plays, and Murray’s sacks and interceptions will go down by 25% due to all the big bodies added and more effective passblockers at tightend, fullback, and tailback.
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
12:19 pm
But only If Hudson Mason gets to start.
reasonable dawg
August 14th, 2012
12:26 pm
To be or not to be…..that was actually pretty funny!!
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
12:30 pm
I think I’m going to challenge the 60/40 run to pass on technicality. That may be a correct statistic but don’t intended passes that turn into scrambles, and sacks add to that run stat. My guess would be 50/50 at best, or maybe 55/45 pass/run.
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
12:31 pm
Didn’t you mean Hutson?
Mark Richt's Goatee
August 14th, 2012
12:43 pm
well, i am history now, so long…..it was fun while it lasted.
Buckeye
August 14th, 2012
12:55 pm
Good for Murray but he still trots like a prissy little girl with a stick up his……………
I dropped my fried twinkie
August 14th, 2012
12:56 pm
35:55minute MURRAY will go PRO after this year cause he will be the HEISMAN WINNER right?
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
1:05 pm
You would be correct to challenge that estimate. It’s actually more like 56-57% run. Fairly consistant over the yeasr with the exception of 2005 for obvious reasons.
But ,Actually there is a very specific set of criteria in term of QB’s intentions. A sack is NOT a rushing attempt. An obvious keeper is. I think the official scorers decides if a “scamble” met the standard of intent to run or not.
But even so, then that would be true for every other teams. So for example, by that logic, Alabama doesn’t run it but half the time either. (similar stats) I understand they might not have as many sacks or scrambles in one year or more in another. .The point being that the stat really is the measure of % and there are always caviats, but they work out over time.
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
1:08 pm
I did in fact mean Hutson. Thank you, Mrs. Mason.
Bob from Smyrna
August 14th, 2012
1:11 pm
Tech fan applauding Murray. Nice to see athletes who appreciate wonderful educational opportunities. Bravo to those that come back after a pro career, and I am really impressed by those that not only get their BA/BS degree, but also get graduate credits. Sounds like a Peyton Manning attitude to me. Beat those SEC schools, and please focus on the SEC championship, and let GT win this year.
DawgInaTruck
August 14th, 2012
1:15 pm
This question was asked some time ago by d-man, but GATA stands for ‘Get After Their A$$es’ and was coined by Erk Russell in the early 70’s. We were playing at Tech and played a rather lackluster first half. In the locker room at half time Erk noticed everything was stenciled GTAA for ‘Georgia Tech Athletic Association’. He called attention to this and told the team, “Men, these letters are out of order. It should read GATA. That stands for “Get after their A$$ES!” and thats what we are gonna do in the second half.
Motivated, the team went back out, took control of the game and won going away.
GATA has been a signature for us since. Often we will see ‘Welcome UGA-GATA’ on hotel signs when we play out of town and I’ve heard CMR say we need to do just that a time or two during a half time interview.
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
1:18 pm
That thank you would be for my oldest Daughter, she worked with relatives of “Hutson” and met him several times. Even though she went to West Georgia she’s a huge Dawg fan.
I think Alabama runs just about the exact same offense we run, they just have had better horses at the OL and backfield providing more consistency.
dwagdawg
August 14th, 2012
1:19 pm
LMFAO @ To be or not to be……….dawgfan wants to know if he can play the role of the girl who steals hashbrowns in shorts……
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
1:21 pm
Absolutely agree.
AltamahaDawg
August 14th, 2012
1:22 pm
We better stop right there, huh?
Mobile Dawg
August 14th, 2012
1:28 pm
I have no choice at this point. Got some work to do this afternoon. Catch ya later….
cewbee
August 14th, 2012
2:18 pm
(I did not have the patience to wade through all the comments) but did anyone mention that Tevin Washington, Tech’s QB also is in Grad School? Think about it – this is a good thing. It means both schools have “thinking men” in a position of leadership. That they finished their undergraduate schooling ahead of schedule and have more than putting on pads in their future. Here’s hoping for a real competition the Saturday after Thanksgiving!
Fair n Balanced
August 14th, 2012
2:29 pm
If Murray goes to the nfl it will be after he gets his doctorate. He will have to graduate, go to Canada or Europe to play and then walk on to an nfl team. He’s at GA for 2 more yrs at Ga and he may not be the starting qb his sr yr. he just isn’t that good yet. He can’t throw a spiral yet. He’s got some good numbersbut some bad ones too. We don’t win die to offense bit we do lose because of it.
Fair n Balanced
August 14th, 2012
2:36 pm
Still below scholarship allowance so why not grant some more…or just pay for them out of a huge salary. Doesn’t have to be bitter sweet. You’ve got slots open so…… Doesn’t make sense to me.
BC
August 14th, 2012
2:50 pm
Murray faced 10 top 30 pass defenses in 2011, and will face 8 top 30 pass defenses in 2012.
Matt Barkley will face 0 top 30 pass defenses in 2012, and faced 0 top 30 pass defenses in 2011.
So Barkley will throw for more yards, and a higher pass completion, and less interceptions, but Murray will match him on td’s.
Should Murray win the SEC, he wins the Heisman, because of facing 8 top 30 pass defenses.
Matt Barkley, the pass defenses USC faces, are a total joke.
FLORIDA DAWG
August 14th, 2012
3:25 pm
Proud Dawg, it want be but few days berore the doubters will get see what is happening in 2012. I is very difficult for me to understand anyone get on a person still in school 3orking on doctors and still being involed in football the many hours he has to put in. AAron makes proud to be a Dawg.
dwagdawg
August 14th, 2012
3:52 pm
@ To be or not to be,
Gorilla Biscuit would like to know if he can play the part of Sasha, the cross-dressing prostitute professor…….
Jim S.
August 14th, 2012
4:33 pm
My sister received her doctoral degree from that program; it’s an excellent program. I’m glad Aaron is taking advantage of all of his educational opportunities at UGA. I’m also hoping he has an outstanding year on the gridiron and bring home a couple of trophies!
Go Dawgs!
The NFL called.....
August 14th, 2012
5:58 pm
and they don’t want you Murray. You SUCKOUTLOUD like UGA does.
Slaw Dawg
August 14th, 2012
6:04 pm
If Murray is in grad school who will be the new starter for UGA now that he might not be available or had some big projeck to complete before he can get to practice with the team to get ready for a big game either at home or on the road. I like that new kid Mason Hudson who came from Lassater High School in Cobb County to play for the Bulldogs because I don’t think any other school come after him the way Mark Rich did but another school could have got him probably but I am not real sure. David Green and David Polock were the 2 best players when I was a student at UGA but that has been many years ago now sometime I forget how long it has been until I think about the crazy stuff me and my buddies used to do in Athens and I guess its a good thing we did not get put in jail like some of the Bulldog players have been doing over the past few years and some has got kicked off the team because Mark Rick does not play if you get in trouble and do not go to church on a regular baysis. I love the Bulldogs and I hope we can make it to the Super Bowl this year.
Taylor Wooten
August 15th, 2012
9:26 am
Hes too short to play big time football…..cant wait to see the big games he fails in yet again.
Better get those other guys in there. Just saying…
Dr. Lange
August 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
Are you kidding me? Wanting to be an I/O?
Charlotte, North Carolina
August 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
That’s awesome. Keep up the good work. This is the true meaning of a student athlete. I love it!
No distinction between Todd Gurley and Georgia’s other tailbacks | UGA sports blog
August 18th, 2012
10:37 am
[...] It’s back to school for graduate Aaron Murray [...]
Mike
August 19th, 2012
2:06 pm
Just think, a few years ago we had to decide between Murray, now a Grad Student and Mettenberger, now a convicted criminal banned from the city of Valdosta, GA for sexual battery. Once again Richt made a good choice in getting rid of a highly touted recruit. Wonder if Crowell can read this?
io_kid
August 20th, 2012
4:30 pm
As someone who is currently in the program that he was admitted to, I can say that it cheapens our program when faculty say that he will not be held to the same standards as everyone else, because of his ongoing obligations. This was said verbatim and has upset quite a few people. Of course we are not allowed to openly express this, as evidenced by faculty responses to “negative” student reactions. If he has more of an intent of pursuing an NFL career, he should not have been admitted to the program, bottom line. If anyone else attempted to enter our program without expressing commitment to obtaining a PhD, they would not have been admitted. This isn’t a knock against Aaron, I’m sure he must be capable on some level if he was “admitted”. I just wanted to express the effects that this has had on some students within the program. I personally have lost respect for our program, which is unfortunate, b/c I am committed to completing the PhD.