Notebook: Malcolm Mitchell eager to learn what role he’ll play
GEORGIA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK
ATHENS – Malcolm Mitchell said he has no idea what he’s going to do on Saturday or how much of it.
“Maybe they’ll let me know at 3:29 on Saturday,” joked Mitchell, referring to No. 5 Georgia’s 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Tennessee at Sanford Stadium.
As of Wednesday, Mitchell was listed as the starter at boundary cornerback, where he has played the last three games and practiced on Wednesday. But Mitchell spent the whole day Tuesday — meetings and practice time — with Georgia’s wide receiver corps.
“I don’t know. I don’t have a clue, honestly,” said Mitchell, who has played a handful of snaps at wide receiver the past two games. “It was defense [Wednesday]. But you just never know what the game plan is or what they’re scheming up until game day or the day before. So right now I’m just playing it out to see what happens.”
Adding to the mystery is the return of Georgia’s last two suspended starters on defense. Linebacker Alec Ogletree and free safety Bacarri Rambo are both expected back from four-game suspensions. That means Sanders Commings, who has filled in at free safety the past two weeks, is clear to return to boundary corner, where he started 13 of the Bulldogs’ 14 games last season.
But Georgia coach Mark Richt, as he has been from the beginning, remained vague about whom might play what.
“I don’t want to tell everybody what we’re going to do,” Richt said Wednesday. “But both those guys will play.”
Mitchell was one of Georgia’s most explosive receivers as a freshman last season with 665 yards and 4 touchdowns in just 11 games. In fact, he had a game-high 126 yards on three catches against the Vols last year. But rolling him back into the wideout rotation is a delicate matter as the Bulldogs have played well there and have demonstrated a strong rapport with quarterback Aaron Murray.
“We have to be sure we stay in synch,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said.
Meanwhile, the Vols are bringing to Sanford Stadium the SEC’s most prolific passing game. Led by 6-foot-6 quarterback Tyler Bray and tall and speedy wide receivers Justin Hunter and Codarrelle Patterson, Tennessee is averaging 38.2 points a game and has passed for more than 1,300 yards passing with 12 touchdowns.
“We’re going to have to disrupt routes, play man coverage some, do some different things to mix it up because we don’t want to be predictable,” Richt said. “You have to decide how to play it because certain teams may play super deep and allow underneath stuff and go tackle while others may pressure more up front.”
Bobo has said the amount of offense Mitchell plays will be determined by how well he picks up the offense again. Mitchell insists that won’t be a problem.
“It’s a lot but it hasn’t gone anywhere,” Mitchell said of his knowledge of the offensive playbook. “I was doing it every day for a year, so it’s still in my head. I was surprised myself by how much I could contain in my head.”
Abry Jones looks like a go
Defensive end Abry Jones, who missed the first two practices this week with a sprained ankle, returned Wednesday and appeared to work out without limitations. The senior from Warner Robins has started 18 games in a row and 24 overall.
Jones had to be helped off the field against Vanderbilt with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
“It’s good,” Richt said of Jones’ quick turnaround. “Abry has been a very steady, reliable, consistent performer and he’s gotten consistently better as well. He’s a leader for us and has been named a captain on more than one occasion. He certainly helped us in the offseason as much as anybody.”
Tightening up special teams
Georgia is looking to tighten up its play on special teams.
- The Bulldogs have failed on two extra points — on miss and one botched snap — and place-kicker Marshall Morgan has had three others deflect through off the uprights.
- Georgia is last in the SEC in net punting at 33.3 yards.
- And the Dogs have struggled to field punt returns, though they’ve been relatively good at returning them once they catch them.
Richt is looking for improvement in all areas, particularly with point-after kicks.
“You would think we could get it a little closer to the center post,” Richt said. “I’m smiling now but it could cost us. I’m trying to be patient. It’s not a good thing to have that much drama on extra points.”
Morgan said he’s been working hard to correct it this week and believes he has.
“I need to fix it,” said Morgan, who has had three makes off the left upright.We’ve worked on it a lot this week and I’ve had two perfect days. We’ve looked solid.”
As for punt returns, Mitchell remains the Bulldogs’ primary returner, but Richt said considering giving the job to Rhett McGowan if fielding issues don’t improve.
“Overall we’ve had too many bad decisions and bad communication,” he said. “It may end up being Rhett if he communicates the best and secures the ball the best and fields the ball the best. We’re trying to find an answer there.”
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131 comments Add your comment
AltamahaDawg
September 27th, 2012
10:57 am
INsider You said the punt coverage team was the issue. Specificaly because you said the missing scholarship players at the bottom end would be the problem. Don’t be pretending you ever worried about a couple of extra point clunking the uprights. Or that our highly rated and scholarshiped punt returner would muff a couple early.
IF you are going to claim mentioning “special teams” as a generic term counts despite the specifics of what you said not even being close, then sure, spot on.
BTW, everybody knew that freshman kickers and needing to get some better players on the field team was going to be a concern? So we are all insiders.
And besides that, WHY do you feel the need to demand attention for yourself THREE times now on this? You echoed a concern, (that the entire internet was buzzing about all summer). Get over yourself.
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
11:24 am
I can’t wait for next weeks blog about the unknown Malcolm Mitchell saga. Richt’s indecisiveness is going to ruin that kids career.
Joey
September 27th, 2012
11:25 am
That very well could be it, JB. Richt’s best seasons were when he had a QB who audibled a lot. I remember a reporter asking Richt after a game in ‘02, about how many times Greene changed the play at the line, and Richt said, “as long as he makes the right call, he can change it all he wants.”
I can’t remember if Shockley audibled much, but Stafford did – all the time, with a lot of success.
FanofDawgs
September 27th, 2012
11:26 am
Am i the only one who has noticed McGowan? Give the guy a shot at returning punts. He has done great!
AltamahaDawg
September 27th, 2012
11:30 am
what indecisiveness?
If ever there was a Georgia player who the staff was deliberate in how to use him best, and DID exactly that, It would be Malcolm Mitchell.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life/J.Jones for Heisman))
September 27th, 2012
11:33 am
Law and Order not only didn’t attend college, he has only 4 days of actually attending ANY SCHOOL!!!!
Those 4 days were in a single year and were the result of Law and Order’s sister having to miss school because she was out on maternity leave and since her school lunch was already paid for Law and Order rode the school bus and ate her school lunch.
Mark (another one)
September 27th, 2012
11:33 am
Once the coaches are comfortable with the QB’s ability to get them into the right play based on his reads, they give them that option. It only makes sense. Murray has shown this ability and thus has the control.
One issue with young QBs is they misread the defense and get fooled. But having the play called from the coaches without a chance to adjust for the reads means the team is often playing into the teeth of the defense. My hope is that our backups are getting their mental reps watching Murray run the offense. Their times will come and its important they mature as well.
As for Mitchell, he’s playing a game. There may not be a script but he knows what he’s practicing. Adjustments will be made for injury and situation but he’s too valuable to sit. No matter how dumb you believe Richt and company are as coaches, that isn’t going to happen. This is all about playing games with Tenn. as they prepare.
zulucanibal
September 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Malcolm will round out what is the best WR corps in all of college football!!!
AltamahaDawg
September 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Joey, Stafford did his second year. As a freshman, his only audible was……….uhh crap, sprint draw!
yo_vanilla_ice
September 27th, 2012
11:35 am
the staff probably mentors aaron murray what plays to audible when…any success or failure on that front is shared.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life/J.Jones for Heisman))
September 27th, 2012
11:36 am
@ GTBob:
Mitchell requested that he be allowed to play BOTH ways. It was pretty well covered in detail several times!!!!!!!!!!!
Joey
September 27th, 2012
11:36 am
“Richt’s indecisiveness is going to ruin that kids career.”
****************************************
Either that or leave NFL GMs salavatating over a kid with talent and experience to play either (or both) sides of the ball.
By the way, GTBob, who “ruined your career?”
You are one sour guy . . .
P_The_Ricker
September 27th, 2012
11:36 am
The next progression in Murray’s development I’m looking for is passing to a secondary wr downfield. Granted, pass protection is key for such, but there’s been many times where’s he’s gotten happy feet and either thrown a “hot” pass to the rb or tucked it and ran.
When he makes that next progression, the nfl scouts will really take a liking to him…height disadvantage and all.
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
11:41 am
Either that or leave NFL GMs salavatating over a kid with talent and experience to play either (or both) sides of the ball.
Yeah, im sure there are a lot of NFL players who play offense and defense and have no idea what position they are playing in the upcoming weekend. Care to name some?
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
11:42 am
The next progression in Murray’s development I’m looking for is passing to a secondary wr downfield.
The next progression in his development should be to beat a ranked team for once.
Sackman SlammerTime
September 27th, 2012
11:46 am
Cant wait to see the Orange come to Athens Saturday for a humiliating defeat. Dawgs are just getting revved up. Listened to Dooley Jr last night on radio call in. Talks huge about UGA scary talent and alot of respect for UGA. Sounded like a classy guy anyway. Dooley and his team know they’ve called down the thunder. GO DAWGS!
Joey
September 27th, 2012
11:47 am
True – didn’t Stafford have like a 40 yard TD run as a freshman? I remember he was kinda chubby, and it took a while . . .
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
11:48 am
The world according to Bob…
Nothing UGA does is good enough for his high expetations, lol. That’s why he pulls for GT…
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
11:49 am
Expectations…
Joey
September 27th, 2012
11:53 am
“The next progression in his development should be to beat a ranked team for once.”
*****************************************
Exactly right. That’s why Eli Manning got drafted – cause of all those wins vs ranked teams while at Ole Miss.
The NFL wants talent – not college wins – else David Greene would still be in the NFL
You are a doofus, GTBob, blinded by hatred of all things UGA.
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
11:53 am
Nothing UGA does is good enough for his high expetations, lol. That’s why he pulls for GT…
If you have one of the most talented teams in the country every year and you play a relatively weak schedule then you should do better then UGA has done. UGA is pretty much the same as Boise St except Boise St usually wins their few big games.
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
11:54 am
Bob will never acknowledge a UGA accomplishment until the Dawgs win the Superbowl and we all know that will never happen.(well, most of us.)…
Joey
September 27th, 2012
11:56 am
“Care to name some?”
*****************
Um, can’t, GTDoofus.
T h a t’ s w h y t h e y w o u l d b e s a l a v a t i n g.
Was that slow enough for you?
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
11:57 am
The NFL wants talent – not college wins – else David Greene would still be in the NFL
Sorry but Aaron Murray is not talented enough nor does he have the intangibles to play in the NFL. He will end up being a decent college QB but not everyone was born to play at the next level.
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
11:59 am
Bob
I heard Tech might actually beat Middle Tenn. St. this weekend! Might be your last win this year. Why don’t you use your immense knowledge of football to help the numbπuts on the tech blog???
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
Bob is so popular on a Dawgblog. He is an attention-hound…
St. Simon's Daddy
September 27th, 2012
12:03 pm
GTBob,
The only thing you need to be concerned about is the last 10 of 11. UGA owns Tech and always will. Tech is 3rd rate team with a weaker schedule and nothing to show for it. Do not bring the academic card in either. The Tech blog covered that the other day on all the players at UGA over the last 10 years that could have went to UGA. Go back in your room and play with your toys.
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
12:04 pm
T h a t’ s w h y t h e y w o u l d b e s a l a v a t i n g.
Sorry, but there is a reason those players don’t exist in the NFL. Mitchell needs to figure out a position quick and convince Richt to let him play there.
Joey
September 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
“He is an attention-hound…”
***********************
…and NFL talent scout, kingdaddy.
Read his assessment of Aaron Murray at 11:57. This is the same Murray that the Manning Bros (and Archie) gushed about at their QB Camp. The same Murray that was MVP at the Elite 11 Camp, which included USC QB Barkley, Mett, and Texas’ Gilbert.
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
Might be your last win this year.
Nah. We will beat Duke.
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
Bob
I doubt it…
Do your homework
September 27th, 2012
12:13 pm
According to Rambo’s twitter account, it looks like he expects to miss one more week.
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
Bob
Who was the last GT QB, better than Murray???
jj
September 27th, 2012
12:16 pm
I don’t think we’d miss Mitchell at all on offense. I know everyone is looking for the next Champ Bailey, but our receiving corp is much deeper than during Champ’s days. Bailey HAD to play on offense.
Ga Dawg81
September 27th, 2012
12:21 pm
The last two way players at UGA have done fairly well GTBOB. Champ Bailey is one of the greatest dbs to ever play and Boykin is playing with the Eagles this year. Mitchell has the talent to go to the next level. Perhaps you should clean up your own backyard with GT’s defensive woes and not worry about ours?
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:25 pm
It’s not like we need Mitchell on offense. I mean we seem to be doing pretty good with him in the secondary on D. I wouldn’t fix it if it ain’t broke. NFL loves great DBs. Leave him there and play Justin Scott-Wesley more. Plus throw to Jay Rome more out of two TE sets…
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:28 pm
I guess Bob didn’t want to answer my12:15…
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 27th, 2012
12:28 pm
GT Bob
Please dont say Tevin is an NFL QB
beanster
September 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
Mitchell is the most explosive receiver we have. Put in #26 in a 4 WR set with Marlon, T King, and Bennett and pick your poison.
UT has given up a bunch of big plays. Once the run is established, UGA is all big play. Let them line up in man coverage against Mitchell and see what happens.
Joey
September 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
GTBob’s mom just backhanded him, and made him go mow the yard . . .
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
12:39 pm
Who was the last GT QB, better than Murray???
We may not have ever had one better than Murray. That doesn’t really change my statement about his NFL chances though.
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
12:40 pm
Please dont say Tevin is an NFL QB
Why would I say that? Im not sure Tevin is a college QB.
PlanetKolobMagicUnderpantsWillard
September 27th, 2012
12:42 pm
UT 53 GA 47
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:46 pm
Bob
John Kimball—1893*** Transfered from UGA to help defeat UGA in the first ever meeting between UGA/GT???
Maybe Froggie Morrison—QBed the 222-0 game in 1916???
just trying to help ya Bob…
UGA Insider
September 27th, 2012
12:46 pm
Altamaha Dawg,
Jealously is a sin.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 27th, 2012
12:48 pm
GT Bob
We agree on something
kingdaddy
September 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
It’s alright Bob, I’m just yanking your chain. You and I both know Murray will play on Sundays. You just like to throw cheese and like a hungry pack of rats, we always answer the bell. This experiment is over…
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
just trying to help ya Bob…
Im not sure any QB’s from before 1950 are better than any QB’s playing today. Its not exactly an even comparison.
Joey
September 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
UGA Insider, yesterday you predicted a close game with UT, because I answered that I would take extra Pepcid.
Today you say it will be a blowout.
Which is it?
GTBob
September 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
You and I both know Murray will play on Sundays.
No, I am being honest when I say I don’t think Murray will ever be an NFL QB. He might get drafted and be a third stringer for a few years but that is probably the best he can hope for.