‘Gurshall’: Georgia’s freshman tailbacks command attention
Todd Gurley plows through Vanderbilt defenders (AJC photo/Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS — As the hype builds around Georgia freshman tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, one of their teammates has settled on a nickname for the duo.
“Gurshall, that’s what I call them,” wide receiver Tavarres King said.
As King excitedly enunciates it, the combination of the first syllable of Gurley and the second syllable of Marshall rhymes with … Herschel.
The wildly premature suggestion that the Gurley-Marshall tandem is somehow reminiscent of Herschel Walker, the greatest Georgia tailback, reflects the excitement the freshmen have stirred.
Keith Marshall breaks a Vanderbilt tackle (AJC photo/Brant Sanderlin)
Tailback is a position that commands attention, good or bad. In the previous two seasons, Georgia tailbacks were known more for the bad — arrests, suspensions, dismissals, injuries. With Gurshall, things seem good again at the position.
“I went to the dining hall one day, and they started clapping,” Marshall said.
Another example of their celebrity: “Sat next to Todd Gurley at Zaxby’s,” a UGA student tweeted this week. “What are you doing with your life?”
Four games into their college careers, Gurley and Marshall have combined to rush for 670 yards and score 10 touchdowns. Gurley, the starter, leads the SEC in rushing (101.5 yards per game), scoring (10.5 points per game) and all-purpose yards (164.2 per game). His roommate and running mate, Marshall, has added 66 rushing yards per game.
In last week’s win over Vanderbilt, the duo combined for 212 rushing yards (Gurley 130, Marshall 82) and four touchdowns (two apiece). Each had a stirring TD run — Marshall a 52-yarder and Gurley a 29-yarder that featured several broken tackles and a safety stiff-armed to the ground.
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” King said of Gurley’s run. “Well, not live. I saw Herschel do something like that [on tape].
“When [Gurley] made that run, in my head, I heard Munson: ‘My God, a freshman!’” said King, referring to legendary UGA broadcaster Larry Munson’s famous call of Walker’s debut against Tennessee in 1980.
Gurley and Marshall, who grew up 70 miles apart in North Carolina and became friends after meeting at a high school track meet, are aware of their growing celebrity but seem unfazed by it.
“You have people come up to you and everything,” Gurley said, “but I’m still taking it the same.”
“They don’t get caught up in it, and probably the best thing as a teammate is knowing they don’t hold themselves so highly,” linebacker Christian Robinson said. “They just show up everyday to work.”
“They are mature beyond their years,” receiver Michael Bennett said. “Eighteen years old and all this attention coming on them — they’re handling it really well.”
They arrived in Athens after several troubled seasons for the tailback position; Caleb King, Washaun Ealey, Carlton Thomas and Isaiah Crowell drew suspensions for various transgressions and eventually left the team.
“In the past, it’s kind of been a never-know-what-you’re-going-to-get type of thing,” Robinson said. “When you have guys of high character that show up everyday to work, you can trust them and you don’t get as frustrated with them when things don’t go well. I guess, when things are different, you can kind of pinpoint that maybe that’s why we weren’t having the production — behavior issues and things like that. We don’t have that anymore, and this team is a lot better because of it.”
Running backs coach Bryan McClendon is keeping an eye on how Gurley and Marshall handle the adulation that comes with success, although he isn’t worried.
“I’m a part of the process of keeping them humble,” McClendon said. “But they come from a great family, both of those guys. They’re very humble people to begin with, so that’s not something you foresee being an issue at all.”
On the field, the 6-foot-1, 218-pound Gurley is a blend of power and speed, while the 5-11, 216-pound Marshall is a former high school sprint champion who once competed against Gurley in the 100-meter dash. “I won,” Marshall said.
“Those two guys are thunder [Gurley] and lightning [Marshall],” King said.
Off the field, Gurley is affectionately described as “goofy” by several teammates and does not disagree. “I just like to have some fun, pick everybody up,” Gurley said. “I probably am a little goofy.” Marshall is described as the quieter of the two.
“They both act like little kids. They’re really cheerful, messing around the locker room, joking,” quarterback Aaron Murray said. “I don’t see them as guys who are going to let their fame or their success get to their heads too much and think they’re all that.”
– Tim Tucker
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242 comments Add your comment
Damon
September 28th, 2012
11:09 am
I sense three fumbles…one late. What goes around comes around, and Tennessee is due for some good fortune. Also, Vols have had a lot of picks this years. A lot…like 8 or 10.
joe jenkins
September 28th, 2012
11:11 am
Nothing could be finer than kentucky upsetting the chickens!!!! coumbiasc=hell on earth and a crack town
joe jenkins
September 28th, 2012
11:16 am
@damon….it don’t matter what there due for….the only thing they are going to get is an ass whipping…..murray is on a hot streak….and the defense will be full strenth…..We have enough balance on offense to beat ay team in the nation…i will be damn surprised if the vol’s upset us….the only way we lose is if we come out flat and have 4 turnovers
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 28th, 2012
11:17 am
Chris
How do I have issues
The only one that has issues is you because you cant handle reality nor someone who makes realistic statements
Little boy Chris want to live in dream land and hates when someone has to wake him up from dream world
The only person that needs help is you
TallaDawg
September 28th, 2012
11:19 am
I like the fact that a current player (T King) hears Larry Munson’s voice on great plays.
rhbDAWG1
September 28th, 2012
11:20 am
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville – No, “others of your ilk” simply means “those that think like you”. That is not name calling. As I noted, please read (or learn to) before making your comments.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 28th, 2012
11:28 am
rhbDAWG1
I know what it means and its making a comparison same thing you do when you name call
but again
still waiting on the classless comment from you for you buddy Lobosolo who has gone quiet.
I thought he was the know it all guru. I thought when he questions people he supposedly gets no response because his questions are just so smart it shuts them up
I guess the armchair QB has nothing more to say but to name call
GB's Hamburgers
September 28th, 2012
11:29 am
Great tandem. Solid citizens. All three bring a little something different to the game.
flo-ri-duh
September 28th, 2012
11:32 am
Derrick Henry who?
RIffRaff
September 28th, 2012
11:36 am
Yesterday in his radio show, Eric Ainge encouraged the Vol defense to take the 15 yards and get an early late hit on Aaron Murray to “establish a physical presence”.
Is this guy just plain stupid?? The last team to do this was Auburn in the 4th quarter two years ago. If I remember correctly the payback in Athens last season was 45 – 7.
Wild Dog`
September 28th, 2012
11:40 am
flat tire on I-95 in jacksonvilole, Could you possibly say something good and go away. . We are not impressed by your comments. go to another blog.
DOGGIE IN NC
September 28th, 2012
11:44 am
Anyone remember last year’s game – a dog fight – 6 to 6 at half time – they were young -we were young – they will be fired up to try and beat #5 in the nation – you can bet on that! Let’s hope we don’t have the atrocious play calling on both sides by the refs again (they sucked last year – couldn’t even get it right on the replays). If we are down at the end of the 3rd quarter, then I will start getting nervous.If it is a blow out, it will be the DOGGIES doing the damage – not the ORANGE CRUSH! GO DOGGIES!
Lobosolo
September 28th, 2012
11:44 am
Flat tire, is that what you call a retort? What a tool…. Instead of bad comebacks, why don’t you just answer the questions posed… When and where have you coached, played, etc., etc… I don’t recall any of the Dogs coaches or players talking about a national championship… You’re typical of pussied commentators… You talk like you know something about something you’ve never done… Go ahead, since you haven’t a clue, and search out alexis over there…He/she doesn’t mind a bit when fellow armchair whinesters join in on the wannabe suckfest… SCHLLLLLLUUUUUUUURRRRRRPPPPP…
‘Gurshall’: Georgia’s freshman tailbacks command attention – Georgia – Dawg News
September 28th, 2012
11:45 am
[...] the original post: ‘Gurshall’: Georgia’s freshman tailbacks command attention ← Back to Home Tags: brant, focal, georgia, good, gurley, gurshall, hall, herschel, [...]
Lobosolo
September 28th, 2012
11:48 am
Didn’t realize you were so slow on the uptake, Flatline… It’s not a “smart” question… rather simple one really… Have you or have you not ever played, or more importantly, coached football on ANY level? Fellow armchairs, help out your deficient brother here… Binky time for the Flatline…
Wild Dog`
September 28th, 2012
11:52 am
Flat tire, you mouth off and axpect no one to call you out about it. With your attiitude and your sarcastic comments do not expect good to come from it.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 28th, 2012
11:53 am
Lobosolo
Umm lets see did I make any statements about play calling hmmm? Nope
Did I make any statements about the players and coaches talking national title hmmm? Nope
So why did you continue to ask about my coaching experience
I made statements about people on this blog talking about this is the year we are winning the national title when our coach hasnt shown that he can win the games to do it
But hey you are so smart you might ought to learn how to read
DAWGRX
September 28th, 2012
11:54 am
Ignore Flat Tire…..sounds like a school kid with “I know you are, so what am I?”. Could we please keep this on the game this weekend? I can hear this tonight when my kids get home.
Lake oconee dawg
September 28th, 2012
12:03 pm
It’s not a coincidence that when they stand next to each other (Gurley #3 and Marshall #4) they make #34. Go Gurshall and Go dawgs!
kingdaddy
September 28th, 2012
12:03 pm
DAWGRX
I think you’re onto something…
kingdaddy
September 28th, 2012
12:07 pm
I hope y’all don’t forget Boo & Richard. I want to see Samuel play more. This would be a good game to run alot.(keeping Bray on the bench! “…
Lobosolo
September 28th, 2012
12:09 pm
Can’t answer, I see… Go back and read your posts, all of them…. I’m done with you, Whinester… My dick can make better comebacks…
ELEPHANT SQUASHES (fill in team name) EVERYTIME
September 28th, 2012
12:16 pm
For all those that continue to want to compare Georgia’s strength of schedule with Alabama, this is Jeff Sagarin’s ratings after last weekend. By the way, the ratings encompass 246 teams (FBS and FCS) for this rating. UGA gets credit for bumping Missouri’s rating as a highly ranked opponent as does Vanderbilt. So please feel free to reference his ratings to get the full scoop.
Alabama ( 78)
LSU ( 103)
South Carolina ( 58)
Florida ( 32)
Georgia ( 114)
Texas A&M ( 66)
Missouri ( 1)
Mississippi State ( 155)
Auburn ( 4)
Tennessee ( 111)
Mississippi ( 113)
Vanderbilt ( 6)
Arkansas ( 46)
Kentucky ( 26)
Gary
September 28th, 2012
12:18 pm
Subject: The Gurshall’walky
Posted by: kudzoodawg on Thu Sep 27 2012 8:05:02 PM
Message:
“Beware the Gurshall’walky, my son!
The feet that juke, the thighs that crush!
Beware the JJ bird, and shun
The frumious Gurshall rush!”
He took the piggy skin hand off:
The long time Munson voice he sought —
So running by the Ogle tree,
Sprinting fast, not to be caught.
And in full gallop along he flew,
The Gurshall’walky, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through Sanford wood,
And stomping as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The shoulder pads went snicker-snoot!
Noses smashed, and helmets bashed
Without a hobnail boot.
“And, can thou slay the Gurshall’walky?”
The two headed monster back.
Not with eleven, or seven plus seven!
Beware the Gurshall attack
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life/J.Jones for Heisman))
September 28th, 2012
12:26 pm
@ Beanster:
You probably were dumping “sarcasm” on “Random Thoughts” but………. the comment about Russ was pretty funny to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Riddler
September 28th, 2012
12:27 pm
Great job as running backs …… and as people.
ELEPHANT SQUASHES (fill in your team's mascot) EVERYTIME
September 28th, 2012
12:36 pm
By the way, I am impressed that these two young men are respectful and educated, besides being very good at football. A well rounded individual is much better for our community in the long run.
Hines Word
September 28th, 2012
12:38 pm
Oh you Gurshall Walker!!! My God (two) freshmen!!!
DawgNation
September 28th, 2012
12:43 pm
Flat Tire is the Harvey Updyke of the Bulldog Nation. Every team has one. If you spot the miserable slackjawed lunatic attempting to poison the arches on Saturday, be sure to stop by and say hi to Mr. Flat.
sammiamm
September 28th, 2012
12:43 pm
Thunder & Lightening indeed
How about
Law & Order as well
Joey
September 28th, 2012
12:46 pm
Hey Flat Tire, you know I’m not a koolaid drinker, but until we lose a game we shouldn’t, THIS SEASON, let’s try to be happy.
I don’t think anybody at UGA can help that we haen’t played or beaten ranked teams so far, THIS SEASON, because we haven’t played one such team.
But next Saturay, we can rejoice, or say that it’s the same-old, same-old, cause we are gonna play one.
Til then,
Go Dawgs!
BigDawg
September 28th, 2012
12:48 pm
It is even better because we also have Boo Malcome who is a very good tailback as well. But you have to remember fellow Dawgs it starts and ends with the offensive line and whether they are sustaining their blocks. We have some guys on the OL now who are not only talented but seem to be jelling together quicker than the lines we have had in the recent past.
Go Dawgs
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 28th, 2012
12:50 pm
Lobosolo
Still waiting
Crickets churping
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 28th, 2012
12:57 pm
joey
i agree
I just get tired of the losers like Lobosolo who have no rational thought process that come on this blog every year say the same garbage (We are winning the national title) then when you basically say lets have the wait and see approach until the season ends they foam at the mouth get mad and come back with what they think is such a smart response and that is…….
Duh have you ever coached before?
Duh your grammar is bad
Duh we are going to win the National Title this year you wait and see
Duh Duh Duh
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
September 28th, 2012
1:00 pm
DawgNation
Harvey Updike good one I guess you used a good example for someone like you
Harvey Updike isnt all there you know and for you to get upset by me posting about come back to reality with all the national title talk doesnt say much about your rational thinking skills
CHDawg
September 28th, 2012
1:03 pm
BigDawg, great post. Malcome is a solid TB and he has run well when they have used him. I think his strength and fresh legs may be a difference maker at some point this season. The line did much better against Vandy, and if they keep improving the sky is the limit. If they can’t protect Murray, I am thankful he has the potential to make plays while scrambling. I am really excited to see what the whole D can do together. We need some picks out of our secondary. They have been jumbled this year and there have been a lot of new guys learning the ropes.
In Case you Wonder
September 28th, 2012
1:07 pm
Its UGA fans like Dawg Nation, Lobo solo, DawgRx and many others that is the reason UGA is not going anywhere but the brunt of a joke
You guys are talking National Title
hahahahahahaha what a joke you havent played no one give me a break
Hey Flat Tire did you bump your head how did you become a UGA fan? Shouldnt you be pulling for AL or FL or LSU where their fanbase want championships? You do know the UGA fanbase only want 10 win seasons and thats it
docdawg
September 28th, 2012
1:09 pm
Two phenomenal kids and becoming a very dangerous duo, don`t forget Malcome and Samuels, the wrecking balls!
smitty
September 28th, 2012
1:10 pm
Key to this weekend’s game is Dawg offense against UT Defense. And I don’t think UT can put many brakes on Murray, Marshall, King et al. On the other side, GA defense is getting better and will get their biggest passing test against Bray. I suspect UT running game will struggle and GA will claim a win, 38-17 dominating the second half.
Joey
September 28th, 2012
1:13 pm
They are ignoring Richt’s history of even his best teams losing a game or two that they shouldn’t.
I’m not ignoring it, but I see differences in offensive philosophy this season – and either it is like JB says is Murray’s audibles, or what I say is Richt/Bobo trusting Murray protecting the ball better, and expanding the playbook, or maybe a combination of both.
Something has changed – and I like it.
I also think from here forward, you will see the D becoming even mre formidable.
Come on Flat Tire, let’s at least be cautiously optimistic . . .
Joey
September 28th, 2012
1:17 pm
Does any other Dawg fan like “Gurshall?”
I don’t.
ARdawg
September 28th, 2012
1:21 pm
Flat tire is tired of being let down. He is the Dick Vermeil of the UGA blogs. Very high highs, very low lows. I’ve known Flat for many years on these boards and even with his overly cautious optimism/pessimism I’ll vouch he is a DGD
Big Albany Dawg
September 28th, 2012
1:23 pm
Hey does anyone notice if they stand side by side their # is 34 ? UNHAND ME U RAPSCALLION!!!!
ARdawg
September 28th, 2012
1:24 pm
smitty
Murray is the lynchpin. Accurate passes, no mistakes or brainfarts and this is a blow out. Turnovers, fumbles interceptions and we might not get a win. Last weeks D would hold to Vols in check. Resting on Murray as I see it
ARdawg
September 28th, 2012
1:26 pm
Joey, I concur, These kids are good in their own right. Hershel comparisons aren’t fair but hey, if they’re having fun with it
smitty
September 28th, 2012
1:29 pm
Agreed. turnovers always can upset game plans, but Murray playing smart is essential for a Dawg victory. I think he’ll do it because I don’t believe UT defense is better than our offensive line.
Alphare
September 28th, 2012
1:31 pm
That Gurley man is OK.
BIG MIKE
September 28th, 2012
1:42 pm
Let me remind some of you…Hershell Walker was compared to Jim Brown and Earl Campbell when he was a Freshman. Bo Jackson was compared to Hershel and the aforementioned as well. He eventually earned his own comparisons. Let’s hope that is the case for at least one, if not both of the backs.
These types of comparisons are always made and more times than not they are friutless.
rugbydawg79
September 28th, 2012
1:45 pm
“Don’t stumble stay humble”—not my words-but those of Mac at GTP–These are words for the whole team to live by
Kingsx7
September 28th, 2012
1:45 pm
JUST WIN BABY !!!!!!!!!!!!