Notebook: Georgia’s Mark Richt believes Jarvis Jones is ‘best player in America’
ATHENS — Granted, he’s not exactly an unbiased analyst. But if you ask Georgia coach Mark Richt, the nation’s best college football player is on his team.
“I can’t think of a better player than Jarvis (Jones) in the whole United States of America,” said Richt, wrapping up his weekly news conference Tuesday. “He’s the best.”
A few minutes earlier, Richt had allowed that Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o “is a great player as well. They might be, like, equally great, and they are both so important to their team.” But the more he thought and talked about it, the more Richt endorsed the Georgia linebacker as The Best.
“Jarvis is a pretty dynamic player to have the pass-rush ability and the ability to drop back and make the (interception),” Richt said, “or to be the guy who stops the run two or three yards back in the backfield. Just stones somebody who is trying to block him and makes the play right there.”
Jones ranks No. 1 in the nation in tackles for loss (2.33 per game), No. 1 in forced fumbles (.83 per game) and No. 2 in sacks (1.42 per game). In last week’s victory over Florida, he had three sacks, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles.
“His stats are really impressive, but when you watch him play it’s equally impressive,” Richt said. “I think he’s the best player in America.”
Richt alluded to his news-conference comments when he crossed paths with Jones later in the afternoon.
“He told me he spoke highly of me today,” said Jones, who has received several player of week honors. “Coach Richt … knows I’d do anything for my team that is positive. I try to stick my neck out every chance I get to make us a better bunch.”
Zander Ogletree ‘was ready’
Until last week, Georgia backup fullback Zander Ogletree had been in a game for only one play all season, that on a special-teams unit.
“I went in on punt return for one play (against Kentucky),” he said. “That was pretty cool.”
His workload increased sharply against Florida after starting fullback Merritt Hall left the game with a sprained right ankle suffered on Georgia’s first offensive play. Ogletree estimated that he played about 50 offensive snaps thereafter, although running backs coach Bryan McClendon said it was probably closer to 30 — in any case, every play in which a fullback was in the game except the first.
“My name got called,” Ogletree said, “and I was ready to go.”
He could see extensive action again Saturday against Ole Miss, considering that Hall’s injured ankle has kept him out of this week’s first two practices.
“I think his ankle is not ready yet, so hopefully I’ll still be in the mix,” Ogletree said.
Freshman fullback Quayvon Hicks, who was not available last week because of a concussion, practiced on a limited, no-contact basis Tuesday.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was asked why senior Richard Samuel wasn’t the next guy in. “Merritt, Zander and Quayvon are different type fullbacks than Richard. Richard’s more of a hybrid-type tailback/fullback. That game right there was downhill, physical and the runs we were using were where the fullback’s almost like another lineman. The fullback has to be real physical.”
Grantham’s D preparing for fast O
Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham bristled at the notion that his unit might struggle to get lined up against Ole Miss. The Bulldogs substitute liberally according to down and distance on defense. The Rebels, under first-year coach Hugh Freeze, run a fast-paced, no-huddle offense that’s quicker than most every team the Bulldogs have played this season. Only Texas A&M and Tennessee have run more offensive plays than Ole Miss (573, or 71.62 per game).
“We don’t have a hard time lining up,” Grantham snapped. “We’ll be fine. They’ve got pace, but I think the SEC officials do a good job of, if they sub, we’re allowed to sub. It won’t be a problem.”
Andrews won’t miss game
Starting center David Andrews said a bruised knee suffered in the Florida game that kept him out of practice Monday will not keep him out of Saturday’s game against Ole Miss. That’s a good thing since he was named one of the Bulldogs’ four captains (Jones, Cornelius Washington and Kosta Vavlas).
“I’m just a little banged up, but I feel like I’m ready to go,” the sophomore said. “Ron (Courson) and the (training staff) have a plan for me. It’s a little frustrating for me but I’ve got to follow it and I’ll be 100 percent ready to go Saturday.”
Andrews oversaw a unit that didn’t give up any sacks and helped Todd Gurley bang out 118 yards rushing on 27 carries against the Gators. “I thought it was one of our best games considering the opponent,” Andrews said.
They said it
Noseguard John Jenkins on intensity of Florida game . . .
“It was the toughest game I’ve been involved with. I didn’t really realize how tough it was until the end of the game when I felt how banged up my body was. Sunday I was so sore. But during the game my adrenaline going so much I didn’t realize how tough and physical everything was. When the game was over it just, like, drained out of me, mentally, emotionally and physically.”
Tight end Arthur Lynch on winning last two over the Gators . . .
“I think that era of being intimidated by Florida is gone. Now it’s just like any other team.”
Richt on Ole Miss . . .
“Hugh Freeze has got them going. They’re excited. They’re winning. . . . What I see is a team that has a brand new coach that’s brought a lot of energy to the program.”
Etc. . . .
Georgia had a hard-hitting, two-and-a-half hour in full pads on Tuesday, but Richt was not real happy with what he witnessed. “I was looking for something better than what I saw,” Richt said. “I’m not sure we won the right to win today. We’ll see.” . . . Despite his success on offense the past two games, Richt said sophomore Malcolm Mitchell is “still practicing and meeting some with the defense.” Mitchell, a flanker who started four games at cornerback, hasn’t played on defense since Game 5. . . . The Rebels’ punter is Jim Broadway of Roswell. He is the son of the Georgia letterman of the same name who punted for three straight SEC champions from 1980-82. The younger Broadway is averaging 42.3 yards per punt. . . . Richt said split end Michael Bennett, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury the week of the South Carolina game, is “walking around without crutches and feels like he’s ahead of the game right now in the rehab process.”
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183 comments Add your comment
takedowndawg
October 31st, 2012
9:15 am
The SC supporter and UGA hater above….Clowney is a great player as is Jarvis Jones. Think I depict a lttle bitterness from you left over from last weekend…..Understandable, but ;you are showing immaturity on your part. Course, you might be a teen and that would explain your childish responses.
Jarvis Jones, when healthy, is dominate, as is , Clowney. Let’s enjoy and support these two great SEC athletes.
McDawg
October 31st, 2012
9:19 am
the 2 best players i have seen play this year are Jarvis Jones and T’eo–have not seen the QB from KSU or the QB from Ohio St. play
DawginLex
October 31st, 2012
9:19 am
Don’t get me wrong, JJ is a DGD and probaly one of the ebst if not the nest LB to ever play at Georgia.
But as far as next level, can’t miss talent is concerned-Clowney is the tops.
You put that young man on our team and we would be unstoppable. Pretty darn good as we are but Clowney is a difference maker too.
Rodney Dangerfield
October 31st, 2012
9:20 am
Uhh yeah, like both these fellas are great athletes, both primed to play NFL ball, so………….. LETS DANCE!!!!
DawginLex
October 31st, 2012
9:20 am
best and best
not ebst and nest
where is spell check when you need it?
brick
October 31st, 2012
9:25 am
Jimmy, you beloved cocks beat us, no denying that, but you are never as good or bad as you think, I don’t think you are 28 points better than us and I don’t think UF is 30 points better than the cocks. The thing that is really funny about that UF game of yours is this, last year when we gave you 28 points because of turnovers, it was great plays, but when you give UF 28 points off turnovers its the refs cheating you. SC has never ever lost a game, anytime the other team has more points its because the refs cheated you. If not for the refs taking care of you against UT they would have beaten you, of course you don’t remember the phantom horsecollar call or the non call on the pass by Shaw down the middle of the field as he was about to get sacked, while still in the pocket and no one, not a UT player nor a cock was within 20 yards of the ball. By definition that is intentional grounding, USCjr scored on both series. Or how about the Vandy game, your DB grabs the arms of the WR as Vandy was driving for the winning TD and there was no call. If not for the refs taking care of the cocks they would have 4 losses this year.
Alphare
October 31st, 2012
9:28 am
Clowney and Jones are both great players. One thing about Jones is he is injured lots of time, which is the bad luck on his part, which can be a liability when he enters NFL.
Lattimore is also a great player, I hate it that he got hurt again.
NCDawg
October 31st, 2012
9:31 am
Wow… the trolls just really love the BullDawg boards. Beating on coaches is one thing… beating on kids is another. Has everyone forgotten their manners? What is accomplished by writing trash about players? It’s a wonder our race continues to thrive on this planet. Is it just me or has their been a sharp rise in total idiots in the past 10 or 15 years? Oh well maybe natural selection will take over…
Gary
October 31st, 2012
9:38 am
Any NFL team will be lucky to get him. Character is very important in the game these days. No one wants problem childs anymore, they are just to high a risk. WIth his talent, drive and character he is a top three pick.
Chris Mike
October 31st, 2012
9:40 am
J. Jones is the best in the SEC. Ace Ventura the last time I checked so was SC, so if J. Jones is playing better than that SC player then I guess Mark Rict was right. I.m not downing that Sc player he is going to be somebody special, but J. Jones reminds me of D. Thomas. Oh yeah by the way if you are a SC fan enjoy UGA at the SEC championship game for two years in a row.
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
9:46 am
I have no doubt through 8 weeks Jarvis Jones is the best footballer in the country.
Clowney is good but, he can’t hold JJ’s jockstrap
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
9:48 am
NCDAWG
Nah, it’s just half a dozen or so disgruntled Nerds. They do make a lot of noise.
DawgDad II
October 31st, 2012
9:54 am
Well, if Jones has another day like that against Alabama he’ll be in the running for the Heisman.
The way to slow down Ole Miss is to play in their backfield. Nobody’s in a hurry to get knocked on their can and go backwards.
What we saw last weekend was two premier defenses imposing their will and making the offenses look sloppy. No question a couple of the turnovers on each side were offensive sloppiness, but most were forced. Seeing the defense play 60 minutes like that – truly awesome, and you have to credit Murray and the offense for hanging in there under duress and putting up two huge TDs.
LawDawg
October 31st, 2012
10:00 am
AskAnyone – how about askign Kiper and McShay, who have Jarvis as the #1 DEF player and sometimes #1 prospect overall.
Oh…you meant ask people other than the experts. Gotcha.
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
10:04 am
Dawg Dad
I disagree on Murray. Normally, I’m a Murray fan. Any credit to Murray would be for not giving them the game in the 2nd half. The first half he was atrocious. After 2.5 years on the field one would expect he would show more poise. No, it wasn’t good defense that got FL those 3 picks, it was bad decision making by Murray. Of course one was tipped but the other 2 he was trying to force it when it wasn’t there. If he completes them he’s a genius, if he doesn’t he’s a dork, he was a dork.
The 2nd half he was much more composed and let (for the most part) the defense win the game. He’s a good QB but his brain farts can get mighty tiring
Leftygolfer48
October 31st, 2012
10:04 am
Jim Carrey, go listen to NFL scouts, look at the schedule and look at the numbers against those opponents, also Clowney will never be considered a Marcus Lattimore type individual, he is a me first butthead!
Dawg Serving Overseas
October 31st, 2012
10:12 am
Last I checked NFL so called ‘experts’ were not exactly ‘experts’. NFL is a totally different ball game than College. Just because a player is picked high in the draft or is ‘destined’ to be the next big thing – they didn’t exactly pan out (case in point – Vince Young, Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Lief… the list goes on). Point is… they -Clowney & Jones- might be the best ballers’ in College Football right now. But until they get on the field in the NFL no one person actually knows…. it’s more of a crap shoot than you think… why do you think we have so many guys from later rounds and undrafted succeed in the NFL? Think about who the ‘experts’ are – McShay – never played more than highschool football, Kiper Jr – doesn’t even know how to throw a football…. think about it…
Sam
October 31st, 2012
10:19 am
Clowney is only a sophomore, people! He has been in college 1.5 years. Jones has been in college 4 years honing his talents and building maturity.
I’m a UGA grad and a proud supporter, but if I could have any player in the country, I’m taking Clowney. The guy is amazing. It’s very close though.
Marquis de Mercury
October 31st, 2012
10:20 am
JJones isn’t even the best linebacker in the conference…Kevin Minter at LSU is.
Alphare
October 31st, 2012
10:25 am
Sam & Dawg Serving Overseas,
You guys are dawg fans with objective brains. Hats off.
Who is the best is an opinion, some people try to make it a fact.
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
10:28 am
You folks in denial never seem to amuse me.
Jarvis Jones is the best in college football today. You can hate UGA if you wish but you can’t deny JJ’s performance, stats and attitude. His mere presence on the field is a game changer.
He’s been through much adversity to get where he is today. Clowney has plenty of time to get better than JJ but, he ain’t no JJ
Columbia SC Dawg
October 31st, 2012
10:32 am
Jim Carrey … maybe Jarvis Jones will let Clowney wear one of his championship rings some day … lol … You cock fans always win a battle but lose the war. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA My sides are splitting.
bulldawg rental player
October 31st, 2012
10:38 am
Next thing you idiots will be trying to sell is that Murray is the best qb in America…just because he wears a red and black outfit don’t make him anything special..
Bama Mike
October 31st, 2012
10:41 am
Great player most definitely. The best player in America I cant agree with. I havent seen him coach any fellow players up.
Alphare
October 31st, 2012
10:47 am
ARdawg,
I remember you rated Murray the best QB in SEC. You took me on when I rated him 3rd best after McCarron & Bray.
Changed your mind a bit?
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
10:50 am
NCdawg
Manners, you’ve got to be kidding. These kids support the Occupy Wall St. Crowd. They have been given everything all their lives. They have no manners because they have no respect. They are little boys on a playground, that never have to backup their talk, so they keep running that piehole. When they have to back it up, they run like a cat seeing its shadow. Overgrown brats…
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
10:51 am
Alph
I agree with your 9:28…
BigDawg
October 31st, 2012
10:56 am
With all due respect as Clowney is a great player for South Carolina as is Manti Te’o is for Norte Dame but Georgia is a whole different team with Jarvis in the ballgames the last 2 years on defense. All 3 of these guys are big play guys and seem to have a nose for the football and ability to make plays for their teams. Having said this IMHO Jarvis is more important to Georgia and their success than Clowney or Te’o to South Carolina and Norte Dame respectively at this point though. As for Clowney Georgia HAS NOT made adjustments the last 2 years and have tried to handle him with the tackle by himself or a running back which has been disastorous at times. Teams have and do double and triple team Jarvis but he beats those on a consistent basis and still makes plays. In watching SC against LSU and Florida they double teamed him with the tackle and TE which he was not as dominate against. IMHO Jarvis is in a league by himself at this point and is the best player in NCAA’s FCS this year and for that reason should be one of the front runners for the Heisman Trophy.
Go Dawgs
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
10:59 am
Clowney and Jarvis are great players but so far Jarvis has helped UGA to a better year…
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
11:08 am
Alphare
No, not changed my mind at all. At this point of the year I think Murray is still the best in the league. He has done nothing to improve that. My confidence in him was at it’s highest during that discourse with you. IIRC, right after the Vandy game? For comparisons sake, if he was working with the Bama OL, would he be better than McCaron? Absolutely. I don’t think he would be better than Bray if all things were equal though.
By years end, I’ll go out on a limb and say likely Manziel might be the best in the league
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
11:14 am
Alphare,
Murray hazed over during the 1st half of the FL game and almost cost UGA that game. Everybody was doing what they should in the 1st half except Murray. Someone mentioned yesterday we didn’t win that game because of him, we won it despite of him. His strong stats against inferior teams is beginning to glare but, records are records with no asteriks. Murray has the goods, can do it, has done it but, his lapses are more than obvious.
Raiderbeater
October 31st, 2012
11:22 am
Jarvis is hurt all year and is still neck-n-neck with Clowney….and JARVIS still has better numbers.
Jarvis is better.
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
11:26 am
ARdawg
First two INTs could have, should have been caught. Second one a little behind reciever, but catchable. Third one clearly “sailed”. Not trying to make an excuse, but nobody’s talking about the wind effect. I know it was really breezy because you could see the guys with long hair billowing all over the place. When Murray settled down, he was rock solid and helped win UGA the game…
RedandBlackDAWG
October 31st, 2012
11:27 am
Jim Carrey
October 30th, 2012
10:58 pm
If you were indeed LMFAO as you state in your comment, I should think you would pretty much disappear then, from the earth.
D Nice
October 31st, 2012
11:28 am
First of all I would like to thank LAME Kiffin for releasing Mr Jarvis Jones to come to Georgia
Alphare
October 31st, 2012
11:31 am
Well, not sure what guys are watching.
1. Murray is not a quick decision maker, that’s why he has so much trouble in my opinion.
2. lots of times, he holds on to the ball too long.
#2 can be corrected(but hasn’t for 3 years). #1 is a fundamental flaw of Murray as a QB.
Alphare
October 31st, 2012
11:41 am
I think my opinion is in line with coach Richt’s (mine is just that, an opinion).
During the FL game interview, coach Richt said Murray should do 1-2-3-4. He was obviously disappointed Murray forgot didn’t do that again. If he does 1-2-3-4 as outlined, coach believes he can be a quick decision maker and won’t hold balls too long.
GTBob
October 31st, 2012
11:44 am
Is anybody really surprised that UGA’s best player was someone that learned how to play football somewhere else for a year before settling with UGA after the USC debacle?
The Bear
October 31st, 2012
11:54 am
Any good team is going to scheme to keep a player like Jones from being a factor. Jones is a very good football player for sure, best in country? It depends on what you expect out of that position. Jones has really good numbers.
Joe 12-Pack
October 31st, 2012
11:57 am
A quick look at the stats and you will find that Jarvis and Clowney both have 8.5 sacks. That would seem to be even, until you add to that equation that Jarvis missed some games to injury. Add Jarvis’ ability to cause and recover fumbles and I don’t know how you could could come the conclusion that Clowney is the better defender. Clowney has one job: Rush the passer. Jarvis stops the run and drops into coverage and rushes the passer. I’m not knocking Clowney. He is a beast, but Jarvis is more well rounded and impacts the game all over the field, not just as a pass rusher.
robodawg
October 31st, 2012
12:03 pm
There are lots of great players out there. Clowney is certainly a handful for any opposing offense, and he may be the best player at his position.
One thing you gotta love about Jarvis is his penchant for game-changing plays when you need them most. Especially forcing turnovers. And he’s been playing through injuries for much of the season.
ugab
October 31st, 2012
12:05 pm
JJ is a great player. He was not 100% in a couple of games. He sat out one game. He should still be on the Heisman watch list. I think the ga. defense started depending on JJ make all the plays in a couple of games. I believe when the entire D is playing hard, we can beat anyone. Ole miss is going to be challege for the Ga D. They gave up alot of points against Tenn. and a fast paced offense.
Gatorphil
October 31st, 2012
12:06 pm
I can’t say he’s the best in the country since I haven’t seen all the top players on multiple occasions, but I will say that he’s the best I’ve seen this year. Good luck to him in the pros next year! True, that this is from a Gator fan, but I think Jones WAS far and away, the difference in the game. Florida had no answers for him. That said, looking at it through orange and blue glasses, IF the gators can beat FSU( admittedly, a huge accomplishment), it will be Florida in the Sugar bowl at 11-1 and uga in the Capital One bowl after Bama gets done with them. If uf loses to fsu, both uga and uf will be in 2nd tier bowls and 10-2 lsu will go to the Sugar
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
12:08 pm
I thought Zander did a good job. Can’t wait for Hicks to return…
I-DOG
October 31st, 2012
12:08 pm
Jarvis is a great player and is having a fantastic season. You have to wonder what Lane Kiffin is thinking when he sees the highlights. Glad his neck has been OK and look forward to seeing him in the NFL next year and hopefully the #1 pick.
I’d still take the Waterboy over Jarvis, but that is about it. Look where the mudcats were without him.
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 31st, 2012
12:09 pm
Average…like Murray
ugab
October 31st, 2012
12:11 pm
David Pollack had a nose for the ball when the game was on the line. JJ is the same way. JJ is always in mix when the game is on the line. He may get a sack, fumble recovery, interception, tackle for loss, knock the ball out players hands. JJ is going to be a good one. Stay healthy.
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned once by Bill King & Chip Towers but only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 31st, 2012
12:11 pm
he will be GREAT in the NFL but needs to keep playing BIG even against the bad teams.
ugab
October 31st, 2012
12:16 pm
Murray misses alot of open players. IDK if it is nerves or what. He don’t check down enough. It seems to me AM is stuck on one reciever the entire play. He has missed and hit a lot of deep throws. WRs have dropped alot of passes. We have alot of talent at WR. We don’t have the AJ Green type receiver that can go up and get the ball when needed.
Ghost of Sinkwich
October 31st, 2012
12:21 pm
Happy Halloween!
JJ is the best player, in America. If he could have stayed healthy, this entire season. He might have been in NY, for the Trophy Presentation.