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
ugab
October 31st, 2012
12:24 pm
JJ needs to stay healthy and keep making big plays. I don’t see how they could not put him in the Heisman race. The guy from ND just has alot of tackles. JJ has it all. Just win win win.
It is good to see the players take up for CMR.
Chuck
October 31st, 2012
12:25 pm
AskAnyone must not have asked too many people
Jarvis Jones is consistently mentioned as a #1 pick candidate.
I-DOG
October 31st, 2012
12:26 pm
The offensive line really played well against a tough FL defense. Murray had more time to throw the ball with a clean pocket than I have seen in a long long time. The line was also opening running lanes for Gurley who ran the ball PHYSICALLY.
The penalties and turnovers kept UGA from opening up a decisive lead and special teams didn’t help.
What can you say about the defense? Just about perfect, a dominant performance to say the least. Jarvis Jones is a once a 10 year kind of player on the defense.
Ed
October 31st, 2012
12:49 pm
I agree. Who would you trade him for? I can’t think of a single player, Te’o would be the closest to an even trade that I can think of but at best that would be a wash. We’ll keep JJ. He’s joined Bill Stanfill in WLOCP lore for sure, which makes him a DGD for life.
ga gator
October 31st, 2012
12:56 pm
After seeing Clowney and Jones, Jones is the best BY FAR. He is relentless and never takes a play off, while Clowney after being blocked successfully during the 1st half against my Gators quit in the second half. IF I had a Heisman vote it would be Jarvis Jones; UGA would not have beat Florida without him. He also appears to be a quality citizen off the field also. Too bad the Falcons will not pick high enough in the draft to pick him.
Left Coast Dawg
October 31st, 2012
1:07 pm
Wow……JJ on the Falcons would be sickly ridiculous!! Make it happen Dimitroff!
Munson
October 31st, 2012
1:10 pm
Jarvis is the SacMAN!!!!! http://sportscrack.com/tees_sacmanjones.html
Mark (another one)
October 31st, 2012
1:17 pm
I have never seen Jones take a play off. He always plays hard. Clowney is a beast but he needs to compete on every play. Sometimes it appears he’s taking a play off. He’s still only a soph. so he has time to grow and has the potential to be great on every play.
old dog
October 31st, 2012
1:18 pm
No matter who your team is, a player like Jarvis comes along very very seldomly…he is the real deal!
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
1:21 pm
What happened with him at USC? What was so hurt he didn’t pass the physical? i don’t see how a USC doctor didn’t pass him. Was he on the Outs with LAME KIFFY of something?
Jim Carrey
October 31st, 2012
1:22 pm
Seriously I’s am not even a SC fan I’s am a GT fan.
We’s are so bad this year I’s have taken to using other teams to try and put UGA down.
My Mom says that if me ever get’s a job and moved out of her basement I’s might get a real team to roots for.
JIMBO
ga gator
October 31st, 2012
1:27 pm
Jim Carrey I swear this is a true story; a woman who worked for me before I retired (2010) was divorced but had her ex-husband living in her basement with her and her new husband. Guess what: both dudes were Tech grads!!
Rick James
October 31st, 2012
1:32 pm
@GTBob
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?
——————————————————————————————————–
What an idiotic comment..He learned how to play football at Carver of Columbus high shcool..If USC could teach how to play why couldnt they realize that he wasnt finished after the neck injury? s that the problem at Tech? They are being taught the game after they get there..Just plain silly Bob
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
1:34 pm
kingdaddy
Thats not the INTs I saw. All three were thrown into coverage, the first one was tipped. Yeah okay. The other two should never have been thrown, there was nothing there, he tried to force those. Bad decision making
Rick James
October 31st, 2012
1:36 pm
@GTBob
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?
——————————————————————————————————————
OK Bob I your logic..Tashard Choice had to learn how to play football at Oklahoma before transfering to Tech and become it’s best running back.
CC
October 31st, 2012
1:49 pm
GO DAWGS!
av8rdawg
October 31st, 2012
2:05 pm
Clowney…… the best in college football now ????
NOT this year. Maybe next year, as a junior just as J. Jones is currently.
I’m not hating on Clowney, one must remember he is only a sophomore . I agree he is an awesome player whom I can’t wait to see in the NFL. He would be a 1st rounder if he were in this next years draft; #1 the following year not out of the question for sure.
Dawgie
October 31st, 2012
2:07 pm
Jarvis Jones? Tons of better players than him out there.
Wesley85
October 31st, 2012
2:35 pm
Ask anyone .for clowney to be so good why Is jones picked to go #1or 2 in draft by all the scouts by the way did he even play against fla.jj numbers way better then clowney and he’s way smarter only thing clowney knows how to do is rush qb and jones has more sacks than him Jarvis jones way better hands down. Go Dawgs!!!!!
AskAnyone
October 31st, 2012
2:42 pm
Let me clarify, Jarvis Jones is the #1 player on the 2013 Draft Board. HOWEVER, Kiper and many other gurus have stated that IF Clowney was eligible, he would be #1 in 2013 AND 2012.
How many UGA RB does a player have to leap over before giving him his due? Do I see the jealousy in UGA fans?
SCAR finally has a player that tops any UGA players talent ceiling…only IF UGA had coaching they would have won the last 3 games against SCAR. Obviously, having a panzi schedule like what UGA has doesn’t hurt either in having a “winning” season.
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
2:43 pm
W85…………….has Clowney played against better teams than jarvis? YES.
AskAnyone
October 31st, 2012
2:47 pm
Remember, UGA/UF is on a neutral field. SCAR/UF was at UF. Can’t wait to see UGA get spanked at SEC championship on the national stage…again!
Don’t forget that UGA was exposed to the nation during the SCAR. Weaker on all fronts and there were no flukey turnovers that gave the game to SCAR. SCAR manned up and owned UGA. Period.
Alabama Dog
October 31st, 2012
2:48 pm
Mr. Fact Finder Guy: you list 2 LSU players on your little list of best defensive players. If memory serves me correctly, didn’t LSU LOSE to the same Florida team Georgia just beat?
BIG MIKE
October 31st, 2012
2:49 pm
JARVIS STAYS FOR HIS SR. YEAR IF DAWGS DON’T WIN CHAMPIONSHIP…….BET!
UGADAWG65
October 31st, 2012
3:06 pm
@ Jim Carrey— As ACE VENTURA stated UGA and USC play the same opponents with varying exceptions. Jarvis is to UGA as Clowny is to USC no more no less. If you’re going to post a comment think it through you inbred piece of S%#T.
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
3:09 pm
Jarvis Stats:
9/1 Buffalo…………………..8 total tackles…………….. 1.5 sacks
9/8 @Missouri…………….10 total tackles…………….2.0 sacks
9/15 Florida Atlantic……….No statistics available.
9/22 Vanderbilt………………7 total tackles……………1.0 sacks
9/29 Tennessee…………….8 total tackles……………..0.0 sacks
10/6 @South Carolina……4 total tackles…………….1.0 sacks
10/20 @Kentucky………No statistics available.
10/27 Florida…………….13 total tackles………….3.0 sacks
………………………………………49 total tackles………..8.5 sacks
Clowney Stats
8/30 @Vanderbilt………………4 total tackles…………….1.0sacks
9/8 East Carolina …………….2 total tackles…………….0.0 sacks
9/15 UAB…………………………..7 total tackles…………….2.0 sacks
9/22 Missouri……………………. 4 total tackles…………….1.5 sacks
9/29 @Kentucky………………..4 total tackles…………….1.0 sacks
10/6 Georgia……………………..4 total tackles…………….1.0 sacks
10/13 @LSU……………….. 6 total tackles……………..0.0 sacks
10/20 @Florida…………….5 total tackles……………..1.0 sacks
10/27 Tennessee………….4 total tackles……………..1.0 sacks
…………………………………………40 total tackles……………7.5 sacks
Jarvis has some NO SHOWS in games but he has played weaker teams too
I think both of these guys are GREAT and evenly matched right now.
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
3:10 pm
BIG MIKE……..that is your HEART saying that and Not J Jones WALLET.
Alabama Dog
October 31st, 2012
3:42 pm
AskAnyone: BOO HOO!!! Make all the excuses you want for the Kooks. The division was thiers to win after trashing Georgia, but they did what they always do-CHOKE!!!!
BIG MIKE
October 31st, 2012
3:46 pm
We’ll see.
BIG MIKE
October 31st, 2012
3:48 pm
Can you image how dominating he would be if he were healthy all year. He would be a shoo-in for Heisman.
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
3:53 pm
All these Nerds posting for Clowney or some obscure others are better are morons. Clowney has potential but he ain’t there yet. At this point he couldn’t hold JJ’s cup. Clowney is a good pass rusher, not as good as Jones and Jones brings so many more facets. Jones is a game changer. Clowney is a good defensive player. Big difference.
ARdawg
October 31st, 2012
3:55 pm
POAD
Your posts exude ignorance
Clydesdale
October 31st, 2012
4:29 pm
Just because Clowney is a special college football player, does not mean Jarvis Jones isn’t also awesome. USC fans should wait until they win 1 SEC title before acting like idiots. Leave the idiot blather to Alabama fans.
Bulldawgman49
October 31st, 2012
4:29 pm
LOL Clowney is a player but I can bet when he gets the NFL . TIMBER …. I think whats between his ears will be the trouble.
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
October 31st, 2012
4:49 pm
What is the funniest thing is Spurrier complaining about UGA playing Ole Miss instead of Arkansas
Ole Miss 30
Arkansas 27
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
October 31st, 2012
4:51 pm
Askanyone only asked himself which is consistent with his sex life since he does that with himself too……………….
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
5:04 pm
BIG MIKE
October 31st, 2012
3:48 pm
Can you image how dominating he would be if he were healthy all year. He would be a shoo-in for Heisman.
==============================
You should know better D players don’t win the Heisman.
just the truth
October 31st, 2012
5:16 pm
Attaochu is every bit as good as Jones. He just doesn’t have the players around him to take the pressure off of him. Both are the same size and speed.
Bulldogs for Muschamp Lifetime Contract
October 31st, 2012
5:27 pm
Sneeze head as good as Jarvis Jones?
And you call us delusional!!!
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
5:39 pm
Smart
anybody but UGA huh. You still crying about their schedule being so much harder than UGAs, except for two cupcakes on both sides, they played the same teams. LSU is different, but we got them next year. You gonna cry for us then? No and BTW, they lost to both good teams. (FLA&LSU).
THEY beat us yet we beat Fla who beat them. Quit your crying, you don’t care about SC, you just don’t like UGA. Act like you understand scheduling and quit taking such obvious cheap shots. SC played 9 games UGA 8. Jarvis even missed time for injuries yet still has better stats against common foes. Stop with the carping already. I would rather have Jarvis on my team any day. Clowney is special too, lots of fun to watch…
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
5:49 pm
Loved all the whine about how unfair it was to have to play Arkansas over The Rebels. Funny how things work out. Look at Auburn? Who knew???
bulldawg rental player
October 31st, 2012
6:00 pm
rent a dawg ain’t all that…he’d be a special teamer at Bama or LSU…
pinteyroqdm
October 31st, 2012
6:12 pm
Nike Vincent Jackson Jersey for that north, telephone extended length, american natural environment as well as private vertisements They’re planning to cheer their special labor power and switch Patrick Peterson Jersey into this part of which can very best freinds and familyGreat task, you might discover a strengthening volume of cowboys DeMarcus Ware elite Jersey customers are probably strange relating to NFL, NFL admirers could program to accomplish nearly every minor point Elite Cowboys Red Jersey they are about to that could illustrate they typically are simply Elite Dolphins Green Jersey die-hard admirers
alabamadawg
October 31st, 2012
6:24 pm
to the moron jim carrey.. tell me what clowney did against florida then tell me what jarvis did.. enough said. i was at the game with a buddy who is a florida fan and all he and the rest of the stadium and america could say is WOW.. once again south carolina got lucky beat georgia only to watch their season unfold like it does every year and now they get to watch the dawgs play in the SECCG..
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
6:57 pm
Bamadawg
Sour-grapes make good whine. The only thing the chickens have now is their catching The Doggies on a bad night. Once again, we beat the team that destroyed them. At least they have one good win at home to brag about, but that’s all. They just can’t take care of business. Their year is over except for a mid-tier bowl. Lil stevie crys again and again and again…
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
7:06 pm
KingDaddy you have many Trick’n'Treaters come to your place?
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
7:07 pm
Another whole year of listening to chickens deny they layed an egg. We beat UGA, whaaaaaaaaa, lol. But, but, but we beat UGA, Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. It doesn’t matter does it? You got trounced by the Gators. Yeah, but we beat UGA, whaaaaaaaaa. Allllllll year, that’s what we will hear, just like last year…
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
7:07 pm
KingDaddy………..Happy Halloween;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; I am giving the boys Condoms and Playboys. The girls are getting Bride Beautiful and bottles of Jack Daniel’s. Shouldn’t they get the REAL Tricks & Treats life will present them with in a few short years? LOL
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
7:10 pm
Nah, it’s too spooky and the lights are off. Little brats…
kingdaddy
October 31st, 2012
7:12 pm
You should cook them a big pot of oatmeal. Just dish it into their bag. They’d never come back…