Georgia’s Ken Malcome ‘not too happy with situation’ at tailback
Georgia's Ken "Boo" Malcome does not begrudge the success of Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall but is not happy with getting mainly mop-up duty in Georgia's tailback rotation. (UGA photo)
ATHENS – For Georgia it’s a good problem to have. But for Ken Malcome, it’s more than a little frustrating.
Everybody knows about the successes of freshman tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall this season. Gurley was named a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News on Thursday. He became just the second Georgia true freshman to surpass 1,000 yards in a season (1,260 to date) and scored 17 touchdowns, including a 100-yard kickoff return. Marshall emerged as Gurley’s primary backup and ran for 723 yards and 8 scores.
Lost in the smoke of that fire has been Malcome, who actually began the season as the starting tailback. The redshirt sophomore from Decatur has appeared in 10 of the Bulldogs’ 13 games, averaging 27.2 yards and 5 carries in those contests.
As Georgia prepares for its Jan. 1 date with Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, Malcome is not sure what his future is with the team or in football in general.
“I’m not too happy with that situation,” Malcome said following Georgia’s practice Thursday afternoon. “But like I said to the coaches, I’m a player and I’m going to do what they tell me to. I’ve got two more years of football, then I don’t know. We’re going to see what happens. . . . I’m not sure at all what I’m going to do.”
Malcome has been down this road before. He actually left the team for one day in 2011 when freshman Isaiah Crowell emerged as the primary ball-carrier and his opportunities dried up midway through the season. Malcome returned at the behest of coach Mark Richt and exhibited a better attitude the rest of the season. He ended the year as the Bulldogs’ leading rusher over the final four games of the season.
Of course, Crowell was dismissed following a mid-summer arrest and Malcome became the starter by default. But Gurley and Marshall bypassed Malcome on the depth chart by the second week of this season.
“I can’t fault them,” Malcome said of his freshman backfield mates. “What they’re doing on the field, it doesn’t affect anything off the field. I’m still going to take them around with me, we’re still going to sit and eat together. . . . It’s just playing time.”
Malcome said he understands and respects the talent of the underclassmen. He simply feels he hasn’t been utilized enough in the rotation.
“I don’t have to start,” he said. “I don’t mind sharing carries. I just want to contribute to winning like I know I can. Coming in in the last minute when nobody really cares with all freshman linemen that haven’t developed yet, they’re putting me in situations where I can’t really help myself.”
Malcome’s role has been to play in the final minutes of games in which the outcome has been decided. His most productive game of the year was five carries for 45 yards in the 35-7 loss to South Carolina. His long run was 30 yards in the 48-3 win over Vanderbilt. He’s averaging 4.8 yards per carry, to 6.3 for Gurley and 6.6 for Marshall.
His teammates empathize.
“He’s been through a lot,” said Gurley, who leads the Bulldogs with 17 touchdowns. “As far as us being his teammates, we check on him and just treat on him like we would one of our family members. We’re together. . . . The whole 9running backs) meeting room, guys have been saying it’s been the best all year.”
Georgia’s coaches were recruiting and not available for interviews Thursday.
Meanwhile, Malcome said he’s in the best shape of his life. He’s up to 232 pounds and simply believes he has more to offer.
“I’ve talked to them a couple of times,” Malcome said of the coaching staff. “I’m not going to get into what they say. What me and Coach talk about is confidential. But basically . . . I don’t stand toe-to-toe with what they say. I told myself, ‘I’m just going to try to do good every time I get a chance.’”
GEORGIA’S LEADING RUSHERS
- Fr. Todd Gurley (12 starts) — 199 carries — 1,260 yards — 6.3 ypc — 16 TDs
- Fr. Keith Marshall (0 starts) — 109 carries — 723 yards — 6.6 ypc — 8 TDs
- So. Ken Malcome (1 start) — 57 carries — 274 yards — 4.8 ypc — 2 TDs
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
182 comments Add your comment
Jarvis Jones gives Muschamp nightmares
December 13th, 2012
11:53 pm
Don’t be so sure about Georgia not having other good receivers next season after Mitchell and Bennett. Georgia has commitments from two four-star receivers and two other receivers. Tibbs will have a chance to show his value next season as well.
Left Coast Dawg
December 13th, 2012
11:55 pm
Ditto sandiedawg!
kingster
December 14th, 2012
12:11 am
I understand where Boo is coming from, but I also understand where the coaches are coming from also, no one knew Girley was going to be so fantastic and Marshall can carry the bacon also, Georgia is always looking for better than good running back and they should, Boo should understand that the harder they recruited him is just as hard as they recruit everyone else, everybody cann’t play, if you leave, you leave, but believe me UGA will or already have someone to replace you in a second, sometimes it is what it is (I shouldn’t say this, but you should have left when you started to before) now where ever you go sitting out a year is going to happen unless you go Div II, don’t sell yourself short, you can play its just going to take you a lot longer.
Crimson Tide
December 14th, 2012
12:21 am
Ken Malcome saw all that FUN that Lacy and Yeldon were having in the SEC game gashing the Dawg defense and was jealous. 350 yards rushing baby !
cmac
December 14th, 2012
12:28 am
Sounds like its quitten’ time for ole BOOhoo again.
honeyboomalcome
December 14th, 2012
12:41 am
thanks everyone..but my skills will be better suited with a team that can use me on every down.
Ghost
December 14th, 2012
12:48 am
I feel your pain Ken you however are not bright to air out your concerns about playing time to the AJC and the rabbid dog nation. Neither could give a damn. Shut up- go to class earn your degree from the flagship univesity in this state, get faster and stronger and compete this spring for more playing time. If you are not able to do that then bounce. Who is advising you to talk to the press? Dude-lay low and be cool things will work out if you stay humble and focused, above all get on your knees while you can and thank God for blessing you to have an opportunity to play at this level and at UGA. You are a young black man in college and that is very rare – do not shame the people from your hometown with this nonsense again – it reflects poorly upon you and does little for your character.
Boris
December 14th, 2012
12:57 am
Boo will xfer if he is smart. Just too crowed at RB at UGa.
LBS
December 14th, 2012
1:43 am
Ken Malcome,,, your progress hasn’t gone unnoticed to most of us Bulldawg fans. We can also understand how it can be both a blessing and a frustration to be a part of such a loaded backfield. Each of you guys are extremely talented. Though you can’t always see it, your hard work and determination are paying off and I truly believe your best days are still before you…. Jeremiah 29:11-13.
G Marmalard
December 14th, 2012
3:07 am
IMO malcome can get the tough yards. Marshall is a threat to hit the home run when the oline is blocking well. When they are being pushed around by a tough d line then you need guys who can make a no gainer into 3 or 4 yards. From what I’ve seen that’s gurley and malcome. I thought he was under utilized all yr. Especially against SC, UF, and Bama.
G Marmalard
December 14th, 2012
3:08 am
Also I really hope he stays , but understand why he wouldnt
7576DAWG
December 14th, 2012
3:21 am
Crowell’s attitude and self centered ways spread when he was at Georgia and Malcome embraced it by not practicing hard and fumbled more than Richt was comfortable with. Then when Crowell only could go half a game Georgia needed someone to step up and Samuel’s and Smith got the nod over Malcome because Malcome acted like Crowell had the answer and wanted to support Crowell. After Crowell left Malcome realized he only had a short time to prove he deserved playing time ahead of Marshall and Gurley but Malcome was not in good enough shape to prove anything. Marshall came in early and Gurley started in the Summer playing their butt off. No childish BS and doing everything that Richt asked them to do. Malcome had TWO years to get the play book down and get strong and Conditioned before Marshall and Gurley even got to Georgia. Gurley is hard to tackle and has great speed in the open field and Marshall hit’s the holes faster than any running back . Then when he does break out in the open field, has sprinter speed.
Malcome has done a great job in 2012 getting Conditioned and learning to hold onto the ball but still doesn’t have the attitude even though he is trying and doesn’t have the speed or tackle breaking ability of Gurley or the quick burst hitting the holes that Marshall has. Unless Marshall or Gurley get hurt Malcome will be 3RD string if he stay’s at Georgia but needs to stay ready in case he is needed. At least Malcome can be proud of himself for realizing he was at Georgia to play Football and it was going to take hard work to get Conditioned to be able to run against SEC competition even if it was two years late and understand he had FIRST shot as the starter and use Marshall and Gurley as the role models types instead of what he brought to Georgia for two years.
Douglas
December 14th, 2012
4:07 am
Some of you guys are just idiots. The only good suggestion I have seen is moving Malcome to FB. I’m sorry, Malcome is not in the same league as Marshall. Malcome needs to transfer somewhere else to take care of his career. The only RB who has gotten screwed in this whole situation is Richard Samuel — he is not a great RB — he should have stayed at LB.
01HAWK
December 14th, 2012
4:38 am
He shouild have left to go to a smaller school like Crowell. He will not get a chance at UGA.
Wise up young man. Have your parents and friends to help search other schools so that you will not waste your final 2 years on the bench.,
You have a NFL future, but you will be an undrafted free agent if you stay at UGA.
No. 1 Braves Fan
December 14th, 2012
4:58 am
GT could use Malcome as a starter at B-back.
Blake
December 14th, 2012
6:01 am
Malcome just needs to know his roll and keep his head down and keep grinding. He’ll get PT, but the fact of the matter is he doesn’t hold a candle to Gurley, and he is no where near being the homerun threat Marshall is. These are facts. If he wants to start and be the primary back, then he will have to transfer. I would hate to see him go because of the loss of depth, but if his heart and attitude isn’t in it, then I would rather see him go.
gomdawg
December 14th, 2012
6:17 am
Why don’t we use him at Fullback , he got size and strength .
laughingatthedawgs
December 14th, 2012
6:32 am
All you recruits need to listen to this fella, he’s telling you the same thing Spurrier has been saying for years. Georgia gets all those recruits and what happens to them? They all end up being like a flash on a camera, one split second of notoriety and then they simply fade off.
But on the bright side Georgia can compete for another National Championship in 30 years.
Preston Thompson
December 14th, 2012
6:49 am
In reading this I wonder if Kamara from Norcross reads it too? Why would he come to UGA and sit behind Gurley and Marshall. I don’t think it’s a good situation. Coach’s have to find a way to utilize everybody. Malcome has just been to much of a team player. But I like Richard too.
yeah c'com
December 14th, 2012
6:52 am
Wait, he’s unhappy with his situation now and some of you think switching him to FB will help that? Someone ask Samuel how well that worked out for his numbers. 82 carries in 2011 dropped to 18 this season. I’m sure Malcome will surely love that.
Kyle
December 14th, 2012
6:56 am
I can understand Malcome wants to play more but quite honestly, this is the type of ME attitude that caused all the drama the past 3 years- He already left the team once- I think he needs to make a decision he is either part of this team or not. we cant afford anymore players with the ME ME ME attitude…….
LoyalDog
December 14th, 2012
6:59 am
Transfer, Malcome is not as good as Marshall, Gurley. Kamara can compete. He is the real deal. If Kamara goes to LSU or Alabama, he will be in a logjam too. That is the way it is with big time teams. Malcome is a malcontent.
Wow
December 14th, 2012
7:03 am
Moving Malcome to FB is a not a good idea. What so he can sit behind Ogletree, Hall, and Hicks? 3rd string RB does not translate to 1st string FB.
SuperB
December 14th, 2012
7:04 am
Whata divisive article by Chip Towers. It’s not journalism. why did he write it?
As for Malcome– he is not a team player and should transfer– immediately!
AP
December 14th, 2012
7:05 am
I’d give him a shot at fullback. Block, screens, wagon routes, could be his path to the NFL. At 232, could he get to 245? Plus a more than viable ball carrier!
onegadawg
December 14th, 2012
7:08 am
Spurrier is 67 years old and won’t be around when this next group of recruits finish school. SC has seen its best days. UT and AU are trainwrecks trying to rebuild. UGA has evened things up in Jacksonville. UGA will always handle the out of conference schools…..your Fla. Atlantics, Ga Techs, Buffalos, etc. Recruiting is going great and could be one of the best groups ever. The future has not looked this good in Athens since #34 was there.
As for Ken Malcome, he is one injury from significant playing time. Never quit in life or take the path of least resistance. However, if he decides to leave, someone will gladly take his place.
Erin "spike the ball" Murray
December 14th, 2012
7:35 am
I wonder if he is “thrilled” about playing in the Crapitol One Bowl on 01/01/13 ???
jp
December 14th, 2012
7:39 am
kybodog it just is amazing that we have the best ga offense ever in the history of the program and you complain about bobo. With a name like ky we know you never played any ball you were the one getting kyed . we rotate gurley and marshall and their production was as good as #34 walker . bama rotates lacy and yeldon just the same .let our coachs coach and you go back to your ky bend over.
jp
December 14th, 2012
7:47 am
crimson tide were you born ignorant or do you work at it daily .nice state bama is dumb and dumber is the handle for the entire state .go get your unemployment check and play more xbox
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 14th, 2012
7:47 am
Malcome is a stud and a great down hill RB, and is definitly an asset to the Dawgs, however he SHOULD NOT BE WHINING TO THE MEDIA. Keep your mouth shut and play the game Ken. You’ll go a lot further in football and life. GO MALCOME –GO DAWGS
Georgia Bulldogs: Could Ken Malcome Be on the Verge of a Transfer? | The Lady Sportswriter
December 14th, 2012
7:48 am
[...] you read the article posted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chip Towers late yesterday, you kind of get the impression that Georgia running back Ken Malcome is feeling a [...]
CHDawg
December 14th, 2012
7:53 am
Boo needs to keep working hard and win his playing time the old fashioned way, by moving the sticks. I’m a big fan of Malcome, but he needs to look at Ealey and Crowell, and a number of other “great” athletes, and ask himself if going to another school really solves his problems. Terrell Davis only had what, less than 100 total carries at UGA because he backed up Hearst while he was here? He went on to be a pretty good NFL RB! Get in the weight room and add muscle and explosiveness and come back and run harder than Trent Richardson next year and you will be fine. UGA is a great stage for RB talent. I would be extremely reluctant to leave it, personally. Gurley and Marshall have been phenomenal, but that doesn’t take away from Boo’s future.
Dawg4Life
December 14th, 2012
7:55 am
Stick it out Ken, because you will still graduate, and you can also go into the NFL supplemental draft and get picked up!!!
Best Wishes!!
jp
December 14th, 2012
7:57 am
frodork im sure you know better . why would we trust the coaches that gave us the best offense in the program,s history. when can you get to athens to help us out bro
Dawg4Life
December 14th, 2012
8:04 am
Arian Foster is a great example of what you can do by sticking it out, and working hard. From the practice squad to the top NFL running back in the league. Also, everybody who plays Div I College Football are not going to be an NFL athlete, you can become a coach, trainer, agent, or sports media person, the possibilities are endless, and you can make a lot of money doing it.
DP
December 14th, 2012
8:15 am
“Marlon Brown and Michael Bennett are NFL talent and were really missed in the Bama game. If they had been available there is no way Bama could have defended the 4 wide out formation.”
flo-ri-duh is always quick with the excuses. Alabama lost wide receivers Chris Black (freshman said to be about as good as Amari Cooper) with a shoulder injury before the season and DeAndrew White (ACL) and Kenny Bell (ACL) during the season. All were in the two deep rotation when they went down. Alabama also lost running backs Jalston Fowler (who was also playing at H-back) and Dee Hart for the year with torn ACLs. And they still put up over 500 yards and 32 points on the self proclaimed best defense in the country.
Malcome should keep his mouth shut and transfer to a smaller school after the season. Richt and Bobo didn’t trust Marshall to play much against Alabama, likely because he isn’t physical enough and they feared he would put the ball on the ground. If they were ever going to use Malcome in a game when it mattered that would have been the game to do it. Richt and Bobo better bring in another physical back or two who will be ready to play if Gurley goes down.
NCDAWG
December 14th, 2012
8:21 am
Need I remind you brainiacs that think you know it all that earlier in the season the complaint was not giving the ball to Gurley enough. We ran the ball pretty decently against a stout run defense… probably alot better than most Bama fans thought we could. All your second guessing is beyond stupid. Marshall had some carries and he didn’t produce. It’s about production. Gurley produced… just about the same as he did against UF. Give it a rest folks…
zbulldawg
December 14th, 2012
8:21 am
Malcome has had 3 years to break into the starting position !! He had 2 before Gurshal got there. So what’s he winning about now ? Last year he quit at in the middle of preseason camp when he saw what Crowell was doing.Now winning again. If you tinks so much of himself why not volunteer for returning some kick offs or punt returnes ? It’s all about winning & being a team player NOW. Richt has learned a lesson about pampering players. You didn’t hear Eddie Lacey winning at Bama He just preformed when he got the chance.Shut up & put up Malcome. WE NEED TEAM PLAYERS
david
December 14th, 2012
8:22 am
start malcome in bowl game .its not rocket science.
Wow
December 14th, 2012
8:26 am
I’m sorry are you comparing Ken Malcome to Arian Foster? One was a three year starter and the other is a 3rd string RB who wil only start now if there are several injuries to the players above him. Arian Foster should have never returned for his senior season and that cost him being drafted. Malcome will more than likely be added to the long list of UGA RBs that leave school for one reason or another.
Burger King Manager
December 14th, 2012
8:33 am
Boo,
Dont listen to all the haters out there. If god was the head coach and jesus was OC, these idiots would be calling for a crucifixion. The reporter asked him a question, and he answered it. If he dances around the question, hes not man enough. If he’s honest, attitude problem. Boo you are only 2 plays away from being the starter. Also your style is more suited to the elite SEC defenses and nfl then the faster guys who make plays in the ncaa. Thats why boo looked so good against SC and LSU, when crowell, gurley and marshall looked awful in those games. Peyton Hillis and Brandon Jacobs are two 3rd string SEC power backs you may have heard of who didnt get many reps in college.
DIT
December 14th, 2012
8:34 am
Just my opinion. I think Malcome is good, but he just does not hit the holes as hard as Gurley & Marshall. Those two are just a two steps ahead of Malcome. Not sure how tall he is, but could he be utilized as a wide out?
He’s is a tough situation. He has 2 backs that are better than he is. I would bet, due to the history, that he transfers. I would not blame him would wish him well where ever he goes.
Who cares?
December 14th, 2012
8:34 am
Who cares? He sucks. He could not beat out Crowell last year either. Malcolm, it’s called life. If you’re not good enough you won’t get the job.
RP
December 14th, 2012
8:35 am
Ken is stuck in a bad situation. He has two phenomenal Fr backs behind him who are better. He is a good player but will never see much pt as long as Gurley and Marshall are healthy. If i were him i’d transfer. I would like him to stay but he is good enough to start somewhere.
NCDAWG
December 14th, 2012
8:36 am
Crimson Tide… gloat all you want but who damned near lost the game anyway? Yep…that’s right…mighty Bama. You couldn’t run out the clock on the Dawg’s defense when you had to bud. That is fact. Your mighty Crimson Tide was a finger tip away from wondering how they couldn’t get to the BCS after running the ball so well. 350 yards doesn’t mean squat when you lose and you escaped by a fingertip. All you fair weather UGA fans, just think about that as well. A fluke play ended the game. Bama should have won going away but the Dawgs kept fighting and damned near won the game anyway. I don’t think any other team could have even come close. A&M caught Bama flat footed, the Dawgs got their best and that almost wasn’t enough.
Personally gloating is not warranted dude. I bet you had to dig your boxers out of your colon after that last play.
RunninWithTheDawgs
December 14th, 2012
8:42 am
Richt and Bobo have done a fantastic job recruiting for the Dawgs. As for their success on the field as coaches………..The numbers don’t lie.
Leave it to Chip Towers...
December 14th, 2012
8:45 am
…to try to make controversy at UGA under the guise of “journalism”…
north georgia fan
December 14th, 2012
8:45 am
Richard Samuel was one of the best loved DAWGS on the team he did anything the coaches asked on defense or offense and had some untimely injuries. But no mention of his playing time.
Malcome can move on if he needs to, other teams out there need a solid back. The freshmen will get better at pass protection.
Boo is scary
December 14th, 2012
8:46 am
Boo is not a prima donna and doesn’t have a sense of entitlement. I can think of a couple of times in goal line situations where we could have used his tough running instead of getting stonewalled and settling for a FG (which wasn’t a given all year, and let’s not even talk about the point after). His progression from last year to this year is pretty substantial. I’m not saying his better than Gurely or even Marshall, but Boo is a damn good ball player and always falls forward. Almost 5 YPC is nothing to laugh at. I guarantee those are all hard fought yards between the tackles.
G-Dawg
December 14th, 2012
8:51 am
Concur with NCDawg