The Countdown 2010: 36 Days to Go

36: DJ Shockley, Quarterback #3 (2001-2005)

Often regarded as Mark Richt's first recruit after he became the head coach at Georgia, DJ Shockley was a nationally recognized and all state quarterback coming out of Clayton County, Georgia who would become the unselfish hero of the Bulldawg Nation.

I could regale you the typical biography of stats and accolades that proves his worthiness as one of the greatest to ever don the Red and Black, but that would be too typical for a player that won over the hearts of Dawgs everywhere.

Think back to before the season in 2005. Shockley had never started a game, the man in front of him spent the last 4 seasons becoming the all-time winningest quarterback in NCAA history, he was inserted into games with fans cheering his presence if there was a touchdown, yelling and booing if an interception came about and with his natural talent on display when he did play, the thought of transferring weighed heavily on his mind.

Instead, Shockley decided to stay at Georgia, and face that his entire college career would culminate into starting only one season. Before the 2005 season began, most wondered how things would play out with him starting for the first time.

On that squelching September afternoon in 2005 against up and comer Boise State, the redshirt senior blew away all doubts with a 300+ yard, 6 TD performance (5 passing, 1 rushing) that earned him national player of the week honors.

My fav clips are Leonard Pope's catch at 1:55, and Sean

Bailey's catch at 4:21

For the rest of 2005, Shockley was a machine that seemed unstoppable. Amassing a 7-0 record through some close games and dominating performances, Shockley's name became synonymous with the other two major college football stars of 2005: Reggie Bush and Vince Young.

An injury against Arkansas forced him to miss the following week's game against Florida, a bitter loss that was followed by a last minute 31-30 loss to Auburn where Shockley gave an inspiring performance, and had brought Georgia the lead within the last few minutes.

After leading the Bulldawgs to a 4th quarter victory over Georgia Tech, Shockley entered the Georgia Dome the following week to give an MVP stomping of LSU and bringing a second SEC Championship to the Georgia in the Mark Richt era.After gambling his future by staying at Georgia, Shockley received the ultimate prize of a Championship to cap off his remarkable one year.

While the Bulldawgs and Shockley would face an embarrassing loss in the Sugar Bowl to West Virginia, Shockley put in an amazing performance that was the only reason Georgia remained in the game (minus Shockley, that game could have easily been 38-14).

In his one and only season, Shockley amassed 10 wins, an SEC Championship and MVP, the National Bobby Bowden Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Finalist, and third in the AP's Player of the Year contest (only behind Bush and Young).

Despite his ability, poise, and leadership to bring another championship to the Red and Black faithful, it is the quiet loyalty he showed to Georgia that Bulldawg fans remember the most.

The greatest leap until we saw the likes of Knowshon

A Look Back at Georgia Quarterbacks Starting Debuts

Be it Aaron Murray, Logan Gray, or Hutson Mason under center this September against Louisiana-Lafayette, whoever the Georgia quarterback is, they will be making their first collegiate start. An out of conference, non-BCS opponent should provide the new starter with a chance to play without the pressures of an SEC conference game. In recent years, some Georgia quarterback have been lucky to start with an easier opponent while others have not. Here is a look at each starting debut for the last 5 players to start games for the Red and Black.


David Greene - September 1, 2001 vs. Arkansas State

After winning the starting job in summer, Greene was rewarded with a weak Arkansas State defense in his first game at starter. The Bulldogs rolled that afternoon, as Greene completed 72% of his passes. He threw for two touchdowns, one to Terrence Edwards and the other to Damien Gary.

Attempts: 29
Completions: 21
Completion Percentage: 72%
Yards: 285
Touchdowns: 2

DJ Shockley - September 3, 2005 vs. Boise State

After seeing occasional playing time during his first three seasons, Shockley finally started his first game to open the 2005 season against Boise State. Shockley would have the greatest starting debut in Georgia history, as the Bulldogs lit up the upstart Broncos. He tied a school record with five touchdown passes and added 85 yards on the ground, as the Dawgs romped to a 48-13 victory.

Pass Attempts: 24
Completions: 16
Completion Percentage: 67%
Yards: 289
Touchdowns: 5
Rushing Attempts: 5
Rushing Yards: 85
Average per Carry: 17

Joe Tereshinski - October 29, 2005 at Florida (in Jacksonville)

Joe Tereshinski was forced into the starting role against the Gators in Jacksonville following the injury to DJ Shockley against Arkansas. The Bulldogs were undefeated and it was a tough situation for Joe T to be in. Despite a conservative gameplan, Tereshinski put forth a valiant effort throwing, running, and catching the ball. This included a highlight reel touchdown catch on a halfback pass from Thomas Brown. The Dawgs came up short in the end and lost to the Gators, 14-10.


Pass Attempts: 21
Completions: 8
Yards: 100
Rushing Attempts: 6
Rushing Yards: 37
Yards per Carry: 6.2
Receiving: 1 catch for 9 yards and a touchdown

Matthew Stafford - September 16, 2006 vs. UAB

Stafford's first start came after he had taken over for the injured Joe Tereshinski the week before at South Carolina. Coach Richt used a conservative gameplan with the freshman at quarterback, and Georgia won easily 34-0. Stafford did not throw for a touchdown, however he did score on a quarterback keeper from 4 yards out.

Pass Attempts: 17
Completions: 10
Completion Percentage: 59%
Yards: 107
Rushing Touchdowns: 1

Joe Cox - September 30, 2006 at Ole Miss

Joe Cox earned the start against the Rebels after leading Georgia to 4th quarter comeback victory over Colorado the week before. The Bulldogs played sluggish throughout the game and Cox was benched in favor of Matt Stafford. The Dawgs would ultimately win 14-9 and Cox would not start another game until the 2009 season opener at Oklahoma State.

Pass Attempts: 10
Completions: 4
Completion Percentage: 40%
Yards: 23

With two great running backs and an experienced O-line, I expect Georgia will go conservative with Murray (or Gray or Mason) in the opener this fall. I expect this debut to be a little more like Stafford's debut in '06 than DJ Shockley's or David Greene's.

G-Day Preview: Part 1 – “Less is More”

This Saturday marks the end of Georgia spring practice for 2010 and it culminates with the annual G-Day game. One of the most intriguing stories of the spring is the battle to see who will be Georgia’s new starting quarterback. Zach Mettenberger has looked strong in both scrimmages, but his arrest in early April has him facing at least a 1 game suspension and most likely a back up job to start the year. Logan Gray has shown improvement, but a poor showing in the first scrimmage hurt his chances at winning the job. The front runner continues to be Aaron Murray, who has looked impressive in both practice and the scrimmages. And while Coach Richt is expected to name a depth chart to begin fall practice (though he will not be ready to name a starter), the question I keep asking myself is does it really matter.

Georgia will return 10 starters on the offensive side of the ball this fall, including a veteran offensive line, a talented duo at running back, and the best receiver in the country. This year, the quarterback will be asked to do less in the offense, and I say that is a good thing. For all of his faults, Joe Cox was brilliant at times for the Dawgs last season. Take a quick look at these two statistic lines:

55.8%, 2588 yards, 24 TD
55.9%, 2584 yards, 24 TD

The first line belongs to DJ Shockley during the Dawgs 2005 SEC Championship season and the second line belongs to Joe Cox last season. The major difference between the two is DJ only threw 4 picks, Joe threw too many to count.

To have a successful season under center in 2010, the Georgia signal caller does not need to put up 2,500 yards and 20 scores. These are figures that are often only seen by experienced Georgia QBs. The running game of Caleb King and Washaun Ealey should provide the firepower to keep the Dawgs in the end zone on a consistent basis.

What I am looking for on Saturday is the quarterback who embraces the “less is more” mentality. We need a little less Stafford and a little more David Greene under center this fall. The player who can find the right balance between making the big play and also knowing when to take a sack will give Georgia the best chance at success this fall.

Only four days until football…at least for one day!

GO DAWGS!!!

Our Turn to Spoil Their Season

Mark Richt has won two SEC Championships during his tenure at The University of Georgia. During both of those seasons, Georgia went into the game in Jacksonville with undefeated records only to fall short against the Gators.

In 2002, Georgia came to Florida sporting a #4 national ranking and an 8-0 record that included key victories over #22 Alabama and #10 Tennessee. Georgia was led by rising star David Pollack, who had made a name for himself with his amazing interception for a touchdown against South Carolina earlier in the year. Steve Spurrier had left Gainesville for the NFL, and the Dawgs were favored to defeat Florida for the first time under Mark Richt. A defensive struggle throughout the game, Florida took the lead in the 4th quarter on a touchdown pass from Rex Grossman. Georgia attempted to tie the score when David Greene found a wide open Terrance Edwards streaking down the field, but Edwards let the ball drop through his hands. Final Score, Florida 20, Georgia 13.

Unfortunately, more people remember Edwards for his drop than his brilliant career at Georgia

After stomping Boise State to open the 2005 season, Georgia was rolling along with 6 straight victories before hosting Arkansas for homecoming. But with the Dawgs out to an early lead, senior quarterback DJ Shockley was injured. The Dawgs held on to win 23-20, but knew they were facing a tough task in Jacksonville the following week.

Without Shockley, the Georgia offense failed to get going. They were able to hold the #18 Gators in check and finally found the endzone on a reverse pass to Shockley's replacement, Joe Tereshinski.

Joe T III put up a fight, but the Dawgs came up on losing end, 14-10.

Georgia would lose its next game to Auburn the following week, but recovered to defeat LSU in Atlanta for the second SEC title of the Mark Richt era.

This year, the tables are turned as Florida comes in #1 in the country and a perfect 7-0 record. Despite three national championships in the last 15 years, Florida has never had an undefeated championship season. The Dawgs have a chance to play the spoiler, much like the Gators have in years past. It will take one hell of an effort, but in this series, the better team doesn't always come out the victor.

GO DAWGS!!!

National Day of Mourning: DJ Shockley Released By The Falcons

It's a sad day here in Atlanta as DJ Shockley has been released from the Falcons after originally being released after training camp and re-signed to the practice squad.

I am a person with a very rational thought process who removes the more emotional aspects that typically drives a person's decisions.

I am a massive DJ Shockley homer. I believe he is the next messiah, and should have a nine figure NFL contract for no other reason than his greatness on the field while wearing the red and black.

I realize that I am so irrational it is nearly absurd. I don't care, I don't care, and guess what...I don't care!

I reject all notions that somehow DJ couldn't beat out Sarah Jessica Parker Wilson for the job. It was pure conspiracy that DJ was cut and Bama Bangs was kept as the 3rd stringer. As to what that conspiracy is, that is not important.

I will hate the Falcons for a bit because of my emotional irrationality, I will then get over it realizing Matt Ryan's awesomeness meant it was never going to happen for DJ in Atlanta anyway, and that this is best thing for DJ to go to another team and win 7 Super Bowls.

You're still the man, DJ.

DAMN. GOOD. DAWG.

LSU: 2004 Edition

I know that we posted this clip prior to the LSU game last year, but it's too good not to post it again. And we won last year after we posted it. Good vibes.

Georgia vs. LSU: The Importance of Joe Cox

If Georgia is to beat LSU this Saturday in Athens, the Dawgs will most likely need a big game from senior quarterback Joe Cox. In the last three Georgia-LSU matchups (all Georgia victories), the quarterback position has been responsible for 11 total touchdowns (9 passing, 2 rushing).

- David Greene threw for 5 touchdowns in the 2004 victory over LSU in Athens
- DJ Shockley threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for another in the 2005 SEC Championship game
- Matt Stafford threw 2 touchdowns and ran for one in the 52-38 victory in Baton Rouge last season

If Joe Cox can have a day any where close to these, the Dawgs should be in a good position to upset the #4 ranked Tigers.

The Impact of Stafford Going #1 Overall

After the last few months of speculation, the 2009 NFL draft will commence this Saturday with the Detroit Lions holding the number 1 overall pick. There has been much debate about how the Lions intend to use that pick. Coming off the first 0-16 season, the Lions need help in many areas. Like the Atlanta Falcons taking Matt Ryan with the third overall pick last season to help bring a new face to the franchise, the Detroit Lions are considering drafting Matthew Stafford as the first pick. After watching Stafford play the last three seasons, I have little doubt that he has the tools to become a great pro player and I think the Lions would be making the correct choice if they select Stafford.

What I am unsure of is the impact that Stafford going number one would have on Georgia. While I think I speak for most in the Dawg Nation, we would love to see one of our own go number one, I do question what this message tells future prospects.

Matthew Stafford came to Georgia in 2006 as arguably the highest profile recruit of the Mark Richt era. After throwing a touchdown pass on his first attempt in G-Day that year, the expectations were set high. Georgia struggled through the 2006 season, but both Stafford and the team found their stride by closing with three straight wins over ranked opponents. The 2007 season made Stafford a star, as he helped lead the Dawgs to a number 2 final ranking. And the combination of Stafford and Knowshon Moreno had the entire Georgia fan base excited about a shot at a national title in '08.

As the '08 season played out, Stafford had his best statistical season but the Dawgs dropped games to Alabama and Florida and fell out of the race for the SEC Championship. Despite a great performance from Stafford, the Dawgs lost to Georgia Tech to close the season and I knew that Stafford's career at Georgia was over. He had accomplished what he needed to do to become a top pick (win games on a national stage, display his skills, and improve season to season). For his career at Georgia, Stafford had key wins over LSU, Florida, and Auburn, but he never played for an SEC championship. I can't help but feel that he left with business unfinished.

It scares me that future Bulldog prospects may begin to see the Georgia program as just another stepping stone to the NFL and not as a place to come and win a championship. Having a number one overall pick will be a selling point for Coach Richt and his staff to use to attract the top talent, but will those players come to Georgia to win a championship or just to get to the next level? In some situations, it is a no-brainer that a player will leave early for the draft. There is no better example right now than AJ Green. Barring injury, I see now way that Green is in Athens after the '10 season, but that doesn't mean I hope he leaves early because he will be another top 10 pick for the Georgia program.

I wish Stafford, Knowshon, and Asher the best at the next level but I honestly wish they had returned. I know they will represent us well as high picks in the draft, but if I had it my way, I would take another 7th round draft pick quarterback who leads us to SEC Championships over the #1 pick any day of the week.

Last time I checked, Joey Harrington got cut instead of this guy.

Bringing Back Traditions: The Georgia-Clemson Rivalry

Other than Georgia Tech, no other Division I football program is closer to the University of Georgia(in distance) than Clemson. The orange clad Tigers sit a mere 75 miles away, tucked in the hills behind Lake Hartwell. The two teams have squared off 62 times on the football field, with Georgia having a distinct lead, 41-17-4, in the series. While the two teams will square off again during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, it will mark the first time in over ten years the two teams have met. For these two teams who were once considered rivals, this is clearly unacceptable.

South Carolina, Clemson's instate rival, shares a nearly an identical record against Georgia. The all-time series against the Gamecocks stands at 45-14-2. South Carolina, who considers Georgia a rival, has met us on the football 61 times, once less than Clemson. If you consider that Georgia has played South Carolina every year since 1992 since USC joined the SEC, Clemson-Georgia is actually the match up with a much longer history. An annual match up with Clemson would feel much more like a rivalry to me than our battle with Carolina every year.

Another reason I think this rivalry should be reinstated as a yearly affair is the similarity between our two schools. Both teams found great success during the early 1980's, with Georgia taking the Championship in '80 followed by Clemson in '81. Since that time, neither team has made it back to the top however both teams are generally considered contenders for the National Championship. This video from the 1987 game helps paint the picture:

As a student, I was lucky enough to see Georgia beat Clemson twice. The first time was the opener in 2002, a nail-biter that would kick-off Georgia's run to the SEC Championship. Georgia's running game was struggling and David Greene had one of his worst days as a Dawg. But freshman DJ Shockley threw for a touchdown and ran for another, as Georgia overcame a 7 point fourth quarter deficit to win 31-28.

It was Shockley to the rescue in this game.

The following year the Dawgs beat down the Tigers in Death Valley, 30-0, and kicked off another season that ended with a trip to Atlanta.

I think it is cool that Georgia is trying to schedule more opponents from across the country, such as Arizona State and Oklahoma State, but if we are looking for another out of conference team to play on a regular basis, we should look no further than just up I-85.

GO DAWGS!!!

Georgia vs. LSU Memories - 2005

Georgia came into the 2005 SEC Championship ranked #13 in the country and fresh off a 14-7 win over rival Georgia Tech. LSU entered the game ranked #3 and heavily favored to beat the Dawgs for the SEC Championship for the second time in three years. Georgia jumped to a quick 14-0 with a pair of touchdown passes from DJ Shockley to Sean Bailey. After a Tiger touchdown made it 14-7, Georgia blocked a punt deep in LSU territory. DJ Shockley turned in a fantastic 7 yard touchdown run to make the score 21-7 at half.

Georgia continued to dominate in the second half. After knocking out JaMarcus Russell, Tim Jennings ran back a Matt Flynn pass for Georgia's final touchdown. Final score: Georgia 34 LSU 14.

Shockley's MVP performance included 3 touchdowns (2 passing and 1 running)

This will be my last LSU memories post of the week as we are heading to New Orleans tomorrow. Hope to see everyone in Baton Rouge on Saturday.

GO DAWGS!!!