Spring Practice: What to Watch For

Georgia will open 2011 practice later this week. And with the "recruiting class high" finally wearing off, it is time to get back on the field to correct the mistakes that led to the first losing season in 15 years. Here's the headlines to watch for over the next few weeks leading up to G-Day on April 16.

1. New kids in town

The "Dream Team" certainly helped take the sting off a tough 2010 season, but most of those players will not step foot on campus for a few more months. The Dawgs do have two early enrollees in Chris Conley and Christian LeMay. It will be interesting to see how LeMay looks in spring and G-Day since he has not played a competitive down of football since 2009.

2. Aaron Murray as the leader

Murray had an amazing first season and I expect he will become a vocal leader for the Dawgs this year. He should be recovered from his "amputated leg" in time to participate fully.

3. Who steps up at receiver?

Tavarres King immediately becomes #1 but who's next. I hope Marlon Brown can finally live up to the expectations many of us had for him two years ago.

4. Feeling the pressure at RB

Every running back knows Isaiah Crowell is coming this fall and will be given every opportunity to win the starting job. With Ealey back from suspension and Caleb King headed into his senior year, I wonder if they can hang on to the #1 spot for now or if Ken Malcome takes over heading into summer practice.

5. Same Faces, Different Places

A number of position changes were announced last week, most notably Alec Ogletree moving to inside linebacker. Also keep an eye on Bruce Figgins at fullback who will be one of the biggest players at that position I have ever seen.

6. The Line Backing Duo

I am really excited to get a look at Richard Samuel and Jarvis Jones. Having seen Samuel in high school, I know what he is capable of. And it should be fun to watch Jones coming off the edge in Grantham's 3-4.

Those are just a few of the things I'm looking forward to. What are you looking forward to?

Monday Thoughts: Things that make me happy

- Team USA. Helluva job. They may have the gold, but we outplayed them. Canada, look out in 2014, because this young US team will now be the experienced vets and you are going to have a big target on your back.

- Georgia beating Florida. Not nearly the same thrill as a football victory over the Gators, but very satisfying none the less.

- Quotes like this (h/t David Hale) by Branden Smith talking about the new defensive scheme:
"I believe that we’re going to get more interceptions this year. Last year, we didn’t get that many picks, and I believe it was the scheme we were in. The scheme we’re in now, it seems like something everybody’s looking forward to – linebackers, D-backs and especially on the D line.” - Branden Smith

- Colt McCoy giving mad props to Aaron Murray. All Murray has to do now is go out and win the job.

- Diamond Dawgs sweep the Hatters. I know it is just Stetson, but good teams take care of business against weaker opponents and the Dawgs took care of business this weekend.

- March - The end of winter, the return of good weather, UGA spring practice, Braves spring training, St. Patrick's Day, and March Madness.

Spring Practice: Welcome Freshmen

Georgia had three early enrollees attending their first practice as members of the Dawgs on Tuesday. According to reports, offensive lineman Dallas Lee got his first taste of offensive line coach Stacey Searels as he struggled through his first day. Quarterbacks Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger also saw their first action under center for the Dawgs. While senior Joe Cox and sophomore Logan Gray got high remarks for their work on Tuesday, the freshmen were said to have struggled. Would we have expected any better? No.

Here's a quick video of AJ Green running drills during his first practice last summer. The video is only about 30 seconds long and Green drops not 1 but 2 easy passes during a drill.


Struggling during your first days of practice at the collegiate level is expected. These three players already have a step up on the remaining 16 members of the Georgia signing class who won't begin their careers at Georgia until the summer. As past early enrollees Matt Stafford and Richard Samuel proved, getting to school early can help you earn playing time as a freshman. While I don't see any of these players having an impact this fall, I am proud to see their enthusiasm and hard work.

Today, I will leave you with another football practice scene, this time from the movie "Gridiron Gang" starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Johnson was a solid player for the Miami Hurricanes in the 90's and is famous for going into the crowd to beat up an opposing team's mascot. I would love to see a conversation between him and Lou Holtz.



Only 24 days until G Day!
GO DAWGS!!!

The Start of Spring Practice

This fires me up. Is it August yet?

Today marks the beginning of spring practice for Dawgs. Hopefully Coach Richt has the players going full steam. After finishing the 2008 season at 10-3, the Dawgs head into spring with a number of key questions they are hoping to answer between now and opening day in Stillwater.

1. Is Joe Cox ready to take the reigns?

He is saying all the right things, has the backing of his coach, and the Bulldog Nation seems behind him. With two freshmen quarterbacks already enrolled, G Day should provide us with a glimpse of the future as well.

2. Who starts at halfback?

With Richard Samuel out for spring because of surgery, Caleb King is the only experienced scholarship back who will be active this spring. I look forward to getting a glimpse of Carlton Thomas in the backfield and in the return game.

3. Can we kick the ball deep?

We all know Walsh has the leg to kick it deep, the question is whether we have finally abandoned the directional kick and just let our guys kick it as far as they can.

4. Will the lines get healthy?

This one will not be answered during spring as many of our key guys on both sides are still recovering. I can't wait to see teams try and cover the two headed monster that is Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens this fall.

5. Who will step up at the other wideout position?

AJ Green is arguably the best receiver in the nation and this spring he says he is finally healthy. The person on the other side of the field will play a key role as teams will try and double team AJ. Michael Moore showed flashes last season that he could be the man. If no one steps up, look for Marlon Brown and Orson Charles to compete for playing time in the fall.

G Day is 25 days away. Mark your calendars!

GO DAWGS!!!