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?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Our Thoughts are with Jonathan Taylor
During yesterday's contest with Florida State, Georgia outfielders Zach Cone and Jonathan Taylor collided on a fly ball. Taylor suffered a major spinal injury and will most likely be transferred to the Shepard Center in Atlanta later this week. AJC has the full story here.
Please keep Jonathan Taylor and his family in your prayers.
***UPDATE - The Taylor family has set up a website where you can leave messages for Jonathan.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Johnathantaylor
Please keep Jonathan Taylor and his family in your prayers.
***UPDATE - The Taylor family has set up a website where you can leave messages for Jonathan.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Johnathantaylor
Friday, March 4, 2011
BnE's March Madness Bracket Challenge
With the Dawgs on the doorstep to a spot in the Big Dance, the first time since the 2008 Tornado Tourney miracle, we here at BnE feel it especially appropriate to host a NCAA Basketball bracket for the tourney.
In honor of the Dawgs' pending spot in the Dance, as well as our recently relocated and current expatriate BFR, the big winner of the bracket, beyond the fame, fortune, accolades and women will receive one copy of Lewis Grizzard's If I Ever Get Back To Georgia, I'm Gonna Nail My Feet To The Ground as well as one copy of AUMaverick's favorite Grizzard book, Shoot Low, Boys--They're Ridin' Shetland Ponies.
Entering the Bracket: We will be using CBS Sports' scoring system and default point scores. To enter, here is the link to the official BnE Bracket Challenge, and the password is 'lewis' (no quotes).
Will the Georgia Bulldogs go all Butler this year and make a deep run? Heck, if Dennis Felton and inclement weather at the Georgia Dome can get us a SEC Tourney trophy, who knows what Fox's Hounds can do....
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Bean Moves back to OL
As I predicted here a few weeks ago, Justin Anderson is officially moving back to the offensive line. I feel like he is another lost project just like Kiante Tripp. I hope he finds success on the line this fall, but unfortunately I think he ends up as another wasted talent the coaches had no idea what to do with.
Oh well.
Oh well.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday Night Ramblings
It is a random Wednesday in March and we are still a few weeks away from spring practice. Things have been relatively quiet around the Georgia football program and that is a good thing.
- I just watched Mark Fox's Bulldogs close out their 20th win of the season. The win most likely seals Georgia's invitation to the NCAA tournament and is quite an accomplishment for a program that managed to win 0 games on the road last year. I have been very impressed watching Jeremy Price grow into a great player and leader this year.
- I know Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins are most likely leaving, but just imagine the team we could have with them back. Add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the mix, and the Dawgs would be a top 15 team next year. With an NBA lockout almost more certain than the NFL lockout coming next year, maybe we'll get lucky.
- What's the best part about the Dawgs not being ranked in last year's preseason top 25 in football? Not being included in the Sports Illustrated story this week about NCAA football players with arrest records. Last offseason was bad enough with the Fulmer Cup Championship. I am sure we would not have been like TCU (the only school in the top 25 without a player with an arrest record).
-While the Dawgs may have dominated the Fulmer Cup one traffic incident at a time last fall, this offseason has been completely silent. When the only news coming out of Athens had to do with players lives on the field it is good news.
-Looks like Aaron Murray will be healthy for spring practice. With Ealey also reinstated, G-Day could be a lot of fun to watch this year.
- Hines Ward is going to be on Dancing with the Stars. I hate the show but my wife loves it. At least Hines will have something to keep him busy during the lockout.
- Justin Houston turned heads at the combine. I would love for him to fall to the Falcons, but I don't think it will happen.
- Georgia baseball continues to struggle. I miss the days when we were pretty much guaranteed to make the CWS every other year(2001, 2004, 2006, 2008). Perno took us within one game of a National Title, but it may be time for him to go.
- I just watched Mark Fox's Bulldogs close out their 20th win of the season. The win most likely seals Georgia's invitation to the NCAA tournament and is quite an accomplishment for a program that managed to win 0 games on the road last year. I have been very impressed watching Jeremy Price grow into a great player and leader this year.
- I know Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins are most likely leaving, but just imagine the team we could have with them back. Add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the mix, and the Dawgs would be a top 15 team next year. With an NBA lockout almost more certain than the NFL lockout coming next year, maybe we'll get lucky.
- What's the best part about the Dawgs not being ranked in last year's preseason top 25 in football? Not being included in the Sports Illustrated story this week about NCAA football players with arrest records. Last offseason was bad enough with the Fulmer Cup Championship. I am sure we would not have been like TCU (the only school in the top 25 without a player with an arrest record).
-While the Dawgs may have dominated the Fulmer Cup one traffic incident at a time last fall, this offseason has been completely silent. When the only news coming out of Athens had to do with players lives on the field it is good news.
-Looks like Aaron Murray will be healthy for spring practice. With Ealey also reinstated, G-Day could be a lot of fun to watch this year.
- Hines Ward is going to be on Dancing with the Stars. I hate the show but my wife loves it. At least Hines will have something to keep him busy during the lockout.
- Justin Houston turned heads at the combine. I would love for him to fall to the Falcons, but I don't think it will happen.
- Georgia baseball continues to struggle. I miss the days when we were pretty much guaranteed to make the CWS every other year(2001, 2004, 2006, 2008). Perno took us within one game of a National Title, but it may be time for him to go.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Why Washaun Ealey's Reinstatement is a Big Deal
When Washaun Ealey was suspended from the team three weeks ago, many of the Georgia faithful felt he should have been kicked off the team. While I expect Isaiah Crowell to be the feature back this fall, I think it is very important for the team that Ealey come back. Here are the reasons why.
1. Caleb King's status is still up in the air. He was suspended for the bowl game we have not heard much since then. Caleb is Georgia's best blocking back, so I truly hope he returns. But if he doesn't, Ealey will need to step up in the blocking department. Pass blocking is one of the hardest things incoming players have to learn and Crowell will only be on campus for a few weeks prior to the first game. Ealey was not exactly a good blocker (at all) last year, but another year in the system should make him better.
2. Depth is always an issue. In todays football landscape, rarely do you see one running back carry all of the load for a successful running program. Carlton Thomas is definitely not the answer and we are unsure what we have in Ken Malcome. But Ealey has been a bright spot at times over the last few years. Even if Crowell is RB1, we need a good complementary back.
3. Washaun Ealey is a talented player. Remember 5 touchdowns against Kentucky? Remember almost 200 yards against Tech? He may have issues with fumbles, but he still can make things happen on the field.
4. Competition for Crowell. Everyone expects Crowell to be the starter, but ask yourself if that makes sense. Georgia returns its leading rusher who will be a junior and scored 11 TDs last year. Without Ealey, earning the starting job could almost be "easy". Washaun Ealey on campus means strong competition, which usually brings out the best in athletes.
I am glad to have Washaun back on the team. Hoefully, his attitude is fixed and he is ready for a big season in 2011.
1. Caleb King's status is still up in the air. He was suspended for the bowl game we have not heard much since then. Caleb is Georgia's best blocking back, so I truly hope he returns. But if he doesn't, Ealey will need to step up in the blocking department. Pass blocking is one of the hardest things incoming players have to learn and Crowell will only be on campus for a few weeks prior to the first game. Ealey was not exactly a good blocker (at all) last year, but another year in the system should make him better.
2. Depth is always an issue. In todays football landscape, rarely do you see one running back carry all of the load for a successful running program. Carlton Thomas is definitely not the answer and we are unsure what we have in Ken Malcome. But Ealey has been a bright spot at times over the last few years. Even if Crowell is RB1, we need a good complementary back.
3. Washaun Ealey is a talented player. Remember 5 touchdowns against Kentucky? Remember almost 200 yards against Tech? He may have issues with fumbles, but he still can make things happen on the field.
4. Competition for Crowell. Everyone expects Crowell to be the starter, but ask yourself if that makes sense. Georgia returns its leading rusher who will be a junior and scored 11 TDs last year. Without Ealey, earning the starting job could almost be "easy". Washaun Ealey on campus means strong competition, which usually brings out the best in athletes.
I am glad to have Washaun back on the team. Hoefully, his attitude is fixed and he is ready for a big season in 2011.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Random 80's Music Videos - Oingo Boingo
Here's a surprisingly great quality video (despite the song misspelling) for Oingo Boingo's "Weird Science" (You'll recognize it as the theme song for the awesome John Hughes film of the same name).
Great band that inspired one of my favs of all time. Surprising how many people have never heard of them despite Danny Elfman's success as a film composer.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Champ is out, but what about Charles?
I started a new job this week and have not had a chance to write much. A lot of has happenned over the last week, including Georgia finally hiring a new linebackers coach, Aaron Murray hurting his ankle, and the Tennessee athletics program going to hell. A few weeks ago, I write an article explaining why I thought Champ Bailey would be a perfect player for the Falcons to sign in free agency. That dream ended this week when Bailey signed a four year extension to stay in Denver. With Champ out of the equation, I see another former Bulldog moving to the top of the list of players the Falcons could target.
That player is defensive end Charles Johnson. Charles Johnson played for Georgia from 2004 - 2006. He was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. After recording only 10 sacks in first three seasons in the league, Johnson had a breakout season in 2010. Taking the place of Julius Peppers as the leader of Carolina's pass rush, Johnson tallied 11.5 sacks and had 62 total tackles. The Carolina Panthers decided to place their franchise tag on a center (REALLY?!?!) meaning Johnson could become a free agent. While Johnson's price tag may be higher that Bailey's, he is only 24 and appears to be entering the prime of his career.
It sure would be nice to see the Hawkinsville native back in his home state rushing the quarterback opposite of John Abraham. Let's bring this Dawg home!
That player is defensive end Charles Johnson. Charles Johnson played for Georgia from 2004 - 2006. He was drafted in the third round of the 2007 NFL draft. After recording only 10 sacks in first three seasons in the league, Johnson had a breakout season in 2010. Taking the place of Julius Peppers as the leader of Carolina's pass rush, Johnson tallied 11.5 sacks and had 62 total tackles. The Carolina Panthers decided to place their franchise tag on a center (REALLY?!?!) meaning Johnson could become a free agent. While Johnson's price tag may be higher that Bailey's, he is only 24 and appears to be entering the prime of his career.
It sure would be nice to see the Hawkinsville native back in his home state rushing the quarterback opposite of John Abraham. Let's bring this Dawg home!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
2011 Recruiting Wrap Up: Assessing the Depth Chart - Defensive Backs
(This is the final entry in a series examining the depth chart following the completion of the 2011 recruiting season.)
Georgia's defensive backfield looks to return all four players who finished the 2010 season as starters (Boyking, Commings, Rambo, and Ogletree) as well as some experienced upper classmen. The new faces in the secondary could also push for playing time this fall.
Depth Chart - Corner
1. Brandon Boykin, Senior
2. Branden Smith, Junior
3. Sanders Commings, Redshirt Junior
4. Jordan Love, Redshirt Sophomore
5. Damian Swann, Freshman
6. Derek Owens, Sophomore
Analysis
Boykin's decision to return for his senior season should help this group continue to improve in 2011. Sanders Commings was listed as the starter at the end of 2010, but I fully expect Branden Smith to be the starter come August. Jordan Love and Derek Owens both saw limited playing time in 2010 and will look to build on that experience this fall. Freshmen Damian Swann and Nick Marshall could also push for playing time with good summer camps. I expect freshman Devin Bowman to redshirt.
Depth Chart - Safety
1. Alec Ogletree, Sophomore
2. Bacarri Rambo, Redshirt Junior
3. Shawn Williams, Junior
4. Jakar Hamilton, Senior
5. Corey Moore, Freshman
6. Chris Sanders, Freshman
Analysis
2010 was a disappointing year for Georgia's safeties. Bacarri Rambo failed to play at the same level he did in 2009 and transfer Jakar Hamilton did not live up to his reputation as "the hitman". The lone bright spot was true freshman Alec Ogletree, who will now be looked to as the leader of the group. Shawn Williams is the only other experienced safety on the roster, so expect immediate contributions from highly touted freshman Corey Moore. Chris Sanders may also see playing time, but I do not expect Quintavious Harrow to play much at safety (though we may see him on special teams.)
Georgia's defensive backfield looks to return all four players who finished the 2010 season as starters (Boyking, Commings, Rambo, and Ogletree) as well as some experienced upper classmen. The new faces in the secondary could also push for playing time this fall.
Depth Chart - Corner
1. Brandon Boykin, Senior
2. Branden Smith, Junior
3. Sanders Commings, Redshirt Junior
4. Jordan Love, Redshirt Sophomore
5. Damian Swann, Freshman
6. Derek Owens, Sophomore
Analysis
Boykin's decision to return for his senior season should help this group continue to improve in 2011. Sanders Commings was listed as the starter at the end of 2010, but I fully expect Branden Smith to be the starter come August. Jordan Love and Derek Owens both saw limited playing time in 2010 and will look to build on that experience this fall. Freshmen Damian Swann and Nick Marshall could also push for playing time with good summer camps. I expect freshman Devin Bowman to redshirt.
Depth Chart - Safety
1. Alec Ogletree, Sophomore
2. Bacarri Rambo, Redshirt Junior
3. Shawn Williams, Junior
4. Jakar Hamilton, Senior
5. Corey Moore, Freshman
6. Chris Sanders, Freshman
Analysis
2010 was a disappointing year for Georgia's safeties. Bacarri Rambo failed to play at the same level he did in 2009 and transfer Jakar Hamilton did not live up to his reputation as "the hitman". The lone bright spot was true freshman Alec Ogletree, who will now be looked to as the leader of the group. Shawn Williams is the only other experienced safety on the roster, so expect immediate contributions from highly touted freshman Corey Moore. Chris Sanders may also see playing time, but I do not expect Quintavious Harrow to play much at safety (though we may see him on special teams.)
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