Top Ten Plays of 2009: Part 1

As we await the Dags showdown with Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the best plays of the 2009 season. While this season may have been a disappointment overall, it was not without its share of great moments. In part 1, we will look at plays 10-6:

#10 - Branden Smith 61 Yard Revers Touchdown against South Carolina

As a true freshman in 2009, Branden Smith saw ample time at the corner back position providing relief for Prince Miller and Brandon Boykin. However, Smith's most memorable moments came on offense when Smith was able to show off the amazing speed that made him the "Fastest Man in Georgia" during his senior year of high school. Smith's first amazing play came on a reverse against South Carolina:

Smith had another long touchdown run later in the season when he took a snap from the wildcat 52 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee Tech.

#9 - Joe Cox Throws 5 Touchdowns at Arkansas

When Georgia met Arkansas in late September, Razorbacks quarterback Ryan Mallett put on an amazing passing display throwing for over 400 yards. And while many across the country expected Mallet to have the ability to put up these numbers, few though Joe Cox would be able to match him. But Cox was up to the challenge that night.

Cox would end up 18 of 26 for 375 yards and 5 touchdowns on the night. Cox found AJ Green (twice), Orson Charles, Tavarres King, and Aron White for scores in the 52-41 victory. Cox was named national player of the week for his effort.

#8 - Israel Troupe 50 Yard Touchdown Reception against Auburn

With Georgia already down 14-0 and AJ Green leaving the field with a shoulder injury, little used receiver Israel Troupe came in to the game. Mike Bobo, not realizing Green had left the game, called a long pass play. Caleb King threw a huge block which allowed Troupe to get separation down the sideline. Joe Cox hit troupe in stride for the 50 yard TD which sparked the Georgia comeback.

#7 - AJ Green 66 Yard Catch and Run against Vanderbilt

Without a two injuries that essentially cost him 4 games, AJ Green would have easily walked away with the Bilitnekoff award for the best receiver in the country. Early in the victory at Vanderbilt, Green took a quick out pass from Joe Cox. He then showed why he has become one of the best receivers in the nation:

#6 - A Pair of 100 Yard Touchdown Runs for Brandon Boykin

Sophomore corner Brandon Boykin made a name for himself as one of the most electrifying returners in all of college football with a pair of 100 yard kickoff return touchdowns. The first came against South Carolina:

Boykin then matched the feat a few weeks later, providing one of the few Georgia highlights in the loss at Tennessee:

Check back tomorrow for part 2 as we look at the Top 5 plays of 2009.

My God A Freshman

'09 Recruits who may start this fall

With signing day complete, we can now begin to look forward to finally seeing some of these players on the field this fall. Two of our new freshmen have a good chance at having an immediate impact and could be starting by the end of the season.

The first is corner back Branden Smith. With Asher Allen gone, there is an open position at corner and Smith would fit right in. Not only will he fit well at corner, but I expect Smith to see plenty of playing time returning kicks this year. Coach Richt has even hinted at putting him on offense.

The second is surprise Georgia commit Marlon Brown. The 6'5'' receiver should line up nicely opposite 6'4'' AJ Green. They will be quite a tandem for Joe Cox to throw at this fall. And for those of you who don't know much about Brown, here are some of his highlights:


The 2009 season is under 7 months away and it cannot get here soon enough.

GO DAWGS!!!

Future Bulldog: Branden Smith

When Asher Allen announced his intentions to leave Georgia early for the NFL draft, a major hole was left at the cornerback position. One of the contenders to replace Allen will be true freshman Branden Smith.

Smith is an extremely athletic corner who checks in with good size (5'11'') and lightning fast speed (clocked 4.28 in the 40). He has been rated a five star recruit by both Rivals and Scout and is considered to be one of the top 30 prospects in the entire nation. As a junior in high school, his 10.62 time in the 100 meter run earned him the nickname, "The Fastest Man in Atlanta".

While Smith is expected to play corner at Georgia, he played both sides of the ball during his senior year and also provided electricity in the return game. As a wide receiver, Smith had 32 catches for 1,085 yards. That is an insane 33.9 yards per reception, which is a testament to his speed. At his primary position of corner, he tallied 50 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries. He also added 5 touchdown returns on special teams.

Smith's speed should allow him to fit comfortably into the Georgia defensive backfield. He will need to add strength and weight to help jam some of the larger receivers that he will see in the SEC. I expect Smith to see ample playing time for the Dawgs in 2009 and most likely be a starter by the end of the season (much like Rennie Curran two years ago.) I really like this kid and I forgot to mention that he chose the Dawgs on national TV over the Gators: