If Gray Transfers, could Bacarri Rambo move back to QB?

Rumors are flying today that Logan Gray may leave the program and transfer for an opportunity to start during his final two years of eligibility. If that happens, Georgia will be down to one scholarship quarterback until freshman Hutson Mason arrives on campus later this summer. Fortunately for the Dawgs, they have a player on campus who played quarterback in high school and acted as the main scout team quarterback during his freshman year in 2008. Of course I am talking about starting safety Bacarri Rambo.

Rambo came to Georgia from Seminole County High where he was a star on both sides of the ball. While Rambo has developed into a great play making safety, if the situation was right, would Georgia move him back to quarterback? He spent his true freshman year emulating mobile QB opponents on the scout team including Tim Tebow and Josh Nesbitt. In 1995, Georgia was faced with a similar situation and moved Hines Ward to quarterback for much of the season.

Of course, none of this will probably happen. Even if Gray leaves, Mason should come in and be fine in the back up position. But with the way things have been going lately, you never know what will happen next.

Like I said, Aaron Murray will be the starting QB this fall

Following G-Day, many people seemed quick to anoint Zach Mettenberger the starting quarterback based on his performance. I was cautious because while Mettenberger was impressive last Saturday, he was still facing a minimum 1 game suspension and needed to continue to improve other skills such as his footwork. After his dismissal from the team yesterday, I hope that all of the Georgia fans that seemed to give up on Aaron Murray are ready to get back on the bandwagon. While I never want to see a talented kid kicked off of Georgia's team, the actions taken by Coach Richt may ultimately be a blessing in disguise. Let me explain.

With Mettenberger gone, that means there will be one less quarterback splitting reps this summer. Mettenberger had a good chance of being named #1 on the depth chart following a strong spring, but because of his suspension someone else would need to take a large portion of snaps with the first team as well to prepare for the season opener. Now, the coaches will have a clear number 1 going into the season who can become the sole focus point.

This also means we avoid any type of quarterback controversy this fall. I think most of us have come to accept the fact that Logan Gray is not going to be a big time SEC quarterback. With Murray entrenched as the starter, all of the Bulldog nation can get behind him as opposed to people calling for his job the first time he makes a mistake. A freshman QB is going to inevitably make some mistakes and I am glad we won't have to hear the lunatic fringe calling for a QB change after an interception in the third quarter of a blowout against Louisiana Lafayette.

The final reason this is could be a blessing in disguise is that it already seems to have changed the media's mind about Coach Richt's discipline practices. Many people criticized Georgia for player arrests over the last few years, but this year we have removed both of the players from the team who have gotten themselves into trouble.

In the end, it sucks that Mettenberger had to go. He was a talented player who may have become a great quarterback. I wish him luck at whatever school he lands at (as long as it is not in the SEC).

Thoughts on G-Day

Another G-Day has come and gone and now we have over 4 months to wait until we see the Georgia Bulldogs take the football field again. This year's G-Day was definitely better than the 2009 snooze fest, but still lacked in the excitement department. Here are my thoughts on what took place Saturday:

- The weather was absolutely amazing and it felt great to be back in Athens. There was a pretty good crowd on hand, but it was really weird to see the entire North stands empty.

- Talk about vanilla - both offense and defense kept the game plan about as simple as could be. This was most noticeable in the blitzes and in the running game.

- The running game was pretty weak. Outside of Carlton Thomas's 30 yard scamper, I don't think there were any other rushes longer than 10 yards. The defense was not doing anything special, it was just regular up the middle running (often times with walk on fullbacks playing the role of tailback.)

- Washington and Houston looked very comfortable at outside linebackers. These two are going to put up monster years in Grantham's defense.

- Really glad to see Kris Durham back. Expect big things from him, particularly on third downs and in the red zone.

- Expect big things from Rambo, Dowtin, and Vance Cuff this fall.

- Georgia has the best group of tight ends in the SEC, if not the country. White, Charles, Figgins and Lynch would all be starters at most schools in the SEC.

- The QB Competition.

• Mettenberger was impressive, but he also played against the second team defense all day. His arm is strong and he is definitely improved, but he doesn't move well in the pocket. Some people are ready to anoint him starter but I still think he has a lot of work to do.
• Murray was off a bit and his numbers were not that good, but I thought he actually made some pretty good plays in the pocket. If he hits AJ in the end zone, how many people would have a totally different opinion of his day? Also, while throwing the interception was bad, the drive up until that point was impressive. I still like his pocket presence better.
• Logan looked good, but he was also not asked to do too much. He clearly has the weakest arm of the three and is more of a scrambler than a pocket passer. I would like to see him continue to take some snaps at QB simply for his running ability.

Overall, it was a nice game that ultimately means very little for the 2010 Bulldogs. The play of the day was the pass from Mettenberger to Wooten. I still expect Murray to be the starter against Louisiana-Lafayette and as long as he performs well in that game and against South Carolina, the job will be his.

GO DAWGS!!!

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!!!

Quarterback Competition - Could Mettenberger steal the show?

Spring practice looms and the competition for quarterback will become the main focus of the Bulldog Nation leading up to G-Day. Logan Gray's decision to stay at quarterback (for now anyway)means there are three guys throwing their hats into the fire this spring. I think it is safe to eliminate in-coming freshman Hutson Mason by virtue of still being in high school Mason does not have the skill set that Matt Stafford had to start as a true freshman and Stafford actually enrolled early. Gray is the most experienced of the bunch, but disappointing play in limited chances in '09 left many to think switching positions was the best route for Logan. Aaron Murray seems to be the chosen one right now and I believe he will ultimately win the job. But the real wild card in this race may be Georgia's other talented QB from the class of 2009, Zach Mettenberger.

Like Murray, Mettenberger was an Elite 11 QB during his senior year at Oconee County High School just outside of Athens. Listed at 6'5'' and 230 pounds, he definitely has the size that you like to see in pocket passer. Many have praised his strong arm, some saying it could be stronger than Stafford's was. But despite his size and arm, Mettenberger was labeled a project, a player that could be something special but just isn't there yet. Now, a year and a half into his career at Georgia, could Mettenberger step up and take charge?

Here are some highlights of Mettenberger from high school and G-Day last year:







Check the 1:39 mark


It should be a fun next couple of weeks on the practice field. May the best man win the job!

GO DAWGS!!!