UGA blog finds new home
Morning all. As I’ve said a couple of times this week, we’re converting this blog over to a WordPress platform and it will be a permanent move the first of next week.
Those of you who are regulars probably know that I’m not what you’d call techno-wizard when it comes to these things. But from what I understand the technology offered in this new format should make the blogging and commenting experience better for all. Of course, I’ll be learning as we go along, too. But I’m hoping to provide more pictures and video and things like that which should bring the blog more to life.
Of course, this blog is nothing without all you guys so I want to heartily invite (read: beg) you to come over to the new site by CLICKING HERE ON THE NEW ADDRESS and save it in your browsers. As of Monday, Feb. 23rd, this will be the permanent home of the UGA blog you so love or, in the case of some of you, love to loathe. If you’d prefer to copy and paste or just memorize, the new address is: http://blogs.ajc.com/uga-sports-blog/.
See at the new place!
AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDogs’ O-line woes mount
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Cleaning out the notebook from yesterday’s trip out to football practice:
Head coach Mark Richt speaks glowingly about Georgia’s young offensive line, even though it has already encountered two losses to knee injuries (tackles Vince Vance and Josh Davis, neither considered serious).
“You know what, considering there’s only two guys who know what they’re doing and even those guys have new terminology, I think they’re doing pretty good at this point,” Richt said. “We’re nowhere near being where we need to be. But what I imagined it might be to this point, it’s better than that.”
Encouraging words, but I’m not sure I believe them. The LAST thing the Bulldogs needed was any of these guys to miss any practice time, especially Vance and Davis. So now true freshman Trinton Sturdivant is your starter at left tackle. I asked offensive coordinator Mike Bobo if he’d ever seen a true freshman excel as a starter. “No,” he said. “They just have so far to go strength-wise.”
O-line coach Stacy Searels was very vague and cryptic in his answers about his unit. I found that kind of telling in and of itself. I don’t think he’s thrilled with what he’s seen so far. In case you didn’t know, Searels and Bobo decided to abandon the split/tight formations, where linemen were required to play on both the right or left depending on the strong or weakside of the field. They did this in favor of what most of us grew up on, where there’s right and left guards and tackles and the plays going to the left side are odd-numbered and those to the right are even.
In some ways it’s good that the Bulldogs have so many new offensive linemen because of the new system and new terminology, which overall is actually easier to understand.
“It’s different,” senior tackle/guard Chester “Cheese” Adams said. “Coach [Neil] Callaway had a different style and taught different techniques. Coach Searels is doing a lot of new stuff so it’s taking a little time but by the end of the spring, we’ll be good with it.”
By the way, I think it was Matthew at the SLC who asked but QB Matthew Stafford calls the pass protections and center Fernando Velasco also has some responsibilities in that regard (ie: relaying assignments based on Stafford’s call).
A few other observations: There’s talk of DE Marcus Howard being a real darkhorse star on the defense this fall (Carter’s working on a story for Sunday). Also, Sean Bailey and Mikey Henderson have been looking good at wideout, Tripp Chandler is the only uninjured tight end, DE Jarius Wynn has been impressive, Kregg Lumpkin and Knowshon Moreno look like an unstoppable tailback tandem, Stafford looks to be in particularly good shape and the Dogs’ seconday is going to be stout. Also, there are an awful lot of very impressive-looking players that are redshirt freshmen and sophomores that I think a lot of folks have forgotten about or are overlooking while focusing on signing classes and graduating seniors.
G-Day’s Saturday at Sanford Stadium. Do you guys get fired up for the spring game and come in droves to see it like they do at some football schools or just sort of cast a casual eye toward it to see who stands out?
Permalink | Comments (82) | Post your comment | Categories: Football
Comments
By baloney
March 22, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Yea baby that’s what I’m talking about. UGA undefeated national champs in 2007. I can see it now. Matthew Stafford the Heisman winner at least 2 out of the next 3 years.
By tim
March 22, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Chip, thanks for the good info.
Yes, I am fired up about Gday, but it’s not this Saturday; it’s 2 Saturdays from now, April 7th.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 22, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Chip, when is G-day game?…….Question: Is Carter’s upcoming story on Sunday hand off day from you to him?
By mcdawg
March 22, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
RELEASE THE JUGGERNAUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
By 82DAWG
March 22, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Nice article. About G-Day, I used to go, but isn’t what I would call scintillating. I like to read about it to see who stood out, but that’s about it.
As far as the O-Line, it would be unrealistic to think that after a week or so of Spring practice, that they would have gelled into a strong, cohesive unit ready to take on the rigors of an SEC schedule. You have to temper your expectations and hope that by the end of Fall practice they are coming together. I am nervious about freshmen linemen being asked to play too much. History dictates that it takes too much from them and that they all too often, through injury or overuse, quitting before they are ever able to reach their peak. So we are in essence in a continuous spiral of trying to rebuild the line. We have lost so many guys to shoulder injuries and what have you, but they need to get to a point where they get a year to red-shirt a year to sit and grow and then play for three when they are ready.
By bleedinrednblack
March 22, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Imagine a day of UGA Football where either way, The Dawgs are gonna win. That’s G-Day….Love it!
By P-Dawg in Tulsa
March 22, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks Chip, How bout an interview with Stacy Searels after G-Day. O-line is easily my biggest ? this year. Thanks again great topics.
By tim
March 22, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Buck: Gday is April 7th. There is a scrimmage this Saturday, but I don’t think it is open to the public.
By Chip Towers
March 22, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Apologies Tim, everybody. I simply left off April 7 on G-Day. I know because I’ll be covering the scrimmage this Saturday. Sorry for the accidental omission.
By Matthew At The SLC
March 22, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Chip, yeah it was me who asked, and I’m glad to hear that the coaches are entrusting everything that should be the QBs duties to Stafford this year. I’m thinking he’s going to have a good year, as long as he can stand upright. Good to hear about Moreno and Lump. So is it an even match-up between these guys, or is one guy edging past the other? How does Oliver look? Is he, as The Man of this defense, stepping up as the leader? How do our new safeties look? Do they hit as hard as advertised? Did they move up the G-Day Game, because I thought it was the 7th? And Chip, you can’t duck Buck’s question. We need to know for sure who’s going to be running the blogs for football. You know, and your editor’s have to know, whom we all would rather have. Once again Chip, and I know I say this a lot, but it is very important: it’s all about respect. There is mutual respect between you and us. There is mutual disdain between Strickland and us. It’s as simple as that. And it is 95% across the board. We deserve better.
ANYONE BUT STRICKLAND IN ‘07!
By tom johnson
March 22, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
You do a wonderful job of keeping us updated. Dr. Tom Johnson Class of ‘74
By scooter11
March 22, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
If it’s CS, first one in can hijack the blog, create a new topic, and be(Bill) King for A Day.
By bubba
March 22, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
the dawgs need to run the ball more. i feel bobo will do it more than coach richt. we also need to throw the ball more to our running backs too. uga did that the first year coach richt was here but has digressed from that as the years have went by. i feel king would be ideal for that after seeing him on tape.
By Matthew At The SLC
March 22, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
If it is Strickland, Scooter, why don’t we nominate a guy who will create the blog topic for us? Altamaha is good, though I may disagree with some things he says. Also, Buck is a great blogger, but if he’s in the northwest, that might make it hard for him. Whatever happens, if the editors insist on sticking us with Strickland, then we need to strike back and just ignore whatever he has to say.
By I-DOG
March 22, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
Chip,
good info and blog, thank you:
I would love to know:
How are Chris Davis and Kevin Perez doing. They were redshirts last year and small. What are their weights and bench press #’s and how do they look in practice?
What about all those young DE’s such as Lemon, Trippe, Wood. I know some are hurt but have they impressed?
By jc
March 22, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Watch for TE Tripp Chandler to have a stand out season
By UGAisgreat
March 22, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Chris davis is 293 and looking good at guard, but Perez is only 274. Lemon has bigger issues than football to think about. Wood is out for the spring with a shoulder. Tripp has a hurt foot but is playing and may move to DT or OT.
By Renegade
March 22, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Is Searels practicing chop blocks or what?! Take it easy on those knees Coach. At this rate, we’ll be lining up with Dan Magill at right tackle!
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Bubba I don’t think we,ve had the kind of runners, or they have been injured in recent years do be a power,ball control running team.I beleave if we can put a solid line on the field Moreno will be that type runner.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 22, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the compliment but I doubt the ajc would take to kindly to my hi-jackng a blog, even though I did that a couple of times lasr year with Stafford. I keep up and have a couple of sources. With Carter, you have be very carefull because of the way he slides the “needle” in. I don’t expect him to be a “homer” but I expect his blogs to be construtive about the Dawgs and when we’re bad to say so or good do the same. I wish I’d saved his column s about the last 3 games of last year. I remember him jumping Stafford about 2 fumbles while CMR was saying that 1 was a mistake but the other as everybody could see was just a great play by the guy from AU. Enough for now.
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Does anybody have any info on Crawford the big redshirt freshman dl ?
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
As for King, does anybody expect him to be on the team this year ? At best I think he’ll spend a season at Ga Military.Lumpkin,Moreno and to a lesser extent Brown will be the backs this year.The 08 team will be crazy with star backs.Samuel is a first team rivals junior all america(and maybe the best receiver on video of the bunch) also coming in next year Ward another good looking receiving back.Add Moreno and maybe King and we’ll need to run the wishbone to get everybody work.
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Sorry about so many post I’m a bit scattered today.Let me make clear when I say power running game don’t think of the old sec snooze attack, think of Petrino’s team’s at Louisville where the passing game works off a strong running game and vice versa.For my money that kind of attack has the best of all things and when it works the denfense stays on it’s heels and their tongues are hanging by the fourth quarter,not to mention you can score in the 40s when it comes together.
By War Eagle
March 22, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
It seems Auburn and UGA are on the course next year. Hopefully Auburn can go 9=3 or no worst than 8-4.Tough schedule, plus inexperience OL, 4 solid RB and QB(Cox), who showed rapid improvement this spring. Defense will be better than last year especially secondary and our kicking game sucks right now.Tennessee, Florida, UGA in East> LSU, Ark., Auburn in West.Darkhorses:KY and South Carolina
By price cochran
March 22, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Got your back OddJob on that one. Here’s a couple of things tht I do’nt think some people get. In the true “spread option offense”, the ball is run over 50%of the time so out standing RBs are a must. 2nd is the value of the QB and that’s where Stafford comes in. He can’t run like so other QBs but his arm, grey matter and avility to makes something out of nothing those two thing combined will be the differene for the Dawgs.(BTW, BigDawg, we can’t do anything without those big old hariy annimals to block). RBs are being used in a different way in today’s game. A I pointed out earlier, the NFL guys are looking for ALL PURPOSE YARDS from their RBs wich means catching the ball. One secret weapon we have is a FB that can catch.
By AltamahaDawg
March 22, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Matthew, as the famous quote goes………”There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.”
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
AltahamaDawg I don’t mind agreeing and I don’t mind disagreeing.What I do mind is agreeing for the sake of agreeing or disagreeing for the sake of disagreeing.It just seemed last night that you wanted an academic debate and OddJob don’t play that game.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 22, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Some way, my 1st name was used OddJob bbut that was be backing you.
By AltamahaDawg
March 22, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
No problem. But wouldn’t really call stats and facts academic, well maybe I would, not sure. hm.
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Buck I sent a longer post that got lost in the blogosphere,so I’ll do shorthand this time.Where in the northwest do you live ? I lived in Colorado in the 90s and spent some quality time along the coast up there.Have you had a chance to see Samuel the junior all america back from Cassville we have committed for 08 ? He could be as good as any and may be the best receiver in the bunch.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 22, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
OffJob, I live in Seattle so I’ve not seen him play. It’s very early but being Limb Time, my pick of the Vols tonight is looking good so far….. Wonder if Gen. Neyland is around. Out here we’ve got to watch Pitt/UCLA. I just love watching paint dry while a major upset may be taking place. BTW guys, this typeof thing is why I got to watch a lot of Urban’s “spread option offense”.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 22, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
War Eagle have to agree to disagree about the East. For the 1st time since CMR has been at Georgia, I truly believe we’re ready. The Dawgs will win the East. West? Don’t know.
By OddJob
March 22, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Buck I gota admit the vols are surprizing me.Not that I’m a Tenn fan but underdogs always spice things up.I’m a big UNC fan even though I went to UGA and I always bleed Dawg red.But first off I live in NC, and second I’ve been a fan since I was a pup because of coach Smith, the Heels have as good a shot as anybody this year. GO HEELS!!!!
By MadMerf
March 22, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
WOW!!
A 17 point lead at the half for the Vols? Looks like THE Ohio State is having serious problems with THE SEC EAST this year. Can we get these guys on the schedule this season in anything?
2nd half has started and the commentators are still all gushy about OSU. Sickening!
By Gen Neyland
March 22, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
If I remember correctly from last football season, whatever the blog topic started out to be by CS was altered many times over before the clock struck 12…Play It Again, Sam…
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 22, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Ohio St. is on a CHARGE but hang on Vols you can do it. OddJob I’m pulling for all the SEC teams, including the Retptiles and that is HARD, HARD to do. 4 pt. game St/Vols.
By SamoanDawg
March 23, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Heck yeah, I’m ready for the G-Day!
How is our interior line holding up? I think our two DTs, Owen/Weston could be the best tandem in the NCAA. What’s Geno Atkins/Corvey Irvin progression?
Need to hear more about Stafford’s progression in the whole offense. Some of the things I remembered from Stafford last season, is he would use the same signal when he audibles on the line. I don’t know if some of you guys noticed it, but there were few times I would recognize the signal and I knew exactly where Stafford was going with the ball, especially when he calls his own #… QB draw. It works every time he called it though. I’m surprised the defense never picked up on it. Just a thought…
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
SamoanDawg, you, like everyone else know that Matthew is “My boy”. On the QB draw he did chnge his direction enough to throw the “D” off. SC, around left end, AU up the middle. I’ll come back in bit. I’m glued to this Vol vs, Ohio St. nd it’s tied and St. just stole the bll.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Buck I’d pull for the devel (Duke) before the hated reptiles.If not UNC any other southern team except FLA will do,but not that bunch of swamp stink.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
SamoanDawg Have you heard anything on Crawford the big redshirt freshman inside d-lineman from nc ?
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
Tough loss! Oden made a Bill Russell block,oh well stuff do happen don’t it.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Darn! Oh well. OddJob I grew up in J’ville and I do feel the same wy but out here everybody takes aim on the SEC. tHEY DON’T MAKE THE DISTINCTION WE DO. Anyway back to “My boy”, he’s impressing his teamates big time according to what I read on on Scout, Rivals and others. They are amazed at what he can do. He’ll get the ball to he play makers nd whn he showed a little bit of swagger in is step, s CMR sid that’s just another weapon for others to think about. In the AU game up here with some Dawgs, the 1st thing I started looking for was to see if they had a spy on him. They didn’t, even thouh he had shown that he ould run. So our receives cath the ball, staqrt looking for pass and he runs. An AU player made a greaqt play to strip him of the ball but like CMR said, when he see nothing but grass I want him to run. Matthew Stafford is still learnig and coming along nicely.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this
Buck don’t take my dislike of the reptiles as extending to the state.Jacksonville is a very underrated city,I injoy my time there every time I go to cheer for my Bulldawgs.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this
Buck The defining play of Stafford’s(so far) to me was when he handed off and in a split second saw a player coming around from the edge and threw a perfect block.You can’t teach that kind of reaction and it shows how he competes and what a team guy he is.
By GainesvilleDawg
March 23, 2007 5:23 AM | Link to this
Ain’t life great!!!!
Dawgs undefeated right now. Great promise for the coming season. Great leader and coach in CMR. We’ve been blessed to be Bulldogs and with the traditions we have and the integrity and pride being developed … there are great years ahead. Who would NOT want their son to play for CMR? Go Dawgs.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Hated to see Tn go down, still hoping UF will.
By Florida_ Gators_ National Champs
March 23, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
UGA Mutts Fans playing the same broken record Every Season! B4 the season starts they go from contenders to pretenders.Mutts fans talk like they have a powerhouse football program. A powerhouse doesen’t lose to KY,Vandy,(lol)TN and ALLWAYS GETTING BEAT BY THE NATIONAL CHAMPS….FLORIDA GATORS!! LIFE SUCKS WHEN UR A UGA MUTT! GO GATORS!!!!
By dawgfacedboy
March 23, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
I asked the question about those redshirt bada@@es on a previous blog. I think i’m one of the ones who can’t rememeber them. We redshirted like 19 onn D last year. Someone remind me who these guys are, what position they play, where they’re from, etc. Thanks for the updates Chip!
By MadMerf
March 23, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
What is it with UGA and injuries across the O-line? I blamed coach Calloway for all the mysterious shoulder setbacks (technique, possibly?) to so many promising youngsters.
We now have a new line coach and a new scheme. I’m not an offensive genius, but I do favor the new (simpler) scheme. I am, however, concerned about the knee injuries. Maybe the technique needs “tweaking”, I don’t know, but it seems that a 300 pound monster is less likely to recover from a knee injury than a bum shoulder.
Let’s keep recruiting those “road pavers” for the future. The state is loaded at that position, and as we are witnessing now, you can never have too many linemen on either side of the ball.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Another generation of 12 yr old Florida fans, nice. So appearantly we were not a powerhouse in football last season. Got it. Thanks. As far as what is is like to be a UGA fan,, I assume by your presence here, even lasts years success still can’t totally rid you of your wishful thinking. Hey, its never too late to switch teams. I mean heck, look how easy it was to jump on that gator bandwagon. And to think , you were one game away from being a totally commited Ohio State fan last year.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
I cannot beleive nobody is commenting on Tubby.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
MadMerf, I dont know, those shoulder injuries seemed to be nagging, persistant, a couple just never ever to recover. Even the worse knee injuries seems to let the guy come back at some point. Prabable a lot more coincidence involved than anything else, not so much this coach specialized in something causing this particular injury or that. Even if that were the case, (technique, possibly,) I’d still rather have it this way. I’d say there are plenty of injuries to the Trunks of O lineman everyear, every program. Would not think that missing a week or so of spring practice,with a bumm knee or ankle, was that unusual, but those shoulder issue, were just too bizarre.
By Gen Neyland
March 23, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
As the fat lady sang her swan song last night, no tears fell from my eyes, for I realized she was only the opening act for a rock an’ roll festival called football…Go Vols
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
BIG DAWG, WAKE UP AND GET ON THE BLOG, WE HAVE SOME QUESTION FOR YOU. GOOD MORNING, BIG DAWG WAS ONE OF THOSE BIG OLD UGLY LINE MEN THAT PUSHED THE PILE ND HE BLEW OUT HIS KNEE OR SOMETHING AND MAY HAVE A FEW ANSWERS. I HAVE NO STATS TO BACK IT UP BUT IT JUST SEEMS AS IF WE’VE HAD A LOT OF THOSE SHOULDER INJURIES YOUR TALKING ABOUT THERE ALTAHAMA………….I’M COMMENTING ON TUBBY. i’M GOING TO HAVE TO GO GET THE WRITER’S NAME ON ESPN, GOT IT …PAT FORDE, AND HE WAS A WRITER IN lEXINGTON AND HIS TAKE IS DIFFERENT THAN BRADLEY’S. yOU CAN GO READ THE ARTICLE BUT HIS TAKE IS IT WAS TIME AND BOTH PARTIES HAPPY. HE PREDICITED THAT ARTICLES WOULD COME OUT DISSING THE kY, FANS ETC,ETC…..MY TAKE, IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE FOR BOTH PARTIES. RCCORDING TO WHAT I’VE READ, TUBBY HS NEVER LIKED THE FISH BOWLTHAT COMES WITH BEING THE KY. COACH. HE’S BEEN THERE 10 YEARS AND THE PROGRAM HAS DROPPED IN RECRUITING, WINS AND ACHIEVMENTS. hE’S GOING TO BE PAID ABOUT AS MUCH MONEY IN mINN. AS HE GET’S AT (OR GOT) AT KY AND A WHOLE LOT STRESSFUL LIFE.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Anyone in here NOT wanting same money, less stress?
By DawgByte
March 23, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
I’ve never seen somebody wrap themselves around the prognostication of a single player more than Buck Cochran in the NW. Like Buck owns the insight on Mathew Stafford… LOL! I was just as vocal as the Buckster when it came to extolling the virtues of MS and sticking by his side early in the season when he was making mistakes and everyone was calling for Joe Cox or Joe T.
If prognostications are the order of the day, I’ll look inside my crystal ball and tell the Bulldog Nation that we beat Vandy and Kentucky this year. I also think we’ll beat Florida. In short, UGA will be better in ‘07 than they were in ‘06.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Gen, whats the expectations of the Vols this year. I know last year in here a lot of folks flipped from them being bums, to world beaters, to finally where they reasonable shoudl have been expected. I would think the expectations this year are pretty high up there, whereas last year was more of just hoping.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
When coach Searles was hired I said one thing good was he had played freshmen linemen with good results at LSU. Yesterday he was asked if he had ever played ‘true freshmen’ with success and he said ‘not really’ that they just aren’t strong enough.All I can think of is the starters at LSU were redshirts,so my bad I guess, let’s hope he can pump up one or two of these guys,their going to need them.Just a random observation, or two, the team was short on big hitters on defense last season,I don’t see that being repeated with this bunch of bangers. Buck this occured to me this morning,we don’t have to go back to Musa Smith for a case that you need a go to back for consistency on offense.Lumpkin was given the job late last year and the team started winning,it’s not just about yards, you need that player who can be reied on to get the tough yards.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
DawgByte, man we all own MS!. I just became convinced veryearly on tht he was our QB and should play. You here the term “MY BOY” in sports all the time. I read everything I could find about him and like yo, I wasn’t the only one who stuck by him when a lot of people were on his butt. So, DawgByte, he’OUR QB! I do make prognostications, like last yr. I missed by a week his coming out day. That predicition was made to the Sports Editor of the Banner-Hearld, Andy Johnston. I emailed Andy the week before the Ky. game and said OK, this is the week and I was wrong but he’s our QB and more importanly, judging by what I’m reading he’s become his team’s QB.
By tim
March 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
No worries Chip. Typos happen.
Who are the redshirt frosh and sophomores that are standing out the most at practice? I am thinking of the usual names - Moreno, Banks, Jones, Ward - but maybe you have a few others in mind? How bout the LBers? I know we are struggling at that position right now due to injuries, but how are the redshirts there looking? I remember several big time LBs coming in and hope they are able to get some game experience this year.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Oddjob, are you really going to poke that sleeeping dog again?……
Hey good news, that was Coach Bobo (not Searles)who said “not really…….”. So your earlier contention still remains.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
tHAT WAS A FUZZY EXCHANGE ABOUT THE FRESHMEN LINEMEN.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Tim Hebron is a player but he’s suspended for the first two games(I think it’s two.I’ve heard Gamble can play and of course Dewberry looks to contribute.Don’t forget the true freshmen Charles white for one will play early.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
What I got was, you shouldnt play freshman and redshirt them whenever possible.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
I’ve read or heard he same thing about White. Chip, would you get us a list of the Red Shirts for ‘07? I have no idea whowe have sitting in that group as a whole. I’m sure I’ll end up being wrong about this with all those RS but I sticking to my 10-14 true freshmen getting on the field. Now Altahama don’t ask for all their names yet.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Buck I don’t know if you were talking about my post on coach Searles comments yesterday, but the point is we need linemen,where will they come from? can the true freshmen contribute? I thought Searles played them with success in the past, he says no. ps Altahama the comment by was Searles not Richt.
By michigandawg
March 23, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
any news on Kings passing of the SAT yet?
By Big Dawg
March 23, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Buck, Altamaha, OddJob,
Our offensive line is going to be fine those two knee injuries are nothing. Both can play right now, Coaches are only being cautious. Right now the only position the coaches are concerned about is Tight End, Tripp Chandler is the only healthy TE we have, Ward’s shoulder is still bothering him and has hindered his progression, Aron White is undersized and has been playing in the slot and Coleman Watson I can’t get a take on him. As for Kevin Perez he has made tremendous progress and the coaches are extremely pleased at this point but he is still behind both Josh and Chris Davis, Justin Anderson and others. The word on Miller is he seems to be more comfortable in the middle, but Dewberry has been the LB who has impressed the coaches the most so far. The reason you are not hearing anything about the defensive tackles is that is not one of our question marks. We had concerns at DE, LB and the OL but it looks like the only real concern at this point is at Tight End. Go Dawgs
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
AltahamaDawg, I’d never heard CMR make as strong a statement as he did here a few weeks back when he said we’re bring them in to play and if they can’t then we’ll RS. It may have just been a play on words but I don’t think so. Of course most of a class will Shirt, but I believe that he’ll be on the look out for more like Asher Allen, Evans, Aron White, who can catch and others that can be used in spot situations on “D” or “O”. CMR isn’t going to disrupt his program, even though in a way he has by the way he changed coaching assignments, but playing true freshmen is a new trend that we’re just beginning to see around the country. With all the linemen we recruited I’m a little high for this season.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Ok guys here’s some red meat.The redshirsts are OL Keven Perez no update, Chris Davis injured John Miller no update, Josh Davis no update,Kiante Trip listed at ol more likly dl, - DL Trip ? Ricardo Crawford no update but he is huge and a freak athlete, Brandon Wood injured shoulder has healed could be bid time de, Geno Atkins played some last year may be sophomore will play alot at dt, Demarcus Dobbs very good will play, Michial Lemon tragic death of his mother in house fire a playerwill get time on saturdays, LB Akeem Hebron suspended a truly awesome athlete will play, Akeem Dent big hitter no update, Darryl Gamble good player no update, SAFTY Resad Jones big hitter will get a chance, Quinten Banks big big hitter coaches love him will play, WR Tony Wilson hint of an attitude problem but can play, TE Na Derris Ward no update FB Fred Munzenmaier will be a star fullback I loved what I saw on video Shaun Chapas can play but there aren’t many two fullback sets. well I hope that helps if any body has new info please post, I’ll keep an open mind.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Oh and Knowshon Moreno, big time! big!big! time!!!
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Good info Big Dawg wish I lived close enough to catch the action.
By Buck Cochran in the NW
March 23, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t be schocked to see a change in the backfield. Southerland can run, catch and knows the “O”, what if he were moved to T.E.?
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
So basically, he is going to treat freshmen like every coach has for the past 20 years.
oddjob, read the article above……. I asked offensive coordinator Mike Bobo if he’d ever seen a true freshman excel as a starter. “No,” he said. “They just have so far to go strength-wise.”
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
As far as shoulder injuries being cronic,if it is dislocated they stretch the connecting tissue and just like a knee cap can become cronic and get worse every time they’re stretched.but many shoulder injuries have nothing to do with dislocation and tend to heal fine, Altahama if Bobo was the coach who commented on freshmen then we were both wrong,I said Searles you said Richt and that’s my last comment on the subject. Big Dawg you mentioned the coaches being high on Dewberry,on video he looks very good off the edge.What are the chances he will be used on stunts,blitzes etc,I know it would be out of character for a lb in this scheme,but CMR is talking more about using versatile lbs like White so I thought maybe they’ll put a wrinkle or two in for the talent available.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
hey man, not that it matters, but this was my post: 1:28
Hey good news, that was Coach Bobo (not Searles)who said “not really…….”. So your earlier contention still remains.
I didn’t say Richt. It’s actually a quote right in the article that start this page. Don’t worry about the correction on your part, not a big deal.
Frankly wouldnt really matter, I’m sure they all agree.
By OddJob
March 23, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Altahama you are as full of s** as grandmas turkey.
By Luke
March 23, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
It doesn’t matter if we have Herschel Walker and Barry Sanders in the backfield if there is no one to block.
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
By AltamahaDawg
March 23, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Oddjob, are you really going to poke that sleeeping dog again?……
Hey good news, that was Coach Bobo (not Searles)who said “not really…….”. So your earlier contention still remains.
Did I really need to go to all this trouble?
By Gen Neyland
March 24, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
AltamahaDawg
Sorry, but I’m not big into spring practice…But from what I can tell, barring injuries, UT will hopefully finish second to the Dawgs in the SEC East…is that a joke or am I serious..? Really, I take a wait and see attitude regarding spring practice. This much I do know…We gotta find a place kicker and that may be a difference maker in the SEC East…
Now to baseball…UT takes the opener over UGA. 2 more to play. I see a rubber game blooming on Sunday, but I’ve been wrong before…
By AltamahaDawg
March 24, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
This is one crew you wouldn’t have to convince the importance of a placekicker. That was the difference in staying in the top ten for us last year. Well, some of us understood that, some other wanted to just fire people and revoke scholarships.
By Gainesville Fl. DAWG
March 26, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
I don’t care what the Dawgs do this next year if they would just beat those dang Gators!!! I live there half of the year and they are so full of them selfs. BEAT GATORS!!!