UGA

By socaldawg

August 5, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

Chip, maybe i missed it, but how did we go until almost noon without a story about how practice actually went? Plenty of words about all the discipline issues, but i don’t see a single story about the game of football.

Don’t it seem a bit like trying to stir the pot?

By Milton Jeff

August 5, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Great to hear. I think we’ll have a solid WR corps.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 5, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Finally! For two seasons I have raved about this young man and the day is quickly coming upon us. I am so excited to finally get to see AJ in the Red and Black!

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By Fred G. Sanford

August 5, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

The “G” stands for Georgia, you big dummy!

It would be nice to finally have a “go to” WR that can be depended on to make the big catch. That’s something that has been regularly lacking at UGA. I can’t wait to see him play.

By Dawg Fud

August 5, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

GO DAWGS!

By dooley

August 5, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

Good, I thought all we had was a big stiff back out of wrightsville.

By baloney

August 5, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Looking at the AJC online they have a caption of “Richt,embarrassing photos”. I’m not sure what that means, can you explain it Chip? Usually that means someone has been caught in a comprmising position. Surely that isn’t the case here.Explain please.

By Falcon Fan

August 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

you go AJ! we have not had a star receiver in years at georgia. stafford’s number have not been great, but you have to take into consideration that our #1 receiver, massaqoui, is really a #2. this will help us more than anything else this season!

By dawggirl

August 5, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Finally, we talk football! It’s always exciting to see what new up-and-coming talent is revealed in camp. And it couldn’t come at a better position - WR. We could definitely use some stability there.

By GWJ

August 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Good story…UGA has needed a “difference maker” at WR for many years. Hopefully, we have the answer with A.J.

By I-DOG

August 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

Glad to hear that Green appears to be the real deal. Hopefully, that will not only give UGA another weapon, but get those receivers whose playing time he will be competing for to improve their games as well.

He looks AWFULLY thin from the picture of him I saw on Scout.com from practice yesterday. If he is 200 lbs. most of it has to be bone because there doesn’t appear to be a lot of muscle. He looks like a thinner Fred Gibson circa his Freshman year… now Fred had a very good first season for UGA, but Chip, is this guy physically ready to get off the line against D backs in the SEC?

By UGA95

August 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Amen socaldawg!!!

I have been ranting and raving on the Bradley blog about that very thing! I don’t care about backups getting arrested! I want football news and reports!!

Thanks Chip…keep it coming!! This is the most anticipated season ever. You can’t possibly report too much from camp!!

By Larry M

August 5, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Chip, if you are the new UGA beat writer for the AJC, I’ll direct this question to you. Why aren’t we getting more real-time practice reports? I appreciate the story on Green, believe me, but what about the rest of practice? Why wasn’t there a story last night on practice? Still none today? C’mon AJC. If you want us to drop our pay subscriptions to Rivals, Scout, etc., in order to get UGA and recruiting info, then give us the info we want.

By I-DOG

August 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Chip,

When you get a chance, can you put up the new height and weight numbers for the players. I know that it isn’t easy getting weight room stats, but if possible, I’d love to see the bench and squat numbers versus the last measure.

Thanks,

I-DOG

By Beach Dawg

August 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

SOCALDAWG, you are right on!! With few exceptions, DOB for the Braves, Mr Bisher and Chip (most of the time) the rest of the AJC crew is a bunch of ambulance chasing muckrakers who offer a lot of personal opinions and little or no objective reporting. Having said that, the behavior of those Dawgs who crossed the line brings discredit to the program and deserves to be reported, objectively. But enough is enough — they have been punished and have to live with their sins and we don’t need the daily dose of yellow journalism to remind us!!! It’s ime to talk football!!!!!!

By Tim Worley

August 5, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

As a graduate of Summerville, SC, it’s awesome to see this kid doing well. From all reports he seems like a good kid and obviosly a great talent. I hope (yes even as a freshman) that he can become the go to guy this year. Love it. Note to UGA players, please stay out of trouble, you’re embarising us.

By ARdawg

August 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

Welcome AJ!

I believe all the hype surrounding this kid is warranted. He is like Knowshon was to the backfield last year. He will elevate Georgia’s passing attack. Between him, MoMass , Durham and even Chandler Stafford will have a bevy of capable hands to hit this year. We have waited years for a team of talent such as we have this year.

I’m a little uneasy about the kicking game but trust CMR with be prepared. Every down will potentially be a big play down. They’re exciting and should prove to be very explosive.

By Cliff

August 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

If this young man is as sure handed as they say this will be the first year in quite awhile we will have a true balanced attack. Look out world here comes the Big DAWG.

By quaildawg

August 5, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Chip, Curious if there will be any mention or more details on the fact that AJ was also part of the SC State Champion Basket ball team that dedicated their season to an Assistant Coach (believe his last name was Mulkey) who was a Fireman that perished in the tragic fire in Charleston that claimed eight other fireman and were honored and known as the “Summerville Nine” Tragically and Ironically AJ’s HS QB (who is now with SC) lost not only the above mentioned Coach who helped mentor him as a QB but also lost his HS Sweetheart when she perished in the fire that claimed the lives of the UNC students.

By Bryan G

August 5, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Chip: What number is Green wearing? What about some of the other new kids? I need to know for NCAA 09 on PS3…ha ha

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

socaldawg: Practice updates were provided within the comments section of yesterday’s blog as they will be today and every day… .

Larry M: I’m not sure where you’re looking but there is a comprehensive package of stories and notes on the uga page of this website every day… . So you know, i’ll be providing updates and tidbits from practice in this space. Otherwise, notes and stories will be posted on the uga page. Got it? …

As for the stories and columns on the arrests, guys, this is a national story on the No. 1 team in America. We WILL report on it and we will continue to report on it as needed. We’re not going to put our heads in the sand and act like none of it happened, whether the players are starters are not. A sixth guy was suspended on the day practices started. If you can’t see how that’s pertinent then I can’t help you.

Practice reports coming right here later!!!

By McFunkdikschlaben

August 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

A lot of preseason talk has centered around Stafford’s passing statistics as a Frosh. & Soph. If Matt had some WR’s that could catch the ball; particular his Freshman year, the bonafide Heisman talk would have been thick and heavy. Hopefully Mr. Green can get it done, so Matt can have the stats he deserves.

By Yack, yack yack

August 5, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

It’ll be even funnier when the next Dawggie gets arrested and more AJC space is wasted on twisting statistics and rationalizing for them. Funny how they’re all “ambulance chasing muckrackers” when they’re writing about some other team, but fine, fine journalists as long as they keep hyping and apologizing for UGA. Go ahead and lose to South Carolina so we can get all this national championship talk over with, you loser thugs.

By Denver Dawg

August 5, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

When I saw pictures of the Georgia players from opening day, I expected they’d be jacked from crazy workouts, dieting and trainging during the offseason. They looked terrible: overweight and out of shape. I’m a 5-day a week 36-year-old heavy weightlifter and I look bigger, stronger and in better shape than most of guys I saw in the pictures. These are young 18-22 year old prime-time athletes on the #1 ranked football team in the country. They look like they’ve been drinking beer and eating twinkies during the offseason- WTF???!!!

By the blotter

August 5, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

A.J. Green —give him a few more weeks, for he’s sure to be cuffed, fingerprinted and jailed just like so many of his renegade teammates.

But by golly he’ll be punished —as in benched against those stalwarts GA Southern and Central Michigan. What a load of crap —from Dooley, Goff, Donnan to Richt— some things never change.

The University of Georgia will always be viewed as a second-rate institution when it comes to a balance of education and athletics. You are what you are.

By Dawg4Life

August 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

To me this is going to be the most exciting thing to watch this year, the rising stars that we have at the WR position. Everyone has been talking about Green, but Tavarres King is the real deal too. Then you have guys that have been in the system that haven’t hit the field yet like Walter Hill and Israel Troupe. You put these guys in with a running game like UGA has got and that is a good mix.

By roll call

August 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

**By Bryan G

August 5, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this

Chip: What number is Green wearing?…**

702984716

…and he’ll be sporting an orange jumpsuit, just like his UGA teammates!

By Ken

August 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

They haven’t practiced in pads yet. Let’s get a report after theyve had a scrimmage. Maybe then we’ll get the real scoop on AJ and Tavarres King.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Chip,

Your awesome baby! Don’t let’um get to ya! Simmer down…lol! Just kiddin man..

Hey Quail,

Two seasons ago when AJ was on the Summerville team that lost in the finals he averaged 20/10 the entire playoffs. The kid is a natural talent.

Also if you go to the history section of Charleston’s Post and Courier Sports page you might find an article about Reid McCullom the QB, who is now at USC. It is a must read.

Great point about AJ’s number, what is it?

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By 1953 dawg

August 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Funny how a UGA player that gets hit by a beer bottle at a bar makes front page story for this pathetic paper. Yet we hear nothing about how the desperate used car salesman Meyer lets a player back on team thatgets arrested for firing a K-47 off on campus, and then he violates his probation in Jan. by getting arrested for possesion of pot. Yet somehow the district atty for Gainesville Fl, somehow lost his probation papers, and didn’t hold him for the violation, and can you imagine the school didn’t punish him for violating his probation even though they knew of his arrest for pot. Meyer welcomes him back one day after his other D.T. flunks out of school and has to go to MGC. Meyer is ten times worse than Richt when it comes to suspending players. He let the pot dealer Marcus Thomas back on the team 2 year ago the week before the LSU game,even though he had failed 2 drug tests, and the school made him kick the loser off the team a couple of weeks later. And now the used car salesman turns his head and ignores the second arrest of this thug, and the violation of his probation,and welcomes him with open arms for fall practice, just because Davis flunks out of school, and he has no depth at all at D.T. All you gator fans should be proud of the loser you have as head coach. Baldwin and Henson get in trouble for the 2nd time at UGA, and both are suspended. Wonder what Meyer’s policy is? Let’s see, if you play D.T. or Safety, postions of weakness for Fl. i will just turn my head, and reinstate you, and oh, by the way, I will go over to school’s judiciary staff and make sure they forget about your second or third arrest and your violation of your probation. The U of Fl. is a joke of a school, and they will do anything to help Meyer and the team win,even lose records of a student’s probation records. Other than Auburn and LSU, this has to be the most pathetic school administration in the country And this is by far the worst sports staff of any paper in the country. Wonder if we will ever even hear about this pathetic story from the clowns that want to make fun of UGA being ranked #1

By shane #1

August 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Was this at praktice yestrday?

[http://bp1.blogger.com/aBun-fJmULo/Rjn63vBwcsI/AAAAAAAAAII/3dZKDBhm2Nc/s1600-h/Pic3StaffordandCox_]

By JoeDawg

August 5, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

The G stands for Gailbait! when did VT send down all these thugs…

By Brooks

August 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

AJ Green is going to be a superstar period. In a couple of years people will forget about Calvin Johnson around these parts. He has the size, speed, and confidence to be great. I’m just glad we don’t have to line up against him. Watch some highlights of him at Summerville and I dare you to say he isn’t the real deal. We are sitting pretty right now but how about this for the future: Aaron Murray, AJ, Caleb King, Washaun Ealey, and Tavarres King. Also the Mettenberger kid from Oconee and Logan Gray. Looks like QB troubles- too many. The future is looking good. GO DAWGS!!!!

By David J Baggett

August 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

I am from Summerville and have been the Summerville HS Team physician for over 20 years. AJ is perhaps the finest player to graduate from our storied program (Coach McKissick is the winningest coach at any level of football). AJ has been all-state since the 9th grade at the 4-A level. His best attribute may be his attitude! We sure are excited about our AJ…he is a sure bet to make it to the League!!

By I-DOG

August 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Denver Dawg:

You had me worried there. I looked at the pictures on the AJC site from 1st day of practice and the guys looked in shape to me.

Blair Walsh didn’t look huge, but then he is a freshman place kicker, not a DL. The picture of Southerland makes it look like he has a gut… and maybe he does. one picture is hard to tell but he is injured and likely won’t play until the South Carolina game in six or seven weeks. If he is a little heavy, he has some time to round into shape.

Chip, is Southerland in good shape or is that picture telling the story.

Other than Southerland, I didn’t see anyone who looked out of shape in the AJC pics Denver Dawg?

By UGA STUDENT

August 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

DENVER DAWG,

As an hardcore lifter you should know about the different stages lifters and athletes alike put their bodies to achieve their desired goals. The reason you saw them look out of shape is because they are at a phase where they have built a lot of mass, to 1) grow muscle 2) to handle the rapid weight loss during intense two-a-days. I would bet that you see most of these guys lose 3% of their body weight—with most of it being the good fat they have packed on—by end of camp. For example, a 222 pound Knowshon Moreno can expect to cut a good 5 pounds off during camp.

By BLACKDAWG

August 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Let’s keep him out of jail, so maybe he can get some of this action from Matthew!!!

http://bp1.blogger.com/_aBun-fJmULo/Rjn63vBwcsI/AAAAAAAAAII/3dZKDBhm2Nc/s1600-h/Pic3Stafford_and_Cox__of_course_Cox_is_on_the_ground_.jpg

By Milton Jeff

August 5, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Dimeko Goodman?

By Ramblin'Wreck

August 5, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

This kid looks like he could really be a beast. Keep him out of trouble and he might be something special for the mutts.

By socaldawg

August 5, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Chip, I’m not suggesting you NOT write stories about the Dawgs in trouble. What I’m asking for is some balance. On the UGA page, there are 7 different links that lead to articles explicitly dealing with the Dawgs in trouble. And the morning after the first actual practice of the fall, the ONLY piece that actually talks about how practice went is your blog. As of 10am this morning, it wasn’t even in your blog post, but in the comments. No way you can defend that as balanced coverage. It’s sensationalism. It’s fanning the flames. It’s junk.

An hour after practice I could read over on the ABH about how PRACTICE actually went. Same thing on Rivals. At the AJC, all I could read about was the players in trouble.

I’m not saying don’t report it all.

I’m just asking for balance.

By Mobile Dawg

August 5, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

My previous postings have been as Ole Dawg, I see there is another Ole Dawg on the block, and an Old Dawg too, so I will post in the future under Mobile (Alabama resident) Dawg.

In addition to being a super talent, AJ Green will draw the attention of opposing defenses opening up our other receivers. Mo Mass will have a super year barring injury. This opens up our already potent running attack. Ball control, lots of points on the board, limited time for opposing offenses. Dawgs will be scary good this year. I’m no longer a fan of the Heisman Trophy but we should have a couple of strong candidates this year. My prediction is Stafford will put up big numbers this year.

I believe all the controversy we’re seeing now will be one more ingredient to bring the team closer together. Schedule or no schedule, play’em one game at a time and we could run the board if we stay healthy.

Weighing in on all the discipliary issues, UGA, its alumni, or fans don’t have to defend the University or the Program on this blog. No one is squeaky clean these days. You could make a case against every school out there, it’s just our turn to address young men making some immature decisions. Ignore all the idiots baiting you and stop making their day. They probably won’t go away but I guess to some maybe a good lively debate with an idiot is humoring. CMR will take care of things.

Chip, heard you on the radio today over here in Mobile, good job. Taking 20,000 to Arizona will be impressive to the national television audience. CMR was on the program last week. Heard him talking about giving the kids and coaches one last weekend with their families instead of taking the 29 practices, bet he does regret that decision. Look forward to your columns/comments and a good season.

By BankerDawg

August 5, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

No love for T. King?

By John

August 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this

I apologize if someone has already posted this, but:

A couple of years agao, A.J. Green was featured in Sports Illustrated as the NEXT big thing in football. Huge compliment considering he was 14 years old at the time. He is going to be star in Athens.

By rex barberry

August 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Now , Now guys the Dawgs are #1 now. Let’s relax and let Chip do his job. We have a great team let’s not get our blood pressure boiling in August. Save it for Alabama.

By Paddy

August 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Denver Dawg… I did not see what you saw. Lets wait a couple weeks and try this again, OK.

By takedowndawg

August 5, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Attn:”blotter”

Your distain for the UGA football is sad. The only thing sadder is probably the performance of “your” team who falls yet again this year as a DAWG victim!!!! Tell me if I am far off the mark.

By matt muntean

August 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

is green really 200 pounds? last i heard he was bout 175 soaking wet with rocks in his pockets. itd b great if he really was that big tho. im excited for our receivers this year there gonna b great.

GO DAWGS!!

By RAMBLE ON!!!

August 5, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

BankerDawg, don’t you mean C. King?

I think he was at the police station filing a complaint.

Now go count my money again.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Howdy folks: I’m at Butts-Mehre Building awaiting the chance to go out to practice. We’re back to last year’s routine now, which is limited to viewing periods 1 through 4. Right now they’re in the middle of periods A-D which are basically warmups and position drills. So we should be able to head down shortly. I’ll take notes and then share some observations as soon as they run us out of practice. Thanks for tuning in… .

Socal, you’re mistaking one of those arrests headlines. The practice notebook leads with Dewberry’s apology. Here it is http://www.ajc.com/uga/content/sports/uga/stories/2008/08/04/georgia_linebacker.html.

By Greg

August 5, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

Whoever said that Green is as thin as Gibson was as a Freshman must be confusing Green with Tavarres King. Green is thin, but not as thin as Gibson and King. That said, if Green comes in and does what Fred did in his Freshman year, I think all of us would be pretty happy.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Not sure if anybody cares about this kind of stuff but Sports Illustrated has Georgia is ranked No. 1 by Sports Illustrated and is on the cover of its college football preseason issue. They did regional covers, though, and Florida, Southern Cal, Missouri and Ohio State are on others.

By Capt Caveman (The Original Dawg)

August 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Well - unlike most of you - I actually know Mark Richt and can tell you that nobody is more bothered by his players poor choices than he is.

Just like a parent you have to discipline your kids and sometimes it’s not always convenient timing but you can’t just throw them out for a mistake. Kids are kids.

I would hardly equate getting caught with a beer and being underage as a serious crime. I was caught and punished and it didn’t ruin my life or my future but it did teach me not to do it. As for the rest - well you just can’t be everywhere 24/7 so you just deal with it the best you can and we have the right guy for that in Mark.

Keep up the good work Chip.

By godawg

August 5, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Chip, as long as we’re on the subject of receivers, how’s Israel Troupe coming along? He was highly touted during his recruitment and I’m curious as to how he has developed after a year plus in the system. I know there are about a dozen guys vying for playing time. Who besides MoMass is standing out? Thanks! WOOF!

By triton63

August 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

I appreciate the updates, Chip. It sure helps the workday go by! Have you seen the kickers? Do you think Welch will win the starting job?

By socaldawg

August 5, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks Chip. Maybe having PRACTICE NOTEBOOK in the headline would help me find it better.

Appreciate the reports, no matter how much of a hard time we give you about it.

Has the AJC ever considered TWITTER for practice updates? That would be cool.

By nola dawg

August 5, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Chip - I for one do care about the SI cover, and have been wondering if UGA would get the SI love (errr jinx, but at least 4 others do too, so maybe it gets canceled out!).

Question for you - do you know when the AP poll will be released? I think you said mid-august in a previous blog. Is there an exact date?

I think your updates from practice are awesome, and think the AJC is doing a very solid job covering the Dawgs (bad stuff and all).

Oct 25 - UGA down here with me in bayou … can’t freakin wait!

By Jim

August 5, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

How did DeAngelo Tyson look? Weren’t Tyson and AJ Green our only two 5-star recruits in this class?

By godawg

August 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

nola dawg, the first AP poll comes out Aug. 16.

By Not an SEC Fan

August 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Is Green a beer drinker ?

By TampaGator

August 5, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

I watched Green in the Armour All Star game. Big, fast DB’s pushed him around easily…and they aren’t anywhere as big, fast, or as good as the DB’s he will be facing in the SEC this year. He needs to put on 15 to 20 lbs. to be great…which he probably will do next summer. He will struggle, I bet, this year in the SEC, with his future being as bright and the number of lbs. and muscle he is able to put on in the coming years. But I wouldn’t get too excited about this year, Dawg fans. It takes time to become a great WR in the SEC, especailly if you are not big and strong already. The freshman WR you need to watch out for this year is the kid at Alabama. He is already big and strong…and extremely talented.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 5, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

Greg,

Right on about Green and Gibson. Gibson coming out of Waycross was listed at 6’4 180. Green is listed at 6’4 184.

At 6’4 most athletes at 180-185 in full pads are not going to appear to be “big”.

As you mentioned I will take the same production from AJ as a freshman that Gibson had. Freddie’s freshman year was electric. Just as long as he can improve upon that unlike Freddie was able to. Avoid the leg injury’s and cathing the dropsy’s like Gibson had.

GOOO DAWGS!!!

By nola dawg

August 5, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

thanks godawg! Wonder if the nat’l media will fall in line the coaches… or the Tebow obsessed SEC media?

By Bow Wow

August 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Green has not even put on pads yet, and he is already All SEC if not All American. No wonder the crime dogs act entitled.

By godawg

August 5, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

nola dawg; The media will be in love with the winner of the SoCal v OSU game and will put them in the top spot regardless of who might be there initially.

By falcon gator

August 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

I hope AJ uses those fine hands for receiving and not shoplifting. He does go to UGA after all.

By triton63

August 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

That would be the kicker Walsh, not Welch.

My apologies.

By Tripp K

August 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Tampagator,

All of you gator fans are the same you have a hard time giving anyone any credit but your own. Percy harvin was a skinny kid his freshman year and to all of you he was the second coming of Jesus Christ! If I had to bet you are loving the kid from alabama because you probably don’t play them (don’t know for sure) but I would bet. You gators are such homers and give your 4 loss team from last year too much credit.

By Tripp K

August 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Tampagator,

All of you gator fans are the same you have a hard time giving anyone any credit but your own. Percy harvin was a skinny kid his freshman year and to all of you he was the second coming of Jesus Christ! If I had to bet you are loving the kid from alabama because you probably don’t play them (don’t know for sure) but I would bet. You gators are such homers and give your 4 loss team from last year too much credit.

By Tripp K

August 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Tampagator,

All of you gator fans are the same you have a hard time giving anyone any credit but your own. Percy harvin was a skinny kid his freshman year and to all of you he was the second coming of Jesus Christ! If I had to bet you are loving the kid from alabama because you probably don’t play them (don’t know for sure) but I would bet. You gators are such homers and give your 4 loss team from last year too much credit.

By Tripp K

August 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Tampagator,

All of you gator fans are the same you have a hard time giving anyone any credit but your own. Percy harvin was a skinny kid his freshman year and to all of you he was the second coming of Jesus Christ! If I had to bet you are loving the kid from alabama because you probably don’t play them (don’t know for sure) but I would bet. You gators are such homers and give your 4 loss team from last year too much credit.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

PRACTICE UPDATE #1

Starting CB Prince Miller is unable to practice with his right arm in a sling. Preliminary reports are that he injured his shoulder late yesterday. Junior Bryan Evans moved up to first-team weakside corner… .

No other surprises on first-team D. Jarius Wynn and Jeremy Lomax at the ends, Jeff Owens and Geno Atkins at the tackles, Rennie Curran, Dannell Ellerbee and Akeem Dent at linebackers, Asher Allen at the other corner and CJ Byrd and Reshad Jones at safeties… .

Akeem Hebron is handling the No. 2 spot at weakside ‘backer with Darius Dewberry in the doghouse… .

OG Justin “Bean” Anderson had to leave practice briefly but returned. Had some kind of issue with his a foot. Thought I heard someone say blister but can’t be sure until after practice. In any case, he went back in… .

May have something to do with new shoes. Was talking to equipment manager John Meshad and he said about 50 percent of players returned their new cleats saying they hurt their feet. Sometimes sizes of a certain model may run a little small or large — small in this case — and the players simply trade them in for another pair… .

A.J. Green, at least in a large portion of practice that we saw, was not running routes with the rest of the receivers. He said he aggravated a groin injury yesterday so I could see them holding him out today. Will get details after practice.

AP polls comes out around Aug. 18th if I’m no mistake. Somebody asked.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Here’s the new basketball schedule released today if anybody cares:

University of Georgia 2008-09 Basketball Schedule

Date (Day) Opponent (TV) Site Tipoff Nov. 7 (Fri.) ALBANY STATE (Exhib.) ATHENS 7:30 Nov. 14 (Fri.) USC - UPSTATE ATHENS 7:30 Nov. 17-19 (Mon-Wed) Pre-Season NIT W. Lafayette, Ind. TBA Nov. 21 (Fri.) PRESBYTERIAN ATHENS 7:30 Nov. 24-25 (Mon-Tues) Pre-Season NIT Consolation TBA TBA Nov. 26-28 (Wed-Fri) Pre-Season NIT Semis & Finals New York, N.Y. TBA Dec. 2 (Tues.) at Western Kentucky Bowling Green, Ky. TBA Dec. 6 (Sat.) Illinois Chicago, Ill. TBA Dec. 9 (Tues.) VIRGINIA TECH ATHENS 7:30 Dec. 20 (Sat.) WOFFORD ATHENS 4:00 Dec. 22 (Mon.) TEXAS A&M CORPUS CHRISTI ATHENS 7:30 Dec. 28 (Sun.) NORTH CAROLINA A&T ATHENS 2:30 Dec. 31 (Wed.) KENNESAW STATE ATHENS TBA Jan. 3 (Sat.) MISSOURI ATHENS 4:00 Jan. 6 (Tues.) at Georgia Tech Atlanta, Ga. TBA Jan. 10 (Sat.) TENNESSEE (Raycom) ATHENS 12 Noon Jan. 14 (Wed.) at Vanderbilt Nashville, Tenn. 8:00 Jan. 18 (Sun.) KENTUCKY (Raycom) ATHENS 12 Noon Jan. 24 (Sat.) MISSISSIPPI STATE (ESPN2) ATHENS 6:00 Jan. 28 (Wed.) at Florida (Raycom) Gainesville, Fla. 8:00 Jan. 31 (Sat.) at Alabama Tuscaloosa, Ala. TBA Feb. 4 (Wed.) LSU ATHENS 7:30 Feb. 7 (Sat.) at South Carolina Columbia, S.C. TBA Feb. 11 (Wed.) at Tennessee (Raycom) Knoxville, Tenn. 8:00 Feb. 14 (Sat.) FLORIDA (ABC) ATHENS 3:30 Feb. 18 (Wed.) AUBURN ATHENS 7:30 Feb. 21 (Sat.) at Ole Miss Oxford, Miss. TBA Feb. 25 (Wed.) VANDERBILT ATHENS 7:30 Mar. 1 (Sat.) at Arkansas (Raycom) Fayetteville, Ark. 4:00 Mar. 4 (Wed.) at Kentucky (Raycom) Lexington, Ky. 8:00 Mar. 7 (Sat.) SOUTH CAROLINA ATHENS 4:00 Mar. 12-15 (Thu-Sun.) SEC Tournament Tampa, Fla. TBA All Times Eastern Other TV Dates to be added

By nola dawg

August 5, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Great info Chip

The AJ groin injury scares me and reminds me so much of Caleb last year. If a true freshman misses most a camp, CMR has not played that player. AJG needs to get reps if he is going to make an impact.

Let’s hope he heals faster than Chipper Jones….

By Hamp McWhorter

August 5, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Chip-

How does the PK’s look?

By Uncle Dave

August 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Chip: Is it possible that the groin injury could jeopardize Green’s chances of contributing? Is there any word on how the fullback situation is playing out now that the practices are for real? In a side note: Glad to see you and this blog are still with us after what went down today. I hate to see the AJC in such hard times… a local paper is so important… you help to define this place with a sense of community.

By Denver Dawg

August 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

I was referring,in part, to Sutherland’s gut in one picture, and he clearly has one. A hurt foot is no reason to have a gut anytime of the year. And I’m not referring to Blair Walsh, as these guys all usually little - they just need to kick the ball.

And to UGA STUDENT*: I am very familiar with putting on mass during the winter and shaving those pounds during the spring to look lean during the summer. And I am also familiar with football players putting on mass, including some fat in there. However, by this time of the year, 4 weeks before kickoff, these guys should be in damn good shape. They should have shaved most of that fat and obviously already built most of the muscle they will have for the fall. Look at the picture of our offensive line. There arms have been lifting 12 oz’s this offseason. The guy in the best shape is Moreno, now he’s an athlete. I just hope these guys look better oin person than the pictures.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Hamp: From the little bit I’ve seen of Blair Walsh he looks to have a powerful leg. He’s a very small guy, especially in a No. 57 jersey, but the ball appears to jump off his foot… . Haven’t, however, seen him on kickoffs. Not sure who will handle those.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Uncle Dave: They’re saying Green’s groin injury is not very serious but such injuries are never good right out of the gate. The one thing those WRs do over and over every day at practice is run and sprint and it’s important you have good “wheels.” We’ll see… .

Fullbacks are looking good but a little thin when the game comes. Very little drop off with Shaun Chapas but, with Munzenmaier out, they’ll have to go with converted linebacker Ben Boyd. Boyd is wearing No. 15 now, by the way.

By Chip Towers

August 5, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

POST-PRACTICE UPDATE:

CB Prince Miller will be out a week with a shoulder injury from diving for an interception late in yesterday’s practice. No surgery required and should be ready for season opener… .

WR A.J. Green actually has a hip flexor injury instead of groin according to Richt but wasn’t sure if there’s really a difference. Said it’s pretty common for young wideouts to experience leg problems early in camp but doesn’t think it’s related to conditioning. Is concerned that it could affect his ability to learn everything he needs to know… .

Don’t thinkk I’ve heard Richt flat out say it before but he flat out said if he had it to do over he would’ve played Knowshon Moreno as a true freshman. Said he may have eventually gotten some carries but mainly probably would have been on all four special teams. “Who knows he might have blocked a couple of punts or returned a kick for a touchdown and helped us win a game or two,” Richt said. But added Moreno was far more polished and ready to play after a redshirt… .

Speaking of tailbacks, Richt said all of them “have looked sharp and crisp.” The all read blocks and cut real well. Said there’s an open competition for No. 2 spot but that there’s no guarantee any will redshirt if they don’t crack the top three… .

Richt also praised the quarterbacks for throwing the ball extremely well and said Logan Gray is most improved in that regard. “Of course, he probably should be,” Richt said.

By Palmetto State Dawgs

August 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip, you’re doing a nice job as usual keeping us in the loop. Have you had a chance to talk to Coach Van Halenger yet? How did these guys do over the summer as far as lifting and conditioning? How does the O line look?

By Steven

August 5, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

I am so happy to hear that we are rounding out the squad. It has been so frustrating to have such great talent at some positions yet be held back by the holes in the team. This is our year. I would love to see this team come together and stay together for multiple years of top play. I like the character of the key players and hope and pray that they see the opportunity to make a dynasty in Athens. Work hard guys and stay away from the hype. One last thing, don’t look past Georgia Southern or CMS. Remember Appalachian State! GO DAWGS!!!!

By Dr. Merkwurdigliebe

August 5, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

Chip, keep up the good work. We need someone to step up and replace David Ching from the Columbus newspaper. For an Awbie graduate that dude did an outstanding job of covering the Dawgs.

By FLA DAWG

August 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

Finally a receiver who can catch the ball when Stafford hits him in the numbers!

UNCHAIN THE YARD DAWGS ‘N LET ‘EM EAT !!

By Fred Garvin, Bettendorf MP

August 5, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Hold on a minute, I’m at the jail checking out photos….let’s see…there’s a defensive lineman, linebacker, safety, offensive lineman, ……OK, we’re clear….no wide receiver…..this guy is cleared to play for UGA!

I’m so proud of this UGA team! You show ‘em all what Class you have! GOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSS>>>>>>>>>SIC EM!!!!! woofffff

By uga95

August 5, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

Dr. Merkwurdigliebe….

I agree about David Ching….but from links on his bulldog blog I found a site that I like even better. Please check it out. Dawg fans will be pleased. Not to mention, that the picture he has at the top of the page is an all time classic that I’ve never seen before!

http://blutarsky.wordpress.com/

By Hal

August 5, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

We WILL report on it and we will continue to report on it as needed. >>

Umm Chipper nobody said the AJC shouldn’t report jail news. What we’re all sick of is how you put it on a blog to deliberately stir the pot (and you do it deliberately for that purpose so spare me the lame denials) and we’re all sick of how the AJC makes negative UGA news into something like a terrorist attack.

Yet good news like practice notes or SI front cover news, etc, [you know, the stuff normal papers use for SPORTS BLOGS] it all takes a minor little insert somewhere buried in a silly article. It only proves that the AJC Dawg beat (you and other hacks) are only interested in sh* stirring rather than reporting. Sad really because you could have a very good blog.

By D'marcus Jefferson, Kappa Alpha pledge at UGA

August 5, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

I’m gettin’ teary eyed thinking about this team! They’re gonna make a movie about this UGA team….wait…what???

There is already a movie plot about this team??? Bubba, say it isn’t so…..

Is it Remember the Titans? Nooooo Rudy? Noooo Well then, what is it?

LONGEST YARD!!!!! its a movie about a bunch of prisoners that formerly were football players…..

Ohhhhh GOOOOOOO DAWGSSSS!!!!!!!!

By Cuz

August 5, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

I hope some of you comediens have day jobs. You got one story and you beat the horse to death. After hearing thUGA about 100 times it kinda loses something. Maybe you could come up with something new and refreshing before the season starts and we start kicking the dawg out of your teams.

I got one thing to say to the team, EARN IT!!

By justin vess

August 5, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Georgia will lose three or four games this year… We all know Florida will beat them.. Go Gators

By dr

August 5, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

go to google-put in a.j.green watch these films

By Ryan

August 6, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

How long until Green gets arrested? At least he is fast. He can try and outrun the Athens police!

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 6, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this

.

.

Some other tidbits about Paul Johnson at Navy, no one at the AJ-C can bring themselves to admit to you while fawning all over his exploits at Navy.

Paul Johnson, Georgia Tech head coach, hired as his Assistant Director of Player Personnel Little Joey Hamilton who promptly took his 1st (and now last) paycheck from Georgia Tech and bought himself some drugs (which he left in his vehicle), got drunk, hit another vehicle, left the scene of the accident and was found by the Police a short time later.

At Navy, where Paul Johnson played Strength of Schedule Number 113 :

Number 1 Rushing Offense in the nation. .

Number 119 Passing Offense in the nation of 120 total.

.

Number 113 Strength of Schedule of 120 total.

.

Number 70 Turnover Margin

.

Number 108 Scoring Defense in the nation of 120 total.

.

There is no quarterback on the Georgia Tech roster.

There is no quarterback on the Georgia Tech roster who can handle running the football 200 times this season, as Paul Johnson requires of his “quarterback.”

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 6, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this

Get ready for Georgia Tech to lead the nation in fumbles.

Paul Johnson says he is such a great fit for Georgia Tech because of his success in recruiting in the state of Georgia where in the past he recruited for Georgia Southern here in this state. He was hired December 7th but several months later in February, he really did not recruit worth a crap. In fact, he did very poorly, which is how you would rate his recruiting at Georgia Southern compared to Bowl Subdivision Schools such as UGA.

Paul Johnson says he is such a great fit for Georgia Tech because of his success in hard Academics at Navy recruiting so well. Excuse me, Navy played Number 113 SoS yet were the Number 108 Scoring Defense and Number 70 in Turnovers, played not 1 single Final AP Poll Top 25 team and had a 45-29 record at Navy, playing cupcakes and still Losing 29 games.

Tech A.D. said yesterday, too, that all Tech wants to do this season is to make the game “interesting for the fans” and to fill up the “ cozy little Grant Field. “

So, if Tech Loses a bunch of game 32-43 because of fumbles every other possession, you are supposed to be thrilled that you only Lost by 2 Scores.

Some of Paul Johnson’s scores last season : 32-35, 52-59, 24-44, 31-34, and 24-41.

Are you really buying into this hype of Paul Johnson, or are the facts just slightly contradicting every point ?

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 6, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this

Jerrard Tarrant who was going to be the Starting Cornerback was suspended indefinitely by Paul Johnson July 1 for a June 30, 2008 arrest on charges of RAPE on campus where both he and the victim were drinking. Tarrant was released from jail on $40,000.00 bail, and updated his WebPages instantly : Tarrant’s facebook.com page was updated on Monday to say “Jerrard Tarrant is truly MISUNDERSTOOD, when will they see the real me????” Who had the worse off-season, UGA or Georgia Tech** ?

I mean, just how in the Hell did The U.S. Naval Academy Lose 5 games by all these exact scores when Navy played not 1 single solitary Final AP Poll Top 25 team and in fact played the Number 113 of 120 easiest schedule in the nation ?

Well, the answer is Paul Johnson despite the Number 113 SoS, managed to be the Number 108 Scoring Defense because of his Number 70 Turnover Margin and because of his Number 119 Passing Offense; and, now Georgia Tech Lost Jon Tenuta.

.

.

By Spooner Matt

August 6, 2008 6:25 AM | Link to this

.

Hey, I am in front on the S.I. cover getting spooned by two of my team mates. It doesn’t get any better than that!!

By Nikki

August 6, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see Green in action. I hate how the gator fans and others bash on Stafford for his numbers. Guess what? Stafford didn’t have Percy Harvin to throw to. Now he may have his own special WR to throw to after all.

My only concern is the SI cover jinx. :(

I’m trying not to be superstitious. After all, it’s all a state of mind anyway.

By joe

August 6, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

the best reciever we have is chris durham. if he were black, he would be UGA;s calvin Johnson..

By ............................................BuLLdawg

August 6, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

HEY!!!!! look at me! I puts a bunch of periods in front of my name cuzz it looks so kool. I get on here and rant and rave about nothin!! I says that the AJC doesn’t report on things, but I is too stupid to go back through old posts and look. And why would they post all of CPJ’s numbers from Navy? I may be wrong, but now he is at a new school, so the only numbers that really matter will come in the next few years. His old numbers are a good indicator, but in the long run they don’t mean a whole lot. He has proven that he can improve a program dramatically, and GT needs it. But i just want to rant and rave about the games he lost because Navy had a terrible defense. I is so stupid and ignorant. Im gonna go rant and rave on another blog about who knows what. And I will put it up in 3-4 posts instead of just 1 because I think that my opinion is SO important that you all want to read it in segments, and I want to get it up as SOON as possible. I know you are just dying to read my whitetrash opinion on futball.

By Eric Zier

August 6, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

BuLLdawg, why don’t you grow up, shut up and leave your trash talk at the door. You embarrass the majority of us with your drivel. With the number of arrests tied to our football program, I’d shut the hell up about a kid who was charged with a crime that is becoming readily apparant as false. Focus on our positives please. That’s why we’re here. Dork.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 6, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

Joe,

Leave the race talk on your front door step please. Kris Durham is a very good player and I do not think that CMR is holding him back at all because of his color. That is ridiculous.

GOOO DAWGS!

By Gen Neyland

August 6, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this

…………BuLLdawg

To attend the Navel Academy is an honor to which many can’t qualify. To get there requires more than it takes to attend, say, Central Michigan. For Johnson to achieve a measure of success with the talent level he had at Navy is what apples and oranges are all about. At this point, he gets a grace period to see what he can do with student-athletes that can’t conjugate the word ain’t…

By exNFLplayer

August 6, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

You guys are going to love this group of WRs. After 2 years of streaky play this group has suddenly become solid as a rock. A.J. Green is the real deal. Trust me on that. He’s a big time playmaker. He will contribute. Mo Mass has developed into a guy Stafford trusts when you got to have it. Look for Kenneth Harris to have a breakout year. Alot of NFL guys have their eye on him. He has Terrell Owens size, is durable, has the knack for getting behind a secondary, and uses that big body to his advantage. A healthy Demico Goodman will open some eyes and cause opposing secondaries some anxious moments. The kid has good hands and world class speed. If I’m not mistaken he has run a legitimate 4.23. He can make things happen. Chris Durham might be the best possession reciever in the league. Knows how to get open and create seperation. Has no problem going across the middle. Another guy Stafford trusts to make the snag. Michael Moore showed some stuff in the spring. He’ll make some plays. And then there is Walter Hill. This guy is my sleeper. Needs to polish up his route running but folks this kid is talented. He’s a little behind because of playing QB in HS but believe me, when this kid finally arrives look out. What I like most about these guys is they are big. With the exception of Michael Moore, at 6’2 Kenneth Harris is the shortest in the group. The rest go 6’4”/6’5”. Most corners they will match up with go less than 6’0”. Expect Coach Bobo to put these big guys in a red zone package that will scare the hell out of any DC. You got the explosive running game and the additional problem of keeping these tall recievers from getting in front of DBs on crossing patterns in the end zone, getting underneath, and also defend the back corners as well as the crossing stuff on the end line. What’s a DC to do. UGA’s running game and those recievers in the red zone. OUCH!!

By Big Dawg

August 6, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Nikki

The only jinx is when players allow all of this publicity and undue praise to go to their heads. I don’t think this coaching staff will allow this to happen and hopefully we will have a few leaders on this team step forward and take charge.

Gen Neyland,

You are right about the Military Academies and their standards i.e. academic, physical and character. To go to one of the Academies you have to seek it out and then they only take those who meet very strict standards. As for Paul Johnson the jury is still out, but I wish him and the Yellow Jackets the best and hope they win all their games except one and that is to my beloved Dawgs.

Go Dawgs

By Buddy C

August 9, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Totally different subject…but what happened to DaNerris Ward from California?

By nxsjo entvjsd

March 10, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

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