UGA

By gratefuldawghead

February 18, 2009 8:21 AM | Link to this

Right now I am just praying the O line stays healthy!

By Jimmy"Superfly"Snuka

February 18, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

Yeah, Tebow sure has been stunted.

By Diamond Dave

February 18, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

How about something on UGA baseball? The season opens Friday!

By UnderDawg

February 18, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

Of course the Spread is stunting the development of QBs…..It’s a gimmick offense, like the Wishbone, Veer, and Run & Shoot. It will go away in favor of something else, and then whenever d-coordinators have forgotten about it, back it will come, in another form, until defenses learn to shut it down….just like the Veer, Wishbone and Run & Shoot…..which have come back as the Flexbone, Zone Read, Spread, etc. That’s what makes college football great……the mad doctors of the NFL haven’t ruined the game yet.

By UnderDawg

February 18, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this

Thiessman is a moron, by the way. Only a moron legally changes his name to make it rhyme with the Heisman Trophy. He is partially correct, though. QBs who run a gimmick offense usually have a hard time adapting to the NFL……All those University of Houston QBs who ran the run & shoot come to mind…BUT….How does Theissman explain other QBs during his era that ran a lot of option offenses in college, but became pretty good NFL QBs? Again, a moron.

By IfyaSmelll

February 18, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

Right now I look for Samuel to work on his ball control this offseason and start the year #1. I anticipate that Dontavious Jackson will end up sharing some of the carries as well. Could be like three years ago with Ware Brown and Lumpkin

By Chip Towers

February 18, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this

Diamond Dave: Got something on baseball for tomorrow.

By Will

February 18, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

Beware SEC: Carlton Thomas will be the starting RB by week 1. Samuel will be his backup and King and Jackson will get plenty of carries to boot. But Thomas will be our home run hitter this year and will tote the rock about 15-20 times a game. Plus his ability to catch the short pass will help Cox out tremendously.

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

Until King can demonstrate his blocking prowess, CMR isn’t likely to give him more snaps than Samuel. IMO, King still looks a little skinny for the position and may therefore be more injury prone so the smart money right now would be Samuel for most carries. However, a running game by committee looks like the game plan for 2009.

By Jimmy"Superfly"Snuka

February 18, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

Every offense is a gimmick. If not, we would be watching rugby.

By Go Hawks

February 18, 2009 9:51 AM | Link to this

King will win the job and will be dynamic if not dominant. People are sleeping on him. Besides the missed blitz pick up against Florida he improved very well as a runner during the season, when he was given carries.

By Elvis

February 18, 2009 10:01 AM | Link to this

Samuel will start with Thomas as #2. Maybe it will play out like the late 80’s when there was a 3 headed monster in Athens and King will really take off this year. Worley, Hampton and Tate were pretty good. I can’t see Ealey doing anything this year, he looks big and stiff…of course that is how Coach Dooley described Walker before the games started. I would be shocked if he did not redshirt.

The line is the main concern. I don’t know if most people truly appreciate what Stafford and Moreno did last year. That line was a mess. We also need to hope the young FB continues to develop, we lost a good one this year.

Tebow is what he is and he is in the perfect place for his talents. I don’t think he is 1/2 as dominant if he plays in a “pro” style O. He would be good regardless but not as dominant. College coaches are paid to win games for their school, not run schemes that prepare a player for the NFL.

By Too Easy

February 18, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Chip: What about Kalvin Daniels? Always thought he had some potential, but don’t know his status.

By Bernie

February 18, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this

Looking forward to the new format CT.

I agree with GeoffDawg. Let the competition commence and see who rises to the top. I would expect frequent substitutions early in the season. Maybe by the game up in Nutsville things will have shaken out.

Bernie’sDawgBlawg

By Sam Robards

February 18, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

I think Samuel is the heir apparent to Knowshon. It may be a runningback-by-committee next year, but Samuel’ll carry the majority of the load. He also has that spark and a knack to make people miss and make plays (as showcased during his time in the Florida game).

As for Mr. Thiessman’s statement, I agree that non-Pro-style offenses, like the spread, stunt a player’s development into an NFL quarterback. In Tebow’s case, he’s an option/spread quarterback. He’s run a spread offense since high school and he relies on the option to make plays. Unfortunately for him, that’s not what the NFL wants. They want a guy that can sit in the pocket and pick apart a secondary should the running game break down.

Tebow can’t do that. Want proof? Look at the first half of Florida’s game against Oklahoma. OU, whose defense wasn’t that much better than our’s at times, shut down Florida’s run, and when Tebow tried to throw them out of it, he was intercepted. TWICE.

Need more proof? When you think of a “Tebow” play, what is it? A RUNNING PLAY. All of Tebow’s memorable plays have been running or option plays. He just doesn’t make his living in the air, and that’s why NFL scouts aren’t crazy about him.

Don’t get me wrong, Tebow’s a very good player (not the Legendary figure people are framing him as, but good), but he won’t play QB in the NFL. He’ll be shuffled off to a fullback position, where they think he can really make an impact.

By FloydLawson

February 18, 2009 10:37 AM | Link to this

I heard on the radio one night this week that Kiffin was ranking the best RB’s in the SEC. He said King and Samuel were “decent at the very best”.

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 10:44 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget Tebow’s endzone jump passes. They’re pretty memorable but in now way showcases NFL level passing ability.

By Go Sooners

February 18, 2009 10:51 AM | Link to this

That jump pass, aaaaaaahhhh, that’s the one that killed us!

By Butters Scotch

February 18, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this

Lu lu lu, I’ve got apples Lu lu lu, you got some too Lu lu lu, let’s get togeather I know what we can do lu lu lu

By Butters

February 18, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this

Oh hamburgers!!!

By Thomas

February 18, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this

GREAT JOB AS ALWAYS, CHIP! www.wedgeorgia.com

By Karl

February 18, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

I like dem french fried potaters….

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

By griffdawg1

February 18, 2009 11:23 AM | Link to this

Mark my words. I’ll say it first. Dontavious Jackson will be the starter by the end of fall practice.

By Kendawg

February 18, 2009 11:24 AM | Link to this

At least we’ve got several tailbacks who can make the competition interesting. Considering how all of the tailbacks were outstanding in high school, it will be surprising if they turn out to be “only decent at the best”.

By Karl

February 18, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

I reckon’ my choice would be some of dat potted meat. I like dat potted meat almost as much as french fried potaters…..

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

By trudog

February 18, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this

Quit these stupid daily articles on inbred dog football. Nobody gives a crap. The damn season is over. Please give it a rest. Can’t the AJC come up with anything better to write about, even though they are all ugag homers???

By Dorsey Hill

February 18, 2009 11:36 AM | Link to this

I don’t care who it is I just hope its obvious and that one of them really steps up. I was very, very disappointed in the effort of Caleb and the ineffectiveness of Samuel. We really needed a second guy last year and we didn’t get it. Having a guy like TB who could step step up and go for 140 vs. Tech was huge in ‘07. We had no hope of anything on the ground w/o #24 in ‘08.

If these guys play up to their ability we really could have a nice situation at RB. We have guys that should be able to make people miss and make a defense chase and then when the D is winded have Samuel who has the best size and speed just take it downhill to the house. BMac needs to toughen these guys up and in a hurry. Chuck-n-duck with Joe could get ugly.

By Gen Neyland

February 18, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this

With Stafford, all options were available and D’s knew it. In 2009, I gotta believe the run game will take on more of the UGA offense. I don’t think it would be wise for defenses to load up the box to stop the run, ala every defense UT faced in 2008, but the run game at UGA should be very good if the RB’s can do their jobs. They’ll have the line for it…Whoever takes the snaps in passing situations will see the blitz so who’s gonna step up at TB and recognize from where the blitz is coming..? It’s hard enough for 5 to stop 4 but for 5 to stop 6 or more without a TB/QB reading can cause the O some big problems…

By Califdawg

February 18, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this

The old saying goes.. if you have a lot of good ones,you really don’t have a great one. With all the hype about Lumpkin, Ware, and Brown (2 are NFLers)none of them ever became the “horse”. That’s the same problem I see developing here. Hopefully one of these will step to the front.

By Fed Up Dawg

February 18, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see how our offensive line fairs without Knowshon around to make them look much better than they actually are. In a way, losing Knowshon could be a good thing. Maybe they will actually block now and do their job. Neither King nor Samuel can turn a sure fire 3 yard loss into a no gain or 1 or 2 yard gain like Knowshon could. They will need some help. If they get that help they will be fine. If not, we’re in trouble.

Of course the media will be all over the story about replacing Stafford and Moreno, but any real fan knows that Georgia’s destiny lies in the hands of the O-line and defense, just like always. Stafford and Moreno shouldered alot of pressure in 2008. Its time for the rest of the team to man up and take some of that pressure on themselves. Maybe we’ll see more of a team concept in 2009 instead of a bunch of guys standing around with their thumbs up their butts hoping the NFL 1st round draft picks bail them out. If not, you guessed it, we’re in serious trouble.

There’s your expert analysis kids. Fed Up Dawg is OUT.

By Bob

February 18, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this

“I was very, very disappointed in the effort of Caleb and the ineffectiveness of Samuel.”

Geez. Settle down. They barely got 80 carries between them last year. You don’t just come in to a game in the middle of the 2nd quarter or something and light the world on fire. Nobody can do that. These guys were just getting spot duty and did a decent enough job in my opinion. We’ll see what happens when they have a chance to acclimate themselves to the speed of the game and get some kind of rhythym going. They didn’t have that chance last year so its not really fair to label them failures just yet. We don’t know what they can do.

By Karl

February 18, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this

I guess I reckon I’d also like some buscuits with mustard….

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…..

By murfdawg

February 18, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

King runs like someone who is looking not to break his leg again.

Samuels runs hard and fumbles hard.

Thomas is about three feet tall, but that works for Jaquizz Rogers at Oregon State. Not sure it will work in the SEC for 8 games.

Jackson could be a sleeper.

Ealey will get the job, if he gets in school. CMR admitted making a mistake by redshirting Knowshon, so he will give Ealy evry chance and then some to win the job.

Personally, I would line up Chapas at tailback, Munzenmeier at fb and pound the ball down the defenses throats. Also, they would be in for more protection for Cox/Gray/Murray/Mettenberger.

By dawgjammin

February 18, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

Southerland couldn’t hold Chappas’ jock strap.

The coaches know it, stafford knew it and knowshown knows it.
Thats why he played extensively more the last two years than Southerland. Better power and technique. Southerland often blocked people into the play. Chappas blocks people out of the play creating superior running lanes for Knowshon…

Watch the games…

The more mature OL and Chappas will provide holes for who ever gets to tote the rock in ‘09. I just hope who ever it is gets to carry it enough to get a feel for the game. And I hope we incorporate our TE’s more into the passing game. White, Figgins and hopefully Charles will be weapons

By KenStrickland

February 18, 2009 12:29 PM | Link to this

Thomas will be the starter and Theismann is no dummy……..dummy

By KenStrickland

February 18, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

I answered your question…so please close this thread.Thanks,Ken

By Halsey

February 18, 2009 1:00 PM | Link to this

I take a class with Caleb this semester. I don’t have anything of value to share, I just wanted to say that.

By Chase from UGA

February 18, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

Richard Samuel will be number 1! If not the first game, he will be the starter by the end of the year

By Music City Dawg

February 18, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

Caleb King can’t get past the line of scrimmage. Kind of a bust for a five star recruit. I foresee much of the same from him next year.

Will they redshirt Ealey?

By BLACK AND RED WINNER DAWG

February 18, 2009 1:07 PM | Link to this

carlton thomas is by far the best and the fastest (like jaqizz rodgers)but, possibly is not as ready to take on the full load. caleb king has to get stronger with better vision,he must learn whom to block in the heat of the battle. samuels is like a third down back? d.jackson is the x-factor but what can he bring, he looks good on tape? w. ealey just get in to UGA and you will be the 1 or 2 option.

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 1:09 PM | Link to this

Thank you Halsey. I had a class with Robert Edwards when I was at Georgia.

By Preston

February 18, 2009 1:11 PM | Link to this

Who knows who the starting RB will be. No one (fanwise) has seen Ealey, Thomas, or Jackson yet and from what we’ve seen of King so far we had better hope that one (or all) of these guys is a stud. Samuel has shown some promise with limited playing time last year so his experience may help him win over the coaches. At any rate, it would be unfair to expect what we’ve been used to the past two seasons with KM because he was the most exciting RB we’ve had since HW.

By MoDawg

February 18, 2009 1:33 PM | Link to this

I think it’s Samuel’s job to lose. King has not been his high school junior self after his injury. King will make a nice #2 or #3 back. The key to a lot of Knowshon’s success was his ball control. The dude hardly ever put the ball on the ground. Hopefully the others have learned that (Richard, please hold onto the ball).

Richard Samuels has size and from what I have heard is one of the fastest players on the team. At 6’2” and 220 lbs. with size and speed….hmmm, who does that sound like?! Our O-line will be very good if they can stay healthy and should provide whoever gets the nod with room to run.

I love the fact that Carlton Thomas and Dontavious are coming on board this year, too. Ealey, if he gets in will most-likely redshirt. I am looking forward to us using a couple of these guys in the slot and let a linebacker try to cover them.

By Eric

February 18, 2009 1:39 PM | Link to this

I didn’t like Samuel or King last year, was not impressed. Samuel runs too upright, that’s why he fumbles so much. King just doesn’t break tackles like I thought he would. I have seen tape of the other two guys and if Carlton Thomas runs anything like what I seen, we might have a clear cut winner.

By Logic Prevails

February 18, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this

I KNOW THE FUTURE>>>>>I KNOW THE FUTURE

More than likely, we’ll see Caleb atop the opening game depth chart, but that will mean very little in regards to carries. Odds are, we won’t feature a single back, unless injuries force coaches to adjust. One game, we might see Caleb rip it for 20 carries, and the next week, we might see him get 6 carries, while another back carries the load.

I imagine that the game-plan will dictate who plays in which games against to combat specific schemes.

Personally, I think if you R. Samuel doesn’t possess the swagger or instincts to be a breakthrough back. C. King, on the other hand, once comfortable and confidently etched into the feature back’s role, gives us the best possibility at seeing a leading SEC back.

If anybody watched USC and how they rotated their backs, we will something close to that.

MAN, WE”RE GOING TO MISS KNOWSHON

By Mark Richt

February 18, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

Who will succeed Knowshow? Depends who doesn’t end up at Hargrave or doesn’t get arrested in which case I suspend him for a meaningless game while the AUC gives me a pass on all the stench that I get away with while looking like the saint that I am.

By crs

February 18, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

Atleast early it will be by committee whether any of the guys emerge is hard to say at this point. For the sake of results better than 7-5 which is my prediction for next year, I hope the running game establishes itself early.

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

7-5 crs? What five games do you have us losing?

By reservoirDAWG

February 18, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this

crs, are you high?

By AceDawg

February 18, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

King seemed to lack cutting ability last year. Samuel seemed to have it, but would he take the football with him next year? I don’t know the abilities of the others, but I think the talent between them all is high, and an awesome O-Line should give any of them some good opportunities.

By Cameron

February 18, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

Caleb King will win the starting job. Remember, he was the top rated RB in the country until he broke his leg. I seem to remember him winning the MVP of the US Army Combine his junior year. He was rated ahead of Dwyer before his leg got broke. However, it will most likely be a committee approach. I think Thomas will steal carries with his explosive potential, Samuel will get his, and I think D Jackson will be the odd man out. Ealey will redshirt for sure. I think Daniels shows some promise, but he will not see the field. He should transfer to a smaller school and get ot play a whole lot more.

By Fed Up Dawg

February 18, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this

You are high if you don’t think we could go 7-5 in 2009. Look at the schedule. Its even more difficult than last years. If we play as listless and uninspired as we did last year 5 losses, or more, is a definite possibility. You would do yourselves a favor to go ahead and come to terms with that. I have. I’m not saying it will happen but you bet your butts that it could. We could have easily lost 5 in 2008. Its nothing short of a miracle that we didn’t. You’re telling me you weren’t more than a bit nervous at the end of those South Carolina, Kentucky, and Auburn games? Yeah right.

Georgia fans have become spoiled and think 10+ win seasons just grow on trees. They most certainly do not. I am nervous as hell about this season. There are loads of question marks and a brutal schedule. Our boys better strap on the chin straps and get ready for some hard nosed physical football or its going to be a long season. Consider yourselves warned.

By dawgdays

February 18, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Inside scoop from the players says that Carlton Thomas is the real deal

By Ken Strickland

February 18, 2009 3:09 PM | Link to this

Like I said,Thomas will be starting…….Please close thread.

By Enlightenment

February 18, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

Samuels will be the man. We have to remember that he was only 17-18 last year. As someone said earlier, he has the ability to become you know who; “all day”. 2nd & 3rd string will rotate IMO.

I was in middle and high school with Johnathan Sullivan; smart guy;-)

By Music City Dawg

February 18, 2009 3:22 PM | Link to this

Fed Up Dawg,

Think about it from the other side of the coin. Sure, we could’ve easily lost 3 more games, but we also I could’ve won 3 more…

Oh wait, nevermind…

I acquiesce to your viewpoint.

I’m still optomistic, however. Stafford leaving could very well be a blessing in disguise. Same with Moreno.

By RxDawg

February 18, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

Thats a hard question to answer. It will probably be Richard S. He may be big and fast, but he ran like a freshman (that didn’t even play RB full time). It was debated wether or not he would play LB or RB. If he can learn to run patiently and follow blockers and how the play developes he could become a great back. That is what Knowshon was so good at. King and Samuel are not….yet. If either can learn how to do that at game speed then I think we have our man. If Samuel cannot I think we may see him try out at LB with our depth at RB growing so well. He just seems more like a natural LB then a RB to me. Hes too tense, runs too straight, too hard. It’l be fun to watch it all develope!

By RxDawg

February 18, 2009 3:40 PM | Link to this

Music Cith Dawg, I’ll agree that Stafford leaving could be a blessing in disguise. But I think your very wrong about Moreno, we will miss him. You don’t often see players that play with the kind of awareness that he displayed. What a back, what a dawg.

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 3:46 PM | Link to this

Fed Up Dawg - I agree that losing five games is certainly a possibility. I think LSU was 7-5 this year before pummelling tech. I just don’t think it’s likely which is a big difference. I was just curious to read crs’ opinion as to which five teams he thinks we’ll likely lose to. It’s certainly a daunting schedule but very early predictions on my part make me think that we’ll most likely be favored in every game with the exception of Florida and possibly LSU and OK State.

By st simons

February 18, 2009 3:56 PM | Link to this

45-42! hahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahhaha

By Redcoats95

February 18, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

I say it doesn’t really matter as long as the offensive line gets its act together. A good offensive line that can block for the QB and open up good running lanes, then any and all of those guys could have great seasons.

If the O-line struggles like last year or if they are plagued with more injuries, expect the running game to be shut down cause none of those guys have what Moreno had - that special ability to hit hard, take a hit and make people miss.

By MoDawg

February 18, 2009 4:02 PM | Link to this

One thing to remember with just about any running back, anywhere is that their production is likely to go up as their “touches” increase. Knowshon, for all his spectacular runs had his share of 2 yarders, or -2 yarders but then he would bust a 25 yarder on you. That’s the same with any back. Barry Sanders, in all of his greatness would get a yard here, 2 yards there and then rip a 60 yarder off. The more touches these guys get, the better they will become. In limited carries last year, Caleb and Richard both had decent YPC averages. Just think when any of them gets an additional 15 or so carries per game, behind an improved offensive line. These guys can all run. I am just excited about how we are going to use them all. Carlton Thomas is a bit small, but supposedly fast and tough. Could be be our kickoff/punt returner we have needed for a few years?

Gosh, when is kickoff??!?

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 4:05 PM | Link to this

st simons - do you have a life? I see you all over the place with every blog I happen to be on. I can only imagine that you’re trolling every other UGA blog as well. Seriously son, have some dignity. You’re an embarrassment.

By Kevin

February 18, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

It’s Joe THEISMAN.

By Fed Up Dawg

February 18, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Fair enough. I am by no means saying we will go 7-5, just that we could. It is hardly a stretch. I personally think 9-3 is the most likely scenario. I would consider that a successful season as long as one of those wins is against Georgia Tech. We can’t lose to them again. Winning any kind of title will be extremely difficult with what Florida has coming back. Its just kind of their time right now, but it will pass. Everything always does. We’ll be back on top soon enough, just not this year.

By Big Dawg

February 18, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

Carlton Thomas is truly amazing Go on line(YOU TUBE) and look at his high school career!! WOW!!!

We are lucky to have him!! We are truly stacked in the ball carrying and Catching Dept.

Cox is a great QB who has waited his time and is ready to blow the lid off Sanford Stadium.

GO DAWGS SICKEMMMM….ruf ruf ruf.

By shane#1

February 18, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

I think TB is King’s job to lose. If he keeps his mind on his business and makes his blocks he will be okay. If not, Richt will sit him down again. Samuel ciuld be a stud at LB. I will not be suprised to see him switched. I cannot comment on Jackson, haven’t seen him play, even in a high school game. The real treat may be Thomas. I don’t see him as an every down back but I have heard some say that Thomas is the Warrick Dunn type back that Richt has been looking for since coming to UGA. Ealey is a tough strong runner but I fear he may be lacking in the top end speed department. I can see Caleb starting, with Samuel and Jackson as back-ups and Thomas coming in for certain plays. The line should be improved and Chapas is a pretty good blocker. If Figgins recovers well from his surgery and Vance and Sturdivant are healthy, I may be able to run behind that blocking! Be advised, I will not run up the middle against Berry, Spikes, and that big dude from Alabama. I didn’t get this old by being stupid!

By GeoffDawg

February 18, 2009 5:01 PM | Link to this

Is Cody the Hutt back at Bama this season? I was really impressed with the way the true freshman center (Jones, right?) played against him.

By Vince

February 18, 2009 5:07 PM | Link to this

Did Kalvin Daniels play much in 08 and at which position?

By Music City Dawg

February 18, 2009 5:25 PM | Link to this

It’s true that Knowshon was unlike any other RB. He was fantastic. I’m just saying he didn’t have the ‘winning mentality’ to go along with his incredible ability. He doesn’t seem to care about anything really.

I was listening to a radio interview with him one time, and he was text messaging the entire segment and barely answered any questions. He lacks any sort of leadership ability whatsoever.

That being said, I would LOVE to see a more disciplined team (read: defense) who actually gives a damn. For that reason, I’m also glad Asher Allen is gone.

By Where is my spoon?

February 18, 2009 5:30 PM | Link to this

youseguys worried about your #1 RB….better be worried bout yo third quarter D!

and the pass…you know, that gimmick thing

By WestPalmDawg

February 18, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

With either Cox for Logan Grey at the helm, we’re definitely going to need backs who can catch the ball, not to mention help at TE. Any word on frickin’ Orson Charles???

YEAH COME ON!

By Chip Towers

February 18, 2009 6:07 PM | Link to this

Too Easy: You’re right about Kalvin Daniels. He’s one of those invaluable walk-ons that can give you a good look on scout team, help you on special teams AND give you quality snaps in a pinch and certainly at garbage time. He’s a solid, 5-10, 185 guy and he’s been around long enough now that he’s going to know the playbook better than some of the newbies. But the Bulldogs’ 2008 Outstanding Offensive Walk-on will likely stay behind all those scholarship guys.

By Chip Towers

February 18, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this

trudog: Clearly you’re in the wrong place. This is a UGA blog and it’s a place to discuss Georgia athletics daily. These are not “articles.” If it’s not of interest to you, go somewhere else. That’s kind of how it works. Bye now.

By new dawg alum

February 18, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this

Carlton Thomas is underrated, King still has much to prove, Samuel has to quit fumbling, and Jackson and Ealey are wildcards. Cannot wait until the spring game, should be one of the most interesting in years.

By doug

February 18, 2009 6:45 PM | Link to this

If you were going to play in the NFL you definetly want to play in a Non-Spread offense. The hardest thing to learn in the Spread is that all the passing lanes are short and wide. In the NFL they are narrow and very short lived. This adjustment combined with the speed causes young Spread QBs to struggle longer than others. A No Brainer. Cmon. As far as the RB situation at UGA King is very talented but does not have a physical component to his game. That wont work in the SEC. He has to be tougher. Samuel will never be a graet back because he simply cant see the field. Washaun Ealy or (Garrison2) has all the tools and will take the job from day one. I have watched UGA since the Mid 70s and Ive seen this before. However he wont take anywhere near as long to develop than Hearst did.

By CWM

February 18, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this

The O-line should rip some big holes to make it easy for any of these guys to score at will. I’ll make sure my D will keep the other team in the game.

By Ben W.

February 18, 2009 7:36 PM | Link to this

Is this the Tim Tebow blog? I thought it was about who is going to inherit the RB job!

By Dangerous

February 18, 2009 7:37 PM | Link to this

The DAWGS will have enough men for 3 offensive lines with experience! We have the best O-line coach in the country! We have outstanding receivers! I’m not worried about who runs the ball, all will be effective. We just need a QB to manage the game and limit mistakes! This situation seems similar to Matt Ryan and the falcons:great o-line, running game and receivers. Our D-fense will be much improved too. Owens, Weston and Renny Curran back with alot of starters and redshirt freshman. I’m really excited about the D! People lay off Martinez, I know he hasn’t been Van Gorder, but alot of his woes are due to offensive turnovers(on the short side of the field) and injuries. ALL WILL BE GOOD IF THE DAWGS CAN STAY HEALTHY!

By uga1

February 18, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing Richard S., he’s bigger and tend’s to pick up more yards per carry than King. Don’t know anything about Carlton Thomas but I’m going to check him out on youtube see what’s up. I’d love to see one guy step up and earn it like KM did. You never know, I’m going to remain optimistic. I want to hear what’s happening at defensive end & the vacated cornerback spot. Anyone know anythng about this?

By huh?

February 18, 2009 9:02 PM | Link to this

Huh? Samuel can’t see the field? What are you basing that on, doug? When he had holes, he hit ‘em and moved piles. A little fumble problem, nothing we can’t cure w/ a little experience. He’s only 17, remember and won’t be 18 until fall practice.
King? Another overrated Parkview player, nice tools but unfortunately not the talent of fellow Parkviewites the Stinchcomb brothers.
Whoever runs the ball will benefit greatly from a (hopefully) greatly improved O line, which should allow the backs to have nice holes to hit.
Look for great leadership from Joe C, resulting in the kind of chemistry the 07 team had.

By ugastudent

February 18, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

Richard Samuel and Carlton Thomas will end up the main ball carriers as co-ones by midseason. They are good compliments to one another in terms of running styles and both are very explosive and can break off long runs. They allow us to attack defenses in different ways while both still being very effective. Mr. Inside, Mr. Outside anybody? That’s probably a little too much to hope for but we are in very capable hands with Carlton and Richard.

By CHRIS

February 18, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this

WHY DOES THE AJC NOT EVER TALK ABOUT UGA BASEBALL, THE SEASON OPENS FRIDAY.

By Cuz

February 18, 2009 10:22 PM | Link to this

Chris, quit shouting. Chip has a baseball article/blog topic coming on Thursday. Take a Zanex and a Grey Goose and Cranberry and just chill. I’ll take a Bud, some pork rinds and keep on living and breathing football. We all have our place.

Samuel starts till slayed by the Philistines and then the King shall carry us home.

By Cuz

February 18, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

WHY DOES THE AJC NOT EVER TALK ABOUT THE BUS DRIVERS WHO TAKE THE TEAM TO THE GAMES. AND ESPECIALLY ALUM BUS DRIVERS. OH THE STORIES WE COULD TELL.

Just my contribution to the madness. If we weren’t all crazy we would go insane.

By SOUTHGADAWG88

February 18, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

King ran ok when given the ball.I don’t think our OL was all that good last year so here’s praying we step it up this year.Samuel hasn’t impressed me..I still have a hard time understanding why he didn’t redshirt.Maybe one of the other kids will have a breakout year who knows?I will say this though…I haven’t heard a lot of buzz about any running backs by coaches or the players to date.The word is the job is up for grabs and that might just be the truth.We’ll see in the spring.

By FL Dawg

February 18, 2009 11:09 PM | Link to this

It is not the running backs that should be of concern. KM did a great job of making a line look good. There is plenty of experience returning but the o-line needs to improve. If the O-line is good enough it will not matter which back carries the ball. In the end it will be TB by committee. King will get the nod as the “starter” to start the year and it will be his to lose. If he blocks well, he will continue to be the “starter”. Thomas, Samuel and maybe Ealey will get plenty of touches. If Ealey is as good as billed he won’t be redshirted like KM. Richt won’t make that mistake twice. The line will also play a factor in which QB plays. Personally, I would like to see Logan Gray. He looked very good in the last spring game. Cox will most likely get the nod as starter with his experience in the system. Although one of the fresh. may get a shot as they are already on Campus and will go through spring practice. Murray and Mettenberg are both very talented. Regardless of who gets the nod the O should be fine this year. They most likely won’t be a great offense, but should be able to score 24+ per game.

The season will be determined by the defense. Martinez will need to have his best season as D-coordinator if we are to have another 10+ win season. This is his moment to shine.

By nwizzle dawg

February 18, 2009 11:53 PM | Link to this

i agree with RxDawg. I think its between King and Thomas…and i’d love to see Samuel as a SLB.

By SuprDave

February 18, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this

I can’t wait to see Carlton Thomas. His Rivals videos were unbweebable! I watched them over and over. They all have huge potential though.

By ceph

February 19, 2009 7:22 AM | Link to this

Samuel couldn’t find a hole with radar,running the ball or on kickoff returns. He had one return worth a flip and the rest were terrible. He needs to be on the other side of the ball. He admitted he would rather play defense so let him.

By MoDawg

February 19, 2009 7:51 AM | Link to this

Folks, We have possibly the best O-line coach in the SEC, and our line will be very good. With a patchwork offensive line last year, how many sacks did they allow? Not many. How many yards passing did they protect for? Almost 4,000. How many rushing yards did they help with (granted, Knowshon and the toss sweep helps this), nearly 2,000 yards. Searels is one of the few of our coaches capable of “coaching up” players, so the line will not be the issue this year. In fact it should be a strength. The only true weakness I see for us this year (again) is at defensive end, and even then, we have some quality depth for someone to step up. I think we put too much into our Toby Jackson “bucket” a couple of years ago, and now he might not even make it to campus, at all.

Our running backs will be fine, you’ll see.

By Mart

February 19, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this

In all the posts yesterday, did anyone actually write that he thought Stafford was the best UGA qb ever? If Stafford washes out in the NFL, I think he’ll be forgotten pretty quickly in Athens, and if he becomes a pro star, lots of people will say, “I wish he’d have done that here” or “Richt should have turned him loose.” I wish him the best, but his college career wasn’t particularly inspiring.

By dawgfan1911

February 19, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this

From what I have seen, Samuel seems to run right into tacklers, but has some explosion, Caleb can’t block and does not have escapability, the other backs I am not sure about. I would say caleb and Richard will get first shot, but I am interested to see Ealy, and Jackson and from what I have heard this Carlton Thomas is explosive. It’s hard to get a beat on the running back position right now.

By dawgfan1911

February 19, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this

From what I have seen, Samuel seems to run right into tacklers, but has some explosion, Caleb can’t block and does not have escapability, the other backs I am not sure about. I would say caleb and Richard will get first shot, but I am interested to see Ealy, and Jackson and from what I have heard this Carlton Thomas is explosive. It’s hard to get a beat on the running back position right now.

By shane#1

February 19, 2009 3:13 PM | Link to this

We need to remember that Samuel graduated a year and a semister early. He did not look bad at all for a seventeen year old. Let’s see how much he improves as he matures.

By Buddy El

February 19, 2009 7:59 PM | Link to this

A redshirt year for Samual would have been a tremendous boost for the 2009 offense but as so many have already pointed out he had just turned 17 DURING the 2008 season. He would be a very good linebacker but he has the potential to be a great running back…….if he remembers to keep the ball with him and realizes that sometimes it is better to avoid the tacklers rather than to run them over. Sometime during the 2009 or 2010 seasons he may be able to run over most any of them but not yet. With his speed and size(over 230 in the future) he will become one of the UGA greats