DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia Spring Football
Joe Cox in control during UGA spring practice
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Athens — While no one has stepped forward to claim Knowshon Moreno’s old job, Joe Cox very much has put his stamp on Matthew Stafford’s old spot.
More than halfway through Georgia’s spring football practice, Cox — as expected — has validated his position atop the quarterback depth chart.
Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com
Joe Cox has validated his spot as UGA’s clear-cut No. 1 quarterback this spring.
“I’ve just been real excited [about] his play and how he has delivered the ball and how he has led,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said.
Cox, who will be a fifth-year senior in the fall, was all but anointed Georgia’s starting quarterback when Stafford announced in January that he would leave school for the NFL draft. Nothing has happened this spring to raise any question.
After watching film of a scrimmage earlier this week, coach Mark Richt said: “Joe just had total control of everything he was trying to do.”
Richt said the depth chart remains as it was at the start of spring practice: Cox No. 1, Logan Gray No. 2 and freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger co-No. 3s.
“We are competing for that [No. 1] job,” Bobo said, “but Cox has shown he … wants to be the starter and the leader of this football team. I’ve really liked his preparation day in and day out and his approach to each practice. He’s trying to lead these guys and make sure we’re doing things the right way.
“I’m excited for him, and I think his teammates are excited for him, and they want to play for him. … He has been productive this spring.”
Meanwhile, at tailback, both Richt and Bobo say no one has been consistent enough to stake a claim to Moreno’s former role.
Gamble and the DE jinx
Linebacker Darryl Gamble, who filled in some at defensive end in a scrimmage earlier this week, was asked Wednesday if he feared the injury-riddled position rubbing off on him.
“Knock on some wood,” Gamble said, reaching for a large wooden picture frame in the defense’s meeting room.
Coaches said Gamble looked good at end, which he hadn’t played since elementary school, but will remain primarily a linebacker.
Etc.
The Bulldogs had a two-hour practice Wednesday, their third consecutive day on the field. “Guys came out and were ready to get after it,” defensive coordinator Willie Martinez said of Wednesday’s session. … Since there’s no football practice Thursday, defensive tackle Geno Atkins will be able to compete for Georgia in a dual track-and-field meet at Georgia Tech. Atkins throws the shot put. … Gray, a Columbia, Mo., native, wasn’t surprised that Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson resisted Georgia’s overtures and stayed with the Tigers. “Missouri has got a good basketball program rolling right now,” Gray said, “and they’ve got some awesome basketball facilities.” … Reshad Jones, who moved from free safety to strong safety this spring, says the positions are essentially interchangeable. “So it’s not a change for me.” … Linebacker Akeem Hebron, out since the middle of last season with a fracture dislocation of his left ankle, is close to being cleared for action.
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