A-Dime-a-Dozen

That's the attitude that alot of UGA fans have toward the Defensive End position. It seems like it doesn't matter who we plug in at DE, they make the opposing qb's life hell. Pollack leaves, in steps Quentin Moses. Charles Johnson breaks out in '06. Marcus Howard steps up in '07. Who's next? That could turn out to be an interesting question.

Ahhh.....Reggie Ball.....fond memories......my bad, Marcus Howard, DGD


I would argue that Howard's loss to the NFL will be the most difficult hole for the UGA coaching staff to fill this season. Howard was the SEC's sack leader in '07 with 10.5 and turned in a verified 4.47 forty at this year's NFL combine. At 6'2", 250 lbs. that just ain't right.


Talent-wise, the DE position looks to be very good for 2008. We also have 5 guys that actually saw some playing time last year. Whereas the speed rush was so successful for Howard, the guys fighting for that spot are pretty evenly divided between speed vs. power. Here are your candidates.


Roderick Battle R-Jr, 6-4, 261
Jarius Wynn Sr, 6-5, 275
Jeremy Lomax Sr, 6-4, 247
Demarcus Dobbs R-So, 6-2, 266
Michael Lemon R-So, 6-4, 274
Neland Ball R-Fr, 6-6, 232
Justin Houston R-Fr, 6-3, 240

Roderick Battle........A lock at one starting position?......i think so


Roderick Battle started opposite Howard in every game last year. He hasn't put up huge numbers (24 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles), but he has been very solid. He also played in each game in '06 (4 tackles, 2 sacks....gotta love that percentage). CMR has stated that Battle's starting spot is not guaranteed ( a little motivation, perhaps?), but I'd be surprised if he's not starting on one side when fall arrives.

Jeremy Lomax.......Always gives 100%......will that get him the job?

Jarius Wynn and Jeremy Lomax, both seniors, seem to have the inside track on landing the other starting spot. Wynn is the power guy, Lomax has the quickness. Lomax has 5.5 career sacks vs Wynn's 1. Both played a good number of snaps last year, Lomax averaged around 23 per game. The winner of this battle is gonna have one helluva spring. My hunch is Lomax.

Jarius Wynn......size, strength, talent, experience......is that enough?

Demarcus Dobbs played sparingly in 13 games last year, but he's not likely to compete for the starting job. He's a "high-motor" guy that coaches love and his reps this fall should reflect that.

Michael Lemon has all of the measurables to be a beast at this position. The knock on the kid coming out of high school was his tecnique. He has a huge wing-span and better than average quickness. Michael played in 7 games last season, recording 7 tackles. Maybe he'll continue to develop and reach his potential.


Neland Ball and Justin Houston are both quick, undersized, redshirt freshmen. That does not equal a large number of reps. Houston is learning the position this spring after switching from OLB.


The new guys:

Toby Jackson
Jeremy Longo
Cornelius Washington


Toby Jackson is listed as rivals #5 strongside defensive end. Opinion varies however on whether he'll end up at DE or DT. When UGA D-line coach Rodney Garner was asked to clarify the situation with Toby, he replied "God blessed him more than he blessed some". Ya think he like's him? On a side note, I actually went up to Griffin to watch a game this year and Toby played MLB ???? Seems like teams ran away from him when he was on either end, so the coaching staff came up with the solution.


The skinny on Jeremy Longo is just that well.......he needs to bulk up. The scouts have praised his technique. Jeremy will have this redshirt season to get ready for 2009.


Cornelius Washington comes in as rivals #3 rated weakside defensive end. A few scouting notes....great speed but needs to work on his first step......needs to develop technique, needs more strength, has relied on speed only to this point......has plenty of room on his frame to add bulk. Hit the weight room hard, make at least 3 trips thru the buffet line daily, & GATA in '09.


Of the three, Toby would seem to have the best shot at playing as a true freshman. Personally, I hope the guys that are here already will perform at a level that would put the redshirt on his back.


As it stands, Battle, Lomax, & Wynn should share the bulk of the snaps. Dobbs & Lemon should continue to develop and see action in every game. Ball & Houston may get some mop-up duty.


Will anybody step up to fill the shoes of Marcus Howard.........stay tuned.