Spring practice opened 3 weeks ago and we have 2 weeks left. That puts us at the halfway point.......with the week of spring break.
Position Battles
When spring practice opened, there were only 5 starting spots that were really wide open.
1 defensive end
2 offensive line spots
1 wide receiver
1 placekicker
Jeremy Lomax was listed as the starter at DE opposite Roderick Battle. Lomax hasn't been singled out to this point but two of his counterparts have drawn praise, Jarius Wynn and Demarcus Dobbs. Look for this battle to get pretty intense as we start to focus on G-Day.
With so many offensive linemen banged up or out for the spring, a great opportunity has been given to the guys that are healthy and ready to go. Justin Anderson has been solid so far and Ben Jones has been moved up to the #2 center spot. This may turn out to be the most wide open race of the spring.
To my surprise, the wideout receiving the most praise to this point is Kenneth Harris. I'll admit that I didn't see that one coming. Tony Wilson is reported to have shed a little of the bulk that he put on last year and his quickness and agility have improved. Israel Troupe has entered the mix with a few nice sessions. Mohamed Massaquoi, while not fighting for a position, is having an excellent spring.
The placekicker position of course won't be decided until fall.
Other Notables
Matt Stafford has been singled out a couple of times for showing improvement in his decision making.
Logan Gray's name is coming up almost every day and Joe Cox's name......none. Look for the #2 QB spot to become hotly contested.
Caleb King continues to have a good spring, but maybe not a great one. Dontavius Jackson impressed during Saturday's scrimmage. Knowshon Moreno, as widely reported, is not getting alot of reps.
Tripp Chandler has looked good so far. Figgins has been banged up a little.
Reshad Jones and Quentin Banks are standing out at the safety position. John Knox is also having a good spring.
Darryl Gamble used Dannel Ellerbe and Rennie Curran's absence in the scrimmage to make a statement for more playing time at LB. Gamble finished the scrimmage with 6 tackles and 2 picks (one for a TD).
Saturday's Scrimmage
The scrimmage was closed to the media. Coach Richt had other duties following the scrimmage and turned the press conference over to the capable hands of Coach Willie Martinez.
Defense good then Defense not so good
Offense not so good then offense good
I hereby ban Coach Martinez from all future press conferences.
Bumps & Bruises
OG Chris Little is out until fall after having surgery to repair bones in his foot. OG Clint Boling will miss the rest of spring practice with mononucleosis. OL Tanner Strickland has been nursing a sore ankle. OL Kevin Perez has missed several sessions. TE Bruce Figgins recovered from a high ankle sprain over the spring break. WR Demiko Goodman (leg) also returned to practice after spring break. LB Darius Dewberry had surgery to relieve pressure on a tendon in the groin area and will be out until early summer. Marcus Washington had surgery to repair a damaged shoulder and anticipates missing the 2008 season. QB's Matt Stafford (thumb, non throwing hand) and Logan Gray (ankle) have not missed practice.
7 comments:
Richt's comments on King are just "coach-speak". He just doesn't want King to lose his edge or focus. He WILL be the #2 back by Fall. And he IS the real deal.
Book it.
thanks for summarizing all the articles that have been written so far.
I can see this blog will be a real hot bed of inside information.
/sarcasm
I actually enjoyed the summary as I don't have every day to spend hours trolling message boards and practice reports. Had anon 9:49 read the disclaimer at the beginning of the blog, maybe he'd have saved himself from a d-bag moment.
Very nicely done. Very informative and good use of subtle humor, too.
I'm with anon 1156 and not with anon 949.
People need to realize that what you're doing is a labor of love and try being a little more positive.
Appreciate the info, Jack (sorry, I just don't know what to call you?). This is a great blog.
I hadn't thought much about Cox, but you're right. I do remember Richt praising him last year. You think Gray is that good or has Cox gotten complacent?
I had been hoping that Harris would break out. Harris, Green, Hill. See a trend?
And I'll admit, I was the last one on the Reshad Jones bandwagon. I hope he's the anchor we need back there.
Look at Martinez comments this way - at least we know he's got a long way to go before he can be a head coach, based on his verbal skills.
Thanks for the comments. I do agree that Richt's comments on Caleb were pure "coach speak". He's trying to keep the media frenzy from reaching the point that it did with Knowshon last year, plus he wants to motivate his backs to finish their runs strong.
In response to #2 - Not everone has read the 100 or so sources over the last 3 weeks and may actually have seen something new. I could have simply stated my opinion...Gray will take the #2 QB spot by opening day, Justin Anderson will start at OG, and Jarius Wynn will start at DE. That news hasn't made any articles and at this point is simply speculation.
It does look like the "big" wideout is going to be popular in Athens this year. If push comes to shove, I think Logan Gray would do quite well in a DJ Shockley type offense, pass first with the option of running. My only knock on Jones is his tendency to go for the pick when maybe the best play would be to knock it away. On a positive note, he finished 3rd on the team in total tackles as a backup.
Thanks again,
JRB
I have seen Michael Moore, Tony Wilson, and Kenneth Harris drop/fumble enough crucial balls to last me a lifetime. Please, let the younger guys with the hands and the dependable vets get the PT. Enought of trying to go 12 deep at receiver!
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