Bulldog Bry
03-04-2007, 05:29 PM
For all the Dawg fans. We made it through the winter without any MAJOR off the field issues. Here's a look at what spring practice holds:
Offense
QB – No scrambling for this job. Matthew Stafford (So) is the clear cut starter. His improvement over the last three games of the season gives hope that the Dawgs will get even more production from him in 2007. Joe Cox (RSo) will provide a solid #2.
RB – By all indications, Thomas Brown (Sr) will be back from his season ending injury, though he won’t go full force in the spring. Kregg Lumpkin (Sr) will probably be the starter in the fall. Knowshon Moreno (RFr) made a HUGE impact on the scout team last year and there’s a big buzz about his ability. If Caleb King (Fr) qualifies, he could contribute right away or redshirt. At fullback, Brannan Southerland (Jr) returns and is backed up by Jason Johnson (Sr), Shawn Chapas (RFr) and Fred Munzenmaier (RFr).
TE – Probably the biggest question mark. Tripp Chandler (Jr) gets the starting nod by virtue of experience. Even though he will miss the spring due to shoulder surgery, coaches are keeping a close eye on Naderris Ward (RFr).
WR –The return of Sean Bailey (Sr - medical redshirt) cannot be underestimated. Mohamed Massaquoi (Jr) provides experience on the other side and there are several more returning who have made crucial catches (Kenneth Harris/Jr, Kris Durham/So, AJ Bryant/Sr)
OL – This line up will change several times over between now and September 1st, however for the first time in four years, there is depth on the line. Unfortunately, there is no experience. There are only three players returning who have ever played a down in the SEC (Fernando Velasco/Sr, Chester Adams/Sr, Seth Watts/Jr). Look for redshirt freshman Chris Davis and JUCO transfer Vince Vance (So) to contribute right away.
Defense
DE – Another competition that is probably wide open. Roderick Battle (So), Jeremy Lomax (Jr) and Marcus Howard (Sr) all return with experience, but coming in are four redshirt freshmen (Dobbs, Tripp, Lemon, Wood) and one JUCO transfer, Jarius Wynn.
DT – Kade Weston (So) and Jeff Owens (Jr) return and they look to bolster the interior. Geno Atkins (So), Ricardo Crawford (RFr) and JUCO transfer Corey Irvin (Jr) will get in the mix as well.
LB – With senior Brandon Miller moving to the middle, we will finally have some speed on the outside, beginning with Darius Dewberry (So) and Dannell Ellerbe (Jr - if he can stay out of trouble). Backing them up are Akeem Dent (RFr), Akeem Hebron (RFr), Marcus Washington (Jr) and Darryl Gamble (RFr).
C – Paul Oliver decided to come back for his senior year and he may be primed to be the best UGA corner in several years. Bryan Evans (So) will most likely get the nod at the other corner, but don’t give up on Remarcus Brown (Jr). Asher Allen (So)has yet to show his skills and Thomas Flowers (Sr) also returns from his injury.
S – Believe it or not, Kelin Johnson (Sr) is now the elder statesman at the safety position. He mans the strong side while the field/weak corner will be a battle between CJ Byrd (Jr), Donovan Baldwin (So) and Reshad Jones (RFr). At some point, it will also be hard to keep Quintin Banks (RFr) off the field. He and Jones are being talked about the most.
Special Teams
Place kicker – Memo to Brandon Coutu (Sr): Please don’t ever leave us again. Having Coutu back in the bowl game was a welcome relief. He is listed as the number one as both the place kicker and kickoffs, a change from last year.
Punter – Walk on Brian Mimbs/Jr (last seen perfecting the onside kick against Virginia Tech) is the only punter listed, but this summer, freshman Drew Butler (son of legendary UGA kicker Kevin Butler) will get a chance to show his stuff.
KO return – Asher Allen (So) is listed as the starter (backed up by Remarcus Brown/Jr), which makes me wonder about Thomas Brown’s injury.
Punt return – Mikey Henderson(Sr) was so good last year, that 2005 punt return wonder Thomas Flowers (Sr) was not listed as a back up. That spot is held by Asher Allen.
The G-day spring game is set for April 7th at 2pm
Offense
QB – No scrambling for this job. Matthew Stafford (So) is the clear cut starter. His improvement over the last three games of the season gives hope that the Dawgs will get even more production from him in 2007. Joe Cox (RSo) will provide a solid #2.
RB – By all indications, Thomas Brown (Sr) will be back from his season ending injury, though he won’t go full force in the spring. Kregg Lumpkin (Sr) will probably be the starter in the fall. Knowshon Moreno (RFr) made a HUGE impact on the scout team last year and there’s a big buzz about his ability. If Caleb King (Fr) qualifies, he could contribute right away or redshirt. At fullback, Brannan Southerland (Jr) returns and is backed up by Jason Johnson (Sr), Shawn Chapas (RFr) and Fred Munzenmaier (RFr).
TE – Probably the biggest question mark. Tripp Chandler (Jr) gets the starting nod by virtue of experience. Even though he will miss the spring due to shoulder surgery, coaches are keeping a close eye on Naderris Ward (RFr).
WR –The return of Sean Bailey (Sr - medical redshirt) cannot be underestimated. Mohamed Massaquoi (Jr) provides experience on the other side and there are several more returning who have made crucial catches (Kenneth Harris/Jr, Kris Durham/So, AJ Bryant/Sr)
OL – This line up will change several times over between now and September 1st, however for the first time in four years, there is depth on the line. Unfortunately, there is no experience. There are only three players returning who have ever played a down in the SEC (Fernando Velasco/Sr, Chester Adams/Sr, Seth Watts/Jr). Look for redshirt freshman Chris Davis and JUCO transfer Vince Vance (So) to contribute right away.
Defense
DE – Another competition that is probably wide open. Roderick Battle (So), Jeremy Lomax (Jr) and Marcus Howard (Sr) all return with experience, but coming in are four redshirt freshmen (Dobbs, Tripp, Lemon, Wood) and one JUCO transfer, Jarius Wynn.
DT – Kade Weston (So) and Jeff Owens (Jr) return and they look to bolster the interior. Geno Atkins (So), Ricardo Crawford (RFr) and JUCO transfer Corey Irvin (Jr) will get in the mix as well.
LB – With senior Brandon Miller moving to the middle, we will finally have some speed on the outside, beginning with Darius Dewberry (So) and Dannell Ellerbe (Jr - if he can stay out of trouble). Backing them up are Akeem Dent (RFr), Akeem Hebron (RFr), Marcus Washington (Jr) and Darryl Gamble (RFr).
C – Paul Oliver decided to come back for his senior year and he may be primed to be the best UGA corner in several years. Bryan Evans (So) will most likely get the nod at the other corner, but don’t give up on Remarcus Brown (Jr). Asher Allen (So)has yet to show his skills and Thomas Flowers (Sr) also returns from his injury.
S – Believe it or not, Kelin Johnson (Sr) is now the elder statesman at the safety position. He mans the strong side while the field/weak corner will be a battle between CJ Byrd (Jr), Donovan Baldwin (So) and Reshad Jones (RFr). At some point, it will also be hard to keep Quintin Banks (RFr) off the field. He and Jones are being talked about the most.
Special Teams
Place kicker – Memo to Brandon Coutu (Sr): Please don’t ever leave us again. Having Coutu back in the bowl game was a welcome relief. He is listed as the number one as both the place kicker and kickoffs, a change from last year.
Punter – Walk on Brian Mimbs/Jr (last seen perfecting the onside kick against Virginia Tech) is the only punter listed, but this summer, freshman Drew Butler (son of legendary UGA kicker Kevin Butler) will get a chance to show his stuff.
KO return – Asher Allen (So) is listed as the starter (backed up by Remarcus Brown/Jr), which makes me wonder about Thomas Brown’s injury.
Punt return – Mikey Henderson(Sr) was so good last year, that 2005 punt return wonder Thomas Flowers (Sr) was not listed as a back up. That spot is held by Asher Allen.
The G-day spring game is set for April 7th at 2pm