Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Spring Practice: What to Watch For

Georgia will open 2011 practice later this week. And with the "recruiting class high" finally wearing off, it is time to get back on the field to correct the mistakes that led to the first losing season in 15 years. Here's the headlines to watch for over the next few weeks leading up to G-Day on April 16.

1. New kids in town

The "Dream Team" certainly helped take the sting off a tough 2010 season, but most of those players will not step foot on campus for a few more months. The Dawgs do have two early enrollees in Chris Conley and Christian LeMay. It will be interesting to see how LeMay looks in spring and G-Day since he has not played a competitive down of football since 2009.

2. Aaron Murray as the leader

Murray had an amazing first season and I expect he will become a vocal leader for the Dawgs this year. He should be recovered from his "amputated leg" in time to participate fully.

3. Who steps up at receiver?

Tavarres King immediately becomes #1 but who's next. I hope Marlon Brown can finally live up to the expectations many of us had for him two years ago.

4. Feeling the pressure at RB

Every running back knows Isaiah Crowell is coming this fall and will be given every opportunity to win the starting job. With Ealey back from suspension and Caleb King headed into his senior year, I wonder if they can hang on to the #1 spot for now or if Ken Malcome takes over heading into summer practice.

5. Same Faces, Different Places

A number of position changes were announced last week, most notably Alec Ogletree moving to inside linebacker. Also keep an eye on Bruce Figgins at fullback who will be one of the biggest players at that position I have ever seen.

6. The Line Backing Duo

I am really excited to get a look at Richard Samuel and Jarvis Jones. Having seen Samuel in high school, I know what he is capable of. And it should be fun to watch Jones coming off the edge in Grantham's 3-4.

Those are just a few of the things I'm looking forward to. What are you looking forward to?

Monday, March 7, 2011

Our Thoughts are with Jonathan Taylor

During yesterday's contest with Florida State, Georgia outfielders Zach Cone and Jonathan Taylor collided on a fly ball. Taylor suffered a major spinal injury and will most likely be transferred to the Shepard Center in Atlanta later this week. AJC has the full story here.

Please keep Jonathan Taylor and his family in your prayers.

***UPDATE - The Taylor family has set up a website where you can leave messages for Jonathan.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/Johnathantaylor