[su_spacer size=”20″] Fall camp is a grind. It’s hot and there is the stress of competing for playing time with the first kickoff just around the corner. Some take the ordeal as an opportunity to develop an edge that gets them noticed, others get exposed.
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Quarterback
[su_spacer size=”20″] The beat writers covering UGA for various media outlets have written volumes on the quarterback race since early August. Opinions are plentiful. Thankfully, there are only three serious candidates for the job, or else there would be more predictions to wade through. In recent days, predictions have shifted from a Ramsey, Bauta, Lambert ordering to Ramsey, Lambert, Bauta. Coach Richt continues to insist that no decision has been made and he declared after the third scrimmage that the appearance of Ramsey and Lambert with the 1st unit did not rule out Bauta. Most observers agree that Ramsey is the probable starter, I concur.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Fiery Richt
[su_spacer size=”20″] Mark Richt has not been an administrator this fall. Hands-on and vocal are terms that come to mind when watching him at practice. In fact, he is getting involved in correcting players during drills in a way that I have not seen from him. “Coach” Richt is back.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Defensive line
[su_spacer size=”20″] Tracey Rocker may have a bunch of young guys to work with, but if anyone can mold this group into a unit, he is the man. Coach Rock, as the players call him, believes in collective punishment. When a player loafs, fails to pay attention or just screws up, the entire defensive line gets to repeat the exercise. The offending teammate, of course, gets an ear full from the rest of the defensive line and the problem is usually corrected.
[su_spacer size=”40″] There is depth little in this relatively inexperienced group. My guess is that Rocker will substitute liberally early in the season. Coach Richt said recently that keeping this unit fresh will with wholesale substitutions will be necessary. Look for Trenton Thompson to contribute immediately and ease some minds about the d-line.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Offensive line
[su_spacer size=”20″] Rob Sale is salty. No offensive lineman is left to worry that his performance is at a level that suits his coach. Biggest surprise: Aulden Bynum moving up from scout team in 2014 to a consistent member of the second unit. Sale is working to set his top eight and Bynum is contending to be in the rotation.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Inside Linebackers
[su_spacer size=”20″] “Can Georgia stop the run?” has been a frequent question this summer with the graduation of Amarlo Herrera and Ramik Wilson. My sense is that the staff is far less worried about this position than fans and media. Recently, former minor league baseball player, true freshman Nick Moore (6-3/245) was added to the mix but there is plenty of talent returning and a stellar recruiting class to add depth.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Early success by the inside backers will be dependent on the development of the defensive line. The guys with a hand in the dirt will need to maintain gaps and occupy opposing linemen to free inside linebackers to make plays.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Kevin Sherrer: If you cannot stop the run, you don’t get to go out there and rush the quarterback[su_spacer size=”40″] Wide receiver [su_spacer size=”20″] Justin Scott-Wesley’s injury was a blow to the wide receiver room but don’t worry about coach McClendon’s group. Malcolm Mitchell is providing solid leadership and a talented group of freshmen will contribute right away. Keep your eye on Terry Godwin; he is going to be special. [su_spacer size=”40″] Players to watch [su_spacer size=”20″] Here are a few names that have impressed me in practice. I am concentrating on younger and/or lesser known guys. [su_spacer size=”40″] Offense [su_spacer size=”20″] Terry Godwin, Michael Chigbu and Jayson Stanley – three freshmen wide receivers will contribute early. Godwin is my choice to establish a national reputation as a freshman. Although Godwin is not particularly big he is a great athlete and has HUGE hands. Think A.J. Green. [su_spacer size=”40″] Defense [su_spacer size=”20″] Trenton Thompson has impressed everyone. He is living up to his number one prep ranking. You will see him immediately. [su_spacer size=”40″] Jake Ganus and Chuks Amaechi – Ganus came from UAB with one year of eligibility and will be on the field from game one. Amaechi is a junior college transfer from Arizona. Coach Pruitt is training Chuks (Chooks) at several db positions including linebacker. He will add quality depth immediately. [su_spacer size=”40″] To read more articles like this, check out Bulldawg Illustrated’s 2015 Season Kickoff Issue: [su_spacer size=”40″] Bulldawg Illustrated