(Photo by Andy Harrison)
Just a few notes/thoughts from the week all in one place!
I’ve heard that Coach Pittman is pleasantly surprised with the amount of depth that the Bulldogs have on the offensive line. At this time, Coach Pittman is trying to identify 7 or 8 players capable of becoming an SEC caliber offensive line. After going back and looking through some notes, at this time I project: LT – Tyler Catalina, LG – Isaiah Wynn, C – Brandon Kublanow, RG – Dyshon Sims – RT – Greg Pyke. The sixth man at offensive guard Ben Cleveland and the sixth man at offensive tackle is Kendall Baker.
The Demetris Robertson situation is one of the most interesting I have ever followed in recruiting. It is possible he could make a decision next weekend but even if he makes a commitment, it is non-binding because he will not sign an NLI. It is not impossible to say that Demetris could commit to UGA but then find out he made his test score in May and end up enrolling in Stanford. His recruitment will not be over until he enrolls.
It is going to be fascinating to watch the tight ends in the 2016 season. Online I have watched a few games where Coach Chaney called plays, and the tight ends were heavily utilized. They lined up at H-Back, fullback, tight end, in the slot, out wide and even stood beside the QB in the shotgun. You can bet with UGA’s talented group of TE’s he is going to find a way to have at least one and more likely two on the field for a large portion of the snaps.
A continuing theme from top recruits after spending time with Coach Smart continues to be that he is high energy (I guess that means Trump would like him). The recruits enjoy coming to practice and watch Kirby Smart run around the practice field be vocal and involved in every aspect of the game. Kirby is the special type of college coach who is recruiting even when he is not recruiting.
I believe that Nick Chubb will be ready to roll for Week 1 against the Tarheels. That being said, I believe Kirby Smart will hold him out for the first two weeks of the season and his first appearance will come in the SEC opener against Missouri. However, one he returns I feel he will be 100% and both he and Sony will hit the 1000-yard mark in 2016.
I’m pulling my best Larry Munson impersonation the more and more I think about the game against the UNC Tarheels in the Georgia Dome. With the up-tempo offense the Tarheels run and Elijah Hood in the backfield and weapons like Ryan Switzer and Mack Hollins at receiver it is going to be a huge challenge for Coach Smart’s defense. The Bulldogs may have to outscore the Tarheels to win the game.
rugbydawg79 I do fully believe he will be in uniform on the sidelines in case of emergency and as a leader for the team.
PTCDawg From what I have heard the coaches love Galliards power at the point of attack but he is still raw. For some reason I always forget about Woerner but I am very intrigued to see what he will do. If he splits out at receiver he would be a great perimeter blocker in the run game.
As for the 645, yes UNC was pathetic on run defense but they didn’t show up for that game.
DawgByte Cleveland has been very impressive from a physical standpoint. He just needs to learn what he is doing and be more consistent!
Trips wide with the joy stick tucked in with a couple of our tight ends – I think Carolina is in big trouble- I hope Kirby brings Nick in for at least a play , just to blow the roof off the Dome–remember Herschel against Clemson brought in as a decoy and the Ball going to Tron (Electron) Jackson — great having you at BI
good stuff, as always, Huck. Was surprised I didnt see the name Gaillard as the 8th OL, do you think he is still on the outside looking in?
Your observation about TE depth and Chaney use of them is one reason I am not too concerned about WR depth. The other reason is I think we have more than our share of really good WRs anyway. But I can even see lineups where Blaze and Nauta (or Harris or Davis) are manning the two TE spots and Woerner is split wide. I think of Woerner as a WR simply becuase I have this mental block about thinking of him being another Mike Evans, but some people would see that as a 3 TE alignment.
I perked up when I saw you had Ben Cleveland as a backup Guard. The video I’ve seen of him practicing looks encouraging. Pittman has to be loving his size and strength. If he can continue to learn the playbook and work on his technique he may be a contributor as a true freshman. Also liked your report about how Chaney uses his TE’s. Why not use a kid like Nauta on short yardage downs. Line him up in the backfield and let him rip. If I’m not mistaken he did some of that in HS.
DawgLink Good Morning! I appreciate it.
Nice article Hick