Big Secondary Concerns
Didn't have much time to enjoy the 2012 Georgia signing class, with the dismissals that came down. And it's made me take inventory of the Bulldog secondary.
Grantham's defense has to replace Paul Hornung Award winner Brandon Boykin, who was the top playmaker in the secondary. Jordan Love left. So did Jakar Hamilton and Derek Owens. Now Nick Marshall and Chris Sanders got kicked off the team. That's 6 DBs no longer with the team.
Sure hope the guys that are left don't get injured or get in trouble. Right now, Grantham looks at his depth chart in the secondary and is reminded of how thin they are.
And remember, starting CB Sanders Commings is facing a suspension to start the season.
If the Bulldogs played tomorrow, here is how they would line up in the secondary: Perhaps the best safety tandem in CF would be Bacarri Rambo and Shawn Williams, who return for their senior season. Branden Smith is a starter at one CB spot. With Commings probably out to start the season, soph. CB Damian Swann takes over at the other CB slot.
Who are the back-ups? At CB, RF Devin Bowman and incoming freshman Sheldon Dawson are all that's left. At safety, Corey Moore, Mark Deas and Quintavius Harrow are all underclassmen who will get a look.
Grantham does subscribe to the pro-approach of playing mostly starters. But what if injuries hit? And with Rambo, Williams, Smith and Commings all exiting after this season as seniors, what will the 2013 secondary look like? That's a concern.
The 'Dogs open the SEC schedule at Missouri...the Tigers are a pass-happy attack. Grantham will have to play the nickle & dime package. Bowman and Dawson will probably have to play. Did you see where the Tigers signed the top WR in the country?
Not sure we can risk Branden Smith returning kicks or getting any snaps on offense, with this situation in the secondary. Guess the staff could do the position change thing with someone else. Maybe Malcom Mitchell could get some reps at CB against Missouri? We'll see.
Looks like the Class of 2013 will have an overload of DBs. Got to make up for those 6 guys that aren't here anymore.


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