Buck's Blog

Positive Visualization Technique

Buck Belue — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:56:00 GMT

Forgot exactly where I picked up on this, but it proved to be a very important part of my pre-game routine at Georgia. This really helped me as a young quarterback, with my inner confidence. And most importantly, anticipate the quick decisions that need to be made as a quarterback. Basically, this technique "puts you in the moment", before the game kicks-off.
  Positive visualization. I give it my full endorsement.
Prior to the games, when the rough and tough linemen were banging on the lockers, I retreated to a quiet place in the locker room, put a towel over my head, closed my eyes and started visually going through the plays, one at a time. I'd run it through several times, against different defenses (Zone, Man, Blitz), and imagine myself making the correct adjustments.
  For example, on the bootleg play...I'd visualize no backside pressure, which would allow me to get outside and look for the TE crossing, or a deep comeback by the WR. Then, I'd visualize quick pressure, and visualize getting rid of it quick to the flat route. Then, I'd imagine it was a big 3rd down play, say 3 and 5...and I'd see images of me running for the first down.
It was always positive. I would always see myself making the correct decision and making a good throw. It would take about :15 minutes. And I would always feel more confident. Like I was ready to go.
  For a QB, on the field, plays unfold so quickly. There is no time to think your way through it. The speed of the game is way too fast for that. A good QB anticipates and reacts accordingly.

Tight Ends and Fullbacks

Buck Belue — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:57:00 GMT

The 2010 Georgia Bulldog offense needs to lead the way this season. Take some heat off the young quarterback and the new defense. Looks like Coach Searels has the best offensive line group we've seen in years. The running back and receiver position groups are of quality too.
  How will the QB perform? Good question. A.J. Green is a believer. Aaron looks capable to me. Richt has already talked about how he needs to "manage the game." The translation: Don't try to force plays that aren't there and turn the ball over. They won't ask him to be Eric Zeier in year one. Bobo won't have to.
   Experience at all levels has taught me that good offenses have quality tight ends and fullbacks. These spots don't get much pub, but they are critical spots. In the run game, they are both delivering key blocks, which can spring the back for a big play. In the passing game, they both are involved in protection and getting out and being a threat as a receiver, in the short to intermediate zones. These two positions require well-rounded, versatile, and tough players.
   The 'Dogs appear to have that covered this season. Shaun Chapas is the best fullback in the SEC. Period. At 6'2 245, he's big enough to mix it up. He can get tough yards. Shaun has reliable hands, as check-down receiver. And he's one of the leaders of this team. Munzenmaier is fearless too.
   Last season, Coach Bobo didn't have a blocking tight end. Aaron White and Orson Charles were good receivers, but neither helped much with the running game. That has changed in 2010. Figgins is back at 260 pounds. Lynch is a physical young talent. Rich is a big dude too. And Bobo still has those two pass-catching TEs in WHite and Charles. The 'Dogs are deep at tight end. Look for some 2-TE sets this season.
   I believe being strong in these two areas also helps an offense in the red zone. Scoring TDs, instead of kicking field goals, will boost this offense too.

A.J. Green Can't Be Replaced

Buck Belue — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:16:00 GMT

Aaron Murray has got to have A.J. to throw the ball too. Without him, the 'Dogs look ordinary out wide. Ordinary can't beat Florida and Alabama. He's the "Go-To Guy." A.J. is the "Playmaker." Green gives this run-oriented offense a weapon in the passing game that opposing DC's fear. He gets the best corner. He demands coverage roll to his side. He's the best player on the field.
Can't afford to loose that. Sure hope A.J. didn't make that undercover trip to Miami.
But when A.J. says he hasn't been to MIami, I believe him. That's what the NCAA will discover. That A.J. is telling the truth. Only a knucklehead would jeopardize a top of the 1st round status, with a trip to Miami. That would be crazy. That would be stupid. And A.J. is not crazy or stupid.

'Dogs Offense Looks Good On Paper

Buck Belue — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 05:36:28 GMT

Got the new Georgia Media Guide. Three offensive players are featured on the front cover...A.J. Green, Clint Boling and Shaun Chapas. They lead the way in 2010. All 3 are All-SEC players, and Georgia needs them to play that way.
   Green is one of CF's top playmakers. Smooth route runner. Best hands I've ever seen. Competitive. Fearless. Tough. Dangerous. A.J. is all of those things. And Murray wants to get him the football as much as possible.
   But how good can the Georgia offense be when coverage takes Green away? Tav King is now a question mark, but Kris Durham isn't. Durham is capable of a step-up season. He blocks, can work the middle of the field where those tough dudes loom, and take it to the house. Pencil him in for a big year.
   Expect to see a lot of two tight-end sets this season. Georgia's got the deepest group in CF. Orson Charles and Aaron White run and catch. Bruce Figgins and Arthur Lynch help block. This is a team strength this season, after being a weakness last year.
   Bobo also has two shifty playmakers to work into the offense. Rantavious Wooten has that big-play ability and so does Carlton Thomas. Need to find ways to get them the ball. Screens and reverses, man. Get them the ball in space.
   Chapas is an excellent FB. And he leads. Go ahead and call him Captain Chapas.
   Searels finally has a comfortable situation on the O-Line. Young, inexperienced guys are now all grown up (Ben Jones, Chris Davis, Josh Davis). Boling and Glenn are studs. Sturdivant and Strickland could both be back. This group is deep and experienced. Murray must be loving this.
   Ealey and King should be galloping this season. And that takes the heat off a young quarterback and a questionable defense.

Can 'Dogs Defense Hunker Down?

Buck Belue — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:23:00 GMT

Aaron Murray talk is all the rage right now, but if the truth be told, the defense is going to determine what kind of season the Bulldogs have this year. Murray will get a lot of help on offense. Impact players are all around him. Grantham is the story. Can the new DC get these guys "hunkering down?"
   The 'Dogs allowed 26 points a game last season and rated out among the worst at forcing turnovers. Got to get that turned around. Grantham's plan better be good.
   What's the plan? Get more pressure on the QB and get tighter coverage. Get that done and you've got to imagine the forced turnover number going up. That would be huge.
   Not trying to be negative but...how many of our guys, would start for Alabama, or Florida? That's who you've got to beat. On defense, entering the season, I'd say the answer to that question is 2-3. Boykin & Houston could play ball for anyone. But the other 9 guys? Obviously, there are some question marks.
   Georgia will line up in a base 3-4 scheme on 1st down. Can they be physical against the power running game? Dobbs is listed as the starting right defensive end and that would mean he's going up against the SECs top OTs. Tough assignment. On the other side, Abry Jones heads to camp as the starter. At 290, he's got the ability to play the run tough. Wonder if Kwame Geathers came on strong in camp, Grantham would slide DeAngelo Tyson out to DE? That would seemingly get the 3 best guys on the field, especially on run downs. Or am I selling DeMarcus Dobbs short?
   Who are the players at inside linebacker? Could Dent, Robinson, or Dowtin start in Tuscaloosa? Doubtful. Grantham's got to find some playmakers in this group. Impact dudes. Is Gamble even in the mix?
   Boykin is special. So, Georgia is solid at one corner. But what about Cuff? Could Sanders Commings give Grantham the physical corner he wants? Branden Smith looks like a playmaker in the nickel package. The safety position group looks solid to me. Grantham has some physical players at this spot.
   The young, unproven QB is getting all the talk right now, but it's the 'Dogs defense that holds the key to success.

What If...Buck to LIndsay Doesn't Happen?

Buck Belue — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:10:00 GMT

ESPN College Football LIve has invited me to join them today at 2:00. The Topic: What If...Buck to LIndsay doesn't happen? Okay, let's play that game then.
   Lindsay makes that catch, turns upfield, and gets tackled at the Georgia 40 yard line. Re-set. Gators lead 21-20, with 1:00 minute remaining. Bulldogs have 1 time out. Gators had been playing a soft, cover 3 zone late in the game, trying to play everything underneath.
   So, we need to move the ball twenty yards to get Rex Robinson a shot to win it with a FG. Rex told me he was good from 57 that day. In fact, Rex kicked two 57 yard field goals that season, and ended the season 4-6 from 50-plus. He was clutch. That was the plan all along. Let's get Rex a shot to win it.
   Move it 20 yards, from our 40...to Florida's 40. Call same play: "Left-76" and hit LIndsay over the middle again. Drop one off to Herschel underneath would have been 10 yards. Scramble once for 10. Again, with one timeout to stop the clock, we could have run Herschel once. I liked our chances of doing this.
   What if Buck to LIndsay never happened? We still win the game on a Rex Robinson field goal.
   For the sake of this exercise... what if we lost that day?
   We go on to KO a lousy Auburn team and a bad Georgia Tech team. Georgia finishes the regular season 10-1, 5-1 in SEC. We tie Mississippi State and Alabama with 5-1 Conference records. Sugar officials would have had a choice of who to take, but with us being higher ranked, with a better record and the star player (Herschel Walker), I believe they would have chosen us.
   As far as the National Title goes...Pittsburgh had a midseason loss at Florida State, which hurt them. Notre Dame had a loss and a tie (at GT). Oklahoma and Michigan had 2 losses each. So did Penn State and Nebraska. We would have been 10-1, featuring Herschel. We still probably get Notre Dame in the Sugar and this would have gone to a vote between us and Pitt (who cleaned South Carolina's clock in the Gator) after the bowl games.

Bad Things Can Happen To Good People

Buck Belue — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:03:00 GMT

Sure hope Damon Evans survives. He was a man with a good reputation, before this DUI incident went down. And the young lady in the car, who also got arrested, sure complicates things. But I hope he gets the support he needs to remain.
    Best I can tell Damon was doing a great job as the Director of Athletics. Georgia Athletics is making money. Most of the program's are thriving. And Damon was looking good running the show.
   Now this. His good name has mud on it. He's embarrassed the University of Georgia nationally. His wife and children are hurt and disappointed. He went through the humbling experience of spending the night in jail. He has let a lot of people down. But I hope President Adams stands by Damon.
   The Damon Evans I know is a good man. A good man who has screwed up. But I never expected him to be perfect. Am I disappointed? Yes. Should he get fired? I don't think so. It seems like these days very few stand by people during the tough times. They cut and run. It's a revolving door. No loyalty anywhere. Georgia needs to stand by Damon Evans in his toughest hour. Especially, knowing that there are those out there looking to kick him while he's down.
   Thought his comments at the press conference were sincere. He was contrite. There was no reading off a sheet of paper. It all came from the heart. He was emotional. He is a family man who's hurting right now. This is a huge blow to his credibility. But count me among those that hope he can survive. I believe he's a good man and an excellent Director of Athletics. Good people screw up.

What Should Aaron Murray Do?

Buck Belue — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:10:00 GMT

You've got to understand your place on the football team. Nobody wants some young, hot-shot quarterback talking smack in his redshirt freshman season. There is time for that, after you help the team win some games. Aaron Murray understands this. Right now, he's focused on earning the trust of his teammates. How does he do that? Keep his mouth shut, and work hard.
   Ultimately, the only way you're going to earn the respect of your teammates is to help them win football games. Aaron hasn't had that opportunity yet.
   His focus should be on executing his assignments. It's sounds simple, but it's huge in the grand scheme of things. Call the play clearly. Protect the football. Don't get caught forcing throws into tight spots. Take what's there...be patient.
   Murray, like all young, first time starting quarterbacks aren't expected to lead. Let Chapas say what needs to be said in the huddle, and then step up and call the play.
   Aaron will look into the huddle and see 10 other qualified, experienced players. Don't underestimate that. He will have a lot of good help. And I like how he appears football smart. The ball goes to A.J. Green, Kris Durham, or Orson Charles. Is there a learning curve? Sure. Can he play? I'm sure of it. He's comfortable in the pocket and he can escape and throw downfield on the run. This stuff about him only being 6' is not that big a deal. If you can play, you can play.

Bulldogs Need LB Upgrades

Buck Belue — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:55:44 GMT

New Georgia DC Todd Grantham spent hours rolling thru last year's game tape examining the talent on defense. He hasn't told me this, but I'm willing to assume there were 2 big area's that concerned him. 1- The talent level of the LB position group, with Rennie Curran not apart of it. 2- The lack of physical CB play.
   According to the AJC's Chip Towers, LB Jarvis Jones is on campus today, making an unofficial visit. Bet Grantham is rolling out the red carpet, trying to show him what a great fit this is for him. Right now, the 'Dogs have a great need for an impact linebacker. He's eligible immediately, after a year spent with the USC program.
   Let's face it, the Bulldogs aren't exactly loaded with LB talent. Gamble is the best and he's probably not going to be All-SEC. Dent is good, but not great. Dowtin is solid, but not spectacular. Christian Robinson has got a chance. Don't know enough about Gilliard or Vasser. Most of this 2011 Recruiting Class and the "Dream Team" talk is about WR's and DB's.
   That would change obviously, if Tucker HS LB James Vaughters announces Thursday at 11:00 am that he is Georgia bound. But add Jones & Vaughters and that's impact. Exactly what Grantham needs.

Summertime Football Talk

Buck Belue — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:25:00 GMT

Summer starts, and I'm thinking college football. Looking ahead, man. And 2-a-day practices aren't that far away. I guess things have never really changed for me. I can remember obsessing over football during June and July, as a player. It would happen during a summer baseball game. Or when I was hanging out by the pool. Or even laying around in the evening, with the family, watching a little TV.
   Will I be ready to go come August? Made me quit what I was doing and go get another workout in. For me, summer was about 3 things...playing baseball, throwing the football, and enjoying the downtime from school. I was doing all 3 pretty much every day. And it was mostly fun. Although the weight room and running summer sessions were a challenge.
   My football motivation during the summer was obsessing over my fitness in the severe heat. The conditioning test, when we reported was real pressure...in front of the team and the coaching staff/last thing you want to do is look bad/they lose confidence in your ability to help the team win). And also, I'd be dwelling on being able to thrive in the 4th quarter of an early season battle. Those two thoughts were real motivation. There was always time for "another workout". Run once early in the morning. Workout in the afternoon. Run in the evening. Train in the heat. Air conditioning was just poison.
   The thought of letting the guys down kept me grinding during the summer months. We wanted to win.
   Wonder who wants to win now? Ponder down at FSU, with Jimbo in charge? Jordan Jefferson at LSU? Matt Barkley, under Kiffin at USC? Brantley finally gets his shot at Florida, so you know he's working overtime to be ready. Kyle Parker is busy playing baseball at Clemson, but he's thinking football. Nesbitt at Georgia Tech knows he has to be fit this season. Aaron Murray thinks about winning at South Carolina every day. His leadership ability will be tested this summer, as he guides the Georgia receivers thru passing drills. Alabama's Greg McElroy is absolutely loving life, with all that talent surrounding him.
   Saw where LIndy's rated CF's top QBs: 1- Boise State's Kellen Moore, 2- Ryan Mallett, 3- Washington's Jake Locker, 4- Houston's Case Keenum, 5- Terrelle Pryor.
   My Top 3 reads like this: 1- Terrelle Pryor, 2- Ryan Mallett, 3- Jake Locker. It's these 3 and everybody else, heading into the season.

Inside The Braves Pre-Game Show

Buck Belue — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:13:00 GMT

There is some serious laughter going on during The Braves Pre-Game Show. It's been a lot of fun so far. Although, that number of 162 is a little intimidating. Big commitment obviously. But this is a job that I wanted. And I'm thrilled to have it. Being a lifelong Braves fan, the opportunity to get involved came around and I jumped on it. Especially, when I was told Leo and Lemke were being approached.
     My new business card reads: Braves Pre-Game Show Host/Atlanta Braves Radio Network & Co-Host of Buck & Kincade Show. My job on this show is to squeeze as much insight from Braves legends Leo Mazzone and Mark Lemke as possible. But I didn't realize we'd be having this much fun. These two are a laugh a minute. And a pleasure to work with too. No big ego's getting in the way here. They show up ready to work AND have some fun. I like that!
     Leo loves to talk pitching. It's like he's teaching a pitching clinic each day. And I'm taking notes. Mark knows the game inside and out. He's a lifer. Both truely love the Braves organization and the game itself. So, we've got a lot in common. I'm focused on pulling some insight out of these guys, as it relates to this Braves team and the ones they played on. Mazzone's got some great stories about working with Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux. "Lemmer" did a really good job working with Jim Powell, while Don Sutton tood a few days off this past weekend.
     Going in, my only other concern (besides the 162 game schedule) was who the producer would be. I thought Jonathan Chadwick was the perfect fit, and when I was told he was the guy, the opportunity was a no-brainer. "J-Chad" grew up a Braves fan in Atlanta, played baseball at Oglethorpe, and had established some strong grass-root relationships, covering the Braves, for 680 The Fan, in spring training, the last 4-5 years. And he's a hard worker. Chadwick provides a daily script to all of us. Now, that's serious stuff.
      Leo & Lemke are teasing me about how I've been marketed on this show: The Braves Pre-Game Show will be hosted by "former Georgia quarterback"...they know the background, drafted twice (White Sox and Expos), played baseball at Georgia, etc. Oh well, whatever sells, right?
      Next time you are down at Turner Field for a Braves game, stop by and say hello. We're in the new Champion Windows Studio out in the centerfield plaza. Leo and Mark are signing autograph's (Glavine on Friday home games too). Mazzone and Lemke have these old-school Braves fans stopping by daily. There is "Rubber-Band Man" Joe, "Chief Knock-A-Homa" Bob, and "Bad Grill" Leroy. They swing by every home game to say hello. You should too.

Bobo Underappreciated

Buck Belue — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:11:00 GMT

Mike Bobo is unappreciated. There I said it. If the truth be told, Georgia football is lucky to have him this long. Muschamp and Smart are long gone. And Mike is still coaching them up in Athens. I say thank goodness for that.
    Why are guys like Christian LeMay coming to play at Georgia? One big reason why is the Quarterback Coach/Offensive Coordinator. " I plan to enroll at Georgia, unless something drastic happens, like Coach Richt or Coach Bobo is gone, or something crazy like that." Hear that?
    You hear a lot about Will Muschamp and Kirby Smart making it big elsewhere, but not a lot about Coach Bobo getting the job done at Georgia. The guy is recruiting with the best of them. Seriously. Lines them up, and then signs them up. Highly-rated QB's pay attention when Mike shows up to visit. LeMay. Hutson Mason. Murray and Mettenberger. Stafford. And his recruiting success doesn't end with the quarterbacks. Teenage football players respect Coach Bobo. It's a shame a portion of the fans don't realize what the 'Dogs have in Bobo.
    Mike is also coaching these guys up. Cox is his only season threw for over 2,500 yards and 24 touchdowns. Stafford performed at such a high level, the Lions were bragging about the job Bobo did with him at Georgia. Pay attention people. Shockley won a SEC Title and went into the NFL. David Greene won more games than any QB in the history of college football (until Colt McCoy). All these guys were coached up by Mike.
    I'll admit, I get frustrated with the fan that barks after a loss, "the play-calling stunk." Don't even get me started. Ignorance. Coach Bobo took an offense last season, with issues on the OL and at TE and a 1st year QB, and had them scoring 29 points a game.
    What is not to love about Mike Bobo at Georgia? He's a tireless worker. Totally committed to the Bulldog program. While others take the gravy train and leave, he stays. Former Bulldog captain. Georgia high school player of the year. Family man. A real Georgia man. Bulldog fans, you've got one of the top quarterback coaches and OC's in college football.

Time to Break Away From 'Dogs Coverage?

Buck Belue — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:38:00 GMT

The Georgia football season is 4 months away, but I'm debating whether to continue working the games on CSS. It's been a good ride of 10 years. Haven't done it for the money...it's just been fun following my program and breaking down the action as it unfolds. While others may have used this as a building block to chase down color analyst opportunities elsewhere, I've looked at this as a way to stay connected to the Bulldogs and to see the 'Dogs play. Never really wanted to call the S.Miss-UAB game, or Kentucky-Florida.
    The logistics are making it tough to continue. Hosting the Braves Pre-Game show will take me into September and that complicates things. Hosting 680 The Fan's Saturday College Football Today Show is difficult, when the 'Dogs are on the road. And most importantly, my children are busy playing on Saturday's now.
    Might be time for another Bulldog to step into this role. Kelin Johnson or David Greene. I feel like I've been hogging this role for too long. It's hard to tell. You don't get much feedback with this job, except some of those bloggers, who say, "that Belue doesn't know nothing."
    Working with Matt Stewart has been wonderful. He's a real pro that has been overlooked in this business. Matt works hard at this and is well-prepared every Saturday. It's been a pleasure working with him. Georgia should have hired him, when Larry stepped down (in some role).
    Also, it has been a whole lot of fun working with the legend Bob Neal. He's awesome. I've often thought of Bob, as I've grown in this business. He's a guy you can learn a lot from. Bob's done it all in this business.
     My four years at Georgia playing football and baseball were a dream come true for me. Still believe I've been the luckiest guy in Bulldog history. And this 10 years working for CSS has been enjoyable too. Just feel it might be time to pull away.

Bulldogs Quarterback Situation

Buck Belue — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:08:00 GMT

Aaron Murray is the starter. Right now, Logan Gray is the back-up. And Hutson Mason hits campus in late May #3 on the depth chart. So, there is the situation. Beyond that, there are two "preferred walk-ons" ready to compete also. Jesup native Parker Welch has made plans to come to Athens and compete. And Greg Bingham, from Columbus High is the other QB showing up.
    Coach Bobo is also hitting the recruiting trail hard right now. With or without Logan Gray in the plans, the 'Dogs need quarterbacks. They need to sign two in February. Minimum.
    Christian LeMay, out of North Carolina, is one of the top-rated quarterbacks in this class. He's set to announce his intentions live on ESPNU this Friday. Georgia is a serious player in this announcement (AJC's Chip Towers is making the trip up to see this in person). This guy threw for almost 4,000 yards and 44 TDs on the way to a AAAA State title last season.
    Nick Marshall is the man in Georgia, especially in Wilcox Co. He's a two-sport star. C.J. Uzomah at North Gwinnett is in play too.
    This is a great opportunity for Hutson Mason. He skips the scout team and starts out getting a good look. Richt and his staff are thrilled they got in on Hutson late. They would be in trouble if they had missed out on him and allowed him to get away.

Richt Talks With Logan Gray

Buck Belue — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:34:00 GMT

Logan Gray went to Coach Richt to discuss his future. He was disappointed with the news that Aaron Murray would be listed as the #1 quarterback heading to summer two-a-days. Like every other QB, he wanted to know the situation and consider his alternatives. You only get to play college ball once. Five years to play four seasons. No one wants to watch.
    I believe Coach Richt told Logan 3 things.
    (1) The competition is not over. There are 20 practices late this summer. You could still win the job.
    (2) We have the "Logan Package" in the offense and you'll be getting some playing time even if Aaron starts.
    (3) We love you and respect you. We'll support whatever decision you make.
    Do I believe he's going to transfer? No. The time to do that is past. And it's not like he hates where he's at. He loves Georgia. He'll stay and he'll play. Just one man's educated guess.

Logan Gray Considers Transfer

Buck Belue — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:30:00 GMT

Every QB in the history of College Football has considered transferring, after getting the short end of the stick on the depth chart. It's a natural soul-searching period. Logan Gray is no different than me, or Nate Hybl. You want to play, not watch. And you only have one college career. So, am I surprised Logan is examining his options? No.
   Would I be surprised if he left? Yes. Not many juniors transfer. Plus, he loves Georgia and is one twist of the ankle away from being where he wants to be.
    If he did leave, it would create a big void at the quarterback position, which is already thin. Incoming freshman Hutson Mason would skip the scout team for the back-up job. Greg Bingham, out of Columbus HS, will hit campus as a preferred walk-on, but he might end up getting Gray's scholarship if Logan left. So, the number of QBs would be 3.
    Obviously, keeping Aaron Murray healthy is mission #1 for Georgia, heading into the season. But once the season starts, that's out of their hands. Injuries happen when dudes get hit. Losing Logan Gray would be a problem. But it would sure make the current Georgia scholarship offers to those 5-star QBs very appealing. I hope Logan stays. He's respected by his teammates and the coaching staff. But if he leaves there are no hard feelings here. Again, he wants to play, not watch.

Falcons Draft Outside Linebacker

Buck Belue — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:12:00 GMT

Any Falcons fan could have told you that OLB was the team's biggest need. Van Gorder needed one in the worst way. Peterson's on the back-hill slide and the Falcons needed to get someone in here that can play. That guy is Sean Weatherspoon. And he'll be an impact guy immediately.
    Plug this guy in at WLB and turn him loose. In the base 4-3, he starts next to Peterson and Lofton. In the nickel package (which NFL defenses are in over 60% of the time), 'Spoon lines up next to Lofton. The Falcons targeted him because he's a 3-down linebacker.
    This dude can run (4.53 Pro Day forty). He's strong (weighs 239 pounds and benched 225 lbs 35 times at the combine). Plug in the game tape and you see him chasing down backs and covering tight-ends. Obviously, this is a great fit. Coach Van Gorder is thrilled.
    The selection was made easier for Dimitroff, because the other 2 players the Falcons had targeted were off the board. Derrick Morgan went 16 to Tennessee and Pouncey went the pick in front of Atlanta at 18. Dimitroff passed on TE JErmaine Gresham, who went to the Bengals (poor guy) 2 picks later.
    Mr. Blank's jet picked up Weatherspoon at midnight and flew him to Atlanta for today's press conference. Got a call saying 'Spoon was in the Men's Warehouse in Buford, when the doors opened this morning, to get a new suit. Source told me he wears a size 19 neck.
    And yes, I like the pick. It was a great fit. Not much of a reach. And it fills a huge need.

Pressure on Murray

Buck Belue — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:17:00 GMT

With Mettenberger out of the picture, all the pressure falls on Aaron Murray. Sure hope the kid from Tampa can handle it, because if he doesn't come through, the 'Dogs are in trouble at QB. Logan Gray will have a package of plays, where his legs can make an impact, but the season falls on Murray. He's got to stay healthy and protect the ball.
    I like Murray. He's a winner. Aaron's skill set is versatile. He can get it downfield and he can be accurate underneath. And the kid can also escape pocket pressure and throw it on the run. There is a lot to like.
    The one drawback is his height. At 6', he'll have some issues seeing and throwing it over those huge DL he'll face in big-time college football. Probably have some tipped balls. But I don't believe Richt & Bobo want him standing back in the pocket 40 times a game either. So, this is not a major issue.
    Fans are so fickle. Before the G-Day scrimmage, it seemed Aaron was a fan favorite. After G-Day and before Mettenberger's dismissal, the support shifted to Zach. Now, the critics are out on Murray.
    "His G-Day numbers weren't real impressive," one dude told me. "He's not the QB I thought he was." I shook my head and walked away from that one.
    "Murray can't throw the deep ball," my banker told me. "He missed 2-3 guys deep on G-Day."
    "He forced that interception," another guy said. "That concerns me." My response didn't seem to help this guy.
    Right now, Aaron Murray---like every other young, inexperienced QB---is learning the position at the major college level. Discovering what he can, and can not do. One of those learn thru experience deals. It's not like you just show up and start playing perfect football. There is a learning curve. And wouldn't you rather see him learn some of these lessons in scrimmages, than in real games?
    Murray will be okay. Trust me. He knows where the ball should go (A.J. Green, Orson Charles, Kris Durham) and he can make all the throws. Quit being so negative and cheer this guy on. He's your quarterback.

Mettenberger Dismissed From Team

Buck Belue — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:40:00 GMT

The dream ends, before it really even starts to play out. Zach Mettenberger was thrown off the Bulldog team today. Sources are telling me it relates to the incident in Valdosta a few weeks ago. It's not a new incident. Just details that have surfaced of late.
It's just another example of a young man ruining a great opportunity because of alcohol. Zach grew up in the Athens area dreaming of one day leading Georgia to victory on the football field. That isn't going to happen. His one night of boozing eliminated him from the competition.
Aaron Murray and Logan Gray now head into summer practice competing for playing time. The guess here says both will play early in the season, until there is some obvious seperation. Murray had the better spring and probably has a slight edge on the job right now. But you can stop that Logan Gray changing positions talk. He's not moving now. And incoming freshman Hutson Mason isn't out of the equation either.

Georgia QB's on G-Day

Buck Belue — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:35:00 GMT

Zach Mettenberger sure looks like a future star to me. He delivered some big-time throws downfield on G-Day. I really like the way he can throw it accurately intermediate to deep. It's Stafford-like. But it's his pocket presence that impresses me the most. Zach stepped up into the pocket several times and threw darts downfield. The 5-step fade to Wooten was a big throw. The back shoulder touchdown throw to McGowan was big-time. Zach was right. He looks "10 times better than last spring." And you can bet he's a serious contender for the job, regardless of what that depth chart looks like next week.
    Aaron Murray didn't have the stats that Zach did, but he should feel good about his performance. Didn't get much of a shot in the first half (2-3), but got the majority of the work with the #1 Offense in the 2nd half (8-19-96, 1 interception). I like how he was looking for A.J. Green, even though he missed him deep on a couple of throws. The interception was the result of poor protection & Aaron trying to force the ball to the fullback on an underneath check-down route. The linebacker sealed off the inside route and Aaron didn't see that. Better off taking the sack obviously. But these are good lessons. Murray looks confident and comfortable. Pretty polished for a redshirt freshman.
    Logan Gray went 7-13-102, with a touchdown. Bobo can take advantage of his mobility by dialing up the bootleg, which resulted in his TD throw to Durham. Logan is good on the underneath to intermediate throws, but his arm is not as strong as the other two, when it comes to gunning down the field. He got sacked a few times too.
    Bobo and Richt will now come out with a depth chart soon. This decision goes deeper than just scrimmage stats. The job has not been won. But they had to be impressed by the 2 redshirt freshmen. If it were me, I'd have them Co-#1's, heading into 2-a-days.