Buck's Blog

Hanging Out With Trippi & Diamond 'Dogs

Buck Belue — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:53:12 GMT

Picked up some hardware this past weekend, during the Georgia-Auburn baseball series. Didn't realize it would be this much fun. Found myself hanging out with the legend Charlie Trippi, prior to accepting the Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award. My wife and children were there and they even allowed me to say a few words to the crowd. That was so cool.

Trippi hit .464, back in 1946, which still stands as a Georgia single season record. I made a run at him, my senior season in 1982, hitting .447. I got hot at the end of that season and padded the numbers some, so Mr. Trippi's record was safe.

It was so awesome to be recognized though. As I told the crowd, it was an honor to wear the Georgia uniform and play in the SEC. And I played with some awesome guys: Glen Davis, Jeff Treadway, Peyton Mosher, David Lanning, Joe Stewart, Jeff Pyburn, Rick Fuentes and Mike Wirth.

My college dreams came true. Coach Dooley allowed me to play baseball all 4 years and lived up to his word, during the recruiting process. Teammates in both football and baseball understood and supported my two-sport plan. I'll always be grateful. And man, it was fun.

G-Day Encouraging

Buck Belue — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:36:34 GMT

Got to see the CSS broadcast of G-Day, the day after the scrimmage. And I got to see a lot of encouraging things.

The O-Line was impressive. And that's huge. If the 'Dogs are going to be a Top 10 team this season, the O-Line is going to have to step up and perform. Lot of new faces up front.

Gates looked strong at left tackle. I was impressed. Thought maybe his feet weren't quick enough to slide him outside in this league, but he looks like the real deal. Kenarious has taken a big step forward. Looks ready for that challenge.

Kolton Houston looked solid at right tackle. Real athletic. A big guy that can move. Run block and pass block. He really looked like he belongs at that spot.

Inside it was Dallas Lee, David Andrews and Chris Burnette. They worked well with each other. Got those 2nd level, combo/zone blocks done consistently.

Plus, the two tight-ends can block too. Both Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome can play. Might see more 2-TE sets and run plays this season.

Anyway, the O-Line situation is encouraging. Not saying it looks like Alabama's, but Gates and Houston look for real.

Bulldogs O-Line Competition

Buck Belue — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:53:14 GMT

The Georgia O-Line is the key to the season. Grantham's defense is loaded. Murray has multiple weapons to throw it to, even with Malcolm Mitchell at CB. And the RB position group is suddenly deep and talented. Got to coach up the O-Line, in order to live up to those Top 10 expectations.

Right now, in the #1 huddle: Gates, Houston, Andrews, Burnette, and Austin Long.

Sounds like Kenarious Gates has plans of delivering at left tackle. That'd be huge. I was concerned with his feet, on the outside (not quick enough to handle those speed rushers), but Gates is stepping up so far. He is a mountain of a man, at 6'5, 330 pounds. And he has game experience. Stay tuned.

On the other side, Austin Long is holding up so far. This guy hit campus with an awesome resume', but injuries have wrecked his first 3 years at Georgia. Cross your fingers and hope he can stay healthy, because he has the talent and skill to deliver.

Keep hearing about how special David Andrews is at center. I'm now a fan. Andrews has kicked butt in the strength program and is determined to take over for Jones at center. He's a little light, but if he can play...turn him loose.

Houston and Burnette at guard gives the O-Line some versatility. Both these guys can move. Example: pulling on sweep, or blocking out on edge, on a screen pass.

Sure hope this unit comes together by September. Lot of work to get done, between now and then.

Richt Brags on Corey Moore

Buck Belue — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:35:28 GMT

Sure like the sound of this. Coach Richt spoke to Chip Towers and the rest of the media gang, after practice this week. Although he didn't comment on the looming suspensions of Rambo & Ogletree, Coach Richt did talk about some of the other guys...like the next man up at safety.

Corey Moore, a soph. from Griffin, is suddenly looking like the starter at FS, with Rambo back in trouble. But don't panic. Moore is starting to come on strong!

Richt: Corey is more confident this spring. He's strong, tough and physical. Has that strike you ability. Athletic. And finally: He'll be ready.

That starting to come on comment is predictable. For most guys, the first year is a blur. It's mostly about survival. After a full year in the program, that mindset changes. You're more comfortable with everything. You know the scheme. You know the players & coaches. Things slow down. You know what to expect.

The other compliments on Corey Moore are encouraging. Those traits of being strong, tough, physical and athletic sound like a good safety.

That "he'll be ready" statement is huge. The 'Dogs need Corey Moore to be good. That secondary is razor thin.

Plan B at Safety & Linebacker?

Buck Belue — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:46:12 GMT

So, what is the situation at Free Safety and Inside Linebacker? That is the question today, after news broke that the starters could be out to start the season.

Corey Moore looks like the next man up at FS. The young man from Griffin arrived on campus with an excellent reputation. He has the skills to play corner too. Corey has had a year to get comfortable with the Grantham system. He played in 12 games last season, as a freshman.

At ILB, the 'Dogs are in good shape, with Mike Gilliard and Christian Robinson returning. Amarlo Herrera would be the top back-up. Amarlo emerged as a guy Grantham could count on last season. As a true freshman, Herrera appeared in every game and made 8 starts. He's a tough tackler.

Malcolm Mitchell Moves to CB in Spring

Buck Belue — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:43:50 GMT

With the Branden Smith arrest, the 'Dogs CB spot has now turned into an emergency situation. Maybe Malcolm Mitchell can save the day. Richt told everyone listening today on 680 The Fan that Mitchell would be moving over to defense this spring.

Malcolm will be getting reps at CB, back where he flourished as a HS junior in Valdosta. The plan is to let him focus on learning Grantham's defense. Will he return to WR in the fall? Looks like he'll accept a dual role, at least early in the season.

Get ready for the next Champ Bailey.

The 'Dogs appear loaded at WR, where King, Brown, Bennett, Conley, Wooten and Justin Scott-Wesley will be available. Murray has plenty of weapons. But right now at CB, only Damian Swann is left as a legitimate starter. Enter Malcolm Mitchell.

Mitchell is a guy that Grantham is looking forward to plugging in. He's long, tall and talented. A playmaker. And he can match up on the bigger WR's.

Bobo might not be getting him back. I could see Malcolm making enough big plays, playing behind that pass rush, that he ends up making the transition almost full-time. Could develop into a 1st round draft pick. Stay tuned.

Here's my prediction, pre-spring...Malcolm quickly becomes a valuable part of Grantham's defense and becomes one of CF's most versatile players.

Dogs O-Line Into Spring

Buck Belue — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:42:19 GMT

The Bulldogs crank up spring practice on March 20th. Can't wait to take a look at the O-Line. Bet Murray is thinking the same thing. His success depends on what those guys get done up front.

When the first team offense huddles up for the first play of the spring, I'm wondering what 5 dudes will be in there representing the O-line? Or the better question is this: What 5 guys will emerge from G-Day looking like starters for 2012?

Basically, there are 11 big dudes competing for 7 spots (5 starters and 2 back-ups).

The educated guess here believes that Kenarious Gates will huddle up first at left tackle. Austin Long or Watts Dantzler will get the first looks at RT. Dallas Lee and Kolton Houston are at guard. Chris Burnette will cross-train at guard and center. It sounds like David Andrews will get a good, long look at center. JC transfer Mark Beard cross-trains at guard and tackle. Hunter Long is another young guy that'll get a look. That's 9 guys that are in the mix.

Sure hope to see RF Xzavier Ward mixing it up too. I've had several former OL I respect tell me how much they liked Ward in HS at Colquitt County...great combination of strength and quickness. He'll be coming off knee surgery. Zach Debell is another RF OL to check out.

So, that's 11 dudes who will get a look this spring. Coach Bobo and Coach Friend are looking for the best 5 guys.

Nations Top Recruit Visits Georgia

Buck Belue — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:33:51 GMT

Grayson HS star Robert Nkemdiche was on campus this weekend. He's the top-rated player in the state and the nation. Impressive? Absolutely. And it's good to hear that Coach Richt is attacking this recruitment the right way.

Nkemdiche is a monster D-lineman. At Grayson, in their state championship season, they put him at RB and gave him the ball too. He was automatic in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He was just running over guys.

Robert is a granite-like, 6'5 and 275 pounds. I got to see him in person, during the state playoffs. He appears to be cut out of stone. Rock-solid, but also an impressive athlete. Not your normal big dude. He can move.

Anyway, Coach Richt has reportedly told him he can play RB at Georgia, as well as lining up at DE. Good move. Roll out the red carpet for this guy! Appeal to his desires. Sell him on that short-yardage, goal-line role! The 'Dogs obviously need help there.

Nkemdiche met with Grantham and "liked" what he heard. Says he'll continue to consider Georgia. The only other visit he's gone on is to Alabama. He'll also look at LSU, FSU, Florida, Oregon and Ole Miss (where his older brother plays).

The 'Dogs got a good break, by getting him into to Athens early in the process. Don't want to play from behind on this guy. It was important to get up top. But there is a lot of work to do with him. He'll hear every promise in the book.

Saban Going After 'Dogs Commit Ramsey

Buck Belue — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:40:50 GMT

Can't say that I blame Coach Saban for going after Camden Co. HS QB Brice Ramsey. He's one of the top-rated QBs in the Class of 2013. Obviously, Nick isn't going to be scared off by the fact that Brice has already committed to Georgia. Saban will try to change his mind.

But it doesn't look to me like Ramsey will be coming off his commitment to Georgia.

Coach Bobo got into Camden County first. Spent an entire day there studying video and then, observing spring practice. Mike formed an immediate relationship with Brice, before these other schools even knew that this young man could play. That's big, in this case...because trust will be a huge factor with the Ramsey family. More on that in a moment.

Brice attended a 'Dogs summer camp last year, committed on the spot and started recruiting some playmakers. He's close with Goose Creek, SC WR Tramel Terry and got him to commit. He worked on Yulee, FL RB Derrick Henry and get him to commit. He also got close to 'Dogs new signee John Theus, who just signed a couple of weeks ago.

Even if Brice is impressed, after visiting Alabama in the coming weeks, not sure how you go back on what's already taken place. And before you slam the kid for visiting Alabama think about this... he's probably just interested in seeing the program. I was the same way, when I visited Bear Bryant. Curious about their success, not interested in signing with them. And it's nice to have something to compare Georgia to.

Here is what Coach Bobo and Richt have to sell: 1- a track record of success for QBs at Georgia and the NFL (Stafford, Greene, Shockley), 2- opportunity to stay close to roots & compete for title, and 3- chance to play early (Murray probably exits after this season).

The Tide can only brag about 1 of those 3 factors (play for a title).

Now, back to the trust factor.

Brice Ramsey's Dad is a Navy sailor, who is being transferred out at the end of this year, for 3 years. So, Brice's Dad, Mom and sister will be moving. Maybe overseas. Maybe to the west coast. Mom is already on record about the trust factor. Got to leave him with people they trust. This is a huge factor in this process.

Coach Saban is playing a game of catch-up. Richt and Bobo have already established trust. The final issue with Georgia will be Richt getting that contract extension.

Just watched Brice Ramsey's highlight tape. Camden County runs a Wing-T attack, which has been tweaked, in order to take advantage of Ramsey's ability to throw it. I was impressed. He has a natural throwing motion. Throws the deep ball impressively. Can move around comfortably. Brice only has 1 full season of competition under his belt, so he will continue to improve this coming season. The sky is the limit. Right now, he's 6'3" and 195.

You'll be hearing a lot about Robert Nkemdiche (Grayson) and Reuben Foster (LaGrange), in the coming months. But Brice Ramsey is #3 on the state of Georgia's top-rated players list.

'Dogs Might Offer Alford

Buck Belue — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:07:46 GMT

The Bulldogs currently have a little room, under the NCAA limit of 85. Best I can tell, they are 7 short of the max. Why? How? Well, they came up a little short on national signing day. And Richt had to run those 3 guys off for reportedly having sticky fingers.

Word on the street says that Richt is close to offering Mario Alford. Probably need to jump on this one. This guy can play. He's a former HS QB, who won the Georgia state 100M, with a 10.77. Just watched his highlight reel from this season at Georgia Military JC, where he played WR and had a number of explosive plays. He can fly. And he looked like a football player, not just a track guy.

Why was he at Georgia Military? Reportedly, he was a late qualifier. But he's qualified now and would have 3 years of eligibility remaining.

Take a look at the highlight reel. It's impressive. He took a lot of those hitch routes to the house.

With the lack of depth at CB, it might be foolish to allow Branden Smith to return kicks this season. Alford looks like a candidate for that role. Wonder if he could play corner? Anyway, Richt needs to sign this guy up, if he clears the background check. The 'Dogs have room and this guy can play.

Big Secondary Concerns

Buck Belue — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:52:05 GMT

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.

Wild Signing Day for Bulldogs

Buck Belue — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:18:07 GMT

   The Josh Harvey-Clemons story is the talk of the town. Valdosta, Athens and Atlanta. And everywhere else Bulldog fans are today. Crazy, uh? I really feel for Josh, right now. Try and put yourself in his shoes. It had to be embarrassing. It was supposed to be a great day and it all came crashing down. Sure hope he can get this resolved quickly.
   Like most signing days, it was a mixed bag. Good and bad. Missed on JaQuay Williams and Avery Young. Hit on Josh Dawson. Secured Jonathan Taylor and Jordan Jenkins. Landed the top rated players in 4 different states. John Theus is a big deal. So is Marshall and Gurley. Addressed some major needs, by signing both Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber. Still have a shot at Harvey-Clemons. There is much to feel good about. Getting Sheldon Dawson out of Memphis is a boost, especially if he turns out to be the next Boykin.
   It would be awesome to hit on all of these guys. But that's not realistic. The best approach is to wish those guys well and move on.
   Anxious to see the guys that come in a little under the radar...Blake Tibbs, Quayvon Hicks, Ty Smith, Greg Pyke, Leonard Floyd and James Deloach. This is a solid class.
   Hoping they add one more to the list.

Focused on Impact Guys From 2011 Class

Buck Belue — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:57:23 GMT

So much of the buzz recently has been about the 'Dogs Class of 2012. Will Richt finish the drill and flip some of these guys? What will Josh Harvey-Clemons do? Big questions, uh?

But let's be realistic. How many will make an immediate impact? Not many.

That's why I'm focused on last year's class. Wondering who steps up this year? They've had a year to develop, mature and get coached up. Maybe some of them are ready to play ball in 2012.

Let's start with the offense. Two guys jump off the page: Jay Rome and Chris Conley.

We caught a glimpse of what Conley is capable of this past season. Chris got a taste of the action and was impressive. Caught 16 balls, with 2 TDs. That 6'3" frame looked smooth running routes. Great hands. Can go up and get it. And with a year in the system, he should make a big jump this year. In fact, this WR corp will be one of the best in CF: King, Mitchell, Brown, Bennett and Conley. That's a solid group.

Orson and Aron have moved on and left a void at TE. Arthur Lynch should step in and be physical, with his huge 6'5", 275 lb. frame. And I'm expecting Jay Rome, who took a redshirt season, to step in and make an impact. Jay's a talented young man, who can block, run and catch it. And he's a big target, at 6'6" 255 pounds. Look for Bobo to utilize the 2-TE set this season and run it.

Over to the defense, now. Ray Drew and Damian Swann are all looking to grab playing time in 2012.

Drew has had an opportunity to sharpen up his technique. Bet he makes a move now. Bring some heat off the edge, opposite Jarvis Jones. Knock some guys around. Washington is the starter, but Drew is looking to take some playing time away from him.

With Boykin moving on the NFL and Commings in trouble, Grantham needs a couple CBs to emerge. Swann got to taste big-time CF as a freshmen. Looking for him to take the next step this season. Damian has impressive ball skills. Time to show it off this spring. Can't wait to see him play ball.

In fact, looking forward to seeing all these guys hit the field...Conley, Rome, Drew and Swann. This should be fun.

Josh Harvey-Clemons Head Spinning

Buck Belue — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:20:30 GMT

The states top-rated player is getting "press coverage" right now. Richt is in Valdosta and will go to church with him tonight. Jimbo Fisher shows up tomorrow for lunch. Gator assistant coaches will attend his Lowndes High football banquet tomorrow night. And then, he's probably off to Miami to visit the 'Canes. That is, if Louisville doesn't finalize his travel plans for a visit there.

The crazy life of a 5-star recruit, who is still wavering on where he wants to go to school. And his grandpa is the one guiding him through all this, because his parents are deceased. I feel for the young man. I also respect his grandfather.

My sources are telling me that Grandpa favors Florida, because Gainesville is a lot closer to home than Athens. I also hear that Josh favors Georgia. And that Grandpa doesn't want him at FSU, because he feels like his former LHS teammate Greg Reid is a bad influence. That's what I'm hearing.

Watched his highlight tape again. The young man has some outstanding ball skills. He can chase, sideline-to-sideline. Looks comfortable in space, where he can cover. Can bring heat off the edge, when he rushes the passer. Huge wingspan. Projects to easily put on another 20-30 pounds, as he matures.

He also looks really raw. Technique not real sharp. Has trouble getting off blockers. So, like a lot of guys, he needs to get coached-up.

Is he an instant impact guy? I believe he probably needs a year of work, before he gets on the field, with a big role at LB. Could play on special teams as a freshman.

Hunker Down Time For Richt & Staff

Buck Belue — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:14:28 GMT

Let me just say that I like how Coach Richt and his staff can recruit to the finish line this year. In years past, they would have already wrapped up the recruiting class. Probably missed on some good players because of it. Not this year.

Georgia has room to sign 6-8 more players. Richt has a shot this week to go into homes and seal the deal. Sell the 'Dogs program hard. He's "a closer" this week. Again, I like that.

A lot of these players have trouble making up their minds. They go back and forth. Lean towards one program, then flip a week later. Sometimes it comes down to the final week. And that's where we stand right now.

Priority #1: Josh Harvey-Clemons in Valdosta. I've got the urge to drive back home and sell him on Georgia. That's a NCAA violation, right? Better not. But I feel like it. Maybe former 'Dog LB Randall Godfrey, a former Lowndes High star, got in his ear at some point. Anyway, Georgia has a 50/50 shot of signing the states top-rated player and we can't allow him to slip away to Florida or FSU.

Now the Seminoles are making a late run at Harvey-Clemons. That scares me. Lowndes High Head Coach Randy McPherson is "a FSU guy." They've always funneled players to Tallahassee. Suddenly, this smells.

John Theus looks to me like he's "college ready," but the 'Dogs could use more of this...Avery Young would be a boost to this class. He's the 2nd ranked OL in the state of Florida, behind Theus. Maybe he didn't like Miami this weekend.

WR JaQuay Williams and DT Dalvin Tomlinson appear to be long-shots, but maybe Richt can flip them. Bet Auburn is busy pointing out the young WRs Georgia already has and how much they need him. Dalvin has had the look of a Tech man for months. But go sell Georgia, anyway.

Sheldon Dawson, from Memphis, would be a nice addition to this class. We'll take all the playmakers we can get, right? Kenny Crawley, a D.C. DB, has a decision to make, after backing out from a Tennessee VC. Bulldogs have a shot with him. JC WR Cordarrelle Patterson has had the re-carpet treatment all over the SEC and now has a big decision to make...will it be LSU, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas or Georgia? Josh Dawson is another player the 'Dogs need to put the press on. Tech turned back on Lanier County High DE/OLB Junior Gnonkonde, so 'Dogs need to jump him quick.

Glad to see Coach Richt and his staff pushing hard toward the finish line. Go get these guys! Finish the drill! Got 6-8 spots to fill.

Can 'Dogs Lure In Josh Harvey-Clemons?

Buck Belue — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:41:23 GMT

Rivals has him as the top-rated player in the state. So does Scout. ESPN too. Josh Harvey-Clemons is also undecided, which makes this the most anticipated announcement of National Signing Day, in the state of Georgia.

His grandpa says it's come down to Georgia or Florida. We won't know until makes the announcement. Who will it be?

Best I can tell, both sides have positives and negatives.

The Gators have a couple of things working in their favor. 1- Gainesville is 90 minutes from Valdosta. 2- Florida is thin at the LB position. So, Grandpa is close by and Josh can see early playing time. The negatives? The Gators are in a rebuilding mode. And there has never been a Lowndes High player play for the Gators. Josh wants to win. And he would be more comfortable if there was a little Lowndes High history at Florida.

The 'Dogs have a good and bad list too.

The Good: Josh and Coach Grantham hit it off. Todd sold him on the SLB position, as his best fit. He had video to back that up. Another positive revolves around this group being in position to compete for a championship next season. And there are some Valdosta products already on the team. One more thing; former Bulldog LB Randall Godfrey is a Lowndes High star. Josh feels comfortable at Georgia.

What's the negative? Athens is 4 hours from home. And he sees quality depth lined up at the LB position. Playing time isn't as easy to imagine, when compared to what the Gators have.

Obviously, Georgia always hopes to sign the states top-rated player. This year is no different. And if the Bulldogs do land Josh, they will have lured in 3 of the states Top 5 players. That's good work.

2 Weeks From National Signing Day

Buck Belue — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:11:55 GMT

The clock is ticking. Two weeks before the big day.

Sure would be nice to hear that the 'Dogs got the 2 big guys still uncommitted. OLB Josh Harvey-Clemons and DT Dalvin Tomlinson. That would be another big boost to this recruiting class.

My Valdosta sources are telling me that Josh Harvey-Clemons visit this past weekend as a good one. Grantham was a big hit. They bonded. Coach was selling Josh on the SLB position. It's a spot where he could get the most out of his skill set...rush the passer and play in space. And there is an opportunity to play early.

Reading Michael Carvell's coverage at AJC.com, it sounds like grandfather likes Coach Richt and appreciates the early morning tutoring program. Georgia's got a good shot at getting him.

I watched him play in one of the all-star games and really liked his athleticism. He moved around so easily. So smooth. Chased the ball carrier aggressively. He's a little light right now, but his frame can hold 30 more pounds. Can't wait to see him a couple of years from now.

Lowndes High has always been a great recruiting spot for FSU. The Seminoles have owned that school. So, it's nice to see that Josh is exploring beyond the norm. Georgia's got so much to offer. And it's got to help us, with Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell already on campus.

'Dogs Get Help at Running Back

Buck Belue — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:14:24 GMT

Keith Marshall is already on campus. And now, Todd Gurley has committed. Obviously, the Bulldogs have stepped up the competition level at RB. I'm guessing these two guys aren't looking to stand on the sideline this coming season. They are coming to play.

Suddenly, Isaiah Crowell has some competition. And the 'Dogs have some alternatives, if Crowell isn't available.

Gurley and Marshall appear to be an outstanding 1-2 punch. Keith is a shifty, speedy, make-them-miss talent. Todd is a tough, between the tackles, banger...who can also run past defenders. This is a nice combination.

Add Ken Malcome to the mix too. He really came on strong in 2011. Got to figure that he's only going to get better in 2012.

So, that's 4 legit RBs. Should be able to get them all playing time. Probably need them all, in order to get through the season. AND PLAYING TIME WILL BE EARNED. The starter will have earned that honor.

Bryan McClendon needs to be complimented. Nice job recruiting and selling the program. The competition is tough out there. Bryan connected with this guys. Deserves a raise too.

How We Replace Orson Charles

Buck Belue — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:46:44 GMT

Orson is off the the NFL. Look for him to be another Georgia TE who ends up being a successful pro. Obviously, he can catch it. Runs good routes. Physical enough to bring it down in traffic. I see Orson being a 2nd round pick, by a team with a west coast scheme. Probably the second or third TE off the board.

But how do we replace him at Georgia? I believe we are in good shape at TE, even though the offense lost Charles and Aron White. But Coach Bobo will be changing the scheme. Orson and Aron were good receiving TE's, who we flexed out a lot.

The new guys have a different skill set. Can't wait to see redshirt freshman Jay Rome take the field. Jay is 6'6" in cleats and 260 pounds. Big enough to block and also a big target. Junior Arthur Lynch is a physical blocker, at 6'5" 270 pounds. Coach Bobo will probably be using 2 TE sets and pounding the rock a little more.

Rome's uncle was an awesome HS TE at Valdosta High. His Dad was the most talented WR that ever put on a Valdosta uniform. Both were highly competitive. Jay comes from good stock. He looks like a combination of both. Can block. Can catch. Team guy, who wants to win.

Orson Charles will be a success in the NFL. But he leaves the position in good hands.

Roll Tide, Roll

Buck Belue — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:29:59 GMT

Alabama crushed LSU, in the rematch.

A.J. McCarron elevated his play big-time. McElwain got him some easy flat throws immediately, which gave him some confidence. The Tide got some plays out of its WR group, even after Maze left with an injured hamstring. Thought they did a nice job of using back-up RB Eddie Lacey early in the game, so Trent Richardson would be fresh late.

Kirby's defense pitched a shutout. They stuffed the option. Obviously, they worked overtime on that, with 6 weeks to prepare. As always, they smothered the run game on 1st down. Courtney Upshaw, the games defensive MVP, was a difference-maker up front. On the edge, CBs Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie played tough. Barron was a beast, at safety.

The big keys to victory? I've got one on each side of the ball.

The Alabama offense is going to miss OC Jim McElwain, who has left to lead the Colorado State program. His plan was masterful. THE TIDE USED A 2 TE SET THE ENTIRE GAME TO HELP CONTROL THE TALENTED LSU FRONT 4. So, Alabama had 7 capable blockers on the field, at all times. Michael Williams and Brad Smelley played a huge role in the win.

Defensively, THE TIDE TOOK AWAY THE RUN GAME AND MADE JORDAN JEFFERSON TRY TO BEAT THEM WITH HIS ARM...and that wasn't going to happen. Jordan is a runner, not a thrower. How did they take away the run game? They put 8 strong players in the box. They were disciplined against the option.

ALABAMA WON THE SPECIAL TEAMS BATTLE TOO, which was huge. Cover team got after Claiborne on kick-offs. Return teams executed. And Shelley was 5-7 on FGs.

Saban's team had only 1 penalty. They just dominated the top-rated team in CF. Impressive.