University of Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is in the spotlight as the Bulldogs get this football season started. Can he get all these new guys coached up and ready to hunker down? That is the big question entering the 2013 season.
The season kicks off Aug. 31 against a dangerous Clemson offense. One week later, Georgia faces Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks. Talk about a tough start to the season. Grantham has to put this defense together quickly. Got to find out who is ready to play ball.
But there is good news: The Bulldog offense is loaded. Almost everyone is back. Quarterback Aaron Murray came back. Sophomore running backs Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall return as veterans. The ’Dogs’ O-line is finally deep and experienced. There are two strong options at tight end. And there is plenty of talent at wide receiver.
This Georgia offense should be fun to watch, but it’s critical that they get off to a fast start and lead the way while Grantham’s defense gets settled.
After seeing the annual G-Day spring scrimmage, the Georgia defense looks encouraging. This unit has a chance to be quicker and more athletic. Sounds good against all these spread offenses. And Grantham’s units have thrived in forcing turnovers the last two seasons. He’s counting on this defense to do the same thing — attack and make plays.
Garrison Smith, Mike Thornton, Sterling Bailey and Ray Drew left spring practice looking like the top four guys on the D-line. All four need to re-establish themselves when practice starts. New coach Chris Wilson needs to find some quality depth quickly. Can John Taylor, Chris Mayes or Toby Johnson emerge as players up front? Playing time is up for grabs.
At linebacker, Amarlo Herrera and Jordan Jenkins appear to be impact players. Herrera is a tough inside run defender. Jenkins can come off the edge and make plays.
In the spring, Ramik Wilson and James DeLoach grabbed the other two linebacker spots. Freshman Reggie Carter made some noise in the spring. This linebacker group looks pretty deep. Chase Vasser, Josh Dawson and T.J. Stripling offer up more depth.
It’s the lack of experience in the secondary that has Grantham losing sleep entering the season. Playmaking corner Damian Swann returns, but the other spots are green. Freshman free safety Tray Matthews arrived early and earned the free safety job. Josh Harvey-Clemons will miss the Clemson game but is expected to be outstanding at the other safety spot. Connor Norman is a nice option to rotate in. Corey Moore should be competing for playing time.
So, what’s the weak spot on this young Georgia defense? It’s cornerback. Swann can play, but who else is ready to deliver?
Sheldon Dawson is an important new guy on defense. The Bulldogs really need him to step up opposite Swann. Dawson had an impressive spring until he had some hamstring issues. Devin Bowman is a third-year player with an opportunity to grab the nickel corner spot. Freshman corner Shaq Wiggins has a shot to play early, if he’s ready. Dude sure looked impressive on that high school highlight reel.
Offensive firepower
Georgia’s balanced offense thrived last season, averaging 33 points in SEC play. With almost everyone back, how do they build on last year’s success?
The O-line should take a step forward. John Theus survived his freshman season at right tackle. Is he now ready to take over at the critical left tackle spot? Kenarious Gates looks like the best fit at right tackle. Mark Beard can be a quality option. Xzavier Ward came on strong this spring. Inside, at guard Dallas Lee and Chris Burnette are returning starters. David Andrews is back at center. This unit looks stronger than last season.
Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo has access to two quality tight ends this season, with Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome set to go. Rome is a big target with good hands. Jay could make a big impact this season and give this offense a boost. Lynch is a solid, all-around player. Expect better play at this spot.
Malcolm Mitchell is officially Murray’s “go-to guy” at wide receiver. Mitchell has that big-play ability. The scouting report: shows off some dangerous double-move routes. Good, strong hands. A playmaker. Can make ’em miss. Competitive. Set to have a breakout season.
Michael Bennett returns and has Murray’s trust. Bennett makes an impact on third down and in the red zone by making the tough catch. Aaron loves having him back in the mix. Chris Conley looks like he’s ready to be an impact guy. Justin Scott-Wesley can catch it. Rantavious Wooten is a nice option in the slot. Newcomer Jonathon Rumph looks ready to play. This wide receiver group is deep and talented.
Surely there is not a better 1-2 punch at running back in college football than Gurley and Marshall. Gurley did special things as a freshman (17 TDs/pounded Alabama) and looks to be poised to be great in 2013. Can’t wait to see more of this. He’s a big back (225 pounds) who can do it all. Look for his workload to increase. Got to figure Gurley will be getting 20-25 touches, minimum. Feed the beast, especially early in the season against Clemson and South Carolina.
Marshall complements Gurley perfectly. Marshall is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches it. So, Gurley roughs them up. Then, Marshall rips off big runs. No wonder Murray came back. He’s got the keys to an offense that is locked and loaded for another productive season.
Murray wants a title for Georgia before he leaves. Well, this is his last shot. If the defense can play ball, The ’Dogs have a shot.