From Athens-"Things to Ponder"

Mom always said if you ask the question you best be ready to hear the answer. This board know the art of pondering,The voice of concern about our young DB's and how little production has come from this group is valid.This year on defense do not look at the DL,LB's and DB as seperate units the Dawg's on defense will have a team synergy that has been missing since the Pollack years.

This group will play very well together and get better each week. CTG and his players will rise up and cause some havoc while on the field. Book it now !!

Buc wrote:

DAWG1277, give me some info if you can on Richard Samuel. Was RS handled right when he came on campus? It bothers me a bit that we did not see more out of this young fellow.

From what I remember RS was a LB'er in high school, and a damn good one. I think I can recall hearing about him breaking some kids collarbone? or something of the sort. He also had the speed, which is why he wound up at RB. Just didnt pan out for him. I think we will see him on the field this year. He has the speed to get to the ball, and that seems to be the "theme" for TG's defense. Which is FINE by me.

Interesting thoughts from knowledgable people. While I don't disagree, thought I would throw this in.

As bad as we were in coverage last season, a lot of that lies at the feet of quarterback pressure (lack of). While DeAngelo Tyson played his heart out, we just were not physically equipped to put the new defensive scheme in and make every part of the defense work.

Last season our defensive backfield at times looked like it was the first game most of the players had ever participated in. Every team that we played had their game plan set to take care of Number 42. I realize that Grantham pulling Number 9 down into the big men's area creates a problem, or maybe it relieves a problem with the defensive backs. Ogletree was sold on the idea that he would be a demon by changing positions by Grantham.

Grantham somehow seems to be a different person/coach when I look at him on film now versus his first year. Coaches have to evaluate their personnel, that can be a huge disadvantage with a new coach, don't care what his credentials are.

Grantham came in and did some things that opposing coaches don't usually do against the opposition. Called on the carpet for that, but I will never believe that he will lose the fire in the belly. Personally, like it.

Also believe that Grantham, Lakatos and newcomer Olivadotti will be on the same page from the get go. Grantham has stated publicly that this team is going to pass rush and strike some fear into opposing quarterbacks. Facing two pretty good quarterbacks right off to find out how good our rush is. Better be good, or our defensive backs don't stand a chance.

While I agree with getting after the quarterback, those defensive backs don't stand a chance out there on the island if the enemy is getting that extra two or three seconds each snap. Boise State quarterback gets extra time, long night possibly in Atlanta.

Would make this wager, Grantham has been in Kwame Geather's ear and has remained there the entire off season. JTII is doing his part, but JTII is not making out the lineup. If Kwame is all that has been said about him beginning in the Spring, our defensive backs are going to be fine.

In short, in agreement with quarterback pressure, have to have it . . . certainly makes for a better defensive backfield.

Also agree with you yankeedawg1, this year with the new parts coming off of the assembly line, it will be more team play. Playing physical is one thing, knowing how to play physical through understanding means much. Grantham and crew will make sure these players understand.

I have to agree from what has been stated that there is more of a team concept this year more than the last few years..........and I also think that our cover guys last year still had the Willie Martinez instilled "bend but not break" mentality that CTG has worked hard to reverse.....but........it has to be proven on the field to me at least that our cover guys can get the job done......the excuses from the last 2 years have taken thier toll and my patience is very thin.....the excuses with no one to step up on the DL to pressure the QB holds little water with me with the type of recruiting classes that we have had...........or who was available in the JC ranks....(Alabama and Auburn seem to be able to fix thier DL with no problem)....all the talk is good but prove it to me on the field.....

ogredawg wrote:

wlayton wrote:

Buc.....the safety position is STILL the problem child. Incoming freshman can NOT step in and fill that position at this level. That position is so critical for being in THE right position. Can't trust a freshman no matter how good he was in HS. He can be the best S in the country and not understand coverage schemes at this level.

Big concern.....better get to the QB.

got to agree with ya wlayton.....corners are a concern also no matter how much people are talking them up.....our cover guys have been below par the last 2 years.....along with the poor tackling......agree pressure the QB....

ogredawg......I feel pretty good about our corners. They have speed and have had enough playing time and experience. Safeties have GOT to maintain their coverage scheme positioning or we are dead meat.

Also agree with you (as does everybody probably).....show me on the freakin field!!!!

DAWG1277 wrote:

wlayton wrote:

Buc wrote:

Congratulations to Richt and the other coaches involved in our recent football signings. Guess I should say verbal commitments.

Checking out a couple of other boards around the internet, question seems to pop up as to how many scholarships remain and who will be chosen with those. I am casting my vote for offensive linemen, especially one in the JAX area. John Theus. Watched some film on John at camp, he is whatever folks want him to be ratings wise. Definitely has that streak.

Buc, talk here in Jax is that he's a done deal. A "package deal" with his brother. Believe behind the scenes, John said he would come to Athens if UGA offered his older brother. Why else would they have offered the older brother?? Long snappers are very important but not for a very valuable scholarship.

Reading on a couple other sites, I've also heard Theus was a lock. Hope so! We could def. use him...

Hey, hope this isn't bad news but I talked with "my guy" about John Theus being a lock and here's what he has learned and said.......



"UGA people have been hoping that all along. I know that the brothers are close, but I think it is FAR from a done deal. John has said all along that he is going to choose the place that is best for him. What scares me is that I know that he has developed a very, very strong relationship with Muschamp. Some have speculated that UF is in the lead for him.

We’ll see…"