Georgia Football: 5 Bulldogs Who Can't Afford Poor Play in 2012 Fall Practice

Jeff Griffith-US PRESSWIRE

Fall practice is in full swing for the Bulldogs and the coaches are looking for two types of players.

The first type of player is the one that is going to have a great fall camp which will lead to better regular season. Players like that for the Bulldogs are Aaron Murray, Jarvis Jones, John Jenkins and Bacarri Rambo.

Then there is the player that had a great spring practice and look to be better during fall practice. Bulldogs that exemplify that are Corey Moore, Ray Drew, Jay Rome and Damian Swann.

But then there are certain group of players that are X-factors. These are the players that have to have a great fall camp in order to gain the trust of the coaches, players and the Bulldogs nation.

Here’re five Bulldogs who can’t afford poor play during 2012 fall camp.

John Theus

Photo from ESPN

With the recent news on Kolton Houston, the right tackle position becomes probably the most important on the roster. John Theus and Watts Dantzler are battling for that spot, but Theus has to show the coaches why he was a blue-chip recruit.

He doesn’t have to beat out Dantzler and that’s probably not going to happen because the coaches liked his play during camp. But if Theus is able to give Dantzler a run for his money, the offensive line will be a lot better than in years' past.

 

Photo Credit: ESPN

Ken Malcome

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

There are a number of running backs that look to be the top dog. But Ken Malcome is the No. 1 guy and has worked hard to earn that spot.

That’s a good reason why he can't afford poor play. He has to play like every play will be his last and show the rest of the running backs that if they want to take his spot, they are going to have to earn it.

If he struggles, there are a couple of backs that could take his spot, but it will be disappointing for Malcome, who had a strong second half of the 2011 season.

Keith Marshall

Photo from Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The other running back to look to steal the No. 1 spot is a Keith Marshall who was considered as the top, or one of the top running backs in the country.

Marshall is young and he will make his share of mistakes. But in order for him to make fans forget about Isaiah Crowell, Marshall has to have a strong fall camp and that should lead to a strong performance against Buffalo.

Having a strong camp for Marshall will help him this season to get ready for a SEC schedule that is no cakewalk. He was able to turn heads during spring session, so there is no reason he can’t have the same results this month.

 

Photo Credit: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Marshall Morgan

Photo from Scout

Blair Walsh did not end his career the way he wanted, but he had a good career and the next kicker will have some big shoes to fill.

That next kicker is expected to be Marshall Morgan and so far he is doing the all the right things to establish himself as the new kicker for the Bulldogs.

There are a few more kickers that are capable of taking the spot, but none have the same upside and leg strength as Morgan.

And with the special teams being less than average last season, it’s vital for Morgan to have a good camp to have that established before anything else is done.

 

Photo Credit: Scout

Malcolm Mitchell

Jeff Griffith-US PRESSWIRE

I know the thought process here and that is, how can Malcolm Mitchell have a bad camp?

It’s not so much about Mitchell having a bad camp; it’s about him having a good camp at corner to give some relief to a much needed position.

Mitchell played corner in high school and was recruited as a corner. But with all his focus last year at receiver, it will be interesting to see how fast he can adjust to his natural position.

It has been announced that Mitchell will play both ways this year, which is good, but the Bulldogs will need him more at corner than at wide receiver, even if Branden Smith will not miss any games.