Georgia Bulldogs 2009: Position Battles

With another college football season come and gone, it's time once again for spring practice. Like every team, Georgia must replace players who entered the draft, graduated, or were lost to injury. While every position is important, some are more vital to a team's success.

Let's take a look at some of the top position battles and the players participating between now and next season.

Quarterback

With Matthew Stafford opting to enter the NFL Draft, the starting job at quarterback has been passed on to fifth-year senior Joe Cox. However, Cox has some pretty impressive competition. The Georgia coaching staff will also be looking at redshirt sophomore Logan Gray and true freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger.

Joe Cox—While Joe Cox doesn't have the raw talent that Matthew Stafford showcased, he brings his own skill set. Even with limited play during his time at Georgia, Cox is one of the team's biggest leaders. What Cox lacks in arm strength he makes up for with deadly accuracy. He is also a great game manager and leads his team with passion. Joe never lost a game in high school.

Logan Gray—Logan Gray is very athletic and can make big plays with his feet. He is an accurate passer, and was said to have the strongest arm of the Georgia quarterbacks other than Stafford. Even if Gray doesn't land the starting job, expect him to see playing time in some packages that will allow him to run the football.

Aaron Murray—This kid is a stud. Plays well in the pocket but has the mobility to make plays with his feet. Has a strong arm and throws with great touch. Plays with fiery passion and shows great leadership. I see a bright future for Mr. Murray.

Zach Mettenberger—Standing at 6'5", Zach looks like your prototypical pro-style quarterback. Has a huge arm and can make the toughest throws. Makes good decisions. Zach Mettenberger is a quarterback with all the tools to be successful.

MY PICK(s)-Joe Cox and Logan Gray.

Running Back

Knowshon Moreno is leaving quite the shoes to fill at running back for the Georgia Bulldogs by leaving for the NFL. The best part about it for the remaining running backs? The job is up for grabs.

The front runner at this point is redshirt sophomore Caleb King, but nothing is guaranteed. King will have competition from true sophomores Richard Samuel, Carlton Thomas, and Dontavius Jackson. True freshman Washaun Ealey will also be in the mix.

Caleb King—King has good power and speed. He has the ability to accelerate at full speed out of a cut and has great balance. Shows excellent vision and can make people miss. Can catch the ball well out of the backfield as well. King needs to improve on his blocking skills in order to be a complete back.

Richard Samuel—Richard Samuel is a big, strong back that defenders hate to tackle. Has great vision and balance. Samuel has very good speed in the open field. If he hopes to compete for the starting job he will need to learn how to hold on to the ball.

Carlton Thomas—Thomas is a smaller back, but he is strong. He is an elusive runner that has good change of direction skills. Shows superior vision and balance. Runs well between the tackles and is dangerous once he makes it to the second level. Thomas will most likely see some action at kick return.

Dontavius Jackson—Jackson is a power runner that has been compared to former Georgia running back Kregg Lumpkin. Jackson is fast and can get around the edge, but does his best running between the tackles. Hits the hole hard but will also show patience.

Washaun Ealey—Ealey has all of the tools to be a great running back. Has good instincts and blocks well. The only glaring weakness in Ealey's game is his speed, but that can be overlooked (see Knowshon Moreno).

MY PICK(s)-Richard Samuel and Caleb King.

Cornerback

The secondary is one of the biggest weaknesses of a Georgia defense that struggled last year. The departure of cornerback Asher Allen to the draft doesn't help. Someone will need to step up for Georgia to be successful in '09.

Branden Smith—There's one word that is often used to describe Branden Smith—electrifying. Excels on offense, defense, and special teams. Has good cover skills, and has the size and speed to be a lockdown corner. One way or another, this kid is gonna play.

Prince Miller—Prince Miller is already a starter for the Georgia Bulldogs at corner and seems to have the spot locked down, but nothing is certain at this point. Miller has good burst out of breaks, good closing speed, and good hip flexibility. Is good at reading routes and knocking off timing at the line. Prince Miller is a solid player but seems to get beat on pass plays a little too often.

Brandon Boykin—Brandon has all the makings of a great corner. He will most likely see playing time returning punts and kickoffs. If he performs well in spring practice, Brandon will see playing time.

MY PICK(s)-Prince Miller and Branden Smith

Tight End

Orson Charles—Orson Charles is a tight end/wide receiver hybrid. He's powerful enough to provide good blocking as well as being tall enough and fast enough to make mismatches.

Aron White—Aron White is another tight end who can catch the ball well. He will be at his best when Georgia uses tight ends in their game plan more.

Bruce Figgins—Bruce Figgins is a bruiser used primarily as an extra blocker.

Arthur Lynch—Arthur Lynch, listed as the No. 1 prospect from Massachusetts, is a big man and a big catch for the Bulldogs. He will compete with fellow incoming freshman Orson Charles for playing time.

MY PICKS(s)-Orson Charles and Aron White.

Nothings is certain at this point. Many things are bound to change between now and next season. I expect some players to suprise, while others will underachieve. This is an exciting time for the Georgia Bulldogs!

GATA