Richard Samuel Shines at Georgia Scrimmage

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Richard Samuel stood and watched the last time Georgia scrimmaged in earnest. It was the culminating event in the tradition that has become spring football. Samuel did not participate as the race to replace Knowshon Moreno began. His injured wrist, still not fully healed, would prevent that.

As practice began for the 2009 season the names you heard most often were, Caleb King, Carlton Thomas, and even Washaun Ealey. Samuel of course was still in the mix, and most believed he would start the season as the number two tailback. But the buzz had died down some.

Today things may have changed.

Georgia scrimmaged today. Number one offense against the number two defense. Number two offense against the number one defense. Several players stepped up their game, but none more than the 18-year-old, six foot two inch, sophomore from Cartersville Georgia...Richard Samuel.

Samuel ran wild today. Samuel caught a long TD pass. Samuel broke tackles. You get the picture. Something that many UGA fans hope is just a taste of things to come.

Scrimmage numbers mean nothing, that I do understand. So with that in mind here are the numbers that Coach Mark Richt reported as "official unofficial.'

The Running backs:

Richard Samuel carried the ball 5 times for 108 yards. He scored twice on the ground, including a 63 yard TD run. Samuel also hauled in a 70 yard TD pass.

Caleb King carried the ball 5 times for 18 yards.

Carlton Thomas carried 5 times for 60 yards.

Washaun Ealey carried 5 times for 13.

The Quarterbacks:

Joe Cox was 9 of 13 for 158 yards and 2 TD's.

Logan Gray was 6 of 12 for 93 yards and 2 TD's.

Aaron Murray was 5 of 16 for 52 yards and a TD.

Zach Mettenberger was 1 of 10.

TE and WR:

Orson Charles (the freshman TE) caught 3 passes for 55 yards and 2 scores.

AJ Green caught 4 passes for 69 yards and a score.

For the Defense:

Roderick Battle was credited for 3 1/2 sacks.

Overall, some really impressive numbers. But of course this was just a scrimmage. Who knows who will step up in the coming weeks.

One last word on Samuel. He is my pick to start at tailback. I was fortunate enough to see him play in High School several times, and he is a beast on the field. I believe his inconsistent play last year stemmed from his young age. So maturity will be a big plus for him.

He is a big time player, who makes big time plays...The story you hear the most is how he lept over both lines during a FG attempt, landed on his feet, blocked the kick, and then returned it for a TD.

Yes it was just a scrimmage today. But it was Richard Samuel's scrimmage.

So Dawg fans, what do you think? Is Samuel going to take the number one spot?

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