Georgia Bulldogs: An Early Peek at the Dawgs' Offense for 2009

If you guys were not aware, I had another username under Michael Foster, but I recently deactivated that email. I went in with my first post on B/R by taking a look at the 2008 Bulldogs.

Overall, I feel like my claims were very accurate, so I've decided to take a premature look at the 2009 season. And when I'm on target again this time next year, I can say, "I told you so" (kidding).

The real motivation behind me writing this article is my excitement for next season! Just like every fan does when his/her team's hopes and dreams go down the drain midseason, I have already started looking into the future of the Georgia program.

No program in the SEC is more on the wire right now than UGA. A few paychecks in the big leagues could lead to another "rebuilding year."

Georgia will also have plenty of draft-eligible prospects who are talented, but may want to have a second chance to show off their potential at Georgia.

Just like the Georgia season as a whole, many high-caliber athletes like Asher Allen, Geno Atkins, Reshad Jones, etc. could use an extra year to hit their peak. They have all had trouble this season.

Injuries, as well as maybe a lack of discipline, have led to a pretty disappointing season. I wish I could get the word out, but I believe everyone who is not graduating should return next season.

If that happens, Georgia will have an opportunity to grab an SEC title. I have faith that all of these players want that, and I have a feeling premature departures on behalf of some players would hinder the team in terms of future success.

So, for the sake of the individual and the team, Georgia players need to return next season and achieve something special.

Hopefully, the '09 seniors and redshirt juniors decide to stay, because these guys all have all-SEC potential and could be great leaders next season. We are talking the likes of Matthew Stafford, Knowshon Moreno, Asher Allen, Reshad Jones, Geno Atkins, and even the injured Jeff Owens.

I will address my early-season preview considering both scenarios—that these guys stay or leave.

Quarterback

Georgia should have Matthew Stafford returning next season. Stafford will have the opportunity to become one of the winningest quarterbacks in Georgia history. But more importantly, Stafford will be projected a high draft pick in this year's lottery.

You can't replace Stafford's arm or accuracy. There is no doubt he might be the most talented quarterback in Georgia's history. However, Stafford hasn't had the luxury of that offensive line that developed late last season.

I believe Stafford, with a slew of talented receivers and a strong offensive line (for once), could be a Heisman Trophy winner next season.

If Stafford leaves, Georgia will lean on the shoulders of redshirt senior Joe Cox. Cox was actually recruited extremely high out of high school, and was the talk of the future in Athens when Georgia was looking to replace the great D.J. Shockley.

Georgia is definitely investing in quarterbacks for the future as well. Logan Gray, who has never taken a snap from center, but has been on special teams all season, brings a great combination of athleticism and smarts. Georgia also brings in Aaron Murray out of Plant High School in Florida.

Murray, ironically, like Caleb King, broke his leg during his senior year of high school. However, he was one of the top recruits in the country before then, and despite his fallen stock (Which might just be a result of the economic crisis? No worries?) is very talented.

Despite the talent that sits behind him, there is no doubt in my mind that Georgia's chances of a national title drastically increase if Stafford stays in Athens.

Running Backs

Once again, Georgia is stacked at an offensive position. However, losing a legendary runner like Knowshon Moreno could hurt Georgia's play and confidence. We all know how much No. 24 sparks this team, and Georgia fans would rather see that spark light a fire next season than see him walk away.

Despite solid numbers, I believe Moreno has had an off-year. He ran so much better in 2007 behind that solid offensive line. This season, Moreno has had to rely solely on his incredible athleticism to gain yards. Rarely have I seen the line clear the way for Moreno, and I'm sure you have all noticed how many times he runs right into three defenders.

Moreno, like Stafford, should benefit from a healthy and experienced offensive line. Behind Moreno will be either Richard Samuel or Caleb King.

Samuel right now seems to be the front-runner to replace Moreno, if and when he leaves. Samuel, aka "The Freak," brings a serious combination of hard-nosed speed and power. He is labeled as a downhill runner, and rightfully so, but he also has shown some flashy moves that I thought were impossible for a 6'2", 215-pound tailback.

King has failed to blossom this season into what we thought. A limited amount of carries has kept King off highlight reels this season, though he has showed some fantastic agility.

I would be very interested in seeing what this guy could do as a full-time tailback. The problem is, the guy hasn't been hitting the field.

Georgia will also have the shifty and speedy Dontavius Jackson, who was redshirted this season due to the handful of talent ahead of him. And I know all of you Georgians out there are aware of high school standout (and Georgia touchdown king) Washaun Ealy.

Ealy plans on being a Bulldog in 2009.

Also, why don't we just call Georgia "Fullback U?" Patrick Pass, Mack Strong, Verron Haynes, JT Wall, Jeremy Thomas, Brannan Southerland, and now...Shaun Chapas.

Chapas has been so great this season, he's taken the starting position. Southerland spent the first half of the year on the sideline, and still is not 100 percent. In his absence, Chapas has proven to be a great fullback.

Receivers

Georgia is definitely going to miss the luxury of having a wideout like Mohamed Massaquoi. Mo-Mass, more simply put, has evolved from a big piece of raw talent into a mature leader and a clutch performer.

One of the biggest reasons AJ Green has had success this year has been the presence of Massaquoi on the other side. It will be interesting to see how AJ Green, who leads the SEC in receptions and yards, will fare as the primary focus for defenses in '09 (especially if Knowshon isn't in town).

Green will, without a doubt, be the primary receiver for the Dawgs next season, and has potential to be one of the greatest receivers at a school that isn't known for producing NFL talent at the position.

The second guy on my list is Michael Moore. Moore, who will be a senior, has been a solid slot receiver this season. He has proven he is not afraid to go over the middle and make tough grabs. At 6'2" and 188 pounds, Moore could take over as the No. 2 guy. However, I think he is more valuable in the slot.

Kris Durham and Israel Troupe should fill in the rest of the group. Georgia will lose Massaquoi, Kenneth Harris, and Demiko Goodman to graduation.

And don't be surprised if sophomore Tavares King turns some heads, too.

The tight end position will be between Aron White and Bruce Figgins. White is more of a receiver, while Figgins is a big blocker.

Offensive Line

The line has really struggled to stay intact this season, and the offense has directly struggled because of that. Georgia has had a different starting five just about every game this season. Championship teams never have this problem.

Georgia will return Trinton Sturdivant next season; he has been sidelined all season with a torn ACL. I expect the other starters to be guards Clint Boling and Cordy Glenn and either Ben Jones or Chris Davis at center.

Vince Vance (6'8", 320 pounds), or the highly athletic Kiante Tripp, will start at tackle, opposite Sturdivant.

Without injuries, that lineup will be very good. Georgia has had no depth this season due to injuries.

Georgia's offense this season has already proven to be one of the best offenses in the SEC, and may be the most balanced in the country.

I believe Georgia's offense could evolve into one that will be feared by everyone on its schedule next season.

So, tell me what you guys think.

I'll be back very shortly with the defensive prognosis, as well as a peek at the schedule.