Georgia Football: Breaking Down Goals Bulldogs Must Meet During Fall Camp

Thursday marked the start of fall camp for the Bulldogs as 105 players battled the heat at the Woodruff Practice Field to get ready for a season that includes high expectations.

Even though the pressure is on Mark Richt and the Bulldogs to win big, and the offseason for them was one to forget, there is a lot of optimism around campus.

The reason for the optimism could be the fact that the Bulldogs are the defending SEC East Champions and are returning all but one starter from last year's top-five nationally ranked defense.

But in order to reach their goal of winning the SEC and having a chance to play in the BCS National Championship Game, they have to address some issues that could hurt them down the stretch if they don't.

Here are the goals the Bulldogs must meet during fall camp.

Establish the Offensive Line

It's bad enough that the Bulldogs have to replace three starters that departed for the NFL this year, but tackle Kolton Houston still hasn't been declared eligible to play by the NCAA.

Houston was suspended for all of 2011 after violating one of the NCAA policies and the coaching staff has dubbed him the best option at tackle.

If Houston is not cleared to play for whatever reason, they will likely have to go with Watts Danztler or true freshman John Theus.

As for the rest of the offensive line, Chris Burnette and Kenarious Gates are set at right guard and left tackle. David Andrews will get the nod at center and Dallas Lee will play left guard. However, this could change if Houston is not in the mix.

Get the Secondary Situation in Order

We know for sure that Sanders Commings will be suspended for the first two games for pleading guilty to a domestic violence case earlier in the year. As for Branden Smith and Bacarri Rambo, there is a little uncertainty about the number of games they will be suspended.

Regardless, the Bulldogs know that all three players will not be available for the first game of the year and have been getting ready for this since the start of spring practice.

One of the biggest moves the Bulldogs made this year was moving Malcolm Mitchell from wide receiver to cornerback, but he's expected to play both positions.

The Bulldogs are hoping that Damian Swann can fill the void that Smith will leave and the same goes for Corey Moore and Connor Norman, who are expected to take the place of Bacarri Rambo.

Establish a Kicker and Punter

Drew Butler and Blair Walsh made a good tandem during their four-year career, and the Bulldogs are hoping for the same results with Colin Barber and Marshall Morgan.

Both Barber and Morgan were considered as one of the best specialists in the country and should come into camp as the guys to beat.

However, being the best in high school doesn't mean that it will translate to the college game. Richt has to be sure that both players can handle the pressure of kicking in front of 90,000 fans.

If they can't win the jobs, the Bulldogs are in a world of trouble because they will have to look at the walk-ons they signed to find a descent kicker and punter.

Find the Top Running Backs

Ken Malcome and Merritt Hall are the starting tailback and fullback, respectively.

They are very good players that have worked hard to be No. 1 on the depth chart, but there is a lot of uncertainty with the two because they have little or no game experience.

Malcome is a bigger back that can get the short yards, but can he do that 25 times a game?

The Bulldogs also have Richard Samuel for extra help, but he is not expected to play tailback a whole lot this year.

Keith Marshall looks to be the guy that has the potential to be a top back. He has all the tools to compete in the SEC; all he needs is that one chance.

As for the fullbacks, Hall looked to be the No. 1 option at first glance, but new recruit Quavon Hicks presents a formidable challenge as a walk-on and should get a lot of looks during camp.

Find Leaders

In order for the Bulldogs to reach their goals for this season, they will need more leaders than followers.

Murray and Jones became good leaders for the Bulldogs last year and will do the same in 2012.

But the Bulldogs need other leaders to make sure the team is really buying into the plan.

Some guys that come to mind are Michael Gilliard, Gates, Christian Robinson and Samuel.

If those guys can lead by example, team chemistry will develop and translate into wins.