No AJ Green, No Big Deal: 2011 UGA Football Outlook
Last season, Georgia averaged just over 32 points per game. They had an average and extremely inconsistent rushing game that only gained 142 yards per game.
The passing was a bit more successful with 240 yards per game. Both were very streaky.
The offense should show improvement since they will be returning a solid group of starters. This is what the Georgia offense is dealing with next season:
Key Departures
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First of all, here is a list of offensive starters that will not be returning:
AJ Green
Kris Durham
Shaun Chapas
Clint Boling
Quarterback
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Aaron Murray- Coming into the 2010 season the biggest concern for the Bulldog offense was the quarterback position.
A competition between Murray and Logan Gray went on from spring through the summer eventually ending with Murray as the starter. Murray should have a great offseason.
With the experience that he gained in the 2010 season he is only going to get better. He displayed exceptional accuracy and a strong arm capable of stretching the field. Along with his arm he has deceptive speed and makes plenty of plays with his legs. The quarterback position should actually be the strongest part of the Georgia offense next year.
Tailback
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Caleb King- He has been a reliable back that has consistently shown improvement throughout his career. Entering his senior season, King is poised for his best season yet, if he can stay out of trouble off the field. Last season he was able to average over five yards per carry. He should be a consistent tail-back for 2011.
Washaun Ealey- The sophomore was the lead back for Georgia in 2010. He had a solid five yard average per carry. He has a very different type of runner than King, but put up a solid five yards per carry just like King. His elusive running style should make him an effective compliment back next year.
Carlton Thomas- Not a great runner, but he will be able to take a couple carries from Ealey and King. He is a very small and shifty tailback. He won’t have a great season, but he will play a small role in the offense.
Isaiah Crowell- He is the number one running back recruit in the nation. Crowell is still yet to commit but it seems that he is leaning towards UGA. If he does decide to commit to Georgia they will be getting an instant starter. Crowell is blessed with great size and agility. He has top end speed, something that the other backs lack. He would be an instant improvement if UGA is able to sign him, that again is a big if.
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Receivers
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Marlon Brown- One of the most talented receivers on Georgia, Brown has the potential to be a true standout. He has had a minimal impact on the team thus far in his career, but next year could be a breakout season.
He came out of High School as one of the most coveted receiver prospects in the nation. With his 6’5” frame, he has the potential to be a true number one receiver. Expect him to have similar production to Kris Durham.
Tavarres King- He has shown consistent improvement during his career at Georgia. Coming into his junior season King appears to be the Dawgs number one receiver threat. He has decent size at 6’1” and above average speed but his history of dropped balls makes him an unattractive number one receiver. He has the potential to emerge as a great receiver but as of right now, if he is leading the receiving core, UGA will struggle to pass.
Rantavious Wooten- He proved that he could be solid compliment to the UGA receiving core as a freshman but did not make much of an impact last year. He can be a decent compliment to the rest of the receivers. He will have a much larger role in 2011.
Michael Bennett- Since he was redshirted his freshman year, he is not very well known. However, he has the potential to make an impact out of the slot this year. The redshirt year allowed him to fill out his 6’3” frame. Bennett is sure handed that runs crisp routes. He is extremely agile and deceptively fast. This will allow him to make an instant impact out of the slot.
Justin Scott-Wesley- As an incoming freshman, Scott-Wesley has the raw speed to make an instant impact. He is not fully developed yet, but if he is able to have a successful summer in Athens, he may be used in specific formations to stretch the field.
Malcolm Mitchell- Anyone that saw the Under Armour All American Game remembers this guy. He used pure speed to blow by the corner guarding him on his way to a 40 yard touchdown. He is another guy that is still undecided on which college to attend, but Georgia is in his final two. If he does decide to attend UGA, he will have an instant impact.
Tight End
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Orson Charles- As one of the most explosive tight ends in the country, Charles provides a great talent for UGA. He is going to be a safety blanket for his former high school teammate, Aaron Murray. At 6’3” with good speed, he will be a nightmare matchup for safeties and linebackers. If healthy for the entire season, Charles could be an All-SEC performer.
Aron White- Not an exceptional receiver but he gets it done blocking. He will be able to help the running game and provide a decent receiving threat. He will be another compliment to the Georgia offense.
Jay Rome- Just like Crowell, he is an undeclared recruit that is considering UGA. He would be a huge help to the offense. At 6’5” and 230 pounds, he is simply a beast. He is an above average receiver and an exceptional blocking tight end. If he does commit to Georgia, he would play a huge role in the offense immediately.
Offensive Line
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A potential offensive line for Georgia next year is: Ben Jones, Cordy Glenn, Tanner, Strickland Trinton Sturdivant and Brent Benedict. That would include four seniors and the highly recruited freshman Benedict.
This line should be solid enough to hold its own in the SEC if they are able to play together well. The problem in 2010 was chemistry between the linemen. Expect the line to play much better.
Prediction
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Despite the loss of AJ Green and Kris Durham, the Bulldogs will be improved on offense. The key to the 2011 offense will be a consistent running game, whether or not it includes Crowell.
The running game will take the pressure off Aaron Murray and the receivers. With that in mind, remember that it all starts and finishes with the head coach. Georgia will finish second in the SEC East with a 9-4 record.
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