Georgia Football: 10 Fall Camp Priorities for the Bulldogs' 2011 Season

Training camp is never fun.

For a college football player, training camp means practicing in the dog days of summer twice a day for a month before the season begins.

But it's a necessity if a team wants to achieve their goals for the upcoming season. Georgia is in the thick of their camp, and several questions need to be answered.

Can Isaiah Crowell handle the pressure? Who will emerge as the No. 2 receiver behind Tavarres King? Is the defense more improved from last season?

Here are the 10 training camp priorities for the Bulldogs as they get ready for their season-opener in less than a month.

Aaron Murray Getting More Comfortable

Based on the numbers he put up last year, it's hard for Aaron Murray to put up better numbers this season. But usually under Mark Richt's system, quarterbacks in their second year tend to play better than they did in their first.

Murray is considered by many as the best QB in the SEC, and he's only a sophomore. It should be interesting to see what he does this season with the expectations being so high.

Finding the Right Running Back

Both Richard Samuel and Isaiah Crowell have been working with the first-team offense during camp. Samuel has more experience at the RB position at the college level, but Crowell is expected to take over the No. 1 spot as soon as he gets more comfortable with the playbook.

According to reports, Crowell has looked good so far in camp, and the coaches like his intensity during the practice sessions.

Who's No. 2?

It's clear Tavarres King is claiming the No. 1 receiver position, but who's going be the No. 2 wideout?

All signals point to Marlon Brown, who has underachieved since arriving on campus two years ago. But all reports indicate he is ready to have a breakout year.

There are also other receivers who could win the spot such as Rantavious Wooten, Israel Troupe or Michael Bennett—but Brown is leading the race as we speak.

Limiting the Big Plays

One of the main problems for Georgia last year was they gave up too many big plays on defense. The secondary comes in with a lot of scrutiny, but the reason for the surrendered big plays was the growing pains of learning a new system.

Now that it's the second year for the Bulldogs in the 3-4 defense, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham should not have to worry about players not knowing what they're doing or missing assignments.

And if the unit doesn't make those mistakes, the defense should be much improved.

Run the Ball Better

This actually goes with finding a No. 1 running back, but due to Caleb King and Washaun Ealey leaving the team, the running back depth is really thin, which could lead to some issues.

In order for the team to run the ball well, Samuel or Crowell has to emerge as the No. 1 running back. Also, the offensive line has to be better, as injuries have killed this team the past two years.

If the running game is cooking, the offense could be unstoppable.

What About Jarvis?

Jarvis Jones, a transfer from USC, came to Georgia to help bolster the linebacker position, but due to allegations he violated NCAA rules while playing NCAA basketball, he almost was ineligible and not able play this season.

But recent reports have shown he is eligible to play because he has been cleared by the NCAA, as well as the SEC. Now the focus is to get Jones acclimated with the system and competing for a starting job.

The Branden Smith Project

Branden Smith has done a solid job retuning punts, and playing occasional offense and defense the last two years. In the early stages of camp, he has impressed coaches and could earn a staring spot at corner.

Smith is the most athletic player on the roster, and coaches will do whatever it takes to find a spot for him so he can see as much playing time as he can each game.

Drew or Washington?

One position that could be really interesting to watch the next few weeks is the battle for the outside linebacker spot between Cornelius Washington and freshman Ray Drew. In the early stages of camp, it's a tie between the two, but the coaches love the way Drew has been performing.

Don't be surprised if Washington starts the season off as the No. 1 linebacker and Drew sees gradual playing time each game this season.

The Young Guns

Drew and Crowell will see playing time this year, but who are some of the other incoming freshman who could contribute right away?

Offensive linemen David Andrews and Watts Danztler have been impressing coaches during camp, while CB Chris Sanders is also making the coaches taking a second look at the cornerback situation.

It look like the "Dream Team" is living up to expectations.

Gathers vs. Jenkins

UGA signed Jonathan Jenkins because they wanted a nose tackle who can eat up a lot of space.

But so far in camp, Kwame Gathers has been working with the first team and has looked solid.

Once Jenkins is up to speed with the defensive scheme though, it could be a different story when Sept. 3 rolls around.