Georgia vs. Tennessee: Bulldogs' Mitchell Curing Blues over Green
While the departure of star wide receiver AJ Green was widely anticipated as Georgia's dismal 2010 season concluded with a depressing 10-6 loss to the Knights of the University of Central Florida, Bulldog fans closed their eyes and desperately hoped that maybe, just maybe, their worst fears wouldn't be realized. Maybe the best player on a bad team's pride would be so wounded by the the team's embarrassing year that he would buck up, grit his teeth, rise up, and fore go millions to return to lead the once proud Georgia program out of the depths of its doldrums back to conference competitiveness.
Talk about your pipe dreams. Their tiny and tenuous hopes were dashed nine days later when Green announced his intention to give up his senior year of eligibility and make himself available in the 2011 NFL draft.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Gone from the Bulldogs' offense was a gifted and spectacular pigskin picker, who during his illustrious three year career at Georgia—one hampered by injury and one shortened by suspension for violating NCAA rules—flagged down 166 receptions for 2619 yards, a 15.8 yard-per-catch average, and 23 touchdowns.
Among the myriad of questions facing the Georgia coaching staff as it prepared for the current season was how and with whom the offense would replace that kind of productivity. The only receiver, besides the tight ends, returning with any significant SEC battle experience was junior Tavarres King. While King had shown some flashes of brilliance, without unjustly detracting from his accomplishments, one had to wonder how much of he had been the beneficiary of attention that Green commanded from opposing secondaries. Beyond him, only Marlon Brown's credentials suggested a possible fit for Green's shoes; during his first two seasons, however, the star of his potential had yet to really shine.
Then National Signing Day arrived, and the pieces of the "Dream Team" idea that Mark Richt had fantasized about, talked about, and recruited upon fell into place. One of the key pieces that signed with the Bulldogs on February 2—but by far not the highest rated or sought after, was Malcolm Mitchell—a four-star defensive back/receiver out of Valdosta High School. Several of the recruiting services projected him as a corner, but Georgia signed him with an open mind to his playing on either side of the ball.
One of the first signs of which direction things would go for Mitchell came when Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray began to rave about him after throwing to him during summer player workouts. He described him as "faster and quicker" than AJ Green during the interviews at the SEC Media days back in July.
Once opening day arrived against Boise State in Atlanta on September 3, Mitchell did not wait long to make a splash and to draw "ooohs" and "aaahs" from Bulldog fans. In the first half, he had a nice 18-yard gain on reverse and then in the second half as the Broncos began pulling away, Murray connected with the former Valdosta Wildcat for a 51-yard touchdown strike. Mitchell has continued to shine and produce in each game since.
The comparison between Mitchell and Green was inevitable—even if justified—as wishful thinking 'Dawg fans hoped for the best. While only having a fistful of games under his belt, how does Mitchell stack up with Green at the same point in his freshman season?
In 2008, after the first five games of his freshman season, AJ Green had caught 22 passes for 388 yards, averaging 17.6 yards per reception and three touchdowns. Green played against Georgia Southern and Central Michigan in his first two games and in two SEC contests versus South Carolina and Alabama. He was being targeted by All-American and soon-to-be-No.1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthew Stafford, who is currently leading his professional team, the Detroit Lions, to a 4-0 start.
After his initial five games as a Bulldog, Mitchell also has 22 catches. With 312 yards, his per-catch average is 14.18 yards per grab. Mitchell has also caught three touchdowns to date.
The receiver seems to have developed a synergy of sorts with his redshirt sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray. Thus far, when he receives single man coverage, the Valdosta native looks almost indefensible, especially when he puts an outside-in move on his defender. Once the defender bites on the outside fake, his crossover back to the inside is explosive, and he clearly has the jets to beat most upfield once he gets a step on them.
Should he manage to remain healthy and safe from NCAA sanctions, he is on pace to catch 171 passes for 23 touchdowns through the end of his junior year. That does not even factor in an evolving relationship and familiarity with his quarterback in the next year, and hopefully beyond.
Like the fans in the stands, players are different. They bring their own unique talents and styles to the table. At 6'1", Mitchell is not as big a target as Green at 6'4". He does seem to have similarly good hands, however, and may be as gifted a route runner as the Cincinnati Bengals rookie. If Murray's opinion is any gauge, it is is possible that Mitchell may indeed be slightly faster and quicker. If anyone knows, then your quarterback should.
Mitchell can't—and doesn't have to—be AJ Green. For happy Bulldog fans, simply being Malcolm Mitchell seems good enough. 'Dawg fans are optimistic that the best is yet to come and are ecstatic that the post-AJ blues seem to be fading fast. Perhaps he and his fellow "Dream Teamers" are capable of leading the Bulldogs out of their recession,
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
