Over the coming days and weeks, we're going to look at Georgia Bulldog players who are the most likely to take a huge step out of the shadows into prime time roles on the team.(Image: Moreno from NJ.com. Hint...he's not #1 on the list)
Let's say a player was a starter for a year or two, but he really hasn't made an impact yet. That kid can still step out of the shadows to make a name for himself. We're going to break the posts down by class starting with redshirt freshmen and then moving up the class rankings.
Stepping Out of the Shadows: Redshirt Freshmen:
- 1. Chris Davis (OG) - I know...you're reading this and expecting me to list Moreno #1, but let's be realistic for a minute. Despite all the hype, Moreno isn't likely to start any time soon, and he's certainly not going to play 80%+ of the snaps. Chris Davis (6'4" and 292 lbs) on the other hand, will get more air time this fall than the NBC Peacock. The converted tight end is described as having tight end feet and natural quickness to present a great weapon for us when pulling. The question: He's not old man strong yet. How will he hold up against the SEC's big nastys?
2. Reshad Jones (DB) - With Paul Oliver's academic dismal, there is a hole in the UGA defensive backfield. According to UGASports.com, Reshad Jones will push CJ Byrd and Kelin Johnson for playing time at safety and Asher Allen for a starting spot at CB. The #1 ranked safety in the country (per Rivals.com) from the 2006 recruiting class has enormous upside, and his performance at G-day did little to damper excitement. Georgia has lacked a safety with his size (6'2" and 194 lbs), speed and ball hawking skills since Sean Jones left in 2003. Will he put it all together and at what position?
3. Knowshon Moreno - The coaches couldn't stop gushing about Moreno during this year's spring practice. The defense was described as being almost unable to stop him at times. Yeah...well...they said the same thing about Thomas Brown last spring, and our defense was the only defense that struggled to stop him. Plus, Georgia plays YMCA ball at times with our RB rotation. Everyone gets some touches, but no one seems to get a full lather. In other words, Moreno could over take the senior RBs and become our first 1,000 yard rusher since Musa Smith, but I'll believe it when I see it.
- -- Darryl Gamble (LB)
-- Akeem Dent (LB)
-- Kiante Trip (DE)
-- Demarcus Dobbs (DE)
-- Michael Lemon (DE)
-- Brandon Wood (DL)
-- Ricardo Crawford (DT)
I heard great things about Na Derris Ward (TE) prior to his arrival in Athens. Unforunately, he's been hurt so much that I'm not sure 2007 will be his break out year.
What are your thoughts on the 2007 redshirt freshmen?
See Also:
-- 2007 Depth Chart -- Georgiadogs.com
-- 2006 Commitment List - Scout.com
PWD
7 comments:
Seems unlikely that Reshad Jones would get any significant time at cornerback. Even with Oliver gone, Bryan Evans, Thomas Flowers, Remarcus Brown, Prince Miller and Asher Allen are all very talented. Allen and Miller should continue to battle for the corner spot opposite Evans - I think Miller is ahead of Allen on the depth chart at this point.
Obviously, Moreno got a lot of attention at G-Day, but Jones had a great game too and I look forward to the Dogs getting him on the filed somehow (nickel?). He's an athlete and it looks like he can play.
I think one of our receivers is going to have a big year and make a name for himself. They have all had another year of adjusting to Staf's laser rocket arm passing and learning how to play the deep balls and not give up on them (see MoMass against USC last year). Plus, there is so much attention on our running game that we forget that we really do have some talent on the receiving end. Plus we sure have the right QB to get the ball to them. I can just see someone like Sean Bailey having a big year. Although the guy I really like is Kris Durham. He reminds me of Jeff Samardja.
hopefully, Kris Durham has a better haircut that Jeff Samardijzrkrdlplkmnhbwrdja. That Eastern European mullet look is pretty played out, in my humble opinion. I'm sure it was all the rage when Marshal Tito still ruled Yugoslavia, but today? Not so much.
PS: I'm not hating on Eastern Europeans. I just hate mullets.
haha yeah jeff samarjicantspellit does look like he should be sporting jorts and a tebow jersey.
Good WR play is overdue. No excuse for the upperclassmen this year to step up and be a big part of our success.
Reshad will jump CJ Byrd before the season opener.
Thomas Flowers wont see a down all year at corner.
Demarcus Dobbs SHOULD have a breakout year.
Other than that, look for Kenneth Harris and Bailey to make the noise on the outside with MoMass racking up 70 catches from the slot. posession reciever.
Asher should settle into the corner slot by game 3. Remember his performance against Fla last year? (when he was actually played!)
My major concern, which is the same as last year, is our defensive scheme. DONT SIT BACK!
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