Image: georgiadogs.comHere are a few things I'm eager to see in Saturday's spring game:
- A Crisp Matt Stafford - There's been a lot of talk about how good Matt Stafford has looked this spring. Bobo has openly talked about how hard he's coached Matt on fundamentals. As we've seen, Stafford can get complacent with his rifle arm, relying on velocity rather than brains and technique. I'd like to see Stafford make smart throws, lead the slant routes better, and keep his touch on the deep balls. He'll have to do it quick, though because I expect he'll play a half at the most.
- A Mean Bean - The offensive lineman that has had the most buzz this spring has been Justin "Bean" Anderson. Jeff Owens has heaped praise on Bean. He's reportedly a mauling run blocker who's strong of the ball and has the speed to pull out as a lead blocker. With the lack of a true leader on the O line, with no upperclassmen up front, I'm more anxious than eager about the line. Richt's comments that this year's line is further behind than last year's line is troubling to say the least. I want to see some physical play up front Saturday. If we can't technique 'em, just keep fighting 'em. Bean reportedly has the physical tools, so I want to see him play mean.
- Caleb King - After a quiet redshirt season, King should be ready to break out. Someone has to spell Knowshon this year and King is being counted on as an able backup. King came in with loads of hype. Reports from the practice field are that Caleb has looked good this spring. While he might not have Knowshon's grit or overt enthusiasm, he's supposed to get to the corner just as fast. I wouldn't expect Knowshon to get many carries Saturday, so Caleb should have plenty of opportunities to shine.
- Defensive Ends - Every year, it seems like we get surprising production out of an unknown defensive end. Other than Charles Johnson and Will Thompson, none of our great ends have started as big DE recruits. David Pollack was a converted fullback. Quinton Moses was a basketball player and project recruit. Marcus Howard was a converted linebacker who was tiny by SEC standards. So whose turn is it? Battle and Lomax had some bright spots last year and they should be ready to assume the starting spots. But, it sounds like we've got a slew of ends who will play this year. Redshirt freshman Justin Houston has turned heads this spring, but seems light to me. Fabris always seems to find production out of the ends and I'd expect an unproven guy to step up and get some sacks.
What are you looking for?
Quinton
