Georgia Bulldogs: Bryan McClendon
Editor's note: Over the next couple of weeks, we'll clean out our notebook from Georgia's spring practice to tell the stories we didn't get to before the Bulldogs' G-Day game. Today we begin with fullback Quayvon Hicks.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Quayvon Hicks played little as a true freshman in 2012, but it wasn’t exactly for the typical reason that plagues a college football newcomer.
Hicks admits that his knowledge of Georgia’s playbook was adequate, but his confidence was lacking. The fullback believes that prevented him from playing with the physicality one might expect from a 270-pound player at his position.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Quayvon Hicks played little as a true freshman in 2012, but it wasn’t exactly for the typical reason that plagues a college football newcomer.
Hicks admits that his knowledge of Georgia’s playbook was adequate, but his confidence was lacking. The fullback believes that prevented him from playing with the physicality one might expect from a 270-pound player at his position.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- The last time a running back traveled more than 600 miles to play for the University of Georgia, Knowshon Moreno wound up hurdling defenders and dropping jaws with his combination of balance and speed. After redshirting his freshman season, he played only two years before heading to the NFL draft, leaving Georgia fans wondering what could have been.
Now another top running back from the Mid-Atlantic region is looking at the Bulldogs, and now that Shai McKenzie (Washington, Penn./Washington) has the Georgia offer he wanted, maybe history will repeat itself.
Now another top running back from the Mid-Atlantic region is looking at the Bulldogs, and now that Shai McKenzie (Washington, Penn./Washington) has the Georgia offer he wanted, maybe history will repeat itself.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- After his 2012 offense set several school records, Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo received a three-year contract that includes a $240,000 raise, pushing his guaranteed salary to $575,000 annually.
“I think he deserved a three-year deal because that’s really what’s happening out there in this league,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said before Thursday’s practice. “And his salary’s very competitive with his peers and I think he’s earned that.”
Jeff Vest/Icon SMIGeorgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo received a three-year contract that included a $240,000 raise.Bobo and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham now both are operating on three-year deals. Bobo had been coaching on renewable one-year contracts since joining Richt’s first UGA staff in 2001.
According to salary figures that UGA released to ESPN.com on Thursday, Bobo and each of Richt’s nine assistant coaches received salary increases following a 2012 campaign when the Bulldogs fell just short of an appearance in the BCS championship game.
“I think we’ve got a great staff and I want to keep them,” Richt said. “But it’s a very competitive league in a lot of areas. There’s the competition on the field, there’s the competition in recruiting and then sometimes there’s a competition to hang on to your assistant coaches.”
Offensive line coach Will Friend received a $90,000 raise, pushing his annual salary to $300,000 per year. Friend also added the title of running game coordinator to his resume.
Meanwhile, wide receivers coach Tony Ball received a $50,000 increase to $260,000.
Each of Georgia’s remaining assistants received $25,000 raises: Grantham (to $850,000), inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti (to $285,000), defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos (to $235,000), tight ends coach John Lilly (to $235,000) and running backs coach Bryan McClendon (to $235,000).
New defensive line coach Chris Wilson is scheduled to make $250,000 in 2013.
“It was good for them, but it was good for me as well because I really think these guys are tremendous,” Richt said of the staff raises. “I think every one of them are and over time, I want to continue to try to bless them the best we can financially and stay as competitive as we can in that area.”
“I think he deserved a three-year deal because that’s really what’s happening out there in this league,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said before Thursday’s practice. “And his salary’s very competitive with his peers and I think he’s earned that.”
Jeff Vest/Icon SMIGeorgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo received a three-year contract that included a $240,000 raise.According to salary figures that UGA released to ESPN.com on Thursday, Bobo and each of Richt’s nine assistant coaches received salary increases following a 2012 campaign when the Bulldogs fell just short of an appearance in the BCS championship game.
“I think we’ve got a great staff and I want to keep them,” Richt said. “But it’s a very competitive league in a lot of areas. There’s the competition on the field, there’s the competition in recruiting and then sometimes there’s a competition to hang on to your assistant coaches.”
Offensive line coach Will Friend received a $90,000 raise, pushing his annual salary to $300,000 per year. Friend also added the title of running game coordinator to his resume.
Meanwhile, wide receivers coach Tony Ball received a $50,000 increase to $260,000.
Each of Georgia’s remaining assistants received $25,000 raises: Grantham (to $850,000), inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti (to $285,000), defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos (to $235,000), tight ends coach John Lilly (to $235,000) and running backs coach Bryan McClendon (to $235,000).
New defensive line coach Chris Wilson is scheduled to make $250,000 in 2013.
“It was good for them, but it was good for me as well because I really think these guys are tremendous,” Richt said of the staff raises. “I think every one of them are and over time, I want to continue to try to bless them the best we can financially and stay as competitive as we can in that area.”
Allen-Williams talks Georgia offer, timing 
February, 12, 2013
Feb 12
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Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Last Wednesday, Georgia picked up two additional signees to its Class of 2013 in DeVondre Seymour and Davin Bellamy. The coaching staff had hoped for at least three more top talents to join them but they found themselves in second place all three times.
Instead of licking their wounds on what was a disappointing day, the coaches were on the phones, working toward the 2014 class.
Instead of licking their wounds on what was a disappointing day, the coaches were on the phones, working toward the 2014 class.
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ESPN Watch List athlete Myles Autry (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) has close to 20 offers, some as a running back, some as a receiver but most are just as an all-around offensive threat. He plays the slot, runs out of the backfield and even plays quarterback occasionally for the state champion Blue Devils. Where does Autry hope to line up in college? Simply put, everywhere.
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DawgNation on the radio: Garner to AU
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
12:41
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Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Longtime Georgia recruiting coordinator, assistant head coach and defensive line coach Rodney Garner accepted a job with Auburn University on Thursday night. What does that mean for the Bulldogs with less than seven weeks until signing day? DawgNation joined ESPN’s Athens, Ga., affiliate 960 The Ref to talk about that and more. Some of the topics discussed ...
Listen to the show here.
- What effect will Garner’s departure have on recruiting?
- Will Todd Grantham take over the defensive line?
- Who will be the next recruiting coordinator?
- Will this hurt Georgia’s chances with Montravius Adams and Reuben Foster?
- Could Mark Richt elect to hire a special teams coach?
Listen to the show here.
ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia coaching staff was on the road Friday, as usual, checking in on commits and targets alike. In what had to the most fortuitous turn of events of the day, tight ends coach John Lilly and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti just happened to be stopping by Auburn (Ala.) High School right after the nation’s No. 1 inside linebacker, Reuben Foster, decommitted from Auburn University. Both coaches met with Foster, who reopened his recruitment, citing reports that his mentor Trooper Taylor had been let go at Auburn.
Later that night, another coach would also prove lucky as defensive line coach Rodney Garner was on hand to congratulate Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) after the top-ranked defensive tackle won the chance to play for the Georgia Class A championship.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and running backs coach Bryan McClendon were on hand to see the Bulldogs’ top tailback target, Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross), win his semifinal game as well. Alabama’s Kirby Smart was also there, and the battle for Kamara is still neck and neck.
Later that night, another coach would also prove lucky as defensive line coach Rodney Garner was on hand to congratulate Montravius Adams (Vienna, Ga./Dooly County) after the top-ranked defensive tackle won the chance to play for the Georgia Class A championship.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo and running backs coach Bryan McClendon were on hand to see the Bulldogs’ top tailback target, Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross), win his semifinal game as well. Alabama’s Kirby Smart was also there, and the battle for Kamara is still neck and neck.
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Georgia checks out Ashton Shumpert
November, 11, 2012
11/11/12
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Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Georgia does not have a running back committed for the Class of 2013, despite having 27 commitments already. To rectify that, tailbacks coach Bryan McClendon was in Fulton, Miss., on Nov. 2 to check out ESPN 300 athlete Ashton Shumpert of Itawamba High School.
“I talked to Coach McClendon on Sunday,” Shumpert said. “He talked about how much he enjoyed the game and everything. He said he liked the way I played. He wants me to make it back to Georgia sometime soon.”
With offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Oklahoma State, Shumpert is wanted for his ability to play a number of positions. The Bulldogs want him to run the ball.
“I talked to Coach McClendon on Sunday,” Shumpert said. “He talked about how much he enjoyed the game and everything. He said he liked the way I played. He wants me to make it back to Georgia sometime soon.”
With offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State and Oklahoma State, Shumpert is wanted for his ability to play a number of positions. The Bulldogs want him to run the ball.
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NORCROSS, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List running back Myles Autry (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) already has picked up nine offers from some of the top programs in the nation. On Wednesday, the speedy junior received the one scholarship offer he coveted the most.
“You know how I feel about Ohio State -- that is my dream team,” Autry said. “I am hearing from them every week. I am staying in touch with the coaches. They say they want me to come visit. I am looking forward to going to Ohio State. I love them. That offer means a lot to me. They will definitely be my top for sure.”
Autry’s infatuation with the Buckeyes goes back to his childhood.
“You know how I feel about Ohio State -- that is my dream team,” Autry said. “I am hearing from them every week. I am staying in touch with the coaches. They say they want me to come visit. I am looking forward to going to Ohio State. I love them. That offer means a lot to me. They will definitely be my top for sure.”
Autry’s infatuation with the Buckeyes goes back to his childhood.
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Alabama still in hunt for Alvin Kamara
October, 9, 2012
10/09/12
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Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
NORCROSS, Ga. -- The Alabama coaches were not joking when they sent ESPN 150 running back Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) 105 recruiting letters back in February. In spite of the recent commitment of ESPN 150 athlete Derrick Henry (Yulee, Fla./Yulee) to the Crimson Tide, Nick Saban and Kirby Smart are still pursuing Kamara.
That might surprise plenty of Georgia fans who thought that Henry’s decision would send Kamara, who had named Georgia and Alabama as his leaders, straight to Athens, Ga.
“Coach Smart is out here tonight,” Kamara said. “They are still after me as hard as when it all started. They called me after Derrick committed. Coach Smart and I talked and he said, ‘You know we still want you as bad as we did before.’ Bama puts guys in the NFL and the atmosphere up there is crazy. I love it. I am comfortable when I get into Tuscaloosa.
That might surprise plenty of Georgia fans who thought that Henry’s decision would send Kamara, who had named Georgia and Alabama as his leaders, straight to Athens, Ga.
“Coach Smart is out here tonight,” Kamara said. “They are still after me as hard as when it all started. They called me after Derrick committed. Coach Smart and I talked and he said, ‘You know we still want you as bad as we did before.’ Bama puts guys in the NFL and the atmosphere up there is crazy. I love it. I am comfortable when I get into Tuscaloosa.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia survived on Saturday, but its 51-44 win against Tennessee was hardly a textbook victory.
Let’s recap some of the history we witnessed at Sanford Stadium and go over some other key points from the Bulldogs’ (5-0, 3-0 SEC) win that keeps them undefeated going into an enormous SEC East showdown against South Carolina (also 5-0, 3-0 after a 38-17 win against Kentucky on Saturday) next Saturday.
And by the way, if you didn't know already, ESPN College GameDay will be in Columbia for the occasion.
Let’s recap some of the history we witnessed at Sanford Stadium and go over some other key points from the Bulldogs’ (5-0, 3-0 SEC) win that keeps them undefeated going into an enormous SEC East showdown against South Carolina (also 5-0, 3-0 after a 38-17 win against Kentucky on Saturday) next Saturday.
And by the way, if you didn't know already, ESPN College GameDay will be in Columbia for the occasion.
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Barking Dawgs: UGA quotes of the week
September, 28, 2012
9/28/12
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David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- As the No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (4-0, 2-0 SEC) prepare for a key SEC East game against Tennessee (3-1, 0-1) on Saturday, here is a selection of quotes from the Bulldogs’ coaches and players from throughout the week:
“I think Derek’s an excellent coach. I think he’s a guy that, given the opportunity, will turn that thing around because if you compare the players that they have there now to before, it’s really night and day. I think he’s cleaned up a lot that was left over and I think offensively, they’ve got a really good system. They’ve got some skill guys that are going to play in the league. They’ve got a tight end that can play in the league. Their quarterback will be in the league. They’ve got NFL players and they’ve got some talent. We’ll have to prepare and be ready to play because I think they’ve done a good job.” -- Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on facing Derek Dooley and Tennessee on Saturday
“Two years ago I wasn’t even looking at the defense. I was just so focused on getting the snap and going through my progressions. Now I’m able to see the defense and start picking up tendencies during the week, during the game and able to focus in on exactly what I’m doing and I think that’s why my decisions have been faster. I know where I’m going and making more plays.” -- Third-year starting quarterback Aaron Murray on how experience has helped him settle down and read defenses before taking a snap
“I think Derek’s an excellent coach. I think he’s a guy that, given the opportunity, will turn that thing around because if you compare the players that they have there now to before, it’s really night and day. I think he’s cleaned up a lot that was left over and I think offensively, they’ve got a really good system. They’ve got some skill guys that are going to play in the league. They’ve got a tight end that can play in the league. Their quarterback will be in the league. They’ve got NFL players and they’ve got some talent. We’ll have to prepare and be ready to play because I think they’ve done a good job.” -- Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on facing Derek Dooley and Tennessee on Saturday
“Two years ago I wasn’t even looking at the defense. I was just so focused on getting the snap and going through my progressions. Now I’m able to see the defense and start picking up tendencies during the week, during the game and able to focus in on exactly what I’m doing and I think that’s why my decisions have been faster. I know where I’m going and making more plays.” -- Third-year starting quarterback Aaron Murray on how experience has helped him settle down and read defenses before taking a snap
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Gurley was a big recruiting hit for Georgia
September, 19, 2012
9/19/12
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Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Believe it or not, Todd Gurley wasn’t that sought after during his high school days.
The Georgia running back might lead the race for the SEC’s top freshman in 2012, but a lot of schools passed on or totally missed out on Gurley -- and his talent.
Playing high school ball in Tarboro, N.C., Gurley didn’t garner much attention from a lot of big schools. It didn’t help that he didn’t play varsity football during his sophomore year, so he was behind most players in the recruiting process.
“I was in a small, 2A school in North Carolina in a small town,” Gurley said. “I know a lot of people never heard of me before.”
The main schools that Gurley said showed him much attention at all consisted of in-state schools and some ACC schools, including Clemson. But when Georgia running backs coach Bryan McClendon saw his film, he couldn’t wait to make the 430-plus-mile trek to get a glimpse of Gurley in person.
“As soon as I saw the film, it was everything you see on the field now,” McClendon said.
After three games, it appears that the bigger schools’ loss has been Georgia’s gain. The frosh leads Georgia and is fourth in the SEC with 276 rushing yards and has four touchdowns. He’s also averaging 9.9 yards per carry and has a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown.
Gurley said he wasn’t upset about being overlooked by other major SEC schools early and actually ended up turning some schools away when they came calling in December. Once he had his final list down, Gurley said he shut down most of his recruitment.
Now that Gurley has turned things on for the Bulldogs, his teammates couldn’t be happier. For one, he’s a special talent, but he also has made practice a little more lively and fun with his loose, funny personality.
While he might get a little quiet around the media at times, center David Andrews said he’s known to crack a few jokes here and there around his teammates.
“Todd’s a kid. I swear to God he’s about 13 years old,” Andrews said. “He is goofy.”
What keeps him from diving too deep in the silliness is his running back partner, and roommate, Keith Marshall. With his serious demeanor, Andrews said there’s a nice balance of work and play from the backs this year.
Gurley has already started to feel some of his celebrity status, but it makes him uncomfortable, which I’m sure his coaches appreciate. But Gurley still hopes to maintain some sort of a normal life. For one, he’d like his classmates to not be so shy around him.
“You can talk. I’m not a bad person,” Gurley said with a laugh. “I’ll be bored with myself, so I wouldn’t mind some communication.
“I’ll talk right back to them and let them know what it is -- whatever they want to talk about.”
The Georgia running back might lead the race for the SEC’s top freshman in 2012, but a lot of schools passed on or totally missed out on Gurley -- and his talent.
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Scott Cunningham/Getty ImagesTodd Gurley is averaging 9.9 yards per carry.
Scott Cunningham/Getty ImagesTodd Gurley is averaging 9.9 yards per carry.“I was in a small, 2A school in North Carolina in a small town,” Gurley said. “I know a lot of people never heard of me before.”
The main schools that Gurley said showed him much attention at all consisted of in-state schools and some ACC schools, including Clemson. But when Georgia running backs coach Bryan McClendon saw his film, he couldn’t wait to make the 430-plus-mile trek to get a glimpse of Gurley in person.
“As soon as I saw the film, it was everything you see on the field now,” McClendon said.
After three games, it appears that the bigger schools’ loss has been Georgia’s gain. The frosh leads Georgia and is fourth in the SEC with 276 rushing yards and has four touchdowns. He’s also averaging 9.9 yards per carry and has a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown.
Gurley said he wasn’t upset about being overlooked by other major SEC schools early and actually ended up turning some schools away when they came calling in December. Once he had his final list down, Gurley said he shut down most of his recruitment.
Now that Gurley has turned things on for the Bulldogs, his teammates couldn’t be happier. For one, he’s a special talent, but he also has made practice a little more lively and fun with his loose, funny personality.
While he might get a little quiet around the media at times, center David Andrews said he’s known to crack a few jokes here and there around his teammates.
“Todd’s a kid. I swear to God he’s about 13 years old,” Andrews said. “He is goofy.”
What keeps him from diving too deep in the silliness is his running back partner, and roommate, Keith Marshall. With his serious demeanor, Andrews said there’s a nice balance of work and play from the backs this year.
Gurley has already started to feel some of his celebrity status, but it makes him uncomfortable, which I’m sure his coaches appreciate. But Gurley still hopes to maintain some sort of a normal life. For one, he’d like his classmates to not be so shy around him.
“You can talk. I’m not a bad person,” Gurley said with a laugh. “I’ll be bored with myself, so I wouldn’t mind some communication.
“I’ll talk right back to them and let them know what it is -- whatever they want to talk about.”
THOMSON, Ga. -- Running back Chris Jordan (Thomson, Ga./Thomson) was not exactly on the radar of a lot of schools going into this season. In fact, he had no offers and was not hearing from any schools except for a few random bits of mail from Georgia and Georgia Tech. His coach, Milan Turner, understood the lack of interest but knew that would change once the season began.
“We are expecting great things from him this year,” Turner said. “He just got better and better last season as the year went on. He has turned into big-time back but he just didn’t have the numbers to show for it.”
He does now. Through three games, Jordan has 544 yards and five touchdowns. On Sept. 7 against Lakeside (Ga.), Jordan piled up 328 yards on 25 carries. On Friday, against one of the top defenses in the Peach State, St. Pius X, Jordan took his first handoff 58 yards for a touchdown on his way to a 130-yard night.
“We are expecting great things from him this year,” Turner said. “He just got better and better last season as the year went on. He has turned into big-time back but he just didn’t have the numbers to show for it.”
He does now. Through three games, Jordan has 544 yards and five touchdowns. On Sept. 7 against Lakeside (Ga.), Jordan piled up 328 yards on 25 carries. On Friday, against one of the top defenses in the Peach State, St. Pius X, Jordan took his first handoff 58 yards for a touchdown on his way to a 130-yard night.
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Barking Dawgs: UGA quotes of the week
September, 14, 2012
9/14/12
7:00
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By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- As the No. 7 Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) prepare for their Week 3 matchup against Florida Atlantic (1-1) on Saturday, here is a selection of quotes from the Bulldogs coaches and players from throughout the week:
“He does deflect any kind of personal glory to the team. I think he’s very sincere. Some guys say it because they think that’s what people want to hear, but Jarvis is sincere about it just like A.J. [Green] was. They are humble guys. They like football and they like their teammates, they like their coaches and they like Georgia. More than anything, they just enjoy playing the game.” -- Georgia coach Mark Richt, on All-America linebacker Jarvis Jones’ humble nature
“I knew when they walked everyone up, it was either if I didn’t get my block or if T.K. dropped the ball, those were the only two things that would’ve stopped that play. They brought the house on that one and I knew, ‘Get your tail out there and go get that guy.’ I did and it was definitely a big play for me and definitely a big play that swung the game.” -- Center David Andrews, on his key second-quarter block that helped spring receiver Tavarres King for a long gain, setting up a touchdown in last week’s win against Missouri
“He does deflect any kind of personal glory to the team. I think he’s very sincere. Some guys say it because they think that’s what people want to hear, but Jarvis is sincere about it just like A.J. [Green] was. They are humble guys. They like football and they like their teammates, they like their coaches and they like Georgia. More than anything, they just enjoy playing the game.” -- Georgia coach Mark Richt, on All-America linebacker Jarvis Jones’ humble nature
“I knew when they walked everyone up, it was either if I didn’t get my block or if T.K. dropped the ball, those were the only two things that would’ve stopped that play. They brought the house on that one and I knew, ‘Get your tail out there and go get that guy.’ I did and it was definitely a big play for me and definitely a big play that swung the game.” -- Center David Andrews, on his key second-quarter block that helped spring receiver Tavarres King for a long gain, setting up a touchdown in last week’s win against Missouri
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ching
David Ching came to ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering UGA for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer and Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens. Email him at davidchingespn@gmail.com.
Radi Nabulsi
Radi Nabulsi joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Rivals.com for four years and for the UGA Athletic Association since 1993. Nabulsi is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and lives in Athens. He can be reached at radinabulsiespn@gmail.com.
Kipp Adams
Kipp Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.