Georgia Bulldogs: Dallas Lee
Editor’s note: Over the next two weeks, we’ll take a closer look at each of Georgia’s position groups at the end of spring practice. Today we examine the offensive line:
Returning players/stats: Chris Burnette, Sr. (12 starts in 2012); Kenarious Gates, Sr. (14 starts); Dallas Lee, Sr. (14 starts); David Andrews, Jr. (14 starts); Mark Beard, Jr. (Two starts); John Theus, So. (14 starts); Austin Long, Sr.; Watts Dantzler, Jr.; Zach DeBell, So.; Hunter Long, Jr.; Xzavier Ward, So.; Greg Pyke, RFr.
Newcomers: Brandon Kublanow, Fr. (ESPN's No. 145 overall prospect in 2013, No. 2 center. Expected to enroll this summer); Aulden Bynum, Fr. (No. 47 OT. Enrolled in January); Josh Cardiello, Fr. (No. 21 OG. Enrolled in January); DeVondre Seymour, Fr. (No. 14 OT. Could enroll this summer)
Returning players/stats: Chris Burnette, Sr. (12 starts in 2012); Kenarious Gates, Sr. (14 starts); Dallas Lee, Sr. (14 starts); David Andrews, Jr. (14 starts); Mark Beard, Jr. (Two starts); John Theus, So. (14 starts); Austin Long, Sr.; Watts Dantzler, Jr.; Zach DeBell, So.; Hunter Long, Jr.; Xzavier Ward, So.; Greg Pyke, RFr.
Newcomers: Brandon Kublanow, Fr. (ESPN's No. 145 overall prospect in 2013, No. 2 center. Expected to enroll this summer); Aulden Bynum, Fr. (No. 47 OT. Enrolled in January); Josh Cardiello, Fr. (No. 21 OG. Enrolled in January); DeVondre Seymour, Fr. (No. 14 OT. Could enroll this summer)
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Although he started every game at right tackle last season as a true freshman, that doesn’t mean John Theus will remain there this fall.
Offensive line coach Will Friend wasn’t ready to proclaim him a starter at the end of spring practice, at all, but a more reasonable question is probably whether the sophomore starts at left or right tackle. Because it would be a considerable upset if Theus loses a starting spot at any point in his career.
Last season, Theus became the third true freshman offensive tackle to start Georgia’s season opener since freshmen became eligible to play in 1973. And while he wasn’t perfect, he won multiple freshman All-America rosters and validated the excitement that accompanied his signing with Georgia more than a year ago.
Offensive line coach Will Friend wasn’t ready to proclaim him a starter at the end of spring practice, at all, but a more reasonable question is probably whether the sophomore starts at left or right tackle. Because it would be a considerable upset if Theus loses a starting spot at any point in his career.
Last season, Theus became the third true freshman offensive tackle to start Georgia’s season opener since freshmen became eligible to play in 1973. And while he wasn’t perfect, he won multiple freshman All-America rosters and validated the excitement that accompanied his signing with Georgia more than a year ago.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia won’t play its first game for nearly five months, but Jordan Jenkins’ motor mouth is already in midseason form.
Spring scrimmages rarely have much in the way of drama, but Jenkins insisted that the competitiveness between the offense and defense will carry over to Saturday’s game. The rising sophomore outside linebacker lobbed a number of good-natured zingers at his offensive teammates after Thursday’s practice, just two days from when they’ll square off in Saturday’s G-Day game.
“I hope we play the whole time,” Jenkins said of the Bulldogs’ defensive starters. “Right now I know [defensive coordinator Todd] Grantham wants to show the offense up and I know, as soon as they make a big play, if the two or threes go out and they make a big play, I think Coach Grantham is going to send the ones back in.
“He wants to make sure everybody knows the defense is still going to be on point. I feel like he’s going to want to prove we don’t have a dropoff.”
Spring scrimmages rarely have much in the way of drama, but Jenkins insisted that the competitiveness between the offense and defense will carry over to Saturday’s game. The rising sophomore outside linebacker lobbed a number of good-natured zingers at his offensive teammates after Thursday’s practice, just two days from when they’ll square off in Saturday’s G-Day game.
“I hope we play the whole time,” Jenkins said of the Bulldogs’ defensive starters. “Right now I know [defensive coordinator Todd] Grantham wants to show the offense up and I know, as soon as they make a big play, if the two or threes go out and they make a big play, I think Coach Grantham is going to send the ones back in.
“He wants to make sure everybody knows the defense is still going to be on point. I feel like he’s going to want to prove we don’t have a dropoff.”
Watch List LB has Georgia tied for first 
February, 26, 2013
Feb 26
8:00
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Buford High School is one of the premier programs in Georgia. The Wolves have won eight championships in the last 12 years, the latest coming this past season after moving up to Class AAA and losing eight Division I players to graduation. College coaches drop in on Buford practices like someone was giving away free barbecue in the end zone. The University of Georgia coaching staff swings by often and it shows -- the Bulldogs have three Buford offensive linemen on scholarship: Dallas Lee, Kolton Houston and Josh Cardiello.
Mark Richt would like to keep the Buford pipeline open, and this time he is eyeing a linebacker.
Mark Richt would like to keep the Buford pipeline open, and this time he is eyeing a linebacker.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Although Josh Cardiello projects as an interior lineman in college, his talent and experience meant that his Buford (Ga.) High School coaches had to fortify their young offensive line with their most productive player at tackle.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- In reviewing Georgia’s seven recruiting classes since 2006 -- when ESPN entered the recruiting game -- last week, we opined that the Bulldogs’ 2009 haul was the best of the bunch. As the various member sites from Recruiting Nation collectively review their schools’ 2009 classes today, let’s take a closer look at what made that group so special.
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Editor’s note: Over the next several weeks, we’ll take a look at each position on Georgia’s depth chart and project how it might look in the future. Today we examine Georgia’s offensive guards and centers.
2012 two-deep depth chart:
LG: Dallas Lee (Jr.), Kenarious Gates (Jr.)
RG: Chris Burnette (Jr.), Lee (Jr.)
2012 two-deep depth chart:
LG: Dallas Lee (Jr.), Kenarious Gates (Jr.)
RG: Chris Burnette (Jr.), Lee (Jr.)
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Editor’s note: Each day between now and Georgia’s Capital One Bowl date with Nebraska, we will review the season for a key Bulldogs player and attempt to project what’s next. Today we’ll look at offensive lineman Mark Beard.
No. 79 Mark Beard
Sophomore/Offensive line
Role in 2012: After enrolling at Georgia in January, the junior college transfer became one of the Bulldogs’ top offensive line reserves in his first season at UGA.
The good: Beard appeared in all 13 games and started twice at left tackle. He initially shuffled between guard and tackle after he arrived at Georgia, but eventually seemed to find a home on the edge. By the end of the season, his improved play had caused offensive line coach Will Friend to develop a three-man rotation on the left side of the line that featured Beard, Kenarious Gates and Dallas Lee.
No. 79 Mark Beard
Sophomore/Offensive line
Role in 2012: After enrolling at Georgia in January, the junior college transfer became one of the Bulldogs’ top offensive line reserves in his first season at UGA.
The good: Beard appeared in all 13 games and started twice at left tackle. He initially shuffled between guard and tackle after he arrived at Georgia, but eventually seemed to find a home on the edge. By the end of the season, his improved play had caused offensive line coach Will Friend to develop a three-man rotation on the left side of the line that featured Beard, Kenarious Gates and Dallas Lee.
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Georgia’s Capital One Bowl date with Nebraska, we will review the season for a key Bulldogs player and attempt to project what’s next. Today we’ll look at offensive lineman Kenarious Gates.
No. 72 Kenarious Gates
Junior/Offensive line
Role in 2012: One of Georgia’s most versatile offensive linemen, Gates started every game and filled in all across the line when necessary this fall.
The good: Gates’ natural position might be guard, but he held down the left tackle spot admirably for most of the season. As the season progressed, he often worked out of a three-man rotation on the left side of the line with Mark Beard and Dallas Lee. Gates played either guard or tackle, depending on which player was subbing in. Through his career, Georgia’s most experienced offensive lineman has played at least a few snaps at every position on the line except for center.
The bad: It is unlikely that Gates will forget what South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney did against him -- at least, mostly against him -- in Georgia’s lone loss of the regular season. The Gamecocks’ star pass-rusher completely overwhelmed Gates and Georgia’s other blockers, who flailed at him helplessly as he harassed Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray all night. Of course, Clowney finished sixth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, so Gates wasn’t alone. But he needs to improve against elite pass-rushers next season if he stays at left tackle.
Crystal ball: Gates’ 2013 position might depend on how things go for Georgia on national signing day. If the Bulldogs sign five-star prospect Laremy Tunsil, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could contend for a starting spot at left tackle next season, much like true freshman John Theus did at right tackle this fall. Regardless, Gates is almost a certain bet to occupy a starting position somewhere as a senior after starting 25 games in the last three seasons.
No. 72 Kenarious Gates
Junior/Offensive line
Role in 2012: One of Georgia’s most versatile offensive linemen, Gates started every game and filled in all across the line when necessary this fall.
The good: Gates’ natural position might be guard, but he held down the left tackle spot admirably for most of the season. As the season progressed, he often worked out of a three-man rotation on the left side of the line with Mark Beard and Dallas Lee. Gates played either guard or tackle, depending on which player was subbing in. Through his career, Georgia’s most experienced offensive lineman has played at least a few snaps at every position on the line except for center.
The bad: It is unlikely that Gates will forget what South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney did against him -- at least, mostly against him -- in Georgia’s lone loss of the regular season. The Gamecocks’ star pass-rusher completely overwhelmed Gates and Georgia’s other blockers, who flailed at him helplessly as he harassed Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray all night. Of course, Clowney finished sixth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, so Gates wasn’t alone. But he needs to improve against elite pass-rushers next season if he stays at left tackle.
Crystal ball: Gates’ 2013 position might depend on how things go for Georgia on national signing day. If the Bulldogs sign five-star prospect Laremy Tunsil, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he could contend for a starting spot at left tackle next season, much like true freshman John Theus did at right tackle this fall. Regardless, Gates is almost a certain bet to occupy a starting position somewhere as a senior after starting 25 games in the last three seasons.
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Georgia’s Capital One Bowl date with Nebraska, we will review the season for a key Bulldogs player and attempt to project what’s next. Today we’ll look at right guard Chris Burnette.
No. 68 Chris Burnette
Junior/Offensive guard
Role in 2012: Along with fellow guard Dallas Lee, Burnette returned as one of the starters on a rebuilding offensive line and helped the group -- one of the biggest uncertainties before the season -- enjoy a successful first season together.
The good: In his second season as a starter, Burnette was one of the Bulldogs’ most consistent performers along the line. Also one of the Bulldogs’ smartest players, Burnette served a key role in helping true freshman right tackle John Theus understand his assignments if ever he needed assistance. Away from the field, Burnette’s public marriage proposal at a Sunday church service -- with dozens of teammates in attendance to cheer him on -- was one of the season’s feel-good stories.
The bad: Throughout Burnette’s career, injuries have cost the junior lineman at least some playing time. More severe ailments kept him from contributing much at all until 2011, when he started 12 games and injuries forced him to miss two starts. And this season he missed the second half of the Ole Miss game and the two ensuing games after suffering a shoulder injury. Most football players endure injury issues at some point, but Burnette would submit that he has already hit his quota.
Crystal ball: Burnette will be a senior next season and has started all 23 games in which he competed through the last two seasons. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee he will start in 2013 -- particularly considering that the coaching staff vows they will host open competition for the starting spots during spring practice -- but, so long as Burnette is healthy, we’d be surprised to see someone else line up at right guard to start the 2013 opener against Clemson.
No. 68 Chris Burnette
Junior/Offensive guard
Role in 2012: Along with fellow guard Dallas Lee, Burnette returned as one of the starters on a rebuilding offensive line and helped the group -- one of the biggest uncertainties before the season -- enjoy a successful first season together.
The good: In his second season as a starter, Burnette was one of the Bulldogs’ most consistent performers along the line. Also one of the Bulldogs’ smartest players, Burnette served a key role in helping true freshman right tackle John Theus understand his assignments if ever he needed assistance. Away from the field, Burnette’s public marriage proposal at a Sunday church service -- with dozens of teammates in attendance to cheer him on -- was one of the season’s feel-good stories.
The bad: Throughout Burnette’s career, injuries have cost the junior lineman at least some playing time. More severe ailments kept him from contributing much at all until 2011, when he started 12 games and injuries forced him to miss two starts. And this season he missed the second half of the Ole Miss game and the two ensuing games after suffering a shoulder injury. Most football players endure injury issues at some point, but Burnette would submit that he has already hit his quota.
Crystal ball: Burnette will be a senior next season and has started all 23 games in which he competed through the last two seasons. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee he will start in 2013 -- particularly considering that the coaching staff vows they will host open competition for the starting spots during spring practice -- but, so long as Burnette is healthy, we’d be surprised to see someone else line up at right guard to start the 2013 opener against Clemson.
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Georgia’s Capital One Bowl date with Nebraska, we will review the season for a key Bulldogs player and attempt to project what’s next. Today we’ll look at left guard Dallas Lee.
No. 64 Dallas Lee
Junior/Offensive guard
Role in 2012: One of the returning starters on a rebuilding offensive line, Lee and his line mates enjoyed a productive season in which they exceeded modest expectations.
The good: A season after starting seven of the eight games in which he played -- he missed the rest of the season after breaking his leg against Florida -- Lee has started all 13 games at guard this season. It was not uncommon to see Lee or fellow guard Chris Burnette pull and lead tailbacks Todd Gurley or Keith Marshall through a hole for a big gain, as the line’s steady improvement helped power a largely effective running game.
The bad: It’s not necessarily all that bad, but Lee lost some playing time at points as Georgia’s coaches experimented with different rotations. In the most frequent lineup change, Kenarious Gates would shift to Lee’s spot at left guard with Mark Beard taking over for Gates at left tackle. There were also times that Lee shifted to right guard to fill in for an injured Burnette. And reserve Austin Long has started to see time along the line here and there.
Crystal ball: Georgia’s coaches have made it clear that not only will there be open competition for starting spots along the line for the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl against Nebraska, but spring practice will require the starting linemen to prove they deserve to keep their spots. Lee will be a senior in 2013 and has started 20 of the last 21 games in which he participated, so he seems to be a likely starter next fall. But keep an eye on the position battles during spring and preseason practices to see if any of the reserves continue their pushes for additional playing time.
No. 64 Dallas Lee
Junior/Offensive guard
Role in 2012: One of the returning starters on a rebuilding offensive line, Lee and his line mates enjoyed a productive season in which they exceeded modest expectations.
The good: A season after starting seven of the eight games in which he played -- he missed the rest of the season after breaking his leg against Florida -- Lee has started all 13 games at guard this season. It was not uncommon to see Lee or fellow guard Chris Burnette pull and lead tailbacks Todd Gurley or Keith Marshall through a hole for a big gain, as the line’s steady improvement helped power a largely effective running game.
The bad: It’s not necessarily all that bad, but Lee lost some playing time at points as Georgia’s coaches experimented with different rotations. In the most frequent lineup change, Kenarious Gates would shift to Lee’s spot at left guard with Mark Beard taking over for Gates at left tackle. There were also times that Lee shifted to right guard to fill in for an injured Burnette. And reserve Austin Long has started to see time along the line here and there.
Crystal ball: Georgia’s coaches have made it clear that not only will there be open competition for starting spots along the line for the Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl against Nebraska, but spring practice will require the starting linemen to prove they deserve to keep their spots. Lee will be a senior in 2013 and has started 20 of the last 21 games in which he participated, so he seems to be a likely starter next fall. But keep an eye on the position battles during spring and preseason practices to see if any of the reserves continue their pushes for additional playing time.
ATHENS, Ga. -- Let’s take a look at three key plays from No. 6 Georgia’s 32-28 loss to No. 2 Alabama in the SEC championship game on Saturday.
The situation: Georgia faced fourth-and-10 from the Alabama 36 on the first play of the second quarter.
Dogs pull off fake punt
The score: 0-0The situation: Georgia faced fourth-and-10 from the Alabama 36 on the first play of the second quarter.
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Film study: Georgia vs. Georgia Southern
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
7:33
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Let’s take a look at three key plays from Georgia’s 45-14 win against Georgia Southern on Saturday -- and what they mean moving forward for the Bulldogs.
Fourth-down stop
Radi Nabulsi/ESPN.com
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ATHENS, Ga. -- No. 5 Georgia got the win it needed to clinch the SEC East title against Auburn -- and it did so without any resistance whatsoever from a Tigers team that is stumbling toward the finish line.
The Bulldogs (9-1, 7-1 SEC) thoroughly dominated every aspect of Saturday’s game, handing the Tigers (2-8, 0-7) a defeat that might have sealed the fate of embattled head coach Gene Chizik and his staff.
Let’s recap some of the highs and lows of Saturday’s victory:
The Bulldogs (9-1, 7-1 SEC) thoroughly dominated every aspect of Saturday’s game, handing the Tigers (2-8, 0-7) a defeat that might have sealed the fate of embattled head coach Gene Chizik and his staff.
Let’s recap some of the highs and lows of Saturday’s victory:
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Richt: 'I'm a Florida fan this weekend'
October, 15, 2012
10/15/12
9:46
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Jake Roth/US PresswireGeorgia coach Mark Richt freely admitted that he'll be rooting for Will Muschamp and the Florida Gators when they face South Carolina on Saturday.He’ll be rooting for the hated Florida Gators to win on Saturday when they host South Carolina.
“I admit it, I’m a Florida fan this weekend,” Richt joked.
That continues a trend from last week when Richt publicly rooted for LSU, tweeting “I’m a big-time LSU fan this week. Geaux Tigers!” on Thursday. And LSU did Richt a favor, knocking South Carolina from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 23-21 victory in Baton Rouge.
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.