Georgia Bulldogs: Brandon Boykin
By the numbers: UGA classes since 2006 
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
7:00
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By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Here’s a breakdown of Georgia’s last seven recruiting classes and what they managed to accomplish in college and beyond:
2006
ESPN top five classes: Florida, USC, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame
Georgia’s ranking: 4
2006
ESPN top five classes: Florida, USC, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame
Georgia’s ranking: 4
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Returning defenders ready for bigger roles
December, 5, 2012
12/05/12
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By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- When Georgia’s seniors lingered on the field to accept the Governor’s Cup from Gov. Nathan Deal after beating Georgia Tech, reality began to sink in for Amarlo Herrera.
Looking around the half-empty dressing room, the sophomore linebacker realized how many of his veteran defensive teammates won’t be around the next time the Bulldogs take the field at Sanford Stadium.
“We saw that when they weren’t in the locker room, when they were out on the field,” Herrera said about the moments after the 42-10 win last month.
Looking around the half-empty dressing room, the sophomore linebacker realized how many of his veteran defensive teammates won’t be around the next time the Bulldogs take the field at Sanford Stadium.
“We saw that when they weren’t in the locker room, when they were out on the field,” Herrera said about the moments after the 42-10 win last month.
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ATH Terry to Richt: 'Solid' to Georgia
December, 2, 2012
12/02/12
10:29
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By
Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
Next Friday, ESPN 150 athlete Tramel Terry (Goose Creek, S.C./Goose Creek) will celebrate his decision to enroll early at the University of Georgia. Although Terry was also considering Clemson after taking an official visit there in October, he did not intend on it being publicized as an announcement ceremony.
“Friday is a signing day celebration, it was never a press conference,” Terry said. “I am just excited to be a Georgia Bulldog. I am not sure why anyone ever put it out there like that. My guidance counselor just wanted us to have something together for all of us going to college because I am enrolling early.”
Terry originally committed to Georgia last year at Dawg Night, only to reopen his recruitment a few months later. He would recommit to Georgia in March. During the past few weeks, the Tigers made a push for his services. Out of respect for Georgia, Terry chose to keep his thoughts to himself.
“Friday is a signing day celebration, it was never a press conference,” Terry said. “I am just excited to be a Georgia Bulldog. I am not sure why anyone ever put it out there like that. My guidance counselor just wanted us to have something together for all of us going to college because I am enrolling early.”
Terry originally committed to Georgia last year at Dawg Night, only to reopen his recruitment a few months later. He would recommit to Georgia in March. During the past few weeks, the Tigers made a push for his services. Out of respect for Georgia, Terry chose to keep his thoughts to himself.
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With Tuesday’s addition of ESPN 300 athlete Brendan Langley (Marietta, Ga./Kell) to the commitment list, Georgia has secured its top target at cornerback for the 2013 class. It has been a battle since the spring for the 6-foot-1, 186-pound prospect, with programs like Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee all fighting for Langley. Getting Langley was a priority for the Bulldogs’ coaching staff, who heavily pursued the four-star recruit even after he committed to the Gamecocks.
With his size and athletic ability, Langley should be able to come in and help Georgia in several ways. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, and has made just as big of an impact on offense at Kell this season as he has on defense. That could continue in Athens.
Langley was sold early on being utilized in a similar manner to former Georgia standout Brandon Boykin, and that would be a smooth transition for the two-way standout. With only three scholarship cornerbacks returning and a void in the return game, Langley has a chance to contribute next fall.
With his size and athletic ability, Langley should be able to come in and help Georgia in several ways. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, and has made just as big of an impact on offense at Kell this season as he has on defense. That could continue in Athens.
Langley was sold early on being utilized in a similar manner to former Georgia standout Brandon Boykin, and that would be a smooth transition for the two-way standout. With only three scholarship cornerbacks returning and a void in the return game, Langley has a chance to contribute next fall.
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Georgia's defense has to toughen up
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
4:00
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By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
To say that there’s some frustration on Georgia’s defense is quite the understatement.
Senior safety Shawn Williams made that abundantly clear while speaking with the media Monday night when he called the play of the defense “soft.”
“We’re playing too soft as a defense,” Williams said. “That goes for the D-line, linebackers, corners, safeties, everybody. We’re just not playing with the same attitude we were last year. I don’t know what it is.”
In Georgia's 29-24 win over Kentucky on Saturday, the Bulldogs surrendered 206 yards rushing yards and allowed two scoring drives of 75 yards or more. However, Georgia surrendered just 329 total yards of offense, the second-lowest total by an offense this season against Georgia.
Senior linebacker Christian Robinson told ESPN.com on Tuesday that he agreed Georgia’s defense has to be more physical, but he also said the defense has to stay together, not take shots.
“I’m sticking to what I’ve been taught since I’ve been growing up -- everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger,” Robinson said. “At this point, we’re a team and we have to stick together, and as a team, I’m not going to call anybody out. We’re just going to try and fix the issues that we have.
“Yes, we need to be more physical -- that’s anytime you play any opponent. We always have room to improve.”
Williams also suggested on Monday that certain players should see the field more than others.
“Personally, if I was the coaches, I can’t tell them what to do, but I’d have Amarlo Herrera in the game more,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t bring him out. ... I want to see Amarlo and [Alec] Ogletree in the game at linebacker; I don’t want to see anybody else at linebacker. I feel like they’re two guys that are going to go out and give you all they got, no matter if they mess up or do right. I feel like they’re going to get to the ball and tackle. That’s what we need.”
Senior safety Shawn Williams made that abundantly clear while speaking with the media Monday night when he called the play of the defense “soft.”
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AP Photo/Don KellySafety Shawn Williams had some strong words for his defensive teammates.
AP Photo/Don KellySafety Shawn Williams had some strong words for his defensive teammates.In Georgia's 29-24 win over Kentucky on Saturday, the Bulldogs surrendered 206 yards rushing yards and allowed two scoring drives of 75 yards or more. However, Georgia surrendered just 329 total yards of offense, the second-lowest total by an offense this season against Georgia.
Senior linebacker Christian Robinson told ESPN.com on Tuesday that he agreed Georgia’s defense has to be more physical, but he also said the defense has to stay together, not take shots.
“I’m sticking to what I’ve been taught since I’ve been growing up -- everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to anger,” Robinson said. “At this point, we’re a team and we have to stick together, and as a team, I’m not going to call anybody out. We’re just going to try and fix the issues that we have.
“Yes, we need to be more physical -- that’s anytime you play any opponent. We always have room to improve.”
Williams also suggested on Monday that certain players should see the field more than others.
“Personally, if I was the coaches, I can’t tell them what to do, but I’d have Amarlo Herrera in the game more,” Williams said. “I wouldn’t bring him out. ... I want to see Amarlo and [Alec] Ogletree in the game at linebacker; I don’t want to see anybody else at linebacker. I feel like they’re two guys that are going to go out and give you all they got, no matter if they mess up or do right. I feel like they’re going to get to the ball and tackle. That’s what we need.”
Safety Williams: Georgia defense 'soft'
October, 22, 2012
10/22/12
10:16
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By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Shawn Williams didn’t mince words when he met with reporters after Georgia’s Monday evening practice. The senior safety thinks his fellow defensive players aren’t playing with any toughness -- and he’s had enough of it.
“I’m trying to see if I have to just take somebody’s helmet off and slap them and say, ‘What’s going on?’ We’re not playing with any emotion right now, period,” Williams said.
Frustrated by yet another flat performance in the Bulldogs’ 29-24 win against Kentucky last Saturday, Williams said Georgia’s defense is “soft” after ranking among the nation’s top units a season ago.
The Bulldogs lost only two starters from that group, cornerback Brandon Boykin and defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, so this season’s defense carried sky-high expectations into the fall. But the group that started the season without four suspended starters -- All-America safety Bacarri Rambo, cornerback Sanders Commings and linebackers Alec Ogletree and Chase Vasser -- struggled from the outset and Williams thinks their collective effort level has actually decreased.
He used the opening drive against a Kentucky as an example, when the Wildcats immediately drove 84 yards for a touchdown after going 20 games without a first-quarter offensive touchdown.
“In the Kentucky game after the first series, I told them we played soft. They got the ball at the 20 and ran 80 yards right up the middle and I told them when I came on the sideline, I said, ‘Y’all are playing soft as … heck.’ ”
[+] Enlarge
Darrell Walker/Icon SMI Shawn Williams had some pointed words for his defensive teammates after Monday's practice.
Darrell Walker/Icon SMI Shawn Williams had some pointed words for his defensive teammates after Monday's practice.Frustrated by yet another flat performance in the Bulldogs’ 29-24 win against Kentucky last Saturday, Williams said Georgia’s defense is “soft” after ranking among the nation’s top units a season ago.
The Bulldogs lost only two starters from that group, cornerback Brandon Boykin and defensive end DeAngelo Tyson, so this season’s defense carried sky-high expectations into the fall. But the group that started the season without four suspended starters -- All-America safety Bacarri Rambo, cornerback Sanders Commings and linebackers Alec Ogletree and Chase Vasser -- struggled from the outset and Williams thinks their collective effort level has actually decreased.
He used the opening drive against a Kentucky as an example, when the Wildcats immediately drove 84 yards for a touchdown after going 20 games without a first-quarter offensive touchdown.
“In the Kentucky game after the first series, I told them we played soft. They got the ball at the 20 and ran 80 yards right up the middle and I told them when I came on the sideline, I said, ‘Y’all are playing soft as … heck.’ ”
NO. 7 GEORGIA AT MISSOURI
7:45 p.m. ET Saturday
Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium, Columbia, Mo.
ESPN2
7:45 p.m. ET Saturday
Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium, Columbia, Mo.
ESPN2
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Only twice in Mark Richt’s previous 11 seasons at Georgia have his Bulldogs carried a higher preseason ranking into the season than this year’s club, which came in at No. 6 in the Associated Press preseason poll that was released Saturday.
Keep in mind, Richt has won two SEC championships and four SEC East titles in his UGA tenure, so he has done his share of winning as a Bulldog. And only the preseason No. 1 team in 2008 and the 2004 club that started at No. 3 carried higher preseason expectations than this team that opens the season Sept. 1 against Buffalo.
And Richt realizes such a status could be beneficial if the Bulldogs keep themselves in the BCS conversation throughout the season.
Keep in mind, Richt has won two SEC championships and four SEC East titles in his UGA tenure, so he has done his share of winning as a Bulldog. And only the preseason No. 1 team in 2008 and the 2004 club that started at No. 3 carried higher preseason expectations than this team that opens the season Sept. 1 against Buffalo.
And Richt realizes such a status could be beneficial if the Bulldogs keep themselves in the BCS conversation throughout the season.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Mike Bobo has established an exact completion percentage that he wants redshirt junior quarterback Aaron Murray to hit this fall. If Murray’s progress from August practices carries over into the season, it shouldn’t be too difficult.
Bobo, Georgia’s offensive coordinator, credited Murray’s improved footwork for his substantially improved accuracy during preseason camp.
“His accuracy has improved I think as of yesterday almost 14 percent compared to what it was last camp,” Bobo said after Saturday morning’s special teams practice. “That’s a credit to his footwork and a credit to a lot of other things. But the No. 1 thing you look at with accuracy is the footwork and he’s done a nice job.”
Bobo, Georgia’s offensive coordinator, credited Murray’s improved footwork for his substantially improved accuracy during preseason camp.
“His accuracy has improved I think as of yesterday almost 14 percent compared to what it was last camp,” Bobo said after Saturday morning’s special teams practice. “That’s a credit to his footwork and a credit to a lot of other things. But the No. 1 thing you look at with accuracy is the footwork and he’s done a nice job.”
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Ex-Bulldog Boykin could start in Philly
August, 3, 2012
8/03/12
11:48
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By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Philadelphia Eagles special teams coach Bobby April announced yesterday that Brandon Boykin -- a rookie cornerback from Georgia -- is in line to start as the team’s kickoff returner.
Boykin -- last season’s Paul Hornung Award winner, as the most versatile player in college football -- slipped into the fourth round of the NFL draft after he broke his leg covering a kick in the Senior Bowl, which prevented him from participating in the NFL combine and other pre-draft workouts.
But he told me recently that Philadelphia was a perfect landing spot because, after participating in two minicamps, he realized he would have the opportunity to contribute immediately as a kick returner and nickelback.
Boykin -- last season’s Paul Hornung Award winner, as the most versatile player in college football -- slipped into the fourth round of the NFL draft after he broke his leg covering a kick in the Senior Bowl, which prevented him from participating in the NFL combine and other pre-draft workouts.
But he told me recently that Philadelphia was a perfect landing spot because, after participating in two minicamps, he realized he would have the opportunity to contribute immediately as a kick returner and nickelback.
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Editor’s note: With Georgia set to open preseason camp on Thursday, DawgNation will break down each position group and the storylines to watch in August. After examining Georgia’s offensive and defensive position groups, we complete the series today with the Bulldogs’ special teams units.
Perhaps no area on Georgia’s roster is more unsettled than its special teams units as preseason practice approaches.
The Bulldogs lost a Ray Guy Award winner in punter Drew Butler, a record-setting Lou Groza Award finalist in kicker Blair Walsh and the 2011 Paul Hornung Award winner -- a prize given to the nation’s most versatile player -- to Brandon Boykin, who handled the majority of kickoff and punt returns last season.
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Ranking the SEC's safeties
July, 17, 2012
7/17/12
1:01
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By
Edward Aschoff and
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Now that we've ranked the SEC's secondaries, it's time to take a look at the league's top cornerbacks.
Past rankings:
Past rankings:
Sixty-three days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
63. Sheldon Dawson
Fall forecast: Dawson is part of a fairly large group of freshman signees who have a chance to play this fall because of openings at their respective positions. While freshmen like tight end Ty Smith, tailback Keith Marshall and offensive tackle John Theus are all but guaranteed playing time, Georgia’s secondary depth concerns -- particularly early in the season -- could help Dawson avoid a redshirt.
63. Sheldon Dawson
Freshman, Cornerback
5-foot-11, 180 pounds
Fall forecast: Dawson is part of a fairly large group of freshman signees who have a chance to play this fall because of openings at their respective positions. While freshmen like tight end Ty Smith, tailback Keith Marshall and offensive tackle John Theus are all but guaranteed playing time, Georgia’s secondary depth concerns -- particularly early in the season -- could help Dawson avoid a redshirt.
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DN Roundtable: What did spring bring?
June, 20, 2012
6/20/12
10:42
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By DawgNation Staff | ESPN.com
The summer workouts are under way at the University of Georgia practice fields and in the new weight room. Anyone traveling down Lumpkin Street in Athens, Ga., can often catch sight of the Bulldogs going through passing drills and working on their conditioning in the heat of the day. Come August, positions will be up for grabs, and those coveted spots are often won in the offseason. With that in mind we want to look back at spring to see who has a leg up going into fall. So this week’s DawgNation Roundtable includes two questions:
“Which player had the best spring?”
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Intriguing players for 2013 NFL draft
May, 1, 2012
5/01/12
1:00
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By DawgNation staff | ESPN.com
Todd McShay examines three players who could be gems and looks ahead to top prospects for the 2013 NFL Draft.
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.