Georgia Bulldogs

SEC

Georgia Bulldogs: Michael Bennett

DawgNation Mailbag 

May, 1, 2013
May 1
9:15
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- With the spring camp over and the spring evaluation period underway, this seems as good a time as any to reopen the DawgNation Mailbag. We missed two weeks with the release of the ESPN 150 rankings and all the fireworks last week with the commitments of Sony Michel and Jeb Blazevich so let us get back to your burning questions.

gilly5134: I know it's hard to judge but how do you think the ACL injuries will affect Michael Bennett and Tramel Terry next year? I know it takes a lot of guys a while to get that mental edge back after realizing they can break.


To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Recapping UGA post-spring reviews 

April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
7:00
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- Over the last two weeks, we reviewed the competition for playing time at each position on Georgia’s depth chart and identified a player to watch at each position.

A defense that lost 12 significant players will be a focal point well into the fall, and it was in our post-spring recaps. Let’s take a look at the defensive positions first:


To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Post-spring position review: WR

April, 17, 2013
Apr 17
7:00
AM ET
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 wide receivers:

Returning players/stats: Malcolm Mitchell, Jr. (nine starts, 40 catches, 572 yards, 4 TDs); Michael Bennett, Jr. (three starts, 24-345, 4 TDs); Chris Conley, Jr. (three starts, 20-342, 6 TDs); Rantavious Wooten, Sr. (15-187, 2 TDs); Rhett McGowan, Sr. (one start, 12-150, 1 TD); Justin Scott-Wesley, So. (6-135, 1 TD); Blake Tibbs, RFr. (redshirted in 2012)

Newcomers: Tramel Terry, Fr. (ESPN No. 89 overall prospect, No. 9 athlete, enrolled in January); Jonathon Rumph, Jr. (ESPN No. 7 junior college prospect, No. 1 juco wide receiver, enrolled in January); Reggie Davis, Fr. (ESPN No. 294 overall prospect, No. 45 wide receiver, expected to enroll this summer); Uriah LeMay, Fr. (No. 48 wide receiver, expected to enroll this summer); Rico Johnson, Fr. (No. 122 wide receiver, expected to enroll this summer)

(Read full post)

Georgia WR to watch: Chris Conley 

April, 17, 2013
Apr 17
7:00
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- Chris Conley is aware of the unusual splits that marked his first two seasons at Georgia.

With veteran receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, Conley played an extremely limited role in the first halves of both seasons before injuries allowed him to make a larger impact in the second halves. He will have a chance to contribute from the beginning this fall -- and he hopes to take advantage of that opportunity.

“I guess I have to prove that it doesn’t take me until the fifth game to be in my prime. If you give me opportunities in the first half of the season, I’ll do the same thing,” Conley said. “Each of those seasons, I was playing behind some people. And once those people were injured, I had an opportunity to do those things. And now it’s not like that anymore.”

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

ATHENS, Ga. -- With G-Day just one week away, Georgia’s football team will return to Sanford Stadium this morning for its second spring scrimmage.

The Bulldogs’ regrouping defense won the day in the first scrimmage of spring practice, which they staged on Tuesday in extremely windy conditions -- and without starting quarterback Aaron Murray in attendance.

The state of the defense continues to be the most intriguing storyline this spring. We took a closer look at two position groups, the defensive line under new position coach Chris Wilson and the inside linebackers, earlier this week.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Editor’s note: Each day this week, we’ll ask a question that Georgia’s football team faces this spring as it moves toward the 2013 season. Today’s question: Statistically, Georgia enjoyed one of the finest offensive seasons in school history last fall. What must a group that returns 10 starters do to improve in 2013?

ATHENS, Ga. -- No Georgia offense has ever scored more frequently than the 2012 bunch that averaged 37.8 points per game and ranked among the nation’s most explosive units.

That sets the bar awfully high for a 2013 offense that returns 10 starters, but they know they must be even more ambitious this offseason if they are to match that production, much less exceed it.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Opening spring camp: Georgia

March, 1, 2013
Mar 1
1:47
PM ET
Schedule: The Bulldogs will open spring practice on Saturday and conclude the spring with their annual G-Day spring game on April 6 at 1 p.m. ET at Sanford Stadium.

What’s new: Chris Wilson will coach the Georgia defensive line after coming over from Mississippi State, where he was the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. Wilson replaces Rodney Garner, who left to take a job on the Auburn staff.

[+] Enlarge
Jordan Jenkins
John Amis/AP PhotoGeorgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins has his sights focused on netting more sacks in the 2013 season.
On the mend: Sophomore running back Keith Marshall will miss at least the first week of the spring after pulling a hamstring while running track. Junior receiver Michael Bennett is recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last season and won’t go through any contact this spring. Freshman receiver Tramel Terry, who enrolled early, is also recovering from ACL surgery after being injured in a high school postseason all-star game. Offensive guard Chris Burnette had shoulder surgery and won’t go through spring practices. Offensive tackle John Theus will miss most of the spring while recovering from a broken bone in his foot.

Question marks: The Bulldogs are losing a ton of key playmakers on defense, and it’s particularly important that they find some answers at safety this spring. Freshman Tray Matthews, an early enrollee from Newnan, Ga., will get every opportunity to win one of the starting safety jobs. Learning the defense will be critical for him this spring. Junior Corey Moore will also get a chance to show what he can do before junior college additions Paris Bostick, Shaq Fluker and Kennar Johnson arrive this summer. Finding somebody to do all of the things Alec Ogletree did at inside linebacker will also be a challenge. That makes this spring a big opportunity for junior Ramik Wilson.

New faces: The Bulldogs welcome 13 early enrollees. Junior college newcomer Jonathan Rumph (6-5, 215 pounds) will be a prime candidate to replace Marlon Brown as the bigger receiver in the Bulldogs’ offense. In addition to Matthews, freshman Quincy Mauger will get a look at safety. At nose guard, redshirt freshman John Taylor (6-4, 335 pounds) is the heir apparent to John Jenkins. Freshman John Atkins of Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy and junior college newcomer Chris Mayes, a sophomore, will also compete for early playing time up front on the Bulldogs’ defensive line.

Position of power: The Bulldogs were faced with having to replace three offensive line starters this time a year ago. But they crank up spring practice on Saturday with all five starters returning as well as every other offensive linemen who lettered a year ago. Mark Beard could push his way into the starting lineup at left tackle.

Breaking out: The Bulldogs plan to work Josh Harvey-Clemons at both outside linebacker and safety this spring. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham made sure to get Harvey-Clemons in some nickel situations a year ago, so covering receivers in the slot should come a little more naturally to him in 2013. He’s a dynamic athlete, and his development will be a key for Georgia on defense. It’s important the Bulldogs settle on a position for him this spring.

Don’t forget about: Jarvis Jones is gone, but not forgotten. Don’t be surprised if talented sophomore Jordan Jenkins gives the Bulldogs a Jones-esque dimension at outside linebacker. He’s a terrific pass-rusher and lighting fast off the edge. He’s smart, instinctive and is always around the football. From the Florida game on last season, Jenkins was a starter for the Bulldogs. He finished with five sacks and could easily be a 10-sack guy in 2013.

All eyes on: The Bulldogs return virtually all of their firepower on offense, led by senior quarterback Aaron Murray, who’s on track to shatter most of the SEC career passing records. Scoring points shouldn’t be a problem. The challenge will be on defense, where the Bulldogs are losing 12 players who started at least two games last season. Grantham likes his young talent on defense, but getting people in the right spots and developing that talent will be crucial this spring.

UGA spring preview: 5 players to watch 

February, 28, 2013
Feb 28
7:30
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- As Georgia prepares to open spring practice on Saturday, the Bulldogs should have considerable competition for available playing time -- particularly on defense.

Here are five players worth watching between now and the G-Day game on April 6:

1. Josh Harvey-Clemons: The rising sophomore will essentially be a rookie when he jumps into the competition at both outside linebacker and safety this spring. He’ll play both positions this fall based on matchups according to coach Mark Richt and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Harvey-Clemons -- ESPN’s No. 1 outside linebacker in the 2012 signing class -- played almost exclusively in a nickelback role last season, so he has a lot to learn. His athleticism will give him the opportunity to become one of the Bulldogs’ most dynamic playmakers at his new spots.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Position breakdown: Wrapup 

January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
7:30
AM ET
Editor’s note: Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve taken a look at Georgia’s depth chart and its recruiting efforts by position. We’ll wrap up today by discussing who we’ll be watching this season and the areas Georgia must address between now and signing day, plus over the next couple of years:

2012 depth chart: Georgia returns 15 players who started the Capital One Bowl against Nebraska -- 10 on offense, three on defense and both kickers -- led by quarterback Aaron Murray, tailback Todd Gurley and the entire offensive line. The Bulldogs lost three defensive underclassmen -- All-America outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, inside linebacker Alec Ogletree and nose guard Kwame Geathers -- to the NFL draft and a total of 12 key defensive contributors.

Who’s ready to move up for more playing time?: The defense obviously must reload this season, but defensive coordinator Todd Grantham is quick to point out that the group might lack experience, but it has plenty of talent. Nose guard will be one of the key positions to watch this spring, with Jonathan Taylor, John Atkins (Thomson, Ga./Hargrave Military) and Chris Mayes (Griffin, Ga./Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College) all competing for playing time. Inside linebacker -- where early enrollees Ryne Rankin (Orlando, Fla./East River) and Reggie Carter (Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett) are already in the fold -- and defensive back are also positions of interest. We’ll be interested to see whether rising sophomores Sheldon Dawson and Josh Harvey-Clemons can step into leading roles during the spring.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Top Georgia sleepers 

January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
7:00
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- With barely two weeks remaining until national signing day, this is a good time to not only project the futures of the respective prospects, but also look backward at players who entered college with modest expectations and performed solidly.

Let’s take a look at five Georgia “sleepers” since 2006 -- when ESPN first started its recruiting enterprise -- who exceeded our expectations after their arrival on campus.


To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

Position scouting report: WRs 

January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
7:00
AM ET
Editor’s note: In 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 wide receivers:

" 2012 two-deep depth chart:
Tavarres King (Sr.), Chris Conley (So.)
Malcolm Mitchell (So.), Rhett McGowan (Jr.)

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

About Them Dawgs: Jay Rome

December, 29, 2012
12/29/12
7:00
AM ET
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 tight end Jay Rome.

No. 87 Jay Rome
Freshman/Tight end
11 catches, 152 yards, 2 TDs

Role in 2012: After redshirting behind Orson Charles and Aron White in 2011, Rome formed an effective tight end tandem with Arthur Lynch this fall.

The good: Rome played in every game and started once, against Georgia Tech, as a redshirt freshman. Rome caught at least one pass in each of the last five games and caught touchdown passes -- the first two of his career -- in the last two games. His 19-yard grab in the second quarter against Alabama helped Georgia take a 7-0 lead in the SEC championship game.

(Read full post)

About Them Dawgs: Michael Bennett

December, 28, 2012
12/28/12
7:00
AM ET
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 wide receiver Michael Bennett.

No. 82 Michael Bennett
Sophomore/Wide receiver
24 catches, 345 yards, 4 TDs

Role in 2012: The redshirt sophomore was quickly emerging as one of the Bulldogs’ go-to receivers when he suffered a season-ending knee injury during practice the week of the South Carolina game.

The good: Bennett ranked among the SEC’s top receivers statistically, had recorded his first career 100-yard game and caught a pair of touchdown passes against Tennessee in his last game before he tore his ACL in practice. Together with Marlon Brown and Tavarres King, Bennett was part of a highly effective trio of receivers who powered Georgia’s passing game.

(Read full post)

Tibbs says redshirt year was beneficial

December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
7:00
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- After sitting out his first season in college, Blake Tibbs can easily recall the receiver who arrived at Georgia a few months ago and point out what he was doing wrong.

“In high school, I got away with a lot of things. When I got up here and I tried to do them things I did in high school, the DBs were all over me,” laughed Tibbs, a redshirting freshman who starred at Martin Luther King High School in Lithonia, Ga. “Really, you’ve got to tighten up your form and your technique. And when you do that, Coach [Tony] Ball teaches you technique and if you use it, if they don’t throw you the ball, at least you’re going to be open.”

Because of the loaded depth chart when he arrived on campus -- seniors Tavarres King and Marlon Brown led the receivers, with sophomores Michael Bennett, Malcolm Mitchell and Chris Conley already having gained considerable experience in 2011 -- Tibbs was a strong candidate to redshirt from the get-go. He admittedly was unhappy with that status at the beginning of the season, but said he came to realize it was beneficial as time progressed.

(Read full post)

Bennett on comeback from ACL tear

December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
7:00
AM ET
ATHENS, Ga. -- By the time Michael Bennett returns to active competition, his role within Georgia’s receiving corps will be extremely different.

He’ll no longer be the up-and-comer within a group that has veteran leaders at the top of the depth chart. He’ll be the veteran leader.

Bennett was the Bulldogs’ leading receiver when he suffered a season-ending knee injury on the final play of the team’s Tuesday practice preceding its Oct. 6 visit to South Carolina. Led by seniors Tavarres King and Marlon Brown, other receivers produced adequately in Bennett’s absence -- five different Bulldogs totaled at least 68 receiving yards in a game after Bennett’s injury -- but the redshirt sophomore wideout admitted it was painful for himself and other injured players to watch as the Bulldogs pushed toward their second straight SEC East title without them.

“We wish we could be out there, but we’re just glad our team’s doing great without us,” Bennett said recently while speaking to reporters for the first time in two months. “That just shows the depth at receiver and at those other positions, too. That’s really great. So yeah, it’s real frustrating.”

(Read full post)

SPONSORED HEADLINES