Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Georgia Football Loses Some Players But Looks to Fill in the Gaps for 2010

By my count, Georgia is losing a total of 24 football players following the conclusion of the 2009-2010 season:

Defense
o DT – 4
o DE – 1
o DB – 6
o LB – 4
o Total - 16
Offense
o QB – 2
o WR – 3
o FB – 1
o OL – 1
o Total - 7
Special Teams
o PK – 1

Starting upfront on the defense as Jeff Owens, Kade Weston, Geno Atkins, and Roderick Battle who combine for approx 1,100 lbs. and all leave as seniors.

In addition Georgia losses some key linebackers including first team All-SEC Rennie Curran. Also on the LB list departing are Darius Dewberry and Marcus Washington.

Next comes the secondary, where Georgia takes a hit from the losses of Bryan Evans, Reshad Jones, and Prince Miller.

What Georgia has done to address these losses?

Bacarri Rambo, Justin Houston, Darryl Gamble, Branden Smith, and Brandon Boykin all look to step up their game and become even bigger leaders on the Defensive side of the ball in 2010.

In addition, Georgia signed 11 Defensive players in the 2010 recruiting class. The list includes:
• Demetre Baker (LB)
• Brandon Burrows (DE)
• Marc Daes (DB)
• Jalen Fields (DE)
• Jakar Hamilton (DB)
• Dexter Morant (DE)
• Alec Ogeltree (DB)
• Derek Owens (DB)
• Garrison Smith (DT)
• T.J. Stripling (DE)
• Mike Thornton (DT)

In addition Georgia has new leadership in the Defensive coaching staff headed by Todd Grantham (D Coordinator), Scott Lakatos (Secondary), and Warren Belin (Linebackers). Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting whiz Rodney Garner returns as well to continue his great efforts with the D Line.

On the offensive side of the ball Georgia losses clutch receive Michael Moore, Vince Vance and Joe Cox. But the offense does retain big names like A.J. Green, Caleb King, Washaun Ealey, Orson Charles, Aaron White, and a stellar offensive line, who all return.

A number of players look to fill in the gaps, some already on the roster like Marlon Brown. At 6-5 and 220 lbs. he looks to jumping in the fray a lot more in 2010.

In addition, the 2010 Recruiting class brings on 8 additions for the Offense. The list includes:
• Brent Benedict (OL)
• Michael Bennett (WR)
• Kenarious Gates (OL)
• Kolton Houston (OL)
• Ken Malcome (RB)
• Hutson Mason (QB)
• Alexander Ogletree (RB)
• Lonnie Outlaw (WR)

The offensive coaching staff remains intact with Head Coach Mark Richt, Mike Bobo (O Coordinator and QB’s), Tony Ball (WR’s), Bryan McClendon (RB’s), Stacy Searels (O Line & Running Game Coordinator), and John Lily (TE’s).

2010 is going to be a very interesting year. Be sure to check back after the annual spring practice game for full G-Day coverage, post game notes and commentary.