Judging by the numbers from last season, Georgia began to really take shape mid season as the ground game took full stride. It started upfront with a healthy offensive line for the Vanderbilt game. UGA was unable to harness that energy for remainder of season on a weekly basis. The DAWGS were stricken with penalties and really battled with sustained balanced production from the run and the pass. Sure there were some great victories in the 2nd half of the season, but look for a strong emphasis on smash mouth football in 2010.
It starts up front with Offensive and Defensive Lines.
First off, the O-Line brings the starting 5 all back. If the DAWGS handle themselves the way they ended 2009, as they rolled Georgia Tech and Texas A&M, then predictions going into Spring Practice centers around DAWG fans being very pleased. CALEB KING and WASHAUN EALEY will have good holes to run through. The fullback and tight end play will continue to hit them where it hurts, and A.J. will catch whatever is thrown to him. It should be nice to see A.J. Green catch the ball in stride this year. It seems like A.J. was having to make a ton of circus catches to bring in off-target throws last year.
Looking ahead at the D-Line, UGA is starting with a proverbial clean slate. As Grantham and company install the 3-4, everyone is focused on the future. No one is complaining about the new staff, and for good reason. Coach Richt and Damon Evans, have assembled an All-Star cast. Look for an aggressively sound Defense in 2010 with an emphasis on the fundamentals. Look for in-state defensive recruits to keep Georgia at the top of their list from here on out. Coach Grantham and company will lead the Georgia Defense back to national prominence.
(Photo courtesy Parker Moore)
There are new faces upfront and a number of returning players. Look for key players to step up big. A couple names come to mind. The defense is being re-crafted currently, and we will know a lot more after the spring game, but speedster JUSTIN HOUSTON is a standout. Whether he's rushing off the line or lining up a linebacker, he will impact games. He speed and rushing abilities should be a huge asset for 2010.
I'm also looking for big things from DEMARCUS DOBBS. I'm very excited about seeing what KWAME GEATHERS and DEANGELO TYSON bring to the table in 2010.
Georgia will have to work out the kinks quick as the season opener against Louisiana (September 4th). The DAWGS play the following week in "The Southern Man's Classic" against against South Carolina in the SEC opener. Both dates will be here before you know it.
