UGA midseason

          Ok, can we be honest about Da Dawgs? Jake Fromm is a NFL QB and our OC is calling plays like we’re playing JV. I’m not here to question the man’s knowledge of the game I’m sure he’s very well versed is the game and understands that his play calling  has to be better. To win in today’s college football you have to score touchdowns, that’s all is to it. Jim Chaney was bad about being overly conservative and the move to let him go and promote Coley looked to make a difference. He said all of the rights things about opening the offense up in the spring and fall camp but here we are midway through the season and things look very similar. The Oline has had some injuries true enough but at every position other than left tackle the 2 deep is almost just as good and the starter and in some cases just as good if not better. So there is no excuse for not consistently controlling the line of scrimmage. I’ve noticed that South Carolina and Notre Dame both had success stopping the run by slanting and stunting with the defensive line, which absolutely destroys the zone blocking scheme used by UGA. The solution to that is use your bigger offensive line to simply line up and drive people off the ball in a man blocking scheme and your back can still run to daylight.

          The defense is improving every week. They have a lot of young guys playing in the backend with injuries and a lot of rotations communication is an issue at times leading me to think that maybe Kirby should dial back a lil bit and just play ball. You hear all the time about how complicated the defensive scheme is so much so that defenders are often confused about what to do and where to be leading to bust in coverage and running lanes. Sometimes you have to sit back and just think my guys are better than yours and all the misdirection and disguises aren’t really necessary. Simplify the scheme and allow the defense to attack rather than trying to overthink every read on every play which slows down the defense just enough to allow completions and 1st downs will turn into touchdowns. A conservative defense will get you beat by an aggressive offense.

The Tortured Mind of a Loving Man

           The Tortured Mind of a Loving Man is a collection of poetry that gives a glimpse into my world. Though the collection was not properly edited or even presented in the right way it was something that I had to put out. Here it is near three years later and I have so much more to say and yet I’m not sure how to say it. A close friend of mine suggested I start this blog so that I can properly express my thoughts and feelings so that maybe others going through similar things can find it. I’m no claiming to have all the answers mostly I have questions and my hope is to get as many different views as possible. I’m a firm believer in looking at every situation from as many different angles as possible before making a decision but once a decision is made you must go after it with everything you have. This is simply an introduction to what I hope is a long running blog all comments are welcomed and questions are appreciated.

Georgia names OC

   

   As expected Kirby Smart has named James Coley the Offensive coordinator. I must say that it’s not a surprise as most reports coming out since Jim Chaney's departure were that Coley would simply step into the role. Coley inherits a loaded unit losing only 7 in it’s two deep. The Running back position should still be a strength  even though Elijah Holyfield has moved on to the NFL he Dawgs have an embarrassment of riches in the backfield. Swift will be the bell cow but look for Brian Herren to have a breakout year in his senior season. Herren a very talented runner in his own right has battle the injury bug and a crowded backfield since he step on campus this is his last go around and I think he'll make the most of it. Zamir White is coming off am ACL tear and should be back to 100% by spring. He'll be battling for playing with James Cook and Kenny McIntosh. The Offensive line returns 4 of 5 starters losing center Lamont Gilliard. Gilliard's leadership will be hard to replace but the biggest line in college will only get bigger.
     The real question on the offense is who emerge at the wide receiver position opposite Jeremiah Holloman. Demetris Robertson, Tyler Simmons, Trey Blount and Kearis Jackson will all be in heavy rotation to fill the roles left by Riley, Godwin, and Hardman. Also look for Matt Landers and Dominique Blaylock to make a strong push for playing time. Overall the table is set for Coley to be successful with so much talent surrounding one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Jake Fromm. The offense will have to be more wide open than it was under Chaney but the run game is still the bread and butter for the Dawgs and with this o-line and those backs it should be. Jim Chaney is a good play caller but at times he can be very stubborn and predictable it will behoove Coley to learn for those mistakes. Of course we are all rooting for him to succeed and wish him the best. One coordinator down one to go stay tuned.


Nick Carwell


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Georgia's next Defensive Coordinator

          The departure of Mel Tucker will be the topic of discussion until a suitable replacement is found. Most UGA insiders believe that Glenn Schumann will be promoted from Inside Linebackers coach to the defensive coordinator position. However there are three other names also circulating. Current Oakland Raiders Defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, Current Tennessee defensive coordinator Kevin Sherrer, and recently departed Ohio State defensive coordinator/assistant head coach  Greg Schiano.
          The overwhelming theme in the NCAA coaching search is to hire the new exciting young hit shot over the more experienced older coaches. We've also seen this trend in the NFL with coaches like Sean McVay, and Kliff Kingsbury. So if we are to assume that Kirby Smart, a young head coach himself, will follow this trend I think this comes down to either Schumann or Ansley.

Derrick Ansley 

           Derrick Ansley is a man after Kirby's own heart in that he worked his way up as a defensive backs coach. Starting at Huntington College  in 2005 and ultimately landing in Oakland as the Raiders DB coach. Along the way he also had stints with UCF, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama twice including the 2011 and 2018 National Championship teams. Ansley was in the discussion for the head coaching job at his alma mater Troy, as well as being a finalist for a Big10 DC position. The 37 year old has been receiving high praise from, John Gruden and Nick Saban so he should be a strong contender but there are others to consider.

           

Glenn Schumann 

        Glenn Schumann has spent his entire college coaching career as an assistant of Kirby Smart. Their relationship started in 2008 with Schumann working way up into a quality control advisory position. Once Smart was named the head coach at UGA he brought Schumann with him as the Inside Linebackers coach. These two obviously have a great connection and with Kirby being a defensive minded coach this transition could be very seamless but is it the best option?

Greg Schiano 

          The best resume by far is held by Greg Schiano. He's been a head coach and defensive coordinator at both the college and NFL levels. Most notably was his time at Rutgers(01-11), Tampa Bay(12-13), and most recently Ohio State as the DC. Being a head coach in the NFL is vastly different from college and hus time with the Bucs is proof of that. He turned Rutgers into a top 25 and sometimes too 10 program times but that success just didn’t carry over into the NFL. Over his three seasons at Ohio State the Buckeyes are giving up an average of 20ppg which isn't the best but with so many underclassmen making the jump to the NFL and assistants leaving for better jobs there will be ups and downs. Does his experience warrant a shot at one if the best units in the best conference?
          The question is do you go with one of the young guns or the wily vet? If you go young do you stay with the safe pick in Schumann or make a splash with Ansley? In my humble opinion there is no bad choice here. I look for Kirby to be heavily involved with the defense from day to day so give the young guns a chance to prove themselves. Which young coach is the best fit comes down to relationships versus Potential. Schumann clearly has the better relationship but Ansley is seen as the more ready prospect. It’s a tough decision and one I'm glad I don’t have to make. We will continue to follow the search for coordinators at UGA. I look for both positions to be filled by the end of the month if not before.

Georgia OC Search

   

James Coley 

      With the recent departure of Jim Chaney the Georgia Bulldogs are now in need of a new offensive coordinator. Two names are topping most news outlets list, current Quarterback's Coach James Coley and former Falcons Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. James Coley has to be considered as the frontrunner due to his role with the team. Coley also passed on the OC job at Texas A&M to stay with the Dawgs, of course he received a significant pay raise. Coley who has served as an OC for seven years at three different schools (FIU, FSU, MIA) and was named co-offensive coordinator and QB coach before last season. The table is set perfectly for the 45 year old Coley, however Sarkisian shouldn't be dismissed.
           The 44 year old Sarkisian has had a very eventful career thus far. His first big break came as an assistant to his former coach Norm Chow who had been hired as the Offensive Coordinator at USC by new head coach Pete Carroll in 2001. He was named the QB Coach in 2002 before moving to the same role for the Oakland Raiders in 2004. In 2005 Sarkisian returned to USC as Assistant Head Coach and QB Coach. He would take over the OC job when Lane Kiffin left to become the head coach of the Raiders. In 2009 Sarkisian was named head coach of the Washington Huskies. The Huskies were coming off a 0-12 season and in his first year they went 5-7. The highlight of the year was an upset win over #3 USC. The next four years would see the Huskies become a perennial bowl team earning Sark an opportunity to become the head coach of USC.

Steve 

          The return to USC as head coach was not as successful with his very short tenure filled with off the field issues. Battling with some personal demons would ultimately lead to Sarkisian taking a leave of absence that he wouldn't return from. In 2015 Sark was fired as head coach and went on to do a stint at a rehab facility to battle with alcoholism. The next season he would join his good friend Lane Kiffin at Alabama as an analyst, however once Kiffin left to become the head coach of Florida Atlantic Sark was back as an Offensive coordinator. He would only serve in this role for the national title game before moving on to the same position with the Atlanta Falcons. Replacing the boy genius in Kyle Shanahan has proven to be too much but his success at the college level can't be denied.
         The question is do go with the somewhat home grown James Coley or the high profiled West coast offense of Steve Sarkisian? Loyalty and relationships mean a lot is this world so I'd have to go with Coley. He's earned a chance to bring this offense to another level. With Jake Fromm coming back it just makes sense to keep the same guy that’s helped him to this point.
          Who do you feel is the better choice? Which way will the Bulldogs go on this decision? I'd love your feedback comment below and you can reach me on social the links are below.
Nick Carwell

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A look Ahead "2019 Dawgs"

         While I was doing research for my 2019 recruiting wrap up show I realized that the Dawgs were only bringing back 2 Inside Linebackers with experience. Losing Natrez Patrick and Juwan Taylor both to graduation and possibly the NFL draft, Georgia will have to fill in with talented but inexperienced players. A pair of highly touted Sophomores headline this group with former 5 star Quay Walker and Channing Tindall. The other is another former 5 star recruit Nate McBride. McBride a junior has been a mainstay on special teams in his first 2 seasons in Athens but has yet to crack the regular rotation. Incoming Freshman Rian Davis, Trezmen Marshall, and Nakobe Dean are all very talented and will be looking to compete for playing time. Tae Crowder and Monte Rice are the only two returning players with real game action. Crowder playing in all 14 games even starting at times and Rice being called the next Roquan Smith had a few starts but was battling injuries most of the season. With such a big gap in experience levels most schools would go get a Juco guy or two to bring more in-game knowledge to the room.
      

Monte Rice

   The Outside Linebacker spots are a little bit different with so many young guys getting game reps this year. Brenton Cox is clearly the most talented at this position with Jermaine Johnson and Walter Grant going into their 3rd year on campus the dawgs look to fill the shoes of DeAndre Walker with a mix of the young pups that saw some actions this year and the 2 vets. Brenton Cox is a former 5 star recruit and was the #1 player at his position but he's only going into his Sophomore season so there is still a lot of room to grow. Sophomores Adam Anderson and Robert Beal saw quality snaps later in the season and really came on strong, I look for then to continue to grow into play makers for this young Bulldogs defense. The Dawgs also added the overall #1 recruit in OLB Nolan Smith, look for he and RFr Azeez Ojulari to bring more depth to the position. We will keep a close eye on the position battles this spring and through the fall. In Kirby Smart's defense they may all see action in meaningful situations throughout the season so they must be ready to play when called upon. With that we will bring this look at the Georgia Linebackers to a close come back next week as we breakdown the Secondary here on the Sports talk 25/8 blog.

Nick Carwell 





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Interview with 4star ILB Lakia Henry

Today I have a special treat for you guys. I had the privilege of interviewing the #1 Juco ILB Lakia Henry. He decommited from the University of Tennessee today reopening his recruitment. Here's how the conversation went.

Q: Why did you reopen your recruitment?

A: The vibe with the coaching staff just wasn't the best. Nothing negative to say about them it's a great school just not the right fit for me personally. 

Q: Who are the leading schools now?

A: Texas, Arkansas, UCLA, Texas A&M, South Carolina, Ole Miss 

Q: Any particular school you're leaning towards? 

A: At this time I'm just exploring my options. 

Q: What is the best part of the recruitment process? 

A: Honestly getting so much attention from the big schools. Even though at times it can be a little overwhelming and even aggravating after not getting any of those looks out of high school it feels good to be wanted.

Q: What do you consider to be the most important factors in making your decision? 

A: The most important thing is relationships with the coaching staff and players. Everything else comes second to that. Competing for playing time and academics are also very important. 

Q: what advice would you give to high school athletes that are looking to play college sports? 

A: Focus on your grades. Alot of people have the talent to play at the highest levels but are held back by their academics and have to go the juco route. Not that's a bad thing 

Q: Any parting words?

A:Stay humble and stay focused 

Check out Lakia Henry 

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https://247sports.com/Player/Lakia-Henry-46052726/

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