G-Day spring game could be key in Georgia's QB competition
Apr 14, 2016 - 10:15 PM ATHENS, Ga. (AP) No quarterback has taken the lead in Georgia's quarterback competition this spring. Even heralded freshman Jacob Eason has been unable to break out of the pack.New coach Kirby Smart hopes that changes in Saturday's G-Day spring game at Sanford Stadium.
The spring game could be crucial for returning starter Greyson Lambert, junior Brice Ramsey and Eason, the top recruit from Lake Stevens, Washington.
Smart has been pushing for fans to pack the stadium. He'll be looking closely to see if any quarterback flourishes in front of the big crowd.
''It will figure in a lot because we're going to have that atmosphere,'' Smart said this week. ''... I really hope somebody steps out. I hope they all three play great.''
Lambert started 12 games as Georgia finished 10-3 last season with lopsided losses to Alabama, Tennessee and Florida, costing coach Mark Richt his job. Eason, the Virginia transfer, opened spring ahead of Ramsey and Eason but hasn't secured the starting job.
''I really don't think there's been a lot of separation,'' Smart said of the quarterback race. ''It's frustrating because I think we'd rather have a guy take the leadership role and take the bull by the horns. It seems like every time a guy takes a step forward, he makes a poor decision and comes back.
''There have been a couple times where I thought Greyson was going to stick his head and shoulders above the pack and then maybe he makes a poor decision and Brice makes a play or Jacob makes a throw. It's really been a see-saw battle.''
It's possible Lambert and Ramsey will be the starting quarterbacks for the Red and Black teams on Saturday and Eason will play with both teams.
''We want the reps to come out even and it's really not about who wins or loses, it's how these guys play with their respective units,'' Smart said. ''It's really important to us that they get a fair look. If there are 100 snaps, it's important they come out relatively even.''
Another big story this spring has been running back Nick Chubb's comeback from last year's season-ending surgery on his left knee. He has been running straight ahead but hasn't taken sharp cuts and won't play Saturday.
Shaquery Wilson made a recent move from wide receiver to tailback. Sony Michel, who ran for more than 1,000 yards last season and Tae Crowder are the top healthy running backs. The position is thin after A.J. Turman announced plans to transfer. Brendan Douglas has been limited while recovering from a wrist injury.
NOTES: DL Julian Rochester and DB Chad Clay, freshmen who were arrested Monday night on felony charges including the possession of a BB gun in a school zone, returned to practice on Thursday. The two also were charged with second degree criminal damage resulting from damage to a campus dorm. It is not known if they will be allowed to play in the spring game.
---
AP College Football website: collegefootball.ap.org
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Signing Day Wrap Up: Dawgs Bulk Up On Blue Chips Dec 20
- National Signing Day Open Thread: Champions Wanted Dec 20
- Beck’s Back, Baby Dec 18
- Coach Smart Reportedly Fills Vacant Defensive Backs Position With Veteran USC Assistant Dec 16
- Your College Football Bowl Season TV Schedule Dec 12
- Monday ‘Dawg Bites Is Leaving The Awards Banquet To Hit The Recruiting Trail Dec 11
- Friday Morning ‘Dawg Bites Dec 8
- Thursday Dawg Bites Can’t Resist Looking Ahead Dec 7
- Around the SEC Has Entered the Transfer Portal Dec 6
- Wednesday ‘Dawg Bites: Just Like Football (In A Good Way) Dec 6
- Tuesday Morning ‘Dawg Bites Is Doing Just Fine. No, Really, I’m Okay. Dec 5
- Transfer Portal Tracker 2024: News Out Of Athens, College Station, Norman and Columbus (Ohio) Dec 4