Spring Football Roundup: Georgia Defense Shows Life On G-Day
By Kyle Kensing
January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs safety Josh Harvey-Clemons (25) during the first half of the Capital One Bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldogs
Showing life after the departure of sack-machine Jarvis Jones, the Georgia defense had an impressive outing in the team’s annual G-Day scrimmage, the Associated Press reports.
The two-time defending SEC East champion Bulldogs lose Jones, John Jenkins, Bacarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree. Georgia’s offense looks to be loaded for 2013, featuring two possible Heisman candidates in quarterback Aaron Murray and breakout star running back Todd Gurley. How the defense is to shape up is the program’s lingering question mark, but a 23-17 win for the Black team on G-Day
The AP reports highly acclaimed 2012 recruit Josh Harvey-Clemons was the unit’s standout.
Florida Gators
April 6, 2013; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators kicker Austin Hardin (16) kicks a field goal as head coach Will Muschamp looks on during the spring practice for the Orange and Blue Deput at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Competing with Georgia for a spot in next season’s SEC championship game are the Florida Gators, who suffered their lone, regular season setback against the Bulldogs last season.
UF concluded its spring practice on Saturday as well, with the opposite mystery surrounding its team: how will the offense look?
Quarterback Jeff Driskel praised an improved offensive line after Saturday’s spring-concluding scrimmage, per Florida Today.
However, the Gators scored just a single offensive touchdown. True freshman running back Kelvin Taylor impressed, according to SB Nation, a bright spot for a unit still finding its identity.
Will Muschamp did score a major victory on Saturday, though. Proving spring scrimmages are an investment in the future — not only the immediate, but the long-term — Florida landed a verbal commitment from 2014 running back recruit Dalvin Cook, Gator Country reports. Cook was originally a Clemson verbal pledge, but reversed course after his visit to Gainesville for spring festivities.
Washington State Cougars
Aug 30, 2012; Provo, UT, USA; A detailed view of Washington State Cougars helmets during the second quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback Rahmel Dockery is a surprise breakout performerin spring workouts on the Palouse, All Coug’d Up reports.
Dockery was a three-star prospect coming out of University Place (Wash.) Curtis High in 2011, initially denied NCAA eligibility. He arrived at Washington State last winter, and redshirted the 2012 season.
The Cougar defense gets a nice added boost from Dockery’s apparent turnover-creating abilities. Washington State ranked No. 26 in the Bowl Subdivision last season with 15 interceptions. The addition of another greedy defensive back along with Deonne Bucannon (four interceptions and four break-ups) and Cyrus Coen (three interceptions, four break-ups) should make against which opponents must throw.
Texas State Bobcats
Nov 17, 2012; Annapolis, MD, USA; Texas State Bobcats wide receiver Isaiah Battle (6) runs towards the sidelines against the Navy Midshipmen during the first half at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Frederiksen-USA TODAY Sports
Texas State moves to the Sun Belt Conference in its second year of FBS membership. The transition moved along on Saturday at the Bobcats’ spring game, which head coach Dennis Franchione told The Austin Statesman:
"“We looked a lot more like a football team than we did in the spring game last season – that’s for sure. We have challenged our players with the toughest spring workouts that we’ve had here, and they’ve really responded.”"
Texas State finished its inaugural FBS season 4-8, culminating in a season finale trouncing of lowly New Mexico State. The win gives Franchione a positive on which to build as the program continues in its development at college football’s top level.