Freshmen playing early. It’s a topic many fans ruffle their feathers over. They expect the five-star running back their team just signed to be the next Herschel Walker or their five-star wide receiver to be the next Randy Moss. Recruits arrive on campus with huge expectations and some do not produce at the level expected of them until later in their career if at all. However, the players who do produce will see the field early.
The sixth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs have multiple players that fit the bill.
John Theus is one freshman who is expected to make an impact this season. Theus has been working at right tackle for the duration of fall camp and is making strides at the position.
Coach Mark Richt named Watts Dantzler the team’s starting right tackle last week, but Theus has changed the coach’s mind. Dantzler worked alongside the freshman today at right guard for a duration of practice, but then shifted to the second team offensive line so that Chris Burnette could get some reps. Burnette is expected to be the starting guard besides Theus, but will also play some center. Richt revealed today that Burnette is the backup center and in that situation, Dantzler would slide into the right guard position.
“We feel good with Theus at right and Burnette at right guard” Richt said of the situation on the offensive line. “Watts still has a chance at right guard or right tackle.”
Richt also discussed the other freshmen on offense in Friday’s post-practice press conference. Richt disclosed that early enrollee Faton Bauta has not received many reps at the quarterback position and will likely redshirt this season. Though he will likely redshirt this season, Bauta is not likely to see a position change.
As always, Richt was asked to speak on his due of freshman tailbacks in addition to Bauta and Theus. The two have strides to make in pass protection but Georgia sees the pair as backs that can contribute.
“We are not afraid them, we will definitely play them,” said Mark Richt of the status of his freshman running backs.
Theus and his freshman teammates were made available to the media for the first time Friday afternoon and were greeted by a flurry of questions. The freshman tackle did not seem phased by the attention and kept stressing that he was working hard to get better. While saying he spent the offseason conducting vigorous workouts with strength coach Joe T, Theus noted that what he really needs to work on is his role in the no-huddle package and pass protection.
He played in a high school offense that did not require much pass blocking, therefore it is a trait that he will have to pick up on the fly. The freshman is being helped along the way and has multiple people in his corner, especially the linebacker that has made it public that he intends to all-out attack Theus to get him ready.
“Jarvis has been a big help” said Theus of teammate Jarvis Jones. “He has really helped me along and the rest of the O-line.”
Gurley and Marshall, roommates for the summer and this fall, spoke of their roles in the system and how all they care about is what’s good for the team, not individual goals. Marshall is up to 214 pounds, up from 195 in high school, and believes that his pass blocking skills are adequate but he still has things to learn.
“I’m doing good with the pass protection, that was the biggest thing that coach told me I needed to work on” added Marshall about his pass protecting skills. “So, I’m just continuing to work and trying to get better.”
Other notes: Georgia announced that OL Hunter Long fractured his left leg and will miss 6-8 weeks. Ray Drew was out once again as he recovers from a concussion. Both Branden Smith and Damian Swann practiced in green jerseys for the second straight day and were limited.
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