Georgia Bulldogs: 2012 QB Prospect Greyson Lambert

Last year, all anyone could talk about was the quarterback position at Georgia. This season, with Aaron Murray firmly cemented as the starter, and Hutson Mason and Christian LeMay battling for the No. 2 spot, no one is sweating how things will pan out in 2011—at least not as much.

However, Georgia is always looking towards the future, and Greyson Lambert is a key target for 2012.

The Bulldogs extended an offer to the young man from Jesup, GA last November and, at that time, he was very excited to be extended the opportunity. Since then, his popularity has grown exponentially as Division I programs from all over the country have him on their radar.

Lambert is 6'5, 200, with a long, lean build. He's not quick on his feet—clocking in at just better than a 5.0 forty—but he has a strong pocket presence, a nice arm, and better than average field vision. When you couple all of those things with his towering 6'5" frame, you've got the makings of a potential star on your hands.

Wayne County High School is implementing a new offensive system this year in hopes of capitalizing on Lambert's passing ability, so he will be tossing the ball around a lot more in 2011—that should do a lot for him in terms of building up his stamina and overall accuracy. Last season he only averaged 8-10 passes per contest—his team's base offense was the 'Wing T'—so his arm didn't get much work.

That said, he still took a good bit of snaps from under center so he does have a fairly decent feel for making reads and going through progressions. His main focus this season will be on getting stronger, faster, and more accurate (as a junior, he completed 52 percent of his passes for 21 touchdowns and 1,991 yards).

Lambert expressed an early interest in the University of Alabama—both his parents were born there and he's familiar with the campus and the football program—but with interests from Auburn (his parent's alma mater), Clemson, and Georgia, he's keeping his options open.

According to his coach, Jody Grooms, Lambert would like to make a decision prior to the start of their team's season, but who knows if that will remain the case.

Here's some video on Lambert:

(h/t RustyMansell)

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Five SEC RB's Who Have A Shot At Eclipsing 1,000 Yards in 2010

The SEC is a conference that isn't short on running back talent. As a matter of fact, the current holder of the Heisman trophy currently makes his home at the University of Alabama—Mark Ingram. That said, there is plenty more talent where that came from and, at least some of it, is a tad under-appreciated due to a lack of exposure.

However, the way to the big time is paved in a 1,000 yard runner. The SEC, for all it's great talent, only saw five players hit that mark in 2009. In 2008, it was four, In 2007, a banner year, there were eight, and in 2006, there were only two (Both from the University of Arkansas).

So, as much as it is an expectation in the pro ranks to see a tailback cross the 1,000 yard threshold, it's not an easy feat in the SEC where the defenses often make every yard count and the running back by committee (RBC) method of employing the ground game is more than the rule than the exception in this day and age.

Even still, there are a few guys who have the potential to reach that milestone in 2010—in no particular order:

1. Derrick Locke, University of Kentucky

2009 Stats: 196 attempts, 908 yards, and 6 touchdowns

Derrick Locke missed one game last season in order to rest a sore knee. That one game, against Eastern Kentucky, could very well have been the difference in him eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark in 2009.

2010 brings some challenges his way as the Wildcats lost four starters on their offensive line at the end of last season. That said, a player as talented as Locke has never had a problem being productive on the football field.

If he can get the ball rolling early, starting with three fairly manageable opponents, he could have enough momentum to keep it going all year long.

2. Warren Norman, Vanderbilt University

2009 Stats: 145 attempts, 783 yards, and 3 touchdowns

Last season, the rising sophomore averaged 12 carries per game—12. He parlayed that into 783 yards of ground offense for a Commodore team that often had trouble creating much offense at all. He did it against lesser tiered opposition as well as some of the better run defenses in the league (Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee all gave up better than 5.0 ypc to Norman in their contests).

If new coach, Robbie Caldwell, can quell an offensive line that is competent enough to open a running lane or two, and Vanderbilt can find a way to get Norman the 3-4 more carries a game, there is little reason to believe he won't eclipse the 1,000 yard mark in just his second season.

3. Jeffery Demps, University of Florida

2009 Stats: 99 attempts, 745 yards, and 7 touchdowns

Not sure if many people know this yet, but...Jeffery Demps is really, really, really, fast. His 7.53 yards per carry average was tops in the SEC last season and he did more with less than any other back in the conference—despite the presence of No. 15 on his team.

This year, he will have more opportunities to showcase his world-class speed as new quarterback, John Brantley, will concentrate more on the pass than the run and someone will need to pick up the slack on the ground that Tebow left behind.

Add to that fact, the Gators have one of the best offensive lines in the country coming into 2010, and you have to like Demps chances to not only make it to 1,000, but eclipse it substantially.

4. Trent Richardson, University of Alabama

2009 Stats: 144 attempts, 749 yards, and 8 touchdowns

The Alabama Crimson Tide have a very good chance of producing two 1,000 yard rushers next season.

The prowess of Richardson is already well known by SEC fans and he isn't expected to scale it back one bit come 2010. His biggest roadblock might very well be his Heisman winning teammate, Mark Ingram, who will look to match his stellar 2009 numbers (1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns) while, hopefully, leading his team to another SEC Championship.

That said, Richardson is all about having fun and there is little pressure on him to do anything more than play his brand of football and tons on Ingram (carefree and all-out). If he continues to do that, 1,000 yards is not only manageable but, quite possibly an expectation in 2010.

5. Washaun Ealey, University of Georgia

2009 Stats: 125 attempts, 717 yards, and 3 touchdowns

Ealey didn't put in his first appearance of the year until the Bulldogs faced LSU in game five of the 2009 season. He was limited to a handful of carries but, ask any fan of the team and they will tell you, without a doubt he was a definite spark in the Georgia Bulldog's offense that day.

Ealey only got better as the season progressed and he added an exclamation point at the end by delivering a 183-yard performance against the teams bitter in-state rival, Georgia Tech.

2010 offers a new quarterback, a more-experienced offensive line, and a heavier reliance on the run game to get the offense moving. Ealey, along with Caleb King, will be expected to get his mojo going early and it's expected that he will be ready for the challenge.

If he can keep his head on straight and maintain his focus, he will have little trouble making his presence felt in the SEC East this season.

A Few Possible Candidates For The Georgia AD Job (Updated)

Damon Evans is officially out as the Athletic Director (AD) for UGA Sports. His departure means that at some point, hopefully soon, a new AD will be appointed and the university will officially be able to close this sordid chapter.

Although no official word has been given as to when the search will begin or who the candidates will be, there is no shortage of opinion on who the prospects should/could be once the wheels are set in motion.

What follows are a few of the names that have surfaced more than once since Evans' departure became an inevitable probability and a brief look at their qualifications:

Greg McGarity, Executive Senior Associate Director (Internal Affairs), University of Florida: McGarity joined the University of Florida Athletic Department in 1992 and has assisted current AD, Jeremy Foley, in the supervision of both the football and basketball programs. He's a Georgia graduate and worked under former AD, Vince Dooley. He was also a candidate in 2003 when Georgia hired Damon Evans.

Carla Williams, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University of Georgia: Played basketball for UGA in the 1980's and was promoted to the job of Senior Associate AD in 2007. Currently serves as the administrator over women's basketball, gymnastics, men's and women's swimming and diving, and the equestrian program—which recently celebrated it's fifth National Championship.  She also served as the assistant AD at Vanderbilt from 2000-03.

Claude Felton, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Communications, University of Georgia: Has served as a member of the Georgia Athletic Association since 1979. His resume includes stints as the Senior Associate AD for External Affairs, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Information, and in his current capacity since 2004. He is a well-respected member of the Georgia sports community.

Dave Hart, Executive Director of Athletics, University of Alabama: An Alabama Alumnus (71') with more than 20-years experience as an AD—including stints at both FSU and East Carolina—Hart is widely thought to be the man behind the magic at Alabama. Current AD, Mal Moore, has passed most of the heavy-lifting on to Hart and it is thought that when Moore's contract is up in 2011, Hart will glide into the big man's chair. He would be a long shot, at best, for Georgia's vacant AD position.







Again, this is merely speculation and nothing has been said or done as of now.  Expect more in the coming weeks as UGA sorts out the Damon Evans situation, completely, and sets a course for finding the right man—or woman—for the job.

(Updated, 2:22 PM) Michael Adams has released his statement regarding the Damon Evan's situation:

"Yesterday, July 4, 2010, University of Georgia Athletics Director Damon Evans submitted his resignation, which I have accepted. As I said on Thursday morning when I first learned of the situation, this is not an example of the kind of leadership that I expect our senior administrators to set. I have high regard for Damon personally; I care deeply about him and his family.

"Under a separation agreement and release endorsed today by the executive committee of the board of directors of the University of Georgia Athletic Association, Mr. Evans will receive a $100,000 longevity bonus for his prior service, in accordance with the terms of his contract, as well as 3 months' salary as severance. We acknowledge the many positive accomplishments of his tenure, including an increased focus on the academic success of student-athletes, the overall financial strength of the athletic department and the hiring of many very good people as head coaches and senior leaders in the athletic department.

"I will address the future leadership of the athletic department during my regularly scheduled media briefing at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, in Mahler Auditorium at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education."

 

It sounds like the president is already getting ready for the future and the Tuesday press conference should be forthcoming with, hopefully, more concrete information as to what the next step will be and when the search process will begin.