Will Logan Gray Overtake Joe Cox?
Sun, 25th January, 2009 - Posted by |
The Athens Banner-Herald has a story comparing the 2005 Georgia Bulldogs to the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs. The most obvious similarities are the previous year’s disappointments and the QB situation; a patient fifth year senior rising to take his much-deserved turn at the helm of the offense.
A key difference though is that Shockley had challenged Greene consistently the previous three years. In 2002 I believe you could make the argument that Shockley was about to overtake Greene until he injured his foot in the South Carolina game and missed enough games to allow Greene to solidify his hold on the starting job.
With regards to the QB situation, next year bears more of a resemblance to the 2002 season. Even though Cox has been a solid number two, he never seriously challenged Stafford for the starting position in the last couple of years.
Then, there are quotes like this:
Cox, who battled for the starting job in 2006 along with Stafford and Joe Tereshinski, is the front-runner this time around for the No. 1 spot.
“I think he’s plenty enough ready to go in and lead this football team,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said.
Redshirt sophomore Logan Gray, who played on four specials teams unit this past season, will begin the spring at No. 2.
“It’s going to be interesting to see Logan do his thing too in the spring, but right now Joe’s the No. 1 quarterback and we’ll see who wins the job in the end,” Richt said.
Uh, “going to be interesting”, “right now” and “we’ll see” all seem to be saying that Gray is a serious factor at the QB position for 2009. In all of this coverage of Cox ascending to number one to have his “Shockley moment” I think there is at least some doubt about who will be taking the first snap of 2009 in Stillwater, OK.
I think Gray gets overlooked because of how he was utilized in 2008; Special teams. What’s missed is the fact that the kid is a great enough athlete to compel the staff to get creative about finding ways to get him on the field. Those natural athletic gifts are Gray’s edge in this competition.
All things being equal, why wouldn’t you put the best athlete on the field?
Next year, when you see Logan Gray on the field it will be at Quarterback, and it may be a lot more than people are currently expecting.
Tags: 2009 / Football / Georgia Bulldogs / Joe Cox / Logan Gray
I honestly think we’ll see Gray quite a bit this season. I feel like he’ll start the season as the back up but he’ll see plenty of playing time as that “change of pace” QB, ala Shockley when Greene was there. He could very well end up the starter but I’m really pulling for Cox this year. Every program needs more kids like Cox. He could have transferred to just about any school he wanted but he made a commitment to UGA and stuck by it. I respect the heck out of him for that. Sorry, I’m rambling now.
I’m definitely pulling for Cox also. He’s been a DGD and deserves the opportunity to lead the team on the field. After all, if he is successful that means the ‘Dawgs are successful.
I’ve heard that Gray is coming on strong though and will be tough to keep off of the field.
I look forward to seeing Bobo get creative with his weapons. Richt has experience dealing with a similar situation (Greene/Shockley) but given his dual role (head coach, OC) maybe didn’t have the time to think outside the box and get as creative as he could have been.
Whatever ends up happening though we know that the competition will make both players, and Georgia, better in the end.
RidgeDawg
I probably should have added that although I’m pulling for Cox I want the QB, which gives us the best chance to win on the field. If that’s Gray, so be it. And Amen to your last statement.