10 | Friday, August 27, 2010 | The Red & Black
FIRST & GOAL
NEW NEIGHBOR
Aaron Murray is the new kid on the block in a well-established neighborhood. Georgia’s return on investment hinges on what is put into developing the redshirt freshman. By NICK PARKER THE RED AND BLACK Joe Cox threw 24 touchdowns last season, one short of Matthew Stafford’s single-season touchdown record at Georgia. A different statistic on Cox’s résumé remains indelible in the minds of Georgia fans, though: Interceptions — 16 to be exact. Those 24 touchdowns did nothing to diffuse Cox’s status as Georgia fans’ scapegoat for last season’s disappointing 8-5 finish. Forget the fact that Cox didn’t have a running game for the first six games of the year. Forget the fact that it was his first year starting. Forget the fact that the offensive line, which was supposed to be the strength of the offense, endured a plethora of injuries and didn’t gain the continuity needed until midway through the season. With Georgia sporting the third-worst turnover margin in the country a year ago, game-changing turnovers are all Bulldog fans remember — and rightfully so. “Whoever wins the turnover battle in the game usually wins the game,” cornerback Brandon Boykin said. “That’s something we know.” It’s also largely the reason a Georgia offensive unit returning 10 starters, including arguably the nation’s premier wide receiver, has become an afterthought to Alabama, Arkansas and Florida in the discussion of the SEC’s top offense. It is also the reasoning behind Georgia’s preseason ranking swooning dramatically between publications — from as high as No. 3 (College Football News) to as low as No. 64 (Orlando Sentinel). Similar to last season, Georgia finds itself in the uncomfortable position of starting a first-year quarterback, the one void in an offense stocked with experience. Even head coach Mark Richt isn’t quite sure how Aaron Murray will do taking care of the ball. It is one
thing to do it in practice, where the Bulldog quarterbacks aren’t allowed to get hit, but it is another to do it with 92,000 fans looking on and 300-pound SEC defensive linemen breathing down your neck. “It’s hard to totally get that taught without a guy being live, when you’re in the green jersey and you’re not getting hit, its hard to know a lot of things. Until he plays, he’s going to experience some things in the games that he hasn’t experienced in practice,” Richt said. “Getting hit at the major college level is a different experience than getting hit in high school, but we’re not willing to simulate that right now. It’ll have to happen in the game and we’ll see. We’re pounding it in the film sessions and out on the practice field, but until it actually happens, it’s hard for him to understand.” One of many advantages Murray has that Cox didn’t is one of the nation’s most experienced offensive lines, with 129 starts among them. It is that reality that gives Murray tremendous confidence as he heads into his first season starting. “[The offensive line] has done a tremendous job of giving me time, trusting them in the pocket, not trying to get out of there too fast, sitting in the pocket making my reads, and if nothing is there, trying to make something with my feet,” Murray said. “The big thing is just trust them and know they’re going to give me time.” Having A.J. Green to catch his passes doesn’t hurt, either. “I would say the No. 1 thing for me comfort-wise is knowing I have a great offensive line, but second is I have a tremendous receiving corps. Of course A.J. heads that off, and those other guys are tremendous and have been making plays throughout camp,” Murray said. “With A.J., you can pretty much throw anything at him, and he’s going to catch it. So it’s definitely
“I would say the number one thing for me comfortwise is knowing I have a great offensive line, but second is I have a tremendous receiving corps.” AARON MURRAY QUARTERBACK
very comforting to have him out there and those other guys. It’s just that safety valve, if I’m in trouble, he’s going to give me a shot if I throw it up — he’s either going to catch it or knock it down.” Not only should the offensive line and receiving corps be stronger this season, but Murray is also a lot more mobile in the pocket than Cox, buying more time for receivers to get open and less chance for embarrassing interceptions when the pocket collapses. “[Murray] moves around real well in the pocket, and he’s very quick,” said left tackle Clint Boling, who will be in charge of protecting Murray’s blindside. When that pocket does collapse, Murray can do what he’s always done: Look for tight end Orson Charles. “That’s all we did in high school. That’s where I got all my yards,” Charles said of Murray making plans with his arm on the run. “When he scrambles out, I know where he’s going.” “He’s always been good at coming back to the ball or finding little holes in the defense for me, and knowing when to get into a hole in the defense,” Murray said. “He’s very football savvy and definitely helps me out.” Charles became Murray’s favorite target when they won the state championship their senior seasons after Charles transferred into Plant High School in Tampa, Fla. Charles took little time adjusting to the college game in 2009, accumulating 374 yards on 23 catches — good for third on the team. “[Charles] creates such unbelievable mismatches when you try to put a line-
backer on him,” Murray said. “I don’t think even SEC linebackers, who are supposed to be the best, there’s very few that one-on-one can match up for him, which is a great thing for me as a quarterback.” The talent around Murray is in place — an experienced offensive line, a dynamic receiver, two matchup nightmares at tight end and a sound running game. But can Murray live up to the hype and play his part, taking care of the ball and keeping defenses from stacking the box? The countdown to clarity is on. But until then, Murray remains anxious — as does the rest of Bulldog nation. “I’ve been waiting for a long time for this to happen, so I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Murray said.
(Right) Aaron Murray takes over his new role with veterans around him. (Below) Mike Bobo will be calling the plays of an offense with key components in place and Murray under center.
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