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SHADES OF GRAY
Logan Gray was a member of the 2007 recruiting class and was ranked 4 stars and in the top 12 QBs in the nation by both Rivals and Scout. He's considered a dual threat quarterback that can sit in the pocket and throw the ball downfield, but also has the wheels to pick up positive returns in the open field. He is so athletic that he returned punts last season so as not to waste a year of eligibility without any contribution. He also has a team first attitude that is so desired in players at his position. If you even know about my website, you pretty much already knew all of that, so I'll get to my point/pose my question. What will Logan Gray's role be on the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs?
So many people have drawn comparisons between Joe Cox in 2009 and DJ Shockley in 2005. I'll stick to the DJ Shockley theme and propose that Logan Gray could be very effective serving the role that DJ played from 2002-2004. Shock was a change of pace player that played a couple series each game to show opposing defenses a different look. It was also a convenient excuse to get a supremely talented individual on the playing field. Both points very much apply to Logan Gray. Many fans (including myself at times) believed that CMR used DJ to the detriment of the timing and rhythm of the NCAA's all-time winningest quarterback, David Greene. Joe Cox may be a great quarterback, but, let's be clear, he's no David Greene.
Getting back to Gray, I believe 100% that Logan will not be returning punts this season. He's committed to playing quarterback and there are several other skill players that will better in the return game (C. Thomas, B. Smith, P. Miller, R. Wooten, etc). I know that the two young guys, Murray and Mett are all the buzz, but I still believe that Gray will keep the #2 spot this season and will make a strong run (though he may not win out) at the starting spot in 2010. Gray could be effective coming in and offering defenses a very different look than the drop-back passer, Cox. And, yes, I know it was only a scrimmage, but Gray threw the ball very well in the G-Day game, so he would certainly pose enough of a passing threat to keep the defense from stacking the box. Joe Cox never got the opportunity to play much with high school teammate Mo Massaquoi, but maybe Logan Gray and Aron White will get a chance to translate some of their high school chemistry to the college game.
So many people have drawn comparisons between Joe Cox in 2009 and DJ Shockley in 2005. I'll stick to the DJ Shockley theme and propose that Logan Gray could be very effective serving the role that DJ played from 2002-2004. Shock was a change of pace player that played a couple series each game to show opposing defenses a different look. It was also a convenient excuse to get a supremely talented individual on the playing field. Both points very much apply to Logan Gray. Many fans (including myself at times) believed that CMR used DJ to the detriment of the timing and rhythm of the NCAA's all-time winningest quarterback, David Greene. Joe Cox may be a great quarterback, but, let's be clear, he's no David Greene.
Getting back to Gray, I believe 100% that Logan will not be returning punts this season. He's committed to playing quarterback and there are several other skill players that will better in the return game (C. Thomas, B. Smith, P. Miller, R. Wooten, etc). I know that the two young guys, Murray and Mett are all the buzz, but I still believe that Gray will keep the #2 spot this season and will make a strong run (though he may not win out) at the starting spot in 2010. Gray could be effective coming in and offering defenses a very different look than the drop-back passer, Cox. And, yes, I know it was only a scrimmage, but Gray threw the ball very well in the G-Day game, so he would certainly pose enough of a passing threat to keep the defense from stacking the box. Joe Cox never got the opportunity to play much with high school teammate Mo Massaquoi, but maybe Logan Gray and Aron White will get a chance to translate some of their high school chemistry to the college game.