Published August 15, 2012 - 8:30am
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SDS is going to be looking at all 14 teams’ comeback players: one on offense and one on defense. These players were either injured or had an underachieving season in 2011 and looking to get back on track.
Georgia
Offense: RB/FB Richard Samuel (SR)
There has been no bigger a team player than Georgia running back Richard Samuel. As a freshman, he played running back exclusively, rushing for 395 yards on 88 carries and two touchdowns. He was then moved to linebacker for his sophomore season, and moved back to running back because of attrition to the position last year. Samuel, once again, did what the team needed. He carried 82 times for 240 yards and one touchdown. This year, he’ll play a combination of fullback and running back. He gives the Bulldogs a bigger, faster fullback, and a hawse at running back. His leadership will be key for this season with all the younger players in the backfield, and I think he has a big senior season and really helps the team in multiple ways. The fullback trap could be an asset for the Bulldogs this season with Samuel back there.
Defense: DE Ray Drew (SO)
Coming in as a freshman, Ray Drew certainly had high expectations, to go alongside fans’ expectations, too. After all, he was the Pied Piper to the 2011 recruiting class. Drew changed positions over the off-season to defensive end, following last year as an outside linebacker. He never really received much playing time. He did make eight tackles and played in seven games. This position switch could give the Bulldogs another dynamic pass rusher on the outside. It will be tough breaking into the defensive end rotation, but he’s too good of an athlete to keep off the field. I think he comes back strong in his sophomore season.
Damn good Dawgs…both of em!