When the realignment-altered SEC schedule bumped this year's Georgia-South Carolina game from its traditional spot as each team's conference opener, Steve Spurrier lamented not being able to enjoy the Dawgs having multiple suspended players, as is custom. He'll likely have even more reason to pine for an early shot at UGA, if Mark Richt even keeps Isaiah Crowell on the team after two felony charges followed a rocky freshman season.
Isaiah Crowell Arrested: Georgia’s RB Depth Chart Actually Not So Bad
For the sake of argument, though, let’s say Crowell faces something like a four-game suspension if those two felonies are dropped. He’d miss games against Buffalo, Missouri, FAU and Vanderbilt, returning for Tennessee and South Carolina. That’s just a general look at the early schedule.
The good news for Dawgs fans -- there's finally some promising depth at running back, the most troubled roster spot of late on a team that usually has at least three or four depth concerns at any one time. Ken Malcome and Brandon Harton provide experience, combining for 421 yards last year, while recent transfer Carlton Thomas might be rethinking his decision to leave. Incoming freshmen Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley, both four- or five-star recruits from North Carolina, might get their chances even earlier than some had hoped. More on them soon.
Malcome is the most interesting player here. He was also suspended last year -- and at one point wanted to transfer before changing his mind. Since then, he’s earned his way into Richt’s good graces, even being named the Outback Bowl starter.
For more on UGA football, visit Georgia blog Dawg Sports, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills and SB Nation Atlanta.
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