Isaiah Crowell Says He "Can Be A Starter" At Georgia This Year

Photo Credit: Jason Getz

In an interview by Gentry Estes of Dawgs247.com, Georgia 2011 signee Isaiah Crowell speaks on his goals coming into this season as one of the most heralded tailbacks the Bulldog Nation has seen in a good while. And it's clear, from the tone of their conversation, that Crowell is ready to make good on his hype, saying, "I know they're depending on me, so I've got to work hard. I've got a point to prove."

And you can best believe all eyes will be on this young man, as well as others in his signing class, as they arrive on campus to debut just how much of a dream team they have the potential to become.

For Crowell, the main competition will be with his own expectations as the guys currently on Georgia's roster seem to already be playing second-fiddle to the five-star phenom out of Carver-Columbus High School. But, to be clear, those stars won't amount to much if Crowell can't block and pick up blitzes for Aaron Murray—arguably the most important player on the field for the Bulldogs last year.

That last point is one of the main reasons why former Georgia running back, Washaun Ealey, wasn't as popular with coach Richt as he was with a lot of the fans in his short career.

It's no secret that Richt values blocking ability as much as running ability where his tailbacks are concerned, and you can bet your red and black glasses if Crowell can't pick up on pass-blocking schemes and blitzes, he will definitely find his reps limited no matter how well he runs.

Even so, his overall work ethic, drive, and desire to prove that he's more than just hype could very well be the difference in him finding immediate success on the field.

One things is certain, he will have plenty of chances to make his mark this summer as the starting tailback job is wide open. Crowell knows that and says his main goal is to prove that "... I can be a starter. That’s the main thing.", he wants his shot and he feels good about his chances to make his mark for the program he loves.

Many are hoping that is indeed the case as the young man could become the spark that Georgia needs in the running game this season—one of the most critical in Mark Richt's career—and possibly the key to making the offense really come together for offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. If nothing else, it would take some of the pressure off Aaron Murray.

June 6th will mark the beginning of Crowell's tenure at Georgia and many are hoping it starts with a bang.

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Georgia Bulldogs Recruiting: 2012 ATH Prospect Josh Harvey-Clemons

Josh Harvey-Clemons is a 6'5", 205 lb, ATH (athlete) prospect out of Valdosta, GA. He has split time between both the wide receiver and outside linebacker positions at Lowndes County High School.

His speed, size, and ability to get to the ball make him an intriguing option for either offense or defense, but Georgia is looking to make him a defensive weapon, specifically at linebacker—where the Bulldogs are hoping to add more depth in 2012.

Harvey-Clemons is a dynamic edge rusher who uses his speed, size, and great instincts to get into the backfield and disrupt quarterback play. He plays with focus and discipline on the football field and has the ability to lay down those bone-jarring hits when given the opportunity. He's a force to be reckoned with on either side of the ball and should be very good at the next level—with the right coaching.

Currently, depending on what you read, Georgia is in the lead race for Harvey-Clemons as he has, apparently, developed a close relationship with Todd Grantham. That said, it's a long way to February, and Harvey-Clemons could just as likely end up at FSU—a school that has built up a very strong relationship with the Lowndes County coaches over the years (landing such players as Greg Reid and Telvin Smith)—or Florida (the first school to offer him)

Both the Seminoles and the Gators want to make Harvey-Clemons a wide receiver at the college level.

Either way, Harvey- Clemons is an exciting player to keep on your radar as the march towards Signing Day 2012' continues.

Georgia Bulldogs: Mark Richt Shares His Thoughts On Signing Day (VIDEO)

Georgia closed out strong on February 2 and the Bulldogs will enter the 2011 season with significantly higher hopes—particularly on defense—for a better outcome than the one they had in 2010.

Coach Richt expects to see Isaiah Crowell come in and compete for playing time early and, hopefully, we'll see him "running that rock against Boise State" in the season opener at the Georgia Dome.

ESPN rated Georgia's class No. 6 in the nation behind Florida State, Auburn, Alabama, USC, and Texas—in that order.

Mark Richt Has "Dream Team" Class. Watch more top selected videos about: NCF, ESPN

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