Georgia Bulldogs: 2011 Post-Spring Depth Chart Surprises

Georgia released it's post-spring depth chart today and while there were few surprises, a few things stood out—at least to me—as curious.

For one, the sight of Ken 'Boo' Malcome at No. 4—behind the walk-on Brandon Harton and the diminutive Carlton Thomas—seemed odd. Malcome was one of the major standouts this past spring and seemed poised to challenge Caleb King for more significant carries come summer. However, the fact that he didn't even manage to land at No. 2 concerned me a bit—but only a little bit.

Perhaps the groin injury that plagued Malcome all spring played a role in where he ended up on the chart (although, it does seem worth noting that, Baccari Rambo missed all of spring managed to maintain his position on the depth chart despite missing the majority of spring practice).
It's a situation that bears watching once summer drills commences as, hopefully, there isn't more to it than meets the eye.

Keep in mind, for those who don't know, this chart does not speak to where guys like Isaiah Crowell or Damian Swann will land once they arrive and throw their respective skills into the mix. It's sole purpose is to present a guide as to where guys stand as of right now.

Another small surprise, although no one should be too shocked by it at this point, is the fact that Michael Bennett has leaped over Israel Troupe. Troupe's stock has really declined over the last 18-months and it looks as if his impact at Georgia will be relegated to a reserve capacity from this point forward. It's too bad that he hasn't really found his groove, he's got the physical attributes needed to be a solid competitor, I'm just not sure he ever really committed fully to playing football.

On the other hand, the 'Michael Bennet Hype Train' continues to gain traction and, by summer, it will likely be at full bore as this young man continues to make sure he's not overlooked by anyone.

Oh, and in case you missed it, we are thin on the offensive line, at safety, and at wide receiver. I'm praying the new strength program also includes a heavier emphasis on injury prevention. We are one hamstring injury away from seeing a tight end being a permanent fixture on the offensive line and that's not a comforting thought. 

Joe Paterno to Robert Bolden: You'll Play For Me, Or You'll Play For No One

Robert Bolden, the former starting quarterback for the Nittany Lions (he started eight games before being benched in favor of Matt McGloin) has asked for his release—and been denied.

Apparently, Bolden isn't interested in the prospect of being in competition with a walk-on (Matt McGloin) and a wild card (Kevin Newsome) as he enters his sophomore season. By all accounts, he's probably imagining that his prospects could be much better elsewhere. Unfortunately for him, Paterno expects him to honor his commitment to the Lions and play out his existing contract...oops, wrong sport, sorry.

Paterno expects him to honor the letter of intent he signed last February, and won't jeopardize his depth chart simply because some 19-year old kid is unhappy about his minutes—this might be a good time to mention that the 2011 class for the Lions is looking thin and there isn't a quarterback prospect anywhere in the mix. If Penn State loses Bolden, it's Newsome and McGloin—assuming Newsome doesn't decide to transfer. 

Translation: things could become Unhappy, in Happy Valley, very quickly.

While you must applaud Paterno's gumption in playing chicken with his young star, the first question you have to ask is why bother keeping a guy who doesn't want to play for you? Aren't you just tempting fate and taking a major risk that his discontent trickles into your locker room?

Why bother?

On the other hand, perhaps Paterno is gambling that Bolden hasn't really thought this through, and he's really just doing him a favor. After all, why waste a year of eligibility sitting behind someone else, at another FBS school, when you could feasibly come in and win the starting job in the spring.

Patience is a virtue, right?

Whatever his motivation, Paterno is taking a pretty big risk in denying this kid his out. We'll soon see if it's a gamble that pays off.

Related articles

• QB Newsome stays behind, may transfer (philly.com)