Georgia Bulldogs: Who Will Step In At Fullback In 2011?

In the excitement for what should be a tremendous signing day for the Georgia Bulldogs, there seems to be one question that has yet to be answered—who will take over the starting position at fullback?

Both Shaun Chapas and Fred Munzenmaier are gone, leaving a huge void at a position that has historically been very important at Georgia—particularly where the running game is concerned. Is there a guy who has the ability to block, run, catch, and bulldoze his way into the endzone from inside the five—as needed?

The natural candidate, of course, has to be Bruce Figgins.

Georgia has an embarrassment of riches at the tight end position and with Jay Rome entering a depth chart that already includes Orson Charles, Aron White, and Arthur Lynch, Figgins will need to move to another spot if he expects to see the field at all this season.

If he does, he's definitely has the most potential of the guys currently on Georgia's roster. He's spent a lot of time in this offense, and has always been a stellar blocker. His pass-catching skills won't leave you in awe, but he's definitely capable of making a play or two if needed.

He would be choice number one, in my opinion, and I expect to see him making a go of it this spring. 

Aside from him, there is Alexander 'Zander' Ogletree, a 2010 special teams stand-out. He played the position in high school and has a frame similar to that of former fullback Jeremy Thomas. However, it remains to be seen if he has the ability to do more than just be a lead blocker. Can he catch the ball, is he capable of running with it in a short-yardage situation? Can he run routes, if needed, and make a play 8-10 yards downfield?

These are all questions that need to be explored in his case because none of us have seen him outside of special teams.

It will be interesting to see what Georgia does at fullback in 2011 because it cannot be overstated enjust how important that spot has been during coach Richt's tenure. He's been blessed to find talents like Verron Haynes (walk-on), J.T. Wall (walk-on), Brannan Southerland, and Shaun Chapas over the years, but this season there is no one waiting in the wings to become "that guy" and that has to be cause for some concern.

What say you?

Georgia Bulldogs: The New Football Facility Already Earning Its Weight (VIDEO)

If a recruiting prospect is seriously considering signing with Georgia for the next four-to-five years, the new Butts-Mehre Expansion project has to be a nice selling point.

It looks amazing (the steel steps with the trademark 'G' inserted into the face is a nice touch) and the great technological touches will be a major plus as the staff tries to make 2011 a banner year—already talking BCS trophies in Butts-Mehre (well, at least they're doing it tongue-in cheek)—for Mark Richt's football program.

Below is a video tour, put together by Dean Legge of DawgPost.com, and it gives you a little taste of what the future prospects on Georgia's target list will see when they visit the campus and what the current commits and roster players have to look forward to next season.

Recruiting: Jay Rome and Malcolm Mitchell Verbally Commit To UGA

Photo Credit: Jason Getz/AJC

When Xzavier Dickson pledged his allegiance to Alabama at the Under-Armour All-American game a mere two weeks ago, a feeling of dejection came over many a Bulldog fan as their dream of an in-state all-star team seemed to look more like a nightmare.

What a difference a few weeks and a couple of decisions can make.

While nothing is ever "official" until the ink is on the paper, the verbal commitments of both Jay Rome (TE) and Malcolm Mitchell (DB/WR) certainly helped rekindle the dream of a great class and, for once, made the Georgia faithful feel like a turnaround could indeed be in store for 2011.

What each player offers is likely obvious by now.

Jay Rome is rated the No. 1 tight end in the country and, playing alongside other great talents like Orson Charles and Aron White,  he adds yet another big weapon for the Bulldogs on offense.

He has good size, great speed, and excellent play making ability.

As for Malcolm Mitchell, no doubt he was a surprise for Georgia fans as Alabama was thought to be his school of choice for quite a while. Fortunately for Georgia, Mitchell's desire to remain in-state swayed him towards the red and black at the last minute.

At 6'1", 190, Mitchell has the size to play both receiver and defensive back at the next level. And, it has already been hinted that he just might.

Georgia could definitely use his services on both sides of the ball—particularly with Boykin likely gone after 2011 and Branden Smith suffering through his share of injuries. 

Both prospects should play well for Georgia provided they are given the proper coaching.

All in all, it's been a good day to be a Georgia Bulldog.

Jay Rome video:




Malcolm Mitchell video: