Spring ball begins without ‘clear-cut’ starting QB
Georgia returns 10 starters on offense when the football team begins spring practice today.
But the most pivotal offensive position remains unclaimed — quarterback.
Logan Gray has the dual threat ability with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash time and experience in the system. Zach Mettenberger possesses the big, Matthew Stafford-like arm. And Aaron Murray owns the most accuracy and the lofty reputation he built in high school as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks.
So which one of their talents will ultimately win the starting quarterback gig?
“The quarterback competition, the way we’re viewing it going into the spring is, it’s wide open. There is not a clear-cut No. 1 going into spring,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “Logan Gray will take the first reps with the No. 1 offense. But we are planning on rotating all three and giving all three equal amount of looks with the first group.”
After ranking No. 118 out of 120 teams in the country in turnover margin a year ago — largely contributing to the substandard 8-5 season — the emphasis is clear for the three quarterbacks: take care of the football.
“I’m going to be looking for guys that are going to know what to do, are going to be able to hit their target, are going to be able to handle the pressure of the job, and a guy that can lead,” head coach Mark Richt said. “I also have said that he must have a healthy respect for the football, so those are the things I’m looking for.”
Bobo and Richt both say they doubt they’ll be able to name a starting quarterback after the spring. Bobo has said he’s not opposed to playing two quarterbacks if needed.
“It’s definitely a big spring for us three quarterbacks. It’s pretty much going to determine who’s going to be the quarterback for possibly the next couple of years,” Mettenberger said. “We’re all really excited about the competition.”
