Bryce Ros spent two years fighting to get healthy, but a foot injury he suffered in high school never seemed to heal. Wednesday, his football career came to an official end when Georgia petitioned the NCAA for a medical exemption that would allow him to stay on scholarship after leaving the team.
"It's just never fun," head coach Mark Richt said of the situation. "It's nothing that anybody looks forward to. But it was just a situation where he couldn't go. He never really fully recovered from it since high school."
Ros, whose father Frank Ros played on Georgia's 1980 national championship team, played tight end at Kennesaw Mountain High School and redshirted last season. He suffered an injury to his right big toe in high school that required surgery, but never fully healed. The injury was determined to be degenerative and would prohibit normal football activities, according to Georgia's trainer Ron Courson.
Once Georgia's petition is accepted by the NCAA, Ros will be allowed to remain on scholarship but will not count toward the 85 scholarship limit for the Bulldogs. Richt said the scholarship will be applied toward next year's signing class.
JONESING FOR A RETURN
One week after suffering a minor ankle injury, center Ben Jones has still not returned to practice. Richt said the injury appears to be healing on schedule, however, and he expects Jones to resume some work this week.
"I would hope Friday, but my guess is he'll begin to do some things Friday and Saturday and by Monday he'll be full speed," Richt said.
Jones is expected to be the starting center when Georgia takes on Oklahoma State on Sept. 5, and after starting 10 games last season, Richt said he isn't overly concerned about the missed reps for Jones.
"He's experienced enough, he's far enough in the lead as our No. 1 center that I'm sure we'd let him play if he was deemed healthy on Friday before the game," Richt said. "I don't know if he would start, but I do think he'll be back before then."
RETURNING TO RETURNS
Senior safety Bryan Evans was sidelined for nearly 10 days with a hamstring injury, but he's back at work in the secondary, and he said he could soon resume handling kick-return duties, too.
"It's still there, I've just got to get back healthy and I should be healthy by the first game," Evans said. "So if they throw me back there, I'm gonna be there."
Evans said he is one of several Bulldogs, including freshman Branden Smith, sophomore Brandon Boykin, junior Vance Cuff and redshirt freshman Carlton Thomas, working on kick returns.
Evans' roommate, Prince Miller is the leading candidate to handle punt-return duties, and Evans said the two have managed to trade at least a few barbs about who might rack up more return yardage this season.
"We kind of talk about it," Evans said, "but not too much because hopefully when I get back healthy I'll be blocking for him on punt returns and he'll be blocking for me on kickoffs, so it's kind of a mutual thing."
TRAVELIN' MEN
Because Georgia opens against a Big 12 opponent, Richt doesn't have to worry about conference restrictions on the number of players who can travel to Stillwater, Okla. for the Bulldogs' opener, but the logistics of the trip still mean he'll have to limit the roster for the game.
"We looked at a 70 number," Richt said. "If we only could bring 70, we'd be fine, but I do think we'll take a few more than 70. Not a large number, it'll probably be somewhere around 75-ish, give or take."
As to who might be in that group, Richt isn't giving away names. One this he will admit, however, is there will be plenty of freshmen making their first trip with the team.
"I haven't done the math," he said, "but it will be quite a few."
SAFETY DANCE
Evans and Reshad Jones both returned to practice this week from hamstring injuries, but their absence last week helped Richt shore up the depth chart at the position, identifying two top backups to handle reserve duty at Oklahoma State.
"I think (Baccari) Rambo and (Sanders) Commings are both capable of playing, and I don't think we have a third guy as much as a backup at each safety spot," Richt said.
GETTING CLOSER
Linebacker Akeem Dent remains one of the few Bulldogs still sidelined by a sore hamstring. He said he's feeling better, but the trainers have urged him to remain patient before hitting the field.
"At this point, I'm feeling pretty good, but I'm just getting in the training room and doing everything I can to get back on the field," Dent said. "I'm taking a lot of mental reps to make sure I'm paying attention in the meeting room and then just out there on the field when they're walking through scout team and things like that."
Dent said he isn't like to participate in tomorrow's practice game, but he still expects to have a role on the field.
"I don't think I'll be out there for the Okie State scrimmage," he said, "but I'll still be out there on the sideline coaching up the younger guys and making sure everybody's doing what they're supposed to be doing."
MORE INJURY NEWS
-- Richt said Wednesday that safety Quintin Banks was unlikely to play in Georgia's opener.
-- Left tackle Trinton Sturdivant returned to work after a one-day absence due to illness.
-- Linebacker Darius Dewberry and Aron White were both full speed at practice Wednesday after nursing hamstring injuries.
-- Caleb King missed a 12th straight practice session Wednesday with a sore hamstring.
-- Freshman offensive lineman Chris Burnette sat out a second straight day with an ankle injury, but Richt said it's not serious. "I don't know if he'd go tomorrow or not," Richt said. "I see him jogging around and doing some functional things on the side, so he's not far away. He's not in a boot or crutches or anything."
PRACTICE RUNDOWN
The media was unexpectedly shut out of practice Tuesday, but there was no subterfuge intended, Richt said.
Georgia spent its entire practice session working on scout team drills to prepare for Oklahoma State, but the word wasn't relayed through the sports information department until after practice began. That meant no reporters, but Richt was quick to say he wasn't mimicking the media blackout instituted by Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy.
"We started our scout team work Period 1, so it was mostly scout-team work," Richt said. "That fundamental work, we don't really care who's out there, but that's why we didn't have anybody out there today."
As for what's ahead: "We had a good day today and we will play a half of football tomorrow," Richt said. "I hope everyone will be excited and that the scouts will play their tails off in the scrimmage."
I'll have details from tomorrow's practice game posted as soon as possible after the action ends.
Showing posts with label Bryce Ros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bryce Ros. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Video Blog: Bryce Ros
Georgia tight end Bryce Ros talks about new Bulldogs Orson Charles and Arthur Lynch.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
From the Mailbag: Tight End Toss-Up
So far this week I've been posting the responses from Mark Richt and Mark Fox to questions from you guys. Today's question comes from another anonymous commenter (this time, I'm assuming it's from former Atlanta Brave Pascual Perez): Do you believe that the two incoming freshman TEs are physically ready to mix it up inside early in the season, or should we expect to see a good amount of Bryce Ros on running downs and two TE sets until Figgins returns from suspension?
This really is the big question when it comes to the tight ends. There's no doubt that between Arthur Lynch, Orson Charles and Aron White, Georgia has some serious talent in the passing game. But who blocks?
First, let's dispense with the Bryce Ros talk. Ros has made a little progress, but that's about it so far. He's picking up on the details, but he has yet to prove he can take that knowledge and turn it into success on the field. That may happen at some point this season, but he's still a bit of a mystery.
"Bryce is getting his first real chance – even in the preseason last year and bowl practice, he would get some reps but as far as really having a chance to show what he can do and to learn," tight ends coach John Lilly said. "His answers to questions and those things are starting to come together. Now can he take what he knows and take it on to the field."
Of course, it's not an in-depth knowledge of the playbook and an ability to dodge defenders that is the main concern this year. It's blocking. UGA's offensive line should be improved, but with Bruce Figgins -- the Bulldogs' top blocking tight end -- out for the first six games, and a group of inexperienced tailbacks, all of whom have had problems in the blocking game in the past, in the backfield, that O line might not be getting much help.
The first option, ideally, will be Aron White, who got some nice experience down the stretch last season and was the only tight end to play significantly in spring practice.
"He really had a fine spring," Mark Richt said of White. "He runs good routes, he's got good hands, he's playing with energy. There's no question in my mind he'll be productive for us this year. We're going to let everybody compete. But he's shown me enough as a route runner and a ball catcher and a guy who is smart and serious about getting better."
Those things are great, but what about the blocking? That's been the knock on White since he arrived, mostly due to his size. At just 6-foot-4, 235, White is big -- just not that big. So while he's technically sound in the blocking game, he simply doesn't have the brawn to win every battle.
"He has his moments where he does great, but most of the time, he's just battling his tail off," Richt said. "But that's OK because if you're tenacious enough and you put your hat in the right spot and you're good fundamentally, you can be a good blocker. You don't have to just lift them up and roll them. He's ready to play Southeastern Conference football right now."
But what about the two fresh faces? Are they ready for SEC football?
Arthur Lynch looks to be the obvious answer in the blocking game, as he looks the part of the prototypical tight end more than anyone else on the roster. At 6-foot-5, 245, Lynch played in a more traditional tight end formation more often in high school and coaches have complimented his blocking skills even before he has practiced at Georgia. But there's a big difference between stopping rushers in high school and doing it in the SEC.
Orson Charles looks like he could be one of Georgia's most impactful freshmen, but most outside observers are expecting far more production in the passing game -- where Charles dominated in high school as a hybrid tight end, often lining up in the slot -- rather than establishing himself as a top blocker. Lilly isn't necessarily convinced that's the case.
"The big thing with him, it's like people look at Bruce is a blocker and Aron's a receiver, and they look at Artie and Orson the same way," Lilly said. "But Orson's a better blocker than people give him credit for and I think Artie's probably a better pass receiver than people give him credit for."
The bottom line, however, is that someone -- and possibly several someones -- will have to step up and handle those blocking duties, and at this point, even the coaches don't know who it will be. But, Richt said, he's happy he at least has a couple strong candidates to choose from.
"It's doubtful right now in my mind that either one of (Charles or Lynch) would redshirt," Richt said. "Not that we're predicting anyone will, but I would think both those guys have a great opportunity to play this year."
This really is the big question when it comes to the tight ends. There's no doubt that between Arthur Lynch, Orson Charles and Aron White, Georgia has some serious talent in the passing game. But who blocks?
First, let's dispense with the Bryce Ros talk. Ros has made a little progress, but that's about it so far. He's picking up on the details, but he has yet to prove he can take that knowledge and turn it into success on the field. That may happen at some point this season, but he's still a bit of a mystery.
"Bryce is getting his first real chance – even in the preseason last year and bowl practice, he would get some reps but as far as really having a chance to show what he can do and to learn," tight ends coach John Lilly said. "His answers to questions and those things are starting to come together. Now can he take what he knows and take it on to the field."
Of course, it's not an in-depth knowledge of the playbook and an ability to dodge defenders that is the main concern this year. It's blocking. UGA's offensive line should be improved, but with Bruce Figgins -- the Bulldogs' top blocking tight end -- out for the first six games, and a group of inexperienced tailbacks, all of whom have had problems in the blocking game in the past, in the backfield, that O line might not be getting much help.
The first option, ideally, will be Aron White, who got some nice experience down the stretch last season and was the only tight end to play significantly in spring practice.
"He really had a fine spring," Mark Richt said of White. "He runs good routes, he's got good hands, he's playing with energy. There's no question in my mind he'll be productive for us this year. We're going to let everybody compete. But he's shown me enough as a route runner and a ball catcher and a guy who is smart and serious about getting better."
Those things are great, but what about the blocking? That's been the knock on White since he arrived, mostly due to his size. At just 6-foot-4, 235, White is big -- just not that big. So while he's technically sound in the blocking game, he simply doesn't have the brawn to win every battle.
"He has his moments where he does great, but most of the time, he's just battling his tail off," Richt said. "But that's OK because if you're tenacious enough and you put your hat in the right spot and you're good fundamentally, you can be a good blocker. You don't have to just lift them up and roll them. He's ready to play Southeastern Conference football right now."
But what about the two fresh faces? Are they ready for SEC football?
Arthur Lynch looks to be the obvious answer in the blocking game, as he looks the part of the prototypical tight end more than anyone else on the roster. At 6-foot-5, 245, Lynch played in a more traditional tight end formation more often in high school and coaches have complimented his blocking skills even before he has practiced at Georgia. But there's a big difference between stopping rushers in high school and doing it in the SEC.
Orson Charles looks like he could be one of Georgia's most impactful freshmen, but most outside observers are expecting far more production in the passing game -- where Charles dominated in high school as a hybrid tight end, often lining up in the slot -- rather than establishing himself as a top blocker. Lilly isn't necessarily convinced that's the case.
"The big thing with him, it's like people look at Bruce is a blocker and Aron's a receiver, and they look at Artie and Orson the same way," Lilly said. "But Orson's a better blocker than people give him credit for and I think Artie's probably a better pass receiver than people give him credit for."
The bottom line, however, is that someone -- and possibly several someones -- will have to step up and handle those blocking duties, and at this point, even the coaches don't know who it will be. But, Richt said, he's happy he at least has a couple strong candidates to choose from.
"It's doubtful right now in my mind that either one of (Charles or Lynch) would redshirt," Richt said. "Not that we're predicting anyone will, but I would think both those guys have a great opportunity to play this year."
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Practice Notes: Dogs Don Full Pads
It has been nearly three months since Georgia donned full pads on the football field, but the Bulldogs finally dressed out for a practice Saturday, and quarterback Joe Cox said the energy was high.
"It was pretty intense," Cox said. "We thought the whole day was going to be live, but Coach Richt in some drills made it full-speed wrap-up, people going to the ground, just because everyone was getting after it pretty good."
Of course, Cox has spent much of the offseason touting his energy level as his best weapon on the football field, so he had to make sure he matched the excitement his teammates showed during Saturday's practice.
"I'm just trying to get people's intensity up," Cox said. "It's nothing crazy, stepping on people's toes, but I'm definitely making sure that everybody knew this was the first day in pads and we did have to get after it."
THE LEGEND GROWS
The star of the spring so far might be freshman running back Carlton Thomas. Through four days of practice, he has wowed teammates with a bevy of big runs, even if not everyone has witnessed the heroics.
"I've been kind of upset because I've been in front of him blocking, so I haven't been able to see his runs," fullback Shaun Chapas said. "From the reaction of everybody else, he had some great ones (Saturday)."
Thomas made one particularly impressive run during inside drills Saturday, stiff-arming Justin Houston and bolting downfield for a big gain. Cox was on the other side of the field tossing the football when Thomas' big run caught his attention.
"I heard the whole crowd go crazy, turned around and saw him running down the sideline," Cox said.
Since he arrived in Athens last summer, Thomas has been impressing teammates with his big runs, but his size – he's just 5-foot-7 – has made him a bit of a question mark. But fellow tailback Richard Samuel said that shouldn't be an issue.
"He might be small," Samuel said, "but he'll bring the heat to you."
That was a sentiment Cox was quick to confirm. Thomas might not have the same size as his competition at running back, but it's hard to account for heart, Cox said.
"He's got a motor like no one I've ever seen," Cox said. "He's tough. You see him get knocked down, but he's up on his feet before you can even snap your fingers."
QUICK START
Incoming freshman tight end Orson Charles was in Athens for Saturday's practice, and while he has yet to receive a copy of the playbook, he assured Cox that he'll be ready to go on Day 1.
"He actually was standing on the sideline and I came off the field, he was like, 'I already know the offense. I'm good to go,'" Cox said. "I started laughing and said, 'Alright, we'll see once you get here.'"
Charles may have been embellishing his knowledge of the Bulldogs' game plan just a bit, but his fervor made quite an impression on his soon-to-be teammates.
"It's good to see someone with his enthusiasm who is willing to learn and wanting to learn," tight end Bruce Figgins said. "I think the coaches get pumped off that, and I definitely get pumped off that, reminding me I need to push myself, too."
While there are likely a few nuances to Georgia's offense Charles hasn't mastered after watching one practice, he said he hopes that won't be the case by the time he arrives in Athens for good this summer. His goal for his visit this weekend was to gather as much information as possible, so he'll be fully prepared to earn some playing time right off the bat when fall camp opens in August.
"Hopefully I'll be coming back with a box full of stuff so I can get ready," Charles said.
BABY STEPS
They still look confused, frustrated and befuddled, but Georgia's three early enrollees are at least making progress. For all their mistakes, however, Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray and Dallas Lee are still getting plenty of pats on the back from teammates.
Lee has gotten a quick introduction to the rigors of the SEC under offensive line coach Stacy Searels, but center Ben Jones said he's reminded the new freshman that things will get better.
"Everybody goes through it," Jones said. "It's just part of football."
Murray and Mettenberger have had their struggles learning the basics of playing quarterback while under the intense spotlight that comes with the position, but Cox said the two have shown signs of improvement in both players after just a few days.
"You can tell they're getting more and more confident," Cox said. "The throws they're making and their decisions as opposed to the first day – the first day it was just being in the huddle, having to say the play, having everyone looking at them, it just caught them off guard – they're definitely looking better."
TIME TO SHINE
Midway through the 2008 season, Georgia was so short on tight ends that lineman Kiante Tripp and fullback Brannan Southerland had to take turns at the position. When the 2009 season kicks off, however, the Bulldogs will be flush with talent, with as many as five healthy scholarship tight ends on the roster.
This spring, however, the ranks remain thin and that might leave an opportunity for freshman Bryce Ros to prove he belongs in the competition for playing time with Figgins, Charles, Aron White and Arthur Lynch.
"I think this is a really important time for Bryce," tight ends coach John Lilly said. "With Bruce out and Tripp (Chandler) graduated, Bryce is getting his first real chance in these 15 days (of spring practice). His answers to questions and those things are starting to come together. Now can he take what he knows and take it on to the field?"
"It was pretty intense," Cox said. "We thought the whole day was going to be live, but Coach Richt in some drills made it full-speed wrap-up, people going to the ground, just because everyone was getting after it pretty good."
Of course, Cox has spent much of the offseason touting his energy level as his best weapon on the football field, so he had to make sure he matched the excitement his teammates showed during Saturday's practice.
"I'm just trying to get people's intensity up," Cox said. "It's nothing crazy, stepping on people's toes, but I'm definitely making sure that everybody knew this was the first day in pads and we did have to get after it."
THE LEGEND GROWS
The star of the spring so far might be freshman running back Carlton Thomas. Through four days of practice, he has wowed teammates with a bevy of big runs, even if not everyone has witnessed the heroics.
"I've been kind of upset because I've been in front of him blocking, so I haven't been able to see his runs," fullback Shaun Chapas said. "From the reaction of everybody else, he had some great ones (Saturday)."
Thomas made one particularly impressive run during inside drills Saturday, stiff-arming Justin Houston and bolting downfield for a big gain. Cox was on the other side of the field tossing the football when Thomas' big run caught his attention.
"I heard the whole crowd go crazy, turned around and saw him running down the sideline," Cox said.
Since he arrived in Athens last summer, Thomas has been impressing teammates with his big runs, but his size – he's just 5-foot-7 – has made him a bit of a question mark. But fellow tailback Richard Samuel said that shouldn't be an issue.
"He might be small," Samuel said, "but he'll bring the heat to you."
That was a sentiment Cox was quick to confirm. Thomas might not have the same size as his competition at running back, but it's hard to account for heart, Cox said.
"He's got a motor like no one I've ever seen," Cox said. "He's tough. You see him get knocked down, but he's up on his feet before you can even snap your fingers."
QUICK START
Incoming freshman tight end Orson Charles was in Athens for Saturday's practice, and while he has yet to receive a copy of the playbook, he assured Cox that he'll be ready to go on Day 1.
"He actually was standing on the sideline and I came off the field, he was like, 'I already know the offense. I'm good to go,'" Cox said. "I started laughing and said, 'Alright, we'll see once you get here.'"
Charles may have been embellishing his knowledge of the Bulldogs' game plan just a bit, but his fervor made quite an impression on his soon-to-be teammates.
"It's good to see someone with his enthusiasm who is willing to learn and wanting to learn," tight end Bruce Figgins said. "I think the coaches get pumped off that, and I definitely get pumped off that, reminding me I need to push myself, too."
While there are likely a few nuances to Georgia's offense Charles hasn't mastered after watching one practice, he said he hopes that won't be the case by the time he arrives in Athens for good this summer. His goal for his visit this weekend was to gather as much information as possible, so he'll be fully prepared to earn some playing time right off the bat when fall camp opens in August.
"Hopefully I'll be coming back with a box full of stuff so I can get ready," Charles said.
BABY STEPS
They still look confused, frustrated and befuddled, but Georgia's three early enrollees are at least making progress. For all their mistakes, however, Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray and Dallas Lee are still getting plenty of pats on the back from teammates.
Lee has gotten a quick introduction to the rigors of the SEC under offensive line coach Stacy Searels, but center Ben Jones said he's reminded the new freshman that things will get better.
"Everybody goes through it," Jones said. "It's just part of football."
Murray and Mettenberger have had their struggles learning the basics of playing quarterback while under the intense spotlight that comes with the position, but Cox said the two have shown signs of improvement in both players after just a few days.
"You can tell they're getting more and more confident," Cox said. "The throws they're making and their decisions as opposed to the first day – the first day it was just being in the huddle, having to say the play, having everyone looking at them, it just caught them off guard – they're definitely looking better."
TIME TO SHINE
Midway through the 2008 season, Georgia was so short on tight ends that lineman Kiante Tripp and fullback Brannan Southerland had to take turns at the position. When the 2009 season kicks off, however, the Bulldogs will be flush with talent, with as many as five healthy scholarship tight ends on the roster.
This spring, however, the ranks remain thin and that might leave an opportunity for freshman Bryce Ros to prove he belongs in the competition for playing time with Figgins, Charles, Aron White and Arthur Lynch.
"I think this is a really important time for Bryce," tight ends coach John Lilly said. "With Bruce out and Tripp (Chandler) graduated, Bryce is getting his first real chance in these 15 days (of spring practice). His answers to questions and those things are starting to come together. Now can he take what he knows and take it on to the field?"
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