There are questions here, as two proven seniors exit, leaving opportunity for a converted tight end and a promising true sophomore.
True sophomore Zander Ogletree will have a chance to step in at fullback this season. (Photo by UGA Sports Communications)
THE CUPBOARD
BRUCE FIGGINS (Sr., 6-4, 265) – After flirting with the position move in bowl practice, he has now moved full-time to fullback from tight end.
ALEXANDER OGLETREE (Soph., 5-10, 207) – Twin brother of budding safety Alec Ogletree, ‘Zander’ played in all but one game as a true freshman.
Key departures: Shaun Chapas, Fred Munzenmaier
Additional returnees of note: Dustin Royston (R-Soph., 5-11, 232), Cameron Allen (R-Jr., 6-1, 220), Chris Young (R-Soph., 6-1, 230)
Arriving after spring: None
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THE SKINNY
The fullback didn’t play quite as prominent a role in Georgia’s offense in 2010, partly because of a nasty ankle injury to senior starter Shaun Chapas.
Originally injured in the South Carolina game in week two, Chapas played through painful ligament damage that never truly recovered during the season. It was so bad that Chapas had to miss playing in the Liberty Bowl to undergo surgery that ended his UGA career.
The numbers reflected his injury: At regular season’s end, Chapas only had 15 rushing attempts and five catches, while his position-mate Fred Munzenmaier logged only 16 carries and nine catches.
Bruce Figgins had four catches during the 2010 season, and two were for touchdowns.
Without Chapas for the game in Memphis, Georgia moved third-string tight end Bruce Figgins to fullback. What was once an experiment is now a permanent switch, and the Bulldogs will enter spring practice with Figgins in the backfield. The move made a great deal of sense, given UGA’s need at fullback and abundance of options at tight end.
Given Figgins' experience, he enters spring as a likely starter at fullback, though there are options behind him.
After being overshadowed in recruiting by his highly touted twin brother Alec (a defensive back), Zander Ogletree had a nice first season at UGA. Like his brother, he’s known for being a physical player, and though defense was discussed for him the past, he’s likely to stay on as UGA’s fullback of the future.
Beyond him, Royston and Allen each have experience in the offensive system, and fullback is a rare spot where an unheralded player has been known to secure a role at UGA in recent years.
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THIS AND THAT …
THE STAR: Ogletree has the most promise for the future, but he could certainly stand to add some weight.
UNDERRATED: On more than one occasion, Richt has praised the effort given by Royston, who could make a push for playing time with spots available.
BIG QUESTION: How might Figgins adapt to carrying the football after doing it so rarely in recent years?
SPRING IS A SUCCESS IF: Ogletree (or someone else besides Figgins) shows himself capable of a starting role to the point the pecking order remains unsettled heading into the summer.
THE WILDCARD: There have been rumbles in the past that Georgia might move freshman tailback Ken Malcome to fullback. No plans for that exist, but it could make sense in the future if recent signee Isaiah Crowell is as good as advertised.
WATCHING ON G-DAY FOR: Figgins’ adjustment to a new position and Ogletree’s tenacity on the field.
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PREVIOUS PRE-SPRING PRIMERS
-- QUARTERBACK
-- TAILBACK
- Gentry Estes
- Georgia Insider - Dawgs247