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Saturday, Jun. 20, 2009

Dobbs looking to put more heat on QBs

Mark Richt repeatedly referred to it as one of the most influential plays of 2008.

In a season otherwise littered with defensive miscues and blown assignments, this was one of the few moments that stood out for all the right reasons.

As Kentucky marched down the field in the waning minutes in Lexington, Georgia defensive end DeMarcus Dobbs read the eyes of Wildcats freshman quarterback Randall Cobb, then he intuitively leaped in the air to secure the game-saving interception.

In a game where Georgia relinquished 38 points to a previously stagnant Kentucky offense (14.2 points per game against SEC opponents), it was Dobbs’ interception that will be remembered.

“DeMarcus had more interceptions last year than half of our secondary,” cornerback Brandon Boykin said with a laugh. “He did a great job of picking off passes and making plays for our defense.”

For Dobbs, however, he is hoping that the 2009 season will give him an opportunity to be remembered in a more conventional way.

“Don’t get me wrong, that interception was definitely a blessing,” Dobbs said. “It really helped change the momentum of the game and all, but I don’t want to be known for that interception. I’m trying to make my name as a defensive end, not as some guy who made a lucky INT.”

And Dobbs understands that in order to be regarded as a dominant defensive end, he will have to start sacking quarterbacks instead of intercepting them.

Last season, Dobbs recorded two interceptions compared to just two sacks.

Dobbs’ two interceptions ranked second only behind Reshad Jones’ five.

“As a team, we just really struggled getting to the quarterback last year,” Dobbs said. “A lot it had to do with injury, but it was also our mentality out on the field. This entire offseason we’ve been working on changing the mentality. We’ve been working so hard every day, just trying to improve, and I think it will show up on the field.”

Although summer practices do not officially begin till August, Dobbs’ offseason work ethic is being noticed by his teammates.

After battling injuries throughout the spring, the 282-pound junior has almost fully recovered.

“(DeMarcus) has really improved a lot,” linebacker Darius Dewberry said. “He’s a guy that everyone is really looking up to right now. Whether it’s in the weight room or watching film, Demarcus is really working to get better.”

With defensive end Justin Houston suspended for the opening two games of the season, there is no question that if Dobbs remains healthy, he will be called upon early to step in and fill that void.

“I’m still trying to get fully recovered from injury, but I should definitely be 100 percent for Oklahoma State,” Dobbs said. “What happened with Justin (Houston) is unfortunate, and I’m just going to try to step in and be ready to play in his place. My focus is to do whatever it takes for us to get wins.”