Bulldogs’ fullbacks take charge

There’s no way around it — Georgia’s tailbacks are young and inexperienced.

The Bulldogs are looking at a combined 95 carries for the three running backs that have played, two redshirt freshmen, a highly-touted incoming freshman and a walk-on, not to mention a rookie position coach in Bryan McClendon.

That’s why two experienced fullbacks — Shaun Chapas and Fred Munzenmaier — took it upon themselves to lead the way this summer.

“We’re only allowed to see our coaches every so often, and there’s all sorts of rules against the amount we can talk to them and things like that,” Chapas said. “So yeah, especially during the summer, doing individual drills outside after workouts and getting it organized so everyone knows where we’re going (is important).”

The roles at fullback, for the most part, seem to be settled. Chapas steps into the shoes left by Brannan Southerland, while Munzenmaier tries to be what Chapas was to Southerland.

The pair of juniors certainly knows what they’re doing — and now they’re sharing their knowledge, even if it’s not the exact same position.

“It’s pretty crucial to have a couple guys that know what’s going on because we’re in that time where the coaches can’t be with us,” Munzenmaier said.

“So just to have a couple guys that know what to do and how to run drills, I think that really helps to prepare the young guys, and incoming freshmen, for camp. We can get to camp now and start a drill, and they’ll just know what to do already because we taught it to them.”

McClendon, a former Georgia receiver, has repeatedly said that the 2009 tailback competition is an open one. Redshirt sophomore Caleb King saw a lot of action in respite of Knowshon Moreno last season, and Richard Samuel got some carries, as well. 

Dontavius Jackson and diminutive speedster Carlton Thomas figure in, as well as top prospect Washaun Ealey.

With a more than crowded backfield and nothing decided yet, this summer’s all about everyone getting better.

“As a unit, we’re communicating good and everybody’s pushing each other behind Shaun and Fred, who are leading the group,” said tailback Carlton Thomas, one of those redshirt freshmen. “Everybody’s falling in line behind them. We’re coming in and working, then doing some extra work, and even sometimes we might come back and do some more.”

“Everybody’s on track, and everybody’s holding everyone accountable.”

Added Munzenmaier: “They’re definitely dedicated. If you ask them to stay out there after we’re done working out, they don’t complain about it. They get out there and do it.”

In the meeting room, in workouts and in drills, helping teach their younger teammates was an easy decision for Chapas and Munzenmaier. But both balked at predicting which tailback they would be blocking for the most come fall.

“I have no clue,” Chapas said. “You’d have to ask coach McClendon.”

Added Munzenmaier: “We’re trying to find a guy to fill some big shoes. Whoever it is is going to deserve it.”