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Week Two Position Breakdown: Safeties

Posted on Jun 27, 2011 by Travis Ragsdale  | 

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Bacarri Rambo looks to raise up the Dawg Defense in 2011

As we take our first look at the defense of the Dawgs in 2011, it is prudent to look at a position which struggled during the 2010 campaign. With the implementation of the 3-4 defense under Todd Grantham, cover schemes became much more complex for defensive backs last year, and particularly the safeties. Luckily this year, Georgia has players with a years experience in the system as well as some exciting incoming talent.

The Starters

Bacarri Rambo (6-0, 211, Jr.) will certainly be a starter at one of the two safety spots as he is Georgia’s leading returning tackler. He also shared top honors for the team lead in interceptions with a total of three last year. Rambo received a good deal of criticism in the early part of 2010 for “timid play.” While there might have been some signs of this, it certainly was not without reason. After receiving such a vicious head injury while making a game-saving tackle against Auburn in 2009, playing a bit timid wasn’t unwarranted. Anyone who has received a severe head injury such as Rambo knows what it can do to one’s confidence. Even so, Rambo regained much of the intensity and fearlessness he displayed during his freshman year halfway through the 2010 year.

The other safety spot is somewhat up for grabs between several players. Shawn Williams (6-1, 220, Jr.) would be the logical choice for the spot. Williams had only three starts in 2010 but did show bursts of potential at times. Having an extra year under the tutelage of defensive backs coach Scott Lakatos has certainly helped him progress. The other candidate will be former junior college transfer Jakar Hamilton (6-2, 200, Sr.) Hamilton came to Georgia last fall with what seemed like a promising career ahead of him. However, “The Hitman”, as he was known at Georgia Military College, has failed to hit anyone since he’s been in Athens. Hamilton had five starts in 2010 before he was benched for the rest of the year. Even with Hamilton’s struggles in 2010, he certainly has the physical tools to be a solid player in the SEC.

For 2011

Bacarri Rambo will anchor the secondary in 2011; he will be one of the leading tacklers on the team and should add a few interceptions to boot. Be on the look out for Rambo to “lay the wood” to unsuspecting receivers in 2011. Shawn Williams will likely start opposite of Rambo and provide a nice counter-point at free safety. Williams will also look to progress as a player as fast as he can with Hamilton pushing him for playing time.

The Back ups

Jakar Hamilton will be the primary backup for both Rambo and Williams come this Fall. Which should be serviceable. Cornerback Sanders Commings (6-2, 217 JR.) could also provide depth at safety particularly in the nickel formation. After such a great year in 2010 at cornerback though, it will be tough to take Commings away from that spot. The next place to look for depth at safety will be Corey Moore (6-1, 195, Freshman, Griffin HS). While Moore will only be a freshman, ripe out of high school, he has all the intangibles to help out a little at safety this year. Physically, he will have to work hard this Summer and into Fall to get his body in shape to play in the SEC. Still, the 2010 Army All-American will see at least some playing time in 2011.

The Bottom Line

It seems that one of the two safety spots is locked down with Bacarri Rambo. That spot, avoiding injury, will undoubtedly be a strong position for the Dawgs in 2011. The other spot is certainly a question mark. Shawn Williams is certainly capable of being a starting safety in the SEC but has he reached that mark yet? It remains to be seen. An injury to either Rambo or Williams could possibly spell disaster for the Dawgs secondary. The safeties are the backbone of the secondary and the cupboard isn’t exactly full with players currently in the program and familiar with the system. Expect Corey Moore to be a great player in the future but he is simply not ready to be a full time safety in the SEC yet. Jakar Hamilton hasn’t proven to anyone why he was the 2nd highest rated junior college player coming out last year. All reports indicate that he has worked his tail of this offseason in hopes of regaining his junior college form. If the Dawgs can avoid injury at safety this year then fans can expect some big hits from the duo of Rambo and Williams. If not, fans might once again dread every time the opposing quarterback drops back for a pass.

Tagged: position break down, safety, bacarri rambo, shawn williams, jakar hamilton, uga, dawgs, 2011, football