Georgia got a glimpse of what life would be like without A.J. Green when the All-American wide receiver was suspended for the first four games of the 2010 season. A win and three losses later, Green returned and led the Bulldogs in receiving yards for the third straight season.
As expected, however, Green left a year of eligibility on the table by making himself available for the NFL draft. Now UGA is faced with the monumental task of permanently replacing Green’s production, a process that officially began March 10 with the start of spring practice.
While head coach Mark Richt said he has “faith in [all] those guys” attempting to fill Green’s immense shoes, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer writes that junior Tavarres King appears to be the leading candidate to assume the No. 1 role. King finished third on the team in receptions (27) and receiving yards (507), and sounds ready to step into the void created by Green’s departure.
“I look at myself as a leader now,” he said. “Leading isn’t an easy task. That’s what I’ve been trying to do; letting guys know I’m there for them, and I’m going to be there day in and day out.”
In reality, it doesn’t matter if it’s King or another receiver; they just need somebody -- or more than one somebody -- to step up and begin to fill the gaping hole left by Green leaving early.
