Breaking down Georgia's new depth chart - Offense

Georgia fans curious to know the specifics of the Bulldogs' 2010 finally got a glimpse of it when Mark Richt released his 2010 Post-Spring Practice Depth Chart on Thursday.

While there aren't any major surprises in this early depth chart, it helps clarify a little ambiguity at certain positions. This is especially true on defense, which had to shuffle some players due to the hiring of new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who has implemented a 3-4 scheme for this season.

So now that we have something to work with in terms of position depth, it's time to break down the positions. Offense comes first.

Quarterback - Starter: Aaron Murray. Backup: Logan Gray. Murray was the headliner when the depth chart was first released, since it was the most talked-about position battle on the team. But it's really no surprise that Murray wins it here; he came to Georgia as the second-ranked quarterback in the country out of high school, and has all the dynamics to be a top-tier SEC quarterback--good foot speed and maneuverability, while having an accurate and powerful passing game. Should he go down, Gray will take snaps, meaning a move to a more run-based offense since he's never been a prolific passer. Incoming freshman Hutson Mason will be the third-string quarterback when he enrolls in the Fall, and will most likely be redshirted.

Tailback - Starter: Washaun Ealey/Caleb King: Backup: Dontavious Jackson, Brian Brewer, Wes Van Dyk, Alex Parsons. Ealey came out of nowhere for the Bulldogs, taking late-game carries against LSU last October as a freshman. He made appearance in every game after that, capped off by a heroic 183-yard performance against Georgia Tech. As expected, he returns this season as the slated starter, and a new number--three, which he wore in high school when he set the Georgia high school career rushing yards record. King, who was not listed on the depth chart due to an injury, is the expected co-starter, according to Richt. But after Ealey's quick success, expect most of the carries to go to him.

Fullback - Starter: Shaun Chapas. Backup: Kevin Lanier, Charles White, Josh Sailors, Josh Sailors, Matt Sweat, Chris Young. Chapas returns for his second full season as the starting fullback. While never a point producer last year, until a 43-yard performance against Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl, Chapas was an effective blocker, and will need to be so again to protect his new quarterback in Murray, who is likely to be leaving the pocket more than last year's starter.

Wide receiver (flanker) - A.J. Green. Backup: Rantavious Wooten, Taylor Bradberry, Brandon Harton. Green's numbers declined last season, but much of that has to do with missing three of the last five games of the season. The two-time First-team All-SEC selection had two monster games against Arizona State and Arkansas last year, pulling in 290 yards and three touchdowns between the two games. If he can stay healthy and click With Murray, Green could have a huge year. Wooten, who will likely line up as an inside slot receiver, was Georgia's leading receiver at G-Day and will likely see expanded playing time this season.

Wide receiver (split end) - Tavarres King. Backup: Kris Durham, Marlon Brown, Rhett McGowan, Greg Lanier. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with King, who had the second-highest yards-per-catch average last year, the feel-good story here is Kris Durham--the redshirt senior who missed all of last season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Before he was hurt, he was an effective slot receiver for mid-field passes, due to his large frame. That looks to be his job again, now that King is the bona fide No. 1 outside receiver. sophomore Marlon Brown is also worth a look, as he was a major high school recruit out of South Carolina.

Offensive line - Starters: LT Clint Boling, LG Cordy Glenn, C Ben Jones, RG Chris Davis, RT Josh Davis. A sigh of relief looms over Georgia fans, as it's good to know that the Bulldogs return all their lineman from last season, except one. Last year's line allowed the least amount of sacks in the SEC (12) and least amount of yards lost due to sacks (96). The lone new starter is right tackle Josh Davis, who still saw action in six games last year. A follow-up performance this year could make Georgia's line the best in the SEC and one of the better ones in all of FBS football.

Tight end - Starter: Orson Charles. Backup: Aron White, Bruce Figgins, Arthur Lynch, Derek Rich. Charles, only a sophomore, has quickly worked his way up the ranks. His 374 receiving yards was third-highest on the team last year, as was his 23 receptions. So it's no surprise that Charles has moved past White as the Bulldogs' starter, which was the opposite at the start of last season. Doing this allows Georgia to run a two-tight end set on various plays with two experienced players on the field.

Overall, the offense is mostly what fans and bloggers expected, with the breakthrough players from last year earning their higher spots by this spring. However, defense will be a while different issue, as several players changed positions to better the new 3-4 scheme. My next blog will focus on the defense breakdown of the depth chart.

In the meantime, check out the Richt's press conference on Thursday regarding the depth chart.

Later on, I'll be focusing on the Georgia alumnae in the 2010 NFL Draft. No Bulldogs have been selected yet, but only one round has passed, so there's still plenty of time.