D.J. plays on

Shockley to remain at UGA; Smith's NFL plans unclear

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- D.J. Shockley pondered the idea of going to another school, a place where he might get more playing time.

In the end, the quarterback decided Georgia was the best place for him.

Shockley, a redshirt freshman, plans to stay with the Bulldogs even though he figures to have two more years a backup to sophomore David Greene.

"There's not a lot of guarantees if you go somewhere else," Shockley said Sunday before a Sugar Bowl practice. "You always want to be in the best situation, and staying seemed the best thing to do."

After No. 3 Georgia (12-1) won the Southeastern Conference championship on Dec. 7, Shockley turned his thoughts to his own situation. He based his decision largely on talks with his father, who was contacted by several schools that were in need of a quarterback. They discussed the pros and cons of each school, as well as his role with the Bulldogs.

"There were a couple of days where I could have gone either way," Shockley said. "But at Georgia, I know what I have. At least I know I'm going to get to play. You never know what might happen if you go somewhere else."

Coach Mark Richt has tried to use both of his top quarterbacks in most games. While Greene is the undisputed starter, Shockley usually plays a series or two in each half.

This season, despite missing four games with a foot injury, he managed to complete 31 of 51 passes (61 percent) for 378 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. More mobile than Greene, Shockley also ran 33 times for 105 yards and two scores.

"I'm excited that he's coming back," Richt said. "You never won't to lose a guy the caliber of Shockley."

The coach admitted that he braced himself for news that Shockley planned to transfer.

"I wanted him to do what he thought was best," Richt said. "I was willing to understand whatever he wanted to do. I'm very, very happy that he'll be back."

So is Greene, even though Shockley cuts into his playing time.

"We have a good relationship, and he's a great player," Greene said. "He's a big asset to this team."

SMITH'S DECISION: After the first 1,000-yard season of his career, Georgia running back Musa Smith hasn't decided if he'll return for his senior year.

Smith, a junior, conceded Sunday that he's thought about entering the NFL draft. He'll make a decision after Wednesday's Sugar Bowl against No. 16 Florida (9-4).

"I don't know what my status is going to be," said Smith, who was named to The Associated Press All-SEC team after rushing for 1,179 yards and eight touchdowns. "I have one game left. I'll worry about that other stuff after the game."

Smith isn't the only underclassmen who might go pro. Defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan, a junior, could be a first-round pick if he enters the draft.

 

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