2008 Woodie Awards
Donnan chooses Carter: Other quarterbacks react
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By CAL POWELL The Red & Black
It wasn't an easy decision for Georgia head coach Jim Donnan to give the starting quarterback job to freshman Quincy Carter.
As he's said all fall, Donnan feels a little loyalty to returning lettermen Jon England and Mike Usry, as well as to freshman Nate Hybl, who enrolled at Georgia early out of Jeff Davis High School so he could participate in spring drills.
But that doesn't make Donnan's decision any easier to accept for the three players, and particularly for England. The junior ran the first team offense all throughout preseason drills and appeared to be the favorite to start Saturday before Carter impressed everyone with his skills in practice.
"I'm just a little disappointed, personally," England said. "But (Donnan) made a decision and that's the way it goes. I went out each day and did the best I could and I was pretty happy with what I did. But everybody went out and did a good job. He had to make a decision."
Hybl, who said there's been talk between himself and the coaching staff about the possibility of taking a redshirt year, said he's accepted Donnan's decision.
"It worked its way out," he said. "I'm not really disappointed (with the decision). I know it's a long season and who knows what can happen? I'm a little disappointed with myself for not stepping forward as I had planned to do this fall."
Hines named starting place kicker
Junior Hap Hines was named the starting place kicker on Wednesday. Hines beat out junior Chad Holleman for the job.
"Hap's had a good week," Donnan said. "He's looked very comfortable and relaxed, which I'm glad to see. Hap is a little more accurate than Chad and has more experience. It's his job. He just has to go out there and kick now."
Hines was an All-SEC freshman in 1996 after connecting on 7-of-9 field goal attempts but struggled last year with a 7-for-12 performance.
"If people understood how coach Donnan has been by my side, they'd realize I was the luckiest man alive," Hines said. "I appreciate it, and in return, I'm going to give him my best."
