Joe Cox is the Rightful Helmesman of the Dawgs' Ship

I'll say it as simple as this. Joe Cox deserves to go into the 2009 season as the Georgia Bulldogs starting Quarterback. The young man has proven himself on the field, especially filling in for Matthew Stafford and leading Georgia to a come from behind win over Colorado in 2006.

Cox has waited patiently behind Stafford and has done everything the coaching staff has asked him to do. He knows Mark Richt's offense backwards and forwards, and he has the maturity of a Senior leader which is desperately needed at the QB position.

Yes, I know Aaron Murray is a very talented Freshman who can run and make plays. He will probably be the starting QB eventually. However, with a much improved offensive line, Georgia can now have both an experienced quarterback and an experienced offensive line. I was impressed with Cox when, after the G-Day game, he gathered all the players around him and said to them that a year ago, 8 players were arrested during the off season and so far none during this off-season. He challenged his teammates to keep it that way and come back in August ready and focused. That is a sign of a leader, and the players see him as a leader.

Cox has paid his dews and deserves at least to start the first game of the season against Oklahoma St. on Sept. 5. I believe he will be the starter come opening day and several games after that. Tea Martin led the Tennessee Vols to a National Title following Payton Manning. I think Cox can have the same kind of success following Matthew Stafford.