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Published Sep 8, 2014
10 Questions with D.J. Shockley
Dave McMahon
Staff
We all know the story: Aaron Murray was Georgia's starting quarterback for four seasons and, patiently sitting at second string, was Hutson Mason who will have one season to show what he can do. A few years back the same thing happened with David Greene and D.J. Shockley.
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Shockley was a 2nd team USA Today All-USA quarterback in high school. The problem was the Bulldogs already had a quarterback. David Greene was one of the most successful quarterbacks in the history of college football. The Dawgs won 42 games with Greene as the signal caller and won the 2002 SEC Championship. It was tough to get playing time, but in 2005, Shockley got his chance after Greene graduated.
In 2005, Shockley racked up 24 touchdown passes and ran for four more. The Dawgs
won 10 games and another SEC title. Shockley had a small stint with the Atlanta Falcons, but has now turned to broadcasting. He currently hosts a show on
AtlantaFalcons.com called "What's Brewin" and also co-hosts "Falcons Playback" on CW69 in Atlanta. He also provides color commentary for Mercer football games and Georgia high school games and for Georgia fans, he gives some analysis for Bulldogs Gameday at 10 am.
Recently I caught up with him to ask him some questions.
UGASports: Leading up to the game last Saturday, how many times you think you spoke to Hutson Mason since the end of last season?
D.J. Shockley: "We spoke about 10 times but a lot through text message."
UGASports: When was the last time you spoke prior to the game and what did you tell him?
DJS: "I spoke to him leading up to the game that week then the day of the game. Simply told him this is the time and moment you have been waiting for! Seize the moment and have fun with it.
It's you time to shine."
UGASports: What did you like about his performance and the team as well?
DJS: "I thought he had a great command of the offense, getting them into and out of plays! Being careful with the football
and making good decisions when nothing was there showed maturity and growth. The team played with great energy and a sense of purpose throughout the game. Never let up."
UGASports: What did you say to him after the game?
DJS: "Just how proud of him I was and that this was the beginning and so
much more to come. Keep working hard and keep that passion."
UGASports: The atmosphere of the game was incredible. What was the loudest, craziest game
atmosphere you experienced at Sanford Stadium as a player?
DJS: "The craziest game was the year we beat LSU at home. It was pretty crazy.
And then my senior year vs. Boise State and Auburn both games were crazy loud and electric."
UGASports: The players were going crazy on the sidelines dancing... did you ever dance on the sideline and do you remember which song?
DJS: "Hahaha, No I never danced and when I was there. Georgia was still pretty traditional and they did not play the type of music they play now."
UGASports: You were the quarterback the last time Georgia won the SEC, what does the team need to do to reach that goal this season?
DJS: "The biggest thing is stay healthy! Play within their selves and the GAMEPLAN
--  that is a given. They have the talent to reach that game and win it. Must keep that hungry nature they have through out the year."
UGASports: Growing up you probably dreamed of playing pro ball, did you ever think you would be a broadcaster?
DJS: "I did not, I had no idea I would become a broadcaster but now I love it and I can not see myself doing anything else. I am still involved in the game and talking about it is fun as well."
UGASports: You spent sometime in the NFL with the Falcons, did you ever talk with Aaron Murray about training camps or what it is like trying to make a roster?
DJS: "Yeah, I have and told him the NFL is very different from college it's more of a business but still have fun and always work harder than you did yesterday because there is always somebody out there who wants your spot."
UGASports: You worked quite a bit on television with Radi Nabulsi on the "Dawg Report" what was the funniest moment you shared on or off air that you can mention?
DJS: "Radi actually has more hip hop in him than people think! He would recite lyrics or quotes to movies that were pretty funny that I never thought he would know."
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