GEORGIA Highly-recruited D.J. Shockley adjusts to backup role at quarterback

The sophomore probably won't start a game until he is a senior.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Sometimes, as D.J. Shockley is watching another team's quarterback, he'll wonder what might have been.
When a pass falls incomplete, he'll think to himself, "I could have made that throw." When the quarterback gets sacked, he'll tell himself, "I could've gotten away."
All he can do is speculate.
When Shockley chose to stay at Georgia, he knew there was a strong possibility he'd be backing up David Greene for three years. By the time Shockley gets on the field as the starter, he'll probably be a senior.
"When I made the decision, I didn't want to have any regrets," he said. "I don't have any now. I just go with the flow of the game. [Greene] is the man right now. I have to live with it."
Considered a transfer
Shockley seriously considered transferring after a tantalizing freshman season. In the end, he decided to stay with the Bulldogs, coming off their first Southeastern Conference championship in 20 years.
"A lot of it is just being happy," Greene said. "I think he found a good home, he's confident in the system, and he likes the people around him. That's important."
But it's not easy standing on the sideline, watching someone else play. While Shockley tries to be upbeat and positive, those around him know he's hurting.
"I'm sure there's a whole lot of frustration," said receiver Fred Gibson, Shockley's roommate. "He doesn't talk about how bad it is. He just wants what's best for the team. But I know he feels bad."
Was sought-after QB
Shockley was one of the nation's most sought-after quarterbacks coming out of North Clayton High School in suburban Atlanta, a guy with a strong arm, swift feet and a good head. He signed with Georgia in 2001 -- one year behind Greene, still an unknown factor after sitting out a red-shirt season.
While Shockley watched during his own red-shirt year, Greene broke school records for a first-year player with 2,789 yards passing and 17 touchdowns. He was chosen SEC freshman of the year. By the time Shockley got a chance to compete, the dynamics had changed: Greene was the man.
Still, coach Mark Richt was so impressed with Shockley that he decided to give the freshman some snaps. While Greene was the starter, Shockley usually got a few series every game in 2002.
The arrangement worked. Greene had another huge season, and Shockley made the most of his limited opportunities. He completed more than 60 percent of his passes. He accounted for seven touchdowns running and throwing. He threw a 37-yard TD pass in Georgia's Sugar Bowl victory.
Shelved with injury
All in all, a most intriguing display -- especially since Shockley missed four games with a foot injury. Not surprisingly, thoughts of moving to a school where he would start began to creep into his head.
"You wonder what you could be doing in a different situation," Shockley said. "I'd be lying if I said you didn't."
The decision on whether to stay or go was agonizing. He pondered his options, consulted family and friends, looked deep within his own heart.
Transferring hardly would be a panacea. Shockley would have been forced to sit out another year, leaving him with just two years of eligibility.
"It probably came down to a couple of days, maybe the last day," he said. "It was getting to the point where I had to make a decision."
In the end, Shockley opted to stay.
"It really came down to not knowing what would happen somewhere else," he explained. "Here, I knew I would play some. I knew I would have a chance to do something. I was sure of what I had here."