The Dawgs returned to their practice fields Thursday, a day after holding their first preseason scrimmage in Sanford Stadium. The sixth-ranked team in the nation practiced in shells after going in full pads yesterday and Monday of this week.
The offensive and defensive line conducted a series of joint drills during the four periods of practice open to the media and the most interesting occurrence during the drills was the first team’s right tackle, John Theus. As a high school senior, Theus was considered one of the better offensive tackles in the country and is getting the chance to prove he belongs. Sophomore Watts Dantzler, who has spent time at guard and tackle on the first team, shifted to right tackle on the second team. All-American linebacker Jarvis Jones has stated that it is his goal to get the freshmen ready for the rigors of the SEC schedule.
Another noteworthy topic that arose out of today’s practice was coach Mark Richt naming the leaders at fullback and placekicker.
“It seems to me Merritt Hall is the No.1 guy” said Richt about the situation at fullback. “He knows how to hit.”
However, Hall wasn’t the only fullback the coach heaped praise on.
“Quayvon is making tremendous progress” added Richt. “He has tremendous size for the position.”
Hall, a redshirt freshman, is a walk on that is up to 238 from 216 last season in preparation for this season. Quayvon Hicks is a freshman that is a robust 262 pounds, good for the highest weight total of any of Georgia’s back. Hicks was recruited as Georgia’s answer at fullback for the next four years. Richt briefly named him the second back on the fullback depth chart but then backpedal to say that Richard Samuel was ahead of Hicks. Samuel will split time between tailback and fullback.
In regards to his teams placekicking situation, Mark Richt said it was a competition between Jamie Lindley and freshman newcomer Marshall Morgan earlier this week. After watching the two compete in a special teams practice and yesterday’s scrimmage, the coach seems to have changed his mind.
“Marshall Morgan is our extra point/field goal kicker” said Mark Richt of the competition at kicker.
Injury Report: Ray Drew remains out due to a concussion. Brandon Harton did not practice due to a right hip contusion and is day-to-day. Branden Smith (shoulder) and Damian Swann (cervical sprain) participated in practice but were limited.
Dawg Bytes
Marshall Morgan on Blair Walsh and Drew Butler: “I wanna do what they did, I wanna walk in their footsteps”
Marshall Morgan on his range: “I feel comfortable anywhere inside 55”
Mark Richt on Jordan Jenkins: “He has all the pass rushing skills you want a guy to have”
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