Wednesday Practice Report
By Danny Bishop
FOOTBALL
The 14th-ranked Dawgs are close to finalizing the game plan for their upcoming Southeastern Conference clash with No. 24 Auburn.
On Wednesday, Georgia (7-2, 5-1 SEC) went through a 90-minute practice, and afterwards coach Mark Richt said freshman wide-out Malcolm Mitchell should be available against the Tigers. The 6-1, 184-pound native of Valdosta, has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. He has 25 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns.
“Malcolm practiced a lot; he ran full speed in my mind,” said Richt. “He was jumping, catching, changing direction, and I’m convinced he’s ready to play. The more guys we have to make plays and share the load the better.”
The receivers and tight ends have been able to share the load this year as sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray has thrown touchdowns to nine different Dawgs. Junior tight end Orson Charles leads the group with 31 receptions for 390 yards and five touchdowns. Junior split end Tavarres King ranks second on the team with 29 receptions for 320 yards and is tied for the team-high in touchdown catches with five. Redshirt freshman Michael Bennett (23 receptions, 237 yards, 3 TDs) and true freshman Chris Conley (10 receptions, 189 yards, 1 TD) have been productive for the Dawgs too.
Murray is closing in on the school record for touchdown passes in a season. Currently, he has 23, which ranks third best, two shy of the mark set by Matthew Stafford in 2008. Last year, Murray tallied 24 touchdown passes. Stafford had 51 in his three-year career before being the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. Murray’s 47 career touchdown passes already ranks fourth in school history. David Greene (2001-04) owns the school career record with 72 touchdown passes.
Richt provided one other injury update Wednesday saying junior outside linebacker Jarvis Jones will be ready to play.
“He’s better this Wednesday compared to Wednesday last week,” said Richt. “He’s doing fine.
Jones leads the SEC with eight sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss. He is second on the team with 46 tackles.
Saturday’s game is set for a 3:40 p.m. start, and it will be televised by CBS.