FOOTBALL
Sixth-ranked Georgia conducted its 10th workout of the preseason Friday, and the cooler conditions helped the Dawgs finish their two-hour practice in full pads.
“We’re making progress, but they looked a little tired today, and they tried to push through it,” said coach Mark Richt. “The energy level was a bit down, and they had to dig deeper, like in the fourth quarter when you’re fatigued and you’ve got to make a play.”
On Thursday, freshmen defensive players were made available to the media for the first time during camp, and on Friday the freshmen offensive players took their first turn. Specifically, Richt was asked Friday about how 6-6, 309-pound freshman offensive lineman John Theus was performing in camp.
“John is lining up with the first unit at right tackle, but I’m not naming him a starter yet,” said Richt. “He has a ways to go, but he’s getting better.”
Richt said he liked how the freshmen in the backfield (tailbacks Keith Marshall and Todd Gurley along with fullback Quayvon Hicks) recognized blitzes in practice Friday.
“They got the assignment, stuck their hat in there and gave the quarterback enough time to complete a pass, and that’s a good sign,” said Richt. “They know enough to function. Whoever is the most productive, we’re going to get them in a game. We’re not afraid to play any of them.”
Overall, Richt said that the freshmen class was doing well and a majority of them have an excellent chance to contribute this season.
In related football news Friday, junior outside linebacker Jarvis Jones has been named to the Sports Illustrated 2012 Preseason All-America First Team. The 6-3, 241-pound native of Columbus led the Southeastern Conference in both sacks (13.5) and tackles for loss (19.5) last season. Jones was a finalist for the Butkus Award and was a unanimous First Team All-American following the 2011 season. He is one of nine SEC players on the publication’s First Team.