FOOTBALL
Sixth-ranked Georgia moved one day closer to its season opener as the team conducted a 90-minute practice in jerseys, shorts and helmets Wednesday.
“We’re ready to go; let’s play some football,” said coach Mark Richt. “We’re about done, we’ve got one more day of practice.”
Throughout the preseason, Richt has been asked about various personnel on offense, defense and special teams, and Wednesday the question was posed about who he would be watching closely during Saturday’s season opener with Buffalo.
“The punter and kickers, I’m interested to see how that goes,” Richt said. “Also, it will be fun to watch our backs. Those are the top two right now for me.”
Specifically, Richt was asked about who would handle kickoff duties, and he said it’s between freshman Marshall Morgan and senior Jamie Lindley.
“Both have done well and have done enough to do it,” said Richt. “I wouldn’t be shocked if both get an opportunity.”
Georgia’s projected starting punter is freshman Collin Barber. Redshirt sophomore Ken Malcome is listed as the starting tailback and behind him, the Dawgs have a pair of freshmen in Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall plus senior Richard Samuel.
On the injury front, Richt indicated that senior defensive end Cornelius Washington and junior nose Kwame Geathers will play Saturday and that sophomore guard Hunter Long (left foot fracture) is the only scholarship player that he would rule out at this time. When asked about redshirt freshman tight end Jay Rome (hamstring strain), Richt said there’s still a bit of time before game day, and they will see how he’s doing.