University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Fall Practice Notes
August 10, 2004 | Football
| | September 2004 >> |
Aug. 31, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The Georgia Bulldogs practiced for an hour-and-a-half in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts on Tuesday afternoon in Athens in what equated to their traditional Wednesday game-week session.
"We're a day ahead of our usual game-week practices," head coach Mark Richt. "It was a good day with good effort. We'll have what is usually at 'Thursday' practice tomorrow and then has another 'Thursday' practice the following day."
Earlier in the day, Richt conducted his weekly press session at Stegeman Coliseum where he discussed this weekend's season opener with Georgia Southern.
"Southern is an exciting opponent for everyone in the state of Georgia,"
Richt said. "They know how to win, they've really been doing nothing but winning since they began their program. They are a dangerous team and they're difficult to beat."
Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign this Saturday against the Golden Eagles at 3:00 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. The contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
Aug. 30, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- Even though inclement weather cut short the Georgia Bulldogs' football practice Monday evening, Coach Mark Richt said he was pleased with what he saw.
The Bulldogs' first practice of the game week (Georgia will host Georgia Southern Saturday) was held under the lights on the Woodruff Fields.
However, about 20 minutes before they were slated to end, lightning in the area forced the team off the field.
"The lightning got close enough to stop," Richt said. "It was a heck of a good practice, it was nice and cool, and the energy level was high. It's a shame to stop, but that was of course was the right thing to do."
Richt said the atmosphere surrounding game week for the season opener is unmistakable.
"You see the guys beginning to sense it, to smell it," Richt said. "You see that their attention is a little greater. You start camp that way, but you lose some of it when things get monotonous. But on the week of the first game, it starts to come back and things get more exciting."
Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign Saturday against the Eagles at 3 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. The contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
Aug. 28, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The Georgia Bulldogs practiced for two hours in full pads on Saturday morning in Athens, their final workout before game-week preparations begin for next Saturday's season opener against Georgia Southern.
"Today was the end of a long week," head coach Mark Richt said. "We had six straight days of practice and school. There was a lot of hard work, and they fought through it. I thought it was going to be a little cooler out there when I woke up this morning, but it was pretty hot out there the whole time."
The first and second teams practiced against each other for the first half of the session before splitting up into scout team work.
"We had a great front end of practice," Richt said. "They competed against each other very well. The scout teams have really improved a lot.
They had to learn how to give us the look we need."
The Bulldogs will enjoy an off day on Sunday before returning to work on Monday.
"Because they knew they were getting out of here by noon, they were in pretty good spirits," Richt said. "Now they'll have the opportunity to get some good rest. Hopefully, they'll take advantage of it."
Richt said he expects several players who have been limited in practice due to injuries to return to full speed on Monday, including receivers A.J. Bryant and T.J. Gartrell, safety Thomas Davis, fullback Brannan Southerland, defensive end Quentin Moses and defensive tackle Marquis Elmore.
Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign next Saturday against the Golden Eagles at 3:00 p.m. in Sanford Stadium. The contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
Aug. 27, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia football team worked out for approximately two and a half hours Friday afternoon at the Woodruff Practice Fields in preparation for the Sept. 4 season opener against Georgia Southern. "It was a very good day after the scrimmage we had last night," Georgia head coach Mark Richt said. The practice was separated into two segments. "We worked on fundamentals and competed against each other in the first half and then moved to scout team work and focused on Georgia Southern in the second half," Richt said. The Bulldogs will practice on Saturday before heading into their final week of preparations for Georgia Southern. Kickoff against the Eagles is slated for 3 p.m. ET at Sanford Stadium, and FSN South will televise the game live.
Aug. 26, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia Bulldogs held a two-hour "practice game" at Sanford Stadium Thursday in preparation for their upcoming season opener.
The scrimmage simulated everything from an actual game including the Bulldogs taking the field, pre-game warm-up drills, coaches on headsets on the field and in the press box, starting drives and special teams situations on various parts of the field with a game clock.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said the best news from the day's workout was that nobody got hurt, and he complimented the preparation and play of the scout team led by graduate assistant coaches Zach Shay and Will Friend.
"It was a good practice game, and the scout team led by coordinators Will and Zach did a superb job," said Richt. "They gave us a clean look and were very organized. They ran Georgia Southern's offense and defense."
Richt also said the kicking game was a highlight Thursday.
"We made every kick, the kickoffs, the coverages were sharp," said Richt. "Also, we ended practice with a good pooch kick by Lee Jackson."
While freshman Danny Ware got some work as the starting tailback, Richt added the staff is looking to find out who is the number two tailback.
Freshman Thomas Brown continued a solid week of practice and impressed the staff by scoring two touchdowns on the afternoon.
"Tony Milton, Michael Cooper, Thomas Brown all got some work, and Tyson (Browning) is in that group when he gets back," said Richt.
The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern.
Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET, and FSN South will televise the game live.
August 25, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The Georgia football continued preparations for next week's 2004 season opener on Wednesday with a two-hour session at the Woodruff Practice Fields.
"They hit the wall today," Coach Mark Richt said of his players. "They were feeling sorry for themselves. It was not a very good practice in my opinion. We got some things accomplished, I'm sure, and we'll see it on the film, but what the film won't show is the dragging around. But those days happen. If you had looked at the calendar, this is probably the day you would have picked."
Richt noted that the Bulldogs were coming off a scrimmage on Monday as well as adjusting to the first full week of school.
"Tonight's tempo was not a whole lot to brag about," Richt said.
Richt said Brandon Coutu is expected to handle the kickoff duties for the Bulldogs in the season opener. Coutu had been in a battle for the extra point and field goal duties with Andy Bailey before Richt named Bailey the starter. Neither Bailey nor Coutu has ever appeared in a college game.
"Brandon is definitely in the lead," Richt said. "Something really drastic would have to happen for him not to be the kickoff guy. Hopefully both of them can get some confidence in the first game by doing well."
Richt was asked about the improvement of the offensive line's starting group, which includes Daniel Inman and Dennis Roland at the tackles, Nick Jones and Max Jean-Gilles at the guards, and Russ Tanner at center.
"That's a very good front five," Richt said. "(Blocking for a 1,000-yard rusher) would be big. One less sack per game and a 1,000-yard rusher, those are realistic goals."
Richt said cornerback Tim Jennings worked with the punt return unit along with Sean Bailey and Thomas Flowers. With Mikey Henderson and Tyson Browning out with injuries, Jennings impressed his coach.
"I'm sure he would do a good job," Richt said. "He's very reliable. He can catch it, wrap it up and show off some good quickness."
Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign when they host Georgia Southern on Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. That contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
August 24, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The University of Georgia football team was forced to cut Tuesday's practice short due to thunder and lightning. After approximately 45 minutes on the practice fields, the team went back to the locker room.
The players then broke into positional groups and spent the remaining practice time studying film and Monday's scrimmage tape.
"Today was a good day to have to miss practice," said Head Coach Mark Richt.
"We were doing a lot of things with the scout team, and usually the first day with the scout team doesn't go very well anyway."
The team received word late last night that redshirt freshman Mikey Henderson had broken his ankle during that evening's scrimmage. He underwent surgery on it this morning, and Richt's comments were optimistic.
"He could be only about eight weeks away," said Richt. "He still may be able to come back and play six games or so. He had a plate put into the ankle but did not need to have a screw put in, which would have required a second surgery later on and caused further setback."
August 23, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. --- A dozen days before their season opener, the Georgia Bulldogs conducted a highly competitive two-and-a-half hour scrimmage at Sanford Stadium on Monday evening. "It was a rock-em, sock-em practice tonight," head coach Mark Richt said. "For the most part, the number one offense and the number one defense dominated the number two units. But the twos did have some good moments. Overall, I thought we had great effort and enthusiasm. I was proud of them." Several defensive players posted interceptions, including one by cornerback Tim Jennings in his first practice action in a couple weeks due to a hamstring injury. "The defense did have quite a few interceptions -- at least four, maybe more, but some of them were bouncing off receivers and into hands of the secondary," Richt said. "Timmy Jennings had a pick and ran it back for a touchdown on the first possession. Joe Tereshinski had a great touchdown pass to Sean Bailey." Also working his way back into form is running back Tony Milton. "It was good to see Tony Milton back out there," Richt said. "He was a little rusty but he did some good things." Richt singled out running backs Thomas Brown and Michael Cooper, defensive ends Will Thompson and David Pollack, linebacker Derrick White, Bailey and Jennings among others who had solid performances. Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign, two weeks from Saturday when they host Georgia Southern on Sept. 4 at 3:00 p.m. That contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
August 21, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. --- The Georgia Bulldogs practiced for just over two hours in full pads on Saturday morning before taking part in their annual picture day festivities at the Classic Center in downtown Athens during the afternoon. Following practice, head coach Mark Richt announced that redshirt freshman placekicker Andy Bailey has moved to the number one slot on the depth chart for field goals and extra points. "Andy and Brandon Coutu had sort of been co-number ones up to this point," Richt said. "Andy is now first string, but that doesn't mean he's been named a starter. Just like at any other position, the number one is number one until the number two guy beats him out. Andy has just moved ahead enough that we're naming him number one at this time. Both of them have kicked very well, Andy has just kicked a little better. The competition has been good for them, and we expect that to continue." Richt was extremely pleased with the performance of the offense during red zone situational drills. "We had a good practice today," Richt said. "When we got into red zone situations, the offense had a really good day, maybe the best day we've had in the three-and-a-half years I've been here. The tight ends had a very fine day, and the quarterbacks made a lot of good decisions. It's tough in there because it's so tight. You have to get the ball in there and then you have to make the catch knowing you're going to get hit." Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign, two weeks from Saturday when they host Georgia Southern on Sept. 4 at 3:00 p.m. That contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
August 20, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia football team held its practice at Sanford Stadium on Friday, emphasizing special teams.
Coach Mark Richt said the kicking battle between Andy Bailey and Brandon Coutu continued at the practice as each player kicked field goals against a live defense.
Bailey didn't miss on his five chances, while Coutu missed just one.
"Bailey is in the lead, I'll say that," Richt said. "We've said we could name a starter as early as (Saturday) if we felt like we could, but right now, I just can't say. I'll speak with the staff (Saturday). At least at the last three practices, Bailey has been kicking the ball better. Even on his misses, he's kicking it much cleaner."
The Bulldogs also did some work on kickoffs and punts as well as prepare for the season opener on Sept. 4.
"It was 70 percent kicking, but we did about 30 minutes of scout work against Georgia Southern," Richt said.
On Saturday, the Bulldogs will participate in the Fans Picture Day at the Classic Center. The doors will open at 1 p.m., with the line for Uga VI beginning at 2 and going until 4. The football team will arrive at 3 and will sign autographs and pose for pictures until 5. There is no cost for admission to the Classic Center.
"I like Fans Day," Richt said. "We appreciate the fans. And I think it's good for the fans to see the players' faces. They usually just get to see them in their uniforms on the field. It's nice to be able to interact."
August 19, 2004
Athens --- The fall semester started on the campus of UGA Thursday and the Georgia football team had its first after-school workout of the season. The Bulldogs practiced in shells for just over two hours, ending the day with several 11-on-11 possessions. Offensive coordinator Neil Callaway said practice was sluggish following the Bulldogs' Wednesday scrimmage. "We put a lot into that scrimmage. (On Wednesday) the first group did a lot a lot of good things. With the injuries the defense has had it has been a little one-sided for the offense," Callaway said. On the defensive side of the ball, coordinator Brian VanGorder said the secondary remains a question mark for the Bulldogs. "I've seen a number of guys really improving. Until you see how they hold up under the pressure of a game it will be a question mark," said VanGorder. Running back Kregg Lumpkin had surgery Thursday at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens to repair the torn ACL in his left knee. Director of Sports Medicine Ron Courson said he should leave the hospital on Friday and could be back with the Bulldogs on a limited basis by spring drills next year. Georgia opens its 2004 season in Athens on Sept. 4 against Georgia Southern.
August 18, 2004 - Photos of Annual Watermelon Cutting and ESPN's taping of practice
ATHENS -- Georgia concluded its final two-a-day practice session Wednesday, featuring a morning workout in front of an ESPN television crew followed by an afternoon scrimmage at Sanford Stadium.
The Bulldogs 90-minute morning practice was taped by ESPN and shown later in the afternoon by the network. The idea was pitched to SEC head football coaches at their annual spring meetings and Richt along with LSU head coach Nick Saban agreed to open their practice to the network. Richt along with coordinators Neil Callaway and Brian VanGorder had a wireless microphone on throughout the practice.
| DeMario Minter and Blake Barnes enjoy watermelon during the annual watermelon cutting signaling the end of fall two-a-days. |
At the scrimmage, Richt indicated the staff was looking for the players to prove themselves.
"We want to see who is ready to play, who is ready to start, and if you are a starter, have we developed that continuity among this group," said Richt.
Richt mentioned several highlights from the full-contact scrimmage.
The number two offense, led by quarterback D.J. Shockley, scored a touchdown during a one-minute drill against the number one offense, highlighted by key catches by sophomores Leonard Pope and Sean Bailey. During the goal line stands, the number two defense, led by linebacker Odell Thurman, stopped the number one offense three out of four times. The number one defense, led by tackles Gerald Anderson, Kedric Golston and safeties Thomas Davis and Greg Blue, kept the number two offense out of the endzone three out of four times. Also, Richt added that Danny Ware and Tyson Browning ran the ball well, Fred Gibson and Reggie Brown caught touchdown passes, quarterback David Greene was sharp and Shockley started slow but finished strong.
The Bulldogs came out of the scrimmage without any more injuries although junior guard Max Jean-Gilles missed some time due to his sore ankle. Richt indicated he would probably hold him out until Monday. The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET, and FSN South will televise the game live.
August 17, 2004
Athens -- The University of Georgia football team held their 10th practice of the preseason Tuesday, a two and half hour session in helmets and shoulder pads on the Woodruff practice fields.
The offense looked sharp in all aspects throughout the preseason, especially up front and at the wide receiver positions.
"The number one offense looks really good," said Head Coach Mark Richt. "The second team has been playing well against the number one defense also.
There's no doubt that our offensive line has improved significantly from last year. They're protecting well and creating good seams. Reggie Brown has had a great camp, blocking, running routes and catching the ball. His attitude is great and he's working hard. Fred Gibson, Bryan McClendon, and Sean Bailey have all had good camps and the young guys are showing a lot as well."
Coach Richt also spoke optimistically about the current injury situation.
"A lot of the guys who are sitting out right now could hopefully be back within a week," said Richt. "I really appreciated the guys that were a little banged up and went today. Tyson Browning toughed it out all the way through, so did Trahern Holden and a couple others."
Representatives of ESPN, including a trio of on-air commentators, today's practice in preparation for Wednesday's broadcast from Athens. ESPN will tape segments of Wednesday's practice and will have a one-hour show from 2:30-3:30 p.m. The commentators for the broadcast are Trev Alberts, Mike Gottfried and Dr. Jerry Punch.
August 16, 2004
ATHENS-----The Georgia Bulldogs conducted their second of three two-a-day sessions of the pre-season on Monday, concentrating solely on special teams at Sanford Stadium for just under two hours in the morning before conducting a two-hour workout in full pads at the Woodruff practice fields during the afternoon.
"We had two practices today, as you know," head coach Mark Richt said. "We worked on the kicking game exclusively this morning. It wasn't quite a scrimmage because we were in shells. I think it was good for us to spend an entire practice all on kicking teams."
The contest for both extra point/field goal and kick-off duties continues to be tight.
"I thought that Andy Bailey kicked the best (at extra point/field goals) this morning," Richt said. "Up until that point, (Brandon) Coutu had probably been more consistent. Andy probably closed the gap this morning and made it tighter than it was."
The Bulldogs did not work on kick-off coverage during the morning. Richt said a decision on kick-off duties will have to be made before one for extra point/field goals.
"WIth kick-offs, you have 10 other guys who need to be timed up with the kicker," Richt said. "Every kicker is different...has a different rhythm and approach...and you want yours guys to be hitting that line exactly at the right time. With extra points and field goals, all things are pretty much equal. Nothing really changes with the line, the snapper and the holder. All of the kickers are right-footed."
During the afternoon session, the Dogs had on several situational scrimmages which culminated with goal-line drills for the final two periods.
"Both the No. 1 offense and the No. 1 defense shut out the (No. 2) units on the goal line," Richt said. "It was a good, tough practice. They fought through it and we had a good session."
Georgia is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the pre-season Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, respectively. The Bulldogs will open their 2004 campaign, two weeks from this Saturday when they host Georgia Southern on Sept. 4 at 3:00 p.m. That contest will be televised by FSN South throughout a nine-state area in the Southeast.
August 14, 2004
ATHENS-----The Saturday practice schedule for the Georgia Bulldogs featured a couple of firsts including a morning session in full pads followed by an afternoon workout in jerseys, shorts and shoulder pads. The Bulldogs began fall camp last Monday and today marked the first two-a-day session.
"We had a good day of practice, and it was pretty evenly matched," said Georgia coach Mark Richt. "We kept score unofficially on the 11-on-11 drills, and the number one offense and number one defense won by a slim margin. The number three units were a dead heat. We did have some guys jumping offsides or in the neutral zone, but overall it was good today."
During drills including a goal line session at the end of practice, the number one offense goes up against the number two defense while the number two offense is pitted against the number one defense.
Richt indicated a few Bulldogs did not practice due to various ailments (Thomas Davis - hamstring; Max Jean Gilles ankle; David Pollack patella tendon). They are listed as day-to-day.
"Rest is the most important thing for David (Pollack) right now," said defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder. "He is a veteran and his skills are far more advanced then the younger guys who need the practice time more."
With Gilles out on the line, sophomore Fernando Velasco worked with the first team unit. When asked about the play of the redshirt freshmen offensive lineman, Neil Callaway (offensive coordinator/offensive line coach) indicated that James Lee and Zeb McKinzey had a solid day of practice.
"James and Zeb stood out today, but it's only the first day in full pads, so we'll see," said Callaway who added that the team had a good workout in the morning but struggled a bit in the afternoon session.
Also on Saturday, the Associated Press released its preseason top 25 poll, and the Bulldogs check in at number three behind Southern California and Oklahoma. The number three preseason ranking is the highest ever in the preseason for the Bulldogs. The previous best was number six to start the 1967 season. Georgia concluded the 2002 season ranked a consensus third after going 13-1 and winning the Southeastern Conference and the Nokia Sugar Bowl.
The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern.
Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET, and FSN South will televise the game live.
August 13, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. - The Georgia football team will strap on full pads for thefirst time on Saturday, and that was cause for celebration for the Bulldogsas they wrapped up Friday's session. The Bulldogs will have a morning practice in full pads after going through the last week in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts. Georgia will return to the practice field in the afternoon in shells. "We'll do full blocking and tackling and ball security on Saturday," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "We'll tackle, and the players like that." Richt said the No. 1 offense and defense will go against their counterparts on the second teams. "You like for your 1's to have success," Richt said. "The first teamers are first teamers for a reason. It's good for the team, it's good for morale. The 1's take pride in winning, and it builds team unity. And it makes the 2's fight like crazy to try and be a 1." Richt was asked about the progress of Tyson Browning, who played tailback the last two years, shifted to receiver in the spring and moved back to tailback after a season-ending injury to Kregg Lumpkin. "Tyson's done very well," Richt said. "He knows what he's doing at tailback. He's a high energy guy. He's in the battle for the No. 1 spot." The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live by FSN South.
August 12, 2004
ATHENS, Ga.---Heavy rains in the Athens area on Thursday forced Georgia away from the outdoor Woodruff practice fields on the UGA campus to the training facility of the Atlanta Falcons one hour up the road in Flowery Branch. At the Falcons' indoor facility the Bulldogs held a two-hour workout in shells in sauna-like conditions.
"No one got hurt today," Bulldog head coach Mark Richt told the media following the practice. "Normally if it rains we go to the Ramsey Center, but the floors are being redone. The auxiliary gym (behind Stegeman Coliseum) is being used, so that's when we called the Falcons and asked to use their facility. It was a very spirited practice."
The Bulldogs separated the offensive and defensive units during the first half of practice but combined the groups with a little less than an hour remaining. The day ended with 11-on-11 non-contact drills in shorts and helmets.
Georgia will practice in full pads for the first time on Saturday.
"We'll probably do some tackling. Maybe some inside drills and 10-minute periods where we'll do some team work and we may tackle," Richt said.
Junior CB Tim Jennings and freshman RB Thomas Brown both missed the day with hamstring injuries.
"Brown's is not quite as severe as Timmy's," Richt said. "I doubt we'll see Timmy for a week or so but Thomas may be able to play a little sooner." Georgia opens its season on Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern.
August 11, 2004
ATHENS-----The Georgia Bulldogs continued preseason workouts Wednesday, holding a two-hour session in jerseys, shoulder pads, helmets and shorts. Fall camp features the installation of offensive and defensive schemes for the season. The coaching staff got a glimpse of the retention level of this year's team as the final few periods of Wednesday's practice featured an 11-on-11 drill.
"We had a super high tempo out there today, and it was very competitive," said Georgia coach Mark Richt. "The veteran guys are picking things up but the young guys are struggling a bit, but that's normal. They are a talented bunch, but you can't go full speed if you don't know what you're doing out there."
A day after learning he would miss the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), sophomore tailback Kregg Lumpkin addressed the media for the first time since the injury.
"I'm doing pretty good, a lot better then I was doing on Monday," said Lumpkin. "It was a freak accident. Those things happen. I'm very disappointed but anything can happen. I've got a lot to look forward to next year, and I'll be even more hungry."
Former Georgia All-America linebacker Boss Bailey (now with the Detroit Lions), who has overcome two torn ACLs in his career, was in Athens on Wednesday and spent some time with Lumpkin.
"He (Bailey) said to keep my head up and things will be all right," said Lumpkin. "Boss came back from his injuries to do big things."
In other camp news Wednesday, Richt indicated that freshman offensive tackle Chester Adams has been cleared to practice. He has dressed out each day but has only watched practice.
"The 'Big Cheese' (Adams) has been cleared to practice so he'll be out there Thursday," said Richt who went on to explain the freshman's moniker.
"When Chester first arrived, our team chaplain went up and introduced himself and said my name is Kevin Hynes but everyone calls me "Chappy," said Richt. "Chester replied, my name is Chester Adams, but everyone calls me "Big Cheese."
Junior cornerback Tim Jennings and freshman running back Thomas Brown missed a portion of Wednesday's workout due to a hamstring injury. Georgia will practice once a day until this Saturday when they will hold the first two-a-day workout of camp. The Saturday morning session will be the first one in full pads for the squad.
The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live by FSN South.
August 10, 2004
Athens-----The University of Georgia football team held its second pre-season practice this afternoon, a two and a half hour session in helmets and shorts at the Woodruff practice fields. Following practice, Head Coach Mark Richt spoke with the media.
"We made some mistakes today," said Richt, "But that is expected. The players learn some things on Day 1, then on Day 2 we throw a bunch more at them. Especially for the new guys, it can get a little confusing, but they'll get it.
Coach Richt was also very positive when answering questions concerning the conditioning of the offensive players.
"Every skill player on offense looks good," Richt said. "We hardly have a single player out of shape. Everyone came back to camp in pretty good condition."
Tests on sophomore tailback Kregg Lumpkin's left knee confirmed he has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the 2004 season. Lumpkin suffered the injury in Monday's first day of pre-season practice during a non-contact drill.
Richt spoke briefly with the media about who will replace Lumpkin, mentioning that Danny Ware, Michael Cooper, Tyson Browning and Thomas Brown should all compete to fill the void.
Richt also announced that reserve defensive back Mike Gilliam has been suspended for the season opener against Georgia Southern due to violation to team rules.
The Bulldogs will continue one practice per day until Saturday, Aug. 14 when they will hold the first two-a-days of camp. Georgia's season opens on Sept. 4 vs. Georgia Southern in Athens.
Aug. 9, 2004
:: GXtra ::
- GXtra takes you behind the scenes at the first football practice of the 2004 season
Photo gallery
ATHENS, Ga. -- The Georgia Bulldogs opened pre-season football practice on Monday with a two-and-a-half hour workout in helmets and shorts at the Woodruff practice fields.
Head coach Mark Richt spoke with the media at the team's pre-season media session prior to the afternoon practice.
"I'm really excited about getting back out there," said Richt. "I think our players worked extremely hard in the off-season, in spring ball and our matt drill program. I thought their effort was as good as it could be. I think they're anxious to get out there and get going. There are always some jitters on that first day, though."
Monday was also the first practice for Georgia's freshmen. Richt expects the class to make an impact for the Bulldogs this year.
"I just want them to go out there and do the best they can, and little by little, all the fog will clear. Then, we'll find out what kind of football players they are. All I really ask them to do is to learn what to do. They're not competing with anybody right now. As soon as they think they've got today figured out, then we'll put something new in tomorrow, and the next day we'll put something new in. The first five days, we're installing both sides of the ball, with different things we'll do throughout the season, so it'll be very difficult for them to do a lot. We'll see how quickly they can catch on," Richt said.
The Bulldogs will continue one practice per day until Saturday, Aug. 14 when they will hold the first two-a-days of camp. Georgia's season opens on Sept. 4 vs. Georgia Southern in Athens.
| | September 2004 >> |
| |
