University of Georgia Athletics
Georgia Fall Practice Notes
September 06, 2004 | Football
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September 30, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The No. 3 ranked University of Georgia football team held its final practice Thursday in preparation for its 3:30 p.m. matchup with LSU on Saturday at Sanford Stadium. The team has not played since Sept. 18 against Marshall, and according to Head Coach Mark Richt, had a very good two weeks of practice.
"I could not ask for a better effort from our guys over the last two weeks," Richt said. "We are fired up. Two weeks is a long time, we're excited."
Richt also addressed questions from the media regarding starters at certain positions.
"Pope will start at tight end," Richt said, "And Des (Williams) will start at fullback. The playing time will be split pretty evenly though."
The game will be televised on CBS. The traditional "Dawg Walk" begins at 1:50 p.m.
September 29, 2004
ATHENS----Third-ranked Georgia continued preparations for their Southeastern Conference showdown with 13th-ranked LSU by holding a two-hour workout Wednesday.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said the team went through another typical, physical Wednesday practice.
"We worked them hard, hopefully no too hard, but they've been up to the challenge, and I appreciate that about them," said Richt.
The captains for the upcoming contest will be seniors David Greene and Reggie Brown (offense), junior Thomas Davis (defense) and sophomore Joe Tereshinski III (special teams).
Richt indicated that junior Derrick White will likely draw the starting assignment at strong-side linebacker for the injured Arnold Harrison.
"Derrick has gotten most of the work there this week, but if Arnold makes a turn for the better, he could play," said Richt. Arnold has the experience that you can throw him in there, and he'd be ready. Derrick is versatile. It's a tribute to him that he understands what's going on at all three positions and can play at each one.
Georgia and LSU will kick off at 3:40 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live by CBS Sports.
September 28, 2004
Athens -- The No. 3-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (3-0, 1-0) enjoyed a spirited two-and-a-half hour workout in full pads on Tuesday afternoon in Athens as they continue to prepare for this weekend's SEC showdown with No. 13-ranked LSU (3-1, 1-1) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
"It was a good Tuesday practice," head coach Mark Richt said. "Tuesdays are tough practices. We had good effort today."
Earlier in the day, Richt took part in the Bulldogs' weekly press conference and discussed this weekend's contest at length.
"This is an exciting week for us," Richt said. "It's a big game in the SEC and will start shaping the conference standings. We've got to play our very best to have a chance to win this thing. LSU is very well-coached and very disciplined. This is going to be a big challenge for us. I think it's exciting for the players to have a national television audience and exciting for the fans that we can bring in an opponent like LSU. We need our fans to be excited and we need our fans' support to help disrupt what they're trying to do. This is the kind of game that our players came to Georgia for."
Saturday's contest is a rematch of last year's SEC Championship game won by the Tigers and will be televised nationally by CBS.
September 27, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The inside of Stegeman Coliseum had the unmistakable sounds of sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing and coaches shouting instructions to their players.
The only difference, however, was the sounds weren't coming from basketball practice.
The Georgia football team worked out at Stegeman Coliseum for 90 minutes on Monday as heavy rains in Athens forced the team inside. The Bulldogs utilized the main basketball floor for offensive work and the auxiliary gym for defensive preparation.
"I thought it was a good team practice," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "Even though we were inside, we had great intensity today."
Coming off a bye week, the Bulldogs had originally hoped to conduct a physical practice, which is normally set aside for Tuesday. But with the inclement weather, Georgia's coaches set up the week as they normally would, with Monday's session being devoted more toward fundamentals and formation work.
The third-ranked Bulldogs will entertain No. 13 LSU on Saturday in a 3:30 game to be televised nationally by CBS. Georgia will enter the game 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the SEC, while the Tigers are 3-1 and 1-1.
September 23, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The third-ranked Georgia football team concluded its off-week practices on Thursday with a 90-minute session in helmets and shorts.
The Bulldogs are idle this Saturday and will entertain LSU next Saturday in a 3:30 p.m. game that will be televised by CBS. The Tigers will host Mississippi State this weekend.
"I'm really very pleased with this week," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "We had a great week of practice and I can't ask for more of the guys. We'll come back on Monday and give them the rest of the plan. We've gotten a good head start and we're ahead of the game."
Richt was asked if the Bulldogs are where he wants them to be at this juncture of the season.
"Yeah, we're 3-0 and we haven't reached our full potential," Richt said. "We've got room to grow. We're in good shape."
September 22, 2004
Athens, GA - The third-ranked Georgia Bulldogs held a a two-hour workout Wednesday in jerseys, shorts and shoulder pads.
Bulldog coach Mark Richt said Wednesday's session was another long hard practice and one at a high tempo.
"The number one offense and defense along with the kicking game did a nice job today," said Richt. "We're going to cut about 20 minutes out of Thursday's practice because of the team's effort this week."
Richt added that redshirt freshman fullback Allen Sell has been a standout on special teams during practice. The 5-10, 220-pound native of Marietta and product of Milton High School was recognized by the team for his efforts following the workout.
A couple of Bulldog starters in center Russ Tanner and defensive tackle Kedric Golston did not practice, but Richt indicated they are on track to be back Monday. Freshman running back Danny Ware participated in most of the drills, and Richt gave him some personal conditioning work during practice too.
The Bulldogs are off this week. They return to action Saturday, Oct. 2 against LSU. The Georgia-LSU game will be televised nationally by CBS with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m.
September 21, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia football team returned to the practice field Tuesday afternoon for a two and a half hour session in full pads. The team is off this week, and has begun preparations for its Oct. 2 matchup with LSU.
After practice, Head Coach Mark Richt addressed the concern with the punt return team.
"The current competition for the punt return job is going to be between Tim Jennings and Sean Bailey for now."
Richt also commented on the status of some particular players.
On Danny Ware:
"Danny is probable for the LSU game. Right now we just have to make sure he is in game condition. He did all scout team work today and is wearing a no-contact jersey."
On the return of Jeremy Thomas:
"He was rusty but he'll get in better condition this week. The fullbacks are going to have to get ready for a physical game. "They have to be just as physical as the linebackers they are trying to block."
On Thomas Brown:
"He's fast and strong. Sometimes these fast players' instincts tell them to bounce outside and try to outrun everybody but he'll learn to stick it between the tackles and run it inside."
The team will practice Wednesday and Thursday and will have the weekend off.
September 16, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia football team held its final practice in preparation for its matchup with Marshall on Saturday. Due to heavy rain and the issuance of a tornado watch for the Athens area, the team held its two-hour session indoors at the Ramsey Center.
Head Coach Mark Richt was pleased with his team's effort despite the inclement weather.
"We got a lot done," said Richt. "We went through the entire practice in a jog-through fashion, similar to what we did before the Georgia Southern game. When you practice inside you don't quite get your spacing and feel the end zone, but overall it was good."
According to Richt the status of a few injured players has improved.
Defensive lineman Kedric Golston has been cleared to play (headaches), running back Thomas Brown did well all week and will see action (hamstring) and running back Tony Milton has been cleared to play as well (leg).
September 15, 2004
ATHENS, GA -- The number three ranked Georgia Bulldogs continued preparations for their upcoming game with Marshall by holding a two-hour workout Wednesday.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said he liked what he saw from the offense Wednesday.
"The offense was sharp today unlike yesterday," said Richt.
Richt added that the team has yet to play a complete game this season.
"I know we haven't played as well as we can. As coaches, we say potential gets you beat. You have to produce."
Junior linebacker Derrick White was limited in practice again and is listed as questionable for the Marshall contest. Meanwhile, freshman running back Thomas Brown, who missed the South Caroline due to a hamstring injury, moved well and had a few nice catches.
The Bulldogs play host to the Thundering Herd (0-2) Saturday at 1 p.m.
The game will be televised via pay-per-view throughout Georgia by Comcast Sports Southeast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) and outside the state by ESPN Regional GamePlan. Fans wishing to order the game should contact their local, participating cable provider.
Septermber 14, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The No. 3-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) practiced for approximately two-and-a-half hours in full pads on Tuesday afternoon in Athens as they continue to prepare for this weekend's matchup with Marshall (0-2). Head coach Mark Richt was not pleased with the workout
"The offense had a lackluster day," Richt said. "We did not practice like champions today, and we had better pick up the pace."
Earlier in the afternoon, Richt held his weekly press session and discussed Saturday's matchup with Marshall and the Thundering Herd's deceiving record.
"They are 0-2, and could easily be 2-0," Richt said. "I don't think many people around the country have the respect that they should have for Marshall at this point in the season. They lost two close games to very good teams. They lost to Troy who went on to beat Missouri, and then Ohio State barely beat them on their own field. I don't think they've ever lost three in a row under Coach (Bob) Pruett and I'm sure they don't want to start this week. They've got a lot of motivation, but we have a lot to fight for too."
Saturday's contest is available on television via pay-per-view throughout Georgia. Comcast Sports Southeast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) will produce the telecast, which is available to cable providers throughout the state. Viewers can order the game through their local, participating cable provider for $29.99.
September 13, 2004
ATHENS, GA. -- The third-ranked Georgia football team began preparations for Saturday's game with Marshall with a 90-minute practice session Monday evening.
The Bulldogs started the evening with agility drills, then broke into offensive and defensive workouts.
"It was a great night in terms of the weather, and when it's like this you can't help but want to work hard at practice," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "The guys came back very focused. They know that Marshall is a team that deserves our respect. We started introducing them to some of the game plan. We gave them a taste of what's coming."
Saturday's game between the Bulldogs (2-0, 1-0 SEC) and Marshall (0-2) will kick off shortly after 1 p.m.
Richt announced that the captains for the contest will be guard Max Jean-Gilles (offense), end David Pollack and tackle Gerald Anderson (defense), and gunner Mike Gilliam (special teams).
Earlier in the day, Pollack was named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week, while punter Gordon Ely-Kelso was picked as the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for their efforts against South Carolina.
Sept. 9, 2004
ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia football team held a two-hour practice in helmets and shorts at Sanford Stadium Thursday afternoon in preparation for Saturday's matchup with the Gamecocks of South Carolina.
Approximately half of the practice was spent with simulated crowd noise being played over the stadium's loudspeakers.
"It was a good practice," said Head Coach Mark Richt. "The noise forces everyone to communicate better with each other. There is a lot of communication out there and they learned in a hurry that they need to communicate well and adjust to the noise, and they did a good job of that."
Richt went on to express satisfaction when addressing his team's attitude and readiness to play South Carolina.
"Overall we feel like we prepared well for this game," said Richt. "The players' spirits are good but they are not overconfident. We'll have to wait and see if we straightened out any of the issues we were facing coming into the game. We will be tested - this will be a first for a lot of key players."
Regarding the injury to middle linebacker Derrick White, Richt stated that he will travel with the team on Saturday, but will be questionable for the game.
The South Carolina game will be televised live on ESPN at 5:30 p.m.
Sept. 8, 2004
ATHENS-----The Georgia Bulldogs continued preparations for their Southeastern Conference opener with South Carolina by conducting a 90-minute practice Wednesday.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said he was pleased with team's effort and said the Bulldogs understand the importance of this Saturday's game. Junior linebacker Derrick White is questionable for the USC game, according to Richt. White did not practice Wednesday and will be held out Thursday. He is on the travel roster for the game.
Junior Tony Milton will be the number two fullback for the USC game, and he is slated to move back to tailback next week when senior Jeremy Thomas returns. Sophomore Des Williams will be the starting fullback for the second week in a row.
"Tony's a tailback, however fullback is where the team needs him this week," said Richt. "Tony is our most physical running back, and if something happened to Des (Williams), he's our best chance to help us run our offense."
When asked if any more freshmen would make their debut this Saturday, Richt indicated defensive end Charles Johnson and linebacker Josh Johnson could see some playing time.
The Bulldog captains for the USC game will be senior Reggie Brown (offense), senior David Pollack and junior Thomas Davis (defense) and senior Arnold Harrison (special teams).
The Bulldogs and Gamecocks tangle Saturday in Columbia. Kickoff is slated for 5:30 p.m. ET, and ESPN will televise the game live.
Sept. 7, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- Remnants of Hurricane Frances forced the No. 3-ranked Georgia Bulldogs to travel 50 miles to the Atlanta Falcons indoor training facility to conduct a two-hour practice in full pads on Tuesday afternoon. The Bulldogs bused from Athens to Flowery Branch to utilize the indoor field in preparation for this Saturday's game at South Carolina.
"We're very thankful to get in here and get some work done today," head coach Mark Richt said. "We had a good full pad practice. The scout teams did a better job of simulating for us. They had better effort and execution today."
Earlier in the afternoon, Richt took part in the Bulldogs' weekly press session at Stegeman Coliseum where he discussed this weekend's SEC opener with the Gamecocks.
"It's a huge game," Richt said. "I watched their game with Vanderbilt, they looked like they did a good job of getting prepared for that game. Just about everything they tried to do worked offensively, I'm not sure exactly how well they expected it to go but it went very well."
The Bulldogs will travel to Columbia on Saturday to face South Carolina at 5:30 p.m. ET. The contest will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Sept. 6, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The Georgia football team, fresh off its season-opening victory against Georgia Southern, turned its attention to South Carolina on Monday.
The Bulldogs (1-0) worked out for approximately 90 minutes on Monday morning. Georgia's practice originally was slated for the afternoon, but the threat of rain from Hurricane Frances forced the Bulldogs to go earlier.
"We wanted to beat the weather, which we were able to do," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "It was a good practice, I thought. The throwing and catching was great. We did half on kicking and the other half on South Carolina. The players' spirits were pretty good, but we've still got a lot to prove."
The Bulldogs will visit the Gamecocks (1-0) on Saturday in the SEC opener for both schools. The game will kick off at 5:30 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN.
Sept. 2, 2004
Athens, Ga. -- The University of Georgia football team held a two-hour non-contact practice in helmets and shorts Thursday afternoon on the Woodruff practice fields. Head Coach Mark Richt was very positive about the team's effort following the workout.
"I thought it was a good, crisp practice," said Richt. "I want to thank the scout team for the job they've done. If those guys line up right and quickly and do what they are supposed to do, then you can have a great practice. If they don't then you can have a sorry practice. I really appreciate the job they've done."
Richt spent most of the practice with the offense, and afterward addressed a few keys to Saturday's game against Georgia Southern.
"The offense looked pretty sharp today, I was happy with it," Richt said.
"The keys for us this weekend are really going to involve fundamentals. We have to hold on to the ball, we have block well, and the kicking game will be important as well. We must have solid fundamentals."
Richt confirmed that the traditional "Dawg Walk" will take place approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes prior to kickoff for every home game, and stressed the importance of it. For Saturday's game with Georgia Southern, it will take place at 1:20 p.m.
Sept. 1, 2004
ATHENS-----The Georgia Bulldogs conducted a 90-minute practice Wednesday in jerseys and shorts that featured a situational walk-through by the offense, defense and special teams without footballs. Different scenarios were presented, and the Bulldogs worked on their gameplan for these situations.
Georgia coach Mark Richt said he utilized this type of practice because the staff felt like the team had a great camp, had worked hard, and if the coaches didn't slow them down, the team wouldn't slow down.
"The team has never flinched, and we had some concern they would be leg weary, so today was more mental," said Richt. "We want to make sure the team is fresh. It was a very productive day. There was no throwing or catching."
Richt also announced the Bulldog captains for this week's game. They will be seniors David Greene (offense), Will Thompson (defense) and Reggie Brown (special teams) . Former Georgia All-America standout Bill Hartman, who lettered from 1935-37 and captained the 1937 squad, will be the honorary captain.
When the subject turned to the running backs, Richt indicated that the top three today would be freshman Danny Ware, sophomore Michael Cooper and freshman Thomas Brown.
"Things could change by kickoff, but based on Tony (Milton) and Tyson (Browning) not being 100 percent, we're going with what we've seen in practice. However, they all are ready to play and could play."
The Bulldogs open the season Saturday, Sept. 4 at home against Georgia Southern. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET, and FSN South will televise the game live.
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