Monday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The Dawgs kicked off another week of preseason practice with a 90-minute session today at the Woodruff Practice Fields.

Coach Mark Richt said the hot temperatures, which moved into the 90s again, were just fine with him.

“It was hotter today,” Richt said. “The guys had to push through it. Most of them did just that. We’re getting done what we need to get done. ... It’s good when it’s hot. It looks like it will be hot all week, and I’m glad about that. I hope it’s hot next week, too.”

Richt was asked if this felt like a bye week since the Dawgs will be in game mode next week.

“Yeah, a long bye week,” he said. “It’s time to play a game. I’m glad we’re blending in some scout work. Everybody is ready to play. It’s been a long camp, but we’ve gotten a lot out of it.”

Richt said end Demarcus Dobbs (ankle), center Chris Burnette (concussion) and end Dexter Morant (shoulder) missed practice today. He said receiver Logan Gray (ankle), center Ben Jones (knee), guard Cordy Glenn (mono) “are getting close.” Linebacker Akeem Dent (toe) was able to log some non-contact work for the first time on today. Said Richt, “We’re getting there.”

Tackle Clint Boling said the injuries to Jones and Glenn has meant valuable practice reps to several reserves. Boling said the depth should make a difference during Georgia’s first three games, all of which will kick off near high noon.

“They’ve all been playing well,” Boling said of the backups. “They’ve taken advantage of their opportunity to step in and get the job done. The good thing is, we’ve all been together for awhile, so we should be fine when everybody’s back. It’s going to be hot in the first couple of games, but it doesn’t matter when game time is; you’ve just got to be ready to play.”

Richt said the Dawgs will practice again on Tuesday, then will have a practice game on Wednesday and a kicking practice on Thursday.