Thursday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The Dawgs returned to practice for a two-hour workout in full pads Thursday for the final time this week during the open date in their schedule.

Georgia (5-6, 3-5 SEC) will take the next few days off and then return to its normal practice schedule starting Monday. The Dawgs close out the regular season against intrastate rival Georgia Tech (5-5, 3-4 ACC) on Nov. 27 in Athens. The Yellow Jackets play host to Duke this Saturday.

Georgia coach Mark Richt provided an update on redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray (bruised knee and bruised sternum) who did some light throwing on the side but was not in full pads practicing with the squad.

“Aaron was throwing nice and easy, and that didn’t bother him,” said Richt. “However, he didn’t throw anything that resembled a route, he was just playing catch and said there was no pain throwing. We hope he can go and do everything Monday, that will be good for his confidence and our confidence. He is improving rapidly.”

Richt said if Murray can’t go Saturday, the plan is to start freshman Hutson Mason. Mason along with junior Logan Gray and freshman Parker Welch got all the work in the two practices this week.

“We’ll know more Monday,” Richt added. “We haven’t put Logan in the quarterback meetings yet. Aaron is a competitor. He’s going to want to play if he can.”

Mason has seen action in four games this year. He is 9-for-17 for 102 yards and one touchdown. Gray spent his first two seasons at quarterback before switching to split end this year. He has played in all 11 games this season with nine catches for 105 yards and one touchdown plus six punt returns for 39 yards.

Richt added that he was pleased with the effort and tempo of the practices this week.

“The players are excited about having a couple of days off,” said Richt. “The scout team did a good job simulating Georgia Tech and that’s helpful.”