Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The Georgia football team held its second practice of the preseason Friday afternoon, working out for approximately two hours in shorts and helmets. The Dawgs will practice in shells on Saturday and Sunday before donning full pads for the first time Monday.

“The guys really got a break today with the weather,” said coach Mark Richt. “There was some cloud cover most of the day and a lot of breeze. For this time of year it was very cool out there, and I think it helped them. I’m pleased with the first two days.”

Richt noted the performance of junior cornerback Branden Smith, who had five interceptions on Friday.

“Branden Smith kind of stole the show today,” Richt said. “A couple of his interceptions just kind of came down to him, but mostly he went up and got or snatched away from somebody. It was a very, very impressive day for Branden Smith.”

Richt said he has also been impressed with the Dawgs’ freshmen after two practices.

“You can see one or two years down the road they are all going to be very good football players,” Richt said. “In time I think they’ll all really produce well for Georgia. It’s just a matter of when really. Will it be this year? There will be more than I few that do I think. Isaiah Crowell, you can see he has natural running skills. He has great change of direction and balance, and catches the ball extremely well. You can tell he really likes football and he loves practicing and learning.”

In an effort to beat the heat, Georgia will begin practicing in the mornings on Saturday.