Saturday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The Dawgs’ two-hour practice at the Woodruff Practice Fields on Saturday morning marked the first of two practices for the day as the team prepares to wrap up their preseason camp.

The players practiced in shorts, jerseys and helmets. Following what coach Mark Richt described as a “spirited” practice on Friday afternoon, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo thought the team responded well to its 11 consecutive practices in a short period of time.

“I thought the guys might struggle mentally a little today,” said Bobo. “But I was pleased to see the energy today. I was dragging a little this morning and seeing the players’ energy got me rolling.”

Bobo singled out junior receiver Marlon Brown as a player who has caught his attention this preseason. Brown played in 12 games last year and finished with 11 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. The Memphis, Tennessee, native will be one of quarterback Aaron Murray’s targets with the departure of A.J. Green and Kris Durham to the NFL.

“I have been really, really pleased with Marlon’s play this preseason,” Bobo said. “His conditioning, his flexibility and his overall shape have impressed me. He is making some great catches out there on a daily basis.”

Another offensive position in question this offseason has been at tailback. With both junior Richard Samuel and freshman Isaiah Crowell missing snaps during the last two days of practice with minor injuries, Bobo discussed who has been working in the backfield.

“I think this is a good opportunity for Brandon Harton and Carlton Thomas,” continued Bobo. “We are going to have to put someone in there and see who makes the best out of their opportunities. I though Carlton had more energy than anyone out there on the field today which was nice to see.”

Additional targets for Murray this fall are expected to come from the tight end corps. Junior Orson Charles led this group in 2010 with 422 yards receiving and a pair of scores while senior Aron White, who graduated in the fall of 2010 and delivered the commencement speech, started four games and had nine catches for 125 yards.

In addition, sophomore Arthur Lynch is returning to the playing field after redshirting last year. Tight ends coach John Lilly is expecting Lynch’s return to be another boost to the Dawgs’ offense.

“It is always difficult when a guy redshirts after his freshman year and it was hard on Artie,” said Lilly, adding that he has also been pleased with freshman Jay Rome. “But Artie really worked hard and tried to get better, even though he was on the scout team during that year. The spring was big for Artie since Aron missed some time and I think Artie made up some ground and I can tell that he is hungry after redshirting last year.”

School beings for all of the University of Georgia’s students on Monday so Saturday’s two-a-day marks the end of the preseason camp.