Thursday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The Georgia football team returned to the Woodruff practice fields on Thursday morning,holding its ninth practice of the preseason camp.

The Dawgs had their first full scrimmage on Wednesday before returning to their regular practice schedule on Thursday.

“Normally after a scrimmage, things tend to be a little anti-climatic at practice the next day,” said coach Mark Richt. “The guys weren’t at their highest level all day today, but they finished well in pretty hot conditions. They finished better than they started and that’s what I was looking for after the scrimmage.”

Richt singled out senior cornerback Branden Smith for his play throughout camp thus far.

“Branden had another pick today, he’s making plays every day out there,” Richt said. “I can just see his intensity. He is truly a senior trying to lead. Branden doesn’t say much, he just leads by example and I am pleased with his development.”

Smith was one of the team’s punt and kickoff returners in 2011 along with last year’s Paul Hornung Award winner Brandon Boykin, who now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Richt said this year’s returner spots are yet to be determined.

“We haven’t gone live in punt or kickoff return yet so it’s hard to say that this guy is better than this guy right now,” said Richt.

Richt did mention that all of the tailbacks “are rolling like they are co-No. 1s” and that freshman placekicker Marshal Morgan is the No. 1 guy on extra points and field goals at this point in the preseason.

On the injury front, sophomore defensive end Ray Drew remained out of practice with a concussion.

Sixth-ranked Georgia will play host to Buffalo in the season opener September 1st at 12:21 p.m., and the game will be televised on the SEC Network.