Wednesday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

The 13th-ranked Dawgs conducted a 90-minute workout Wednesday as they are close to wrapping up preparations for this week’s game.

Coach Mark Richt said practice went well on a beautiful day in Athens.

“We had very few missed assignments with the number one unit, a few with the number twos, and we’ll do it again tomorrow,” said Richt. “We’re working on getting ready to play fast.”

All-America linebacker Jarvis Jones, who ranks among the SEC leaders in sacks with 5.5 this season, was held out of action Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Jones’ backup is 6-3, 257-pound freshman Jordan Jenkins. He started against Florida Atlantic earlier this season when Jones was sidelined with a groin injury. Richt was asked about Jenkins, who has played in all six games this year with 15 tackles and three sacks.

“I like him; he’s very disciplined in what he does,” Richt said. “You teach him something, and he does it. He’s got good practice habits and a lot of physical attributes for a guy at that position. He has good rush skills.”

Richt added that he is pleased with the freshmen class, and that the talent base is great.

“The learning curve for them is normal, and it helps when you get reps like Jordan and the tailbacks Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall and John Theus,” said Richt. “They have had the opportunity to learn, and they are better for it, but also they feel like I better learn it because I’m playing and people are counting on me. Then you have a guy like Faton (Bauta), and he is getting work in practice and through film study and meetings and has to get experience that way. I still appreciate his work ethic.”

The Dawgs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) face Kentucky (1-6, 0-4 SEC) in Lexington Saturday at 7:08 p.m. (FSN). The game will serve as UK’s annual Homecoming, and the Wildcats will honor recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and UK football standout Dermontti Dawson. A center for the Wildcats from 1984-87, Dawson had a 13-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a six-time All-Pro selection.