Tuesday Practice Report

FOOTBALL

Fifth-ranked Georgia held a two-hour practice Tuesday as the team continued preparations for its Capital One Bowl game against No. 21 Nebraska.

The Dawgs were greeted with clear, blue skies Tuesday and temperatures in the mid-50s, quite a change from the rainy conditions on Monday that forced the team indoors to the Nalley Multipurpose Room.

“We had a good practice today on the FieldTurf; the grass fields still were a little soggy from the rain,” said coach Mark Richt. “We had a high energy level today and that’s because we haven’t had a real practice in two days so there’s no excuse not have a good one.”

Richt was asked about how he expects the seniors, especially the ones that are projected to be playing in the NFL, will perform in the upcoming bowl game.

“We’ll have to play the game before you can judge their effort, but they have been practicing well, and I know they want to be proud of their senior season,” said Richt. “They are working hard to get ready for their last game.”

Recently, there has been talk of sophomore Malcolm Mitchell’s role next season after he began this year as a starting defensive back before returning to split end. Currently, Mitchell has a team-best 40 catches for 572 yards and four touchdowns.

“I doubt he’ll play any more cornerback, I think he needs to play one position,” said Richt. “At first, he wanted to do it (play defense) and then we needed him to do it. If he wants to be the best he can be, he needs to stick with one and that’s receiver.”

Three of Georgia’s four starters in the secondary are seniors with sophomore Damian Swann the exception. Richt said he’s not sure what the secondary will look like next season except for Swann who has proven himself.

“Just because your next in line, don’t think it’s yours because you have to earn it,” said Richt on the starting jobs in the secondary. “I don’t think the guys we have behind our starters now are mature enough. They are going to be competing with guys that aren’t even here yet. Every year we want guys to come in and compete. Swann is a proven player but the rest haven’t yet.”

Georgia will have three more practices in Athens before taking four days off for the holidays. Then, the team will reconvene in Orlando on Dec. 26 to resume workouts.