UGA Sports Communications
The Dawgs held a two-and-a-half-hour scrimmage in Sanford Stadium on Saturday afternoon in preparation for the annual G-Day intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, April 21. This marked Georgia’s 12th of 15 practices this spring with the next one scheduled on Tuesday.
The following are excerpts from head coach Kirby Smart’s post-practice press briefing:
Opening Statement:
We are a week away from G-Day and we are certainly excited for what forecasters are suggesting will be a great weather day and we are challenging our fans to come out. There is no greater ability to challenge our team and younger players than to put whatever the maximum number of fans the stadium will seat right now in there. Our fans have been incredible this season and they’ll have the chance to come out and see our players, our early enrollees come out and compete. As far as today, it was a good spirited scrimmage. We didn’t have anyone injured, which is good since we have had some guys who have been down. We tried to test the defense by running the ball more and I thought the defense had one of their better defenses are far as stopping the run. The offense kind of dominated the third down situations. So it was kind of a seesaw effect and it made it a competitive scrimmage.
Did D’Andre Swift play in the scrimmage?
He went in the warmups and in some of the 7-on-7 play but didn’t get to go in the scrimmage. He’s been practicing every day doing pass protection, some routes and as much as he can do. But he has not been doing full live tackle. We are not sure if he will play (in G-Day).
Did the quarterbacks and the offense have a good day in the scrimmage?
I don’t know what you call a good day. Third down was good, we probably weren’t as efficient in the quick game. But we had some big explosive plays and overall I thought we were very balanced. The quarterbacks did some good things. Some of the wideouts continue to grow and develop. I think the biggest thing we see with the wideouts is their development in the special teams. Special teams were foreign (Jeremiah) Holloman last year, I don’t think he had ever played it. This year, he’s playing fast with confidence and he’s really helping us in a special teams role.
Are y’all changing anything up in regards to the new kickoff rule (fair catches anywhere inside the 25-yard line resulting in touchbacks and the football being placed at the 25-yard line)?
We are not changing anything. We are going to prepare for it. Higher, shorter kicks will be fair caught. All the kicks we don’t think we will get to the 25, we will fair catch. So it’ll depend on what type kicker we are facing.
How has Matt Landers progressed?
He’s actually got a hand injury he’s dealing with. He has a hard cast on a thumb sprain right now but he made a couple big plays today. He’s developing well, just has to continue to work on his toughness. He’s a big guy who is a hard matchup for the defense. He made an explosive play today, he just has to be more consistent in his play and in his leadership. I do think Matt is progressing and has gotten better.
What is the status on Jarvis Wilson?
He’s dinged up right now. He has a foot sprain from the last scrimmage and we don’t know how long he will be out.
How do you feel like the nine early enrollees have done this spring and does anyone stand out?
It’s hard to say. I’m proud of each one of them because I think it’s one of the hardest things to do. It’s different when you come in with 20 guys in the fall and you can go and commiserate with each other back at the dorm. These guys have been embraced by the rest of our team, but they are by themselves and going against big-league people and none of them look out of place. Everyone but Divaad Wilson and Zamir White are out there competing like they have been here the whole time. The three offensive linemen are in there working with the second team, Brenton Cox is in there with the first team on pass rush. I think it was really important for us to get those guys in early.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Mackenzie Engram Selected by Atlanta Dream in WNBA Draft
UGA Sports Communications
Mackenzie Engram, who just completed her senior season on the Georgia Lady Dawgs basketball team, was selected by the Atlanta Dream in the third round of the 2018 WNBA Draft Thursday evening.
Taken 27th overall, the Powder Springs, Georgia native and 2018 All-SEC performer becomes the 22nd Lady Dawg — and the first since Shacobia Barbee in 2016 — to be selected in the WNBA Draft.
“It is a special feeling to hear your name called on draft night, and I could not be more excited for Mackenzie and her entire family,” head coach Joni Taylor said. “With Mackenzie, you get the whole package. First of all, she’s a very skilled player who brings so much to the court from a basketball standpoint. Off the court, she’s someone you hope your daughter becomes one day. She’s smart, thoughtful, caring and the perfect teammate. I’m thrilled for Mackenzie but also excited for the Atlanta Dream because they are getting a very special player.”
Engram was a star during her four years in Athens. After placing on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2015, she developed into an all-conference player during her senior campaign. Engram paced the Lady Dawgs in scoring as she led the team to 26 wins — the most for Georgia since the 2006-07 season.
The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game and finished the season with nine double figure scoring games over the last 11 contests. The Lady Dawgs earned a No. 4 seed and hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament.
Engram’s efforts did not stop on the court. She was widely known as a leader when it came to community service efforts and placed on the SEC Community Service Team in each of the past two seasons.
In 2017, her brother Evan was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Engram joins a long line of former Georgia Lady Dawgs who played in the WNBA. In all, Georgia’s total of 22 draft picks ranks fourth nationally among all collegiate women’s basketball programs.
Taken 27th overall, the Powder Springs, Georgia native and 2018 All-SEC performer becomes the 22nd Lady Dawg — and the first since Shacobia Barbee in 2016 — to be selected in the WNBA Draft.
“It is a special feeling to hear your name called on draft night, and I could not be more excited for Mackenzie and her entire family,” head coach Joni Taylor said. “With Mackenzie, you get the whole package. First of all, she’s a very skilled player who brings so much to the court from a basketball standpoint. Off the court, she’s someone you hope your daughter becomes one day. She’s smart, thoughtful, caring and the perfect teammate. I’m thrilled for Mackenzie but also excited for the Atlanta Dream because they are getting a very special player.”
Engram was a star during her four years in Athens. After placing on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2015, she developed into an all-conference player during her senior campaign. Engram paced the Lady Dawgs in scoring as she led the team to 26 wins — the most for Georgia since the 2006-07 season.
The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 12.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game and finished the season with nine double figure scoring games over the last 11 contests. The Lady Dawgs earned a No. 4 seed and hosted the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament.
Engram’s efforts did not stop on the court. She was widely known as a leader when it came to community service efforts and placed on the SEC Community Service Team in each of the past two seasons.
In 2017, her brother Evan was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
Engram joins a long line of former Georgia Lady Dawgs who played in the WNBA. In all, Georgia’s total of 22 draft picks ranks fourth nationally among all collegiate women’s basketball programs.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Post Practice Interviews
UGA Sports Communications
The Dawgs practiced in full pads for just over two hours on Tuesday afternoon under idyllic conditions in Athens. The workout was the team’s 10th of 15 sessions during Spring practices, which will culminate with the traditional intrasquad G-Day game a week from Saturday.
Post-practice interviews included a pair of juniors, tight end Isaac Nauta and defensive back J.R. Reed.
Nauta started nine of 15 games a year ago and is adjusting to his new position coach, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney. After working with quarterbacks during his first two seasons at Georgia, Chaney has shifted to tight ends this spring, a position he also coached with the St. Louis Rams.
“He’s definitely put a big emphasis on blocking and route running,” Nauta said. “He coached tight ends in the league so he’s got a lot of different techniques that have already really helped us. It’s been kind of eye opening for me, really. It’s been good. I feel like I’ve grown as a blocker in just the couple of weeks that he’s been coaching us. It’s good for us to learn that stuff and to learn it from a coach who’s been at the highest level and taught it there. It’s been positive. It hasn’t been easy. He’s been pushing us. We’ve had a lot of reps, but it’s only going to benefit us in the long run.”
Reed was fighting for a spot last spring and went on to become a second-team All-SEC performer last season after finishing second on the team with 79 tackles.
“I’m approaching this spring more as a leadership role because we have a lot of guys who are in the position I was in last year,” Reed said. “Mainly, I’m trying to lead the younger guys because there is a lot of competition in the secondary. How I take it is trying to be a captain and be a leader and help the young guys learn the playbook and learn what they have to do on the field.”
The Dawgs’ G-Day game at Sanford Stadium is slated for April 21 at 4 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN. Prior to the G-Day matchup, lettermen from the program's past will square off in a flag football game beginning at 1:15 p.m. At halftime of G-Day, the Dawgs’ incoming class of 2018 signees will be introduced to fans.
Admission to G-Day is free. With expected high demand and temporarily reduced seating due to the construction on the new West End Zone complex, the UGA Athletic Association will be implementing a pass system. Upon entrance, each fan will receive a commemorative pass with a seating section. The UGAAA asks that each fan sits in this section to help manage what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd. Gates 2-9 will be open as usual. However, Gate 10 (gate under the bridge next to the Tate Center) will be closed due to construction. To help reduce congestion and further improve ingress flow, please enter on the side of the stadium where each fan's preferred seating location would be. Additional pass/entry questions can be directed to facilitysupport@sports.uga.edu.
The Dawgs will begin their 2018 campaign with a home match-up against Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 1. Georgia will travel to Columbia, S.C., to open its Southeastern Conference schedule against South Carolina on Sept. 8.
The Dawgs practiced in full pads for just over two hours on Tuesday afternoon under idyllic conditions in Athens. The workout was the team’s 10th of 15 sessions during Spring practices, which will culminate with the traditional intrasquad G-Day game a week from Saturday.
Post-practice interviews included a pair of juniors, tight end Isaac Nauta and defensive back J.R. Reed.
Nauta started nine of 15 games a year ago and is adjusting to his new position coach, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney. After working with quarterbacks during his first two seasons at Georgia, Chaney has shifted to tight ends this spring, a position he also coached with the St. Louis Rams.
“He’s definitely put a big emphasis on blocking and route running,” Nauta said. “He coached tight ends in the league so he’s got a lot of different techniques that have already really helped us. It’s been kind of eye opening for me, really. It’s been good. I feel like I’ve grown as a blocker in just the couple of weeks that he’s been coaching us. It’s good for us to learn that stuff and to learn it from a coach who’s been at the highest level and taught it there. It’s been positive. It hasn’t been easy. He’s been pushing us. We’ve had a lot of reps, but it’s only going to benefit us in the long run.”
Reed was fighting for a spot last spring and went on to become a second-team All-SEC performer last season after finishing second on the team with 79 tackles.
“I’m approaching this spring more as a leadership role because we have a lot of guys who are in the position I was in last year,” Reed said. “Mainly, I’m trying to lead the younger guys because there is a lot of competition in the secondary. How I take it is trying to be a captain and be a leader and help the young guys learn the playbook and learn what they have to do on the field.”
The Dawgs’ G-Day game at Sanford Stadium is slated for April 21 at 4 p.m. and will be televised live on ESPN. Prior to the G-Day matchup, lettermen from the program's past will square off in a flag football game beginning at 1:15 p.m. At halftime of G-Day, the Dawgs’ incoming class of 2018 signees will be introduced to fans.
Admission to G-Day is free. With expected high demand and temporarily reduced seating due to the construction on the new West End Zone complex, the UGA Athletic Association will be implementing a pass system. Upon entrance, each fan will receive a commemorative pass with a seating section. The UGAAA asks that each fan sits in this section to help manage what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd. Gates 2-9 will be open as usual. However, Gate 10 (gate under the bridge next to the Tate Center) will be closed due to construction. To help reduce congestion and further improve ingress flow, please enter on the side of the stadium where each fan's preferred seating location would be. Additional pass/entry questions can be directed to facilitysupport@sports.uga.edu.
The Dawgs will begin their 2018 campaign with a home match-up against Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 1. Georgia will travel to Columbia, S.C., to open its Southeastern Conference schedule against South Carolina on Sept. 8.
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Post Scrimmage Press Conference
UGA Sports Communications
The Dawgs held a 2 1/2-hour scrimmage on Saturday afternoon. The following are excerpts from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s post-practice press briefing:
On the P.O. Network:
“We had a tremendous Georgia Way event this morning in the indoor facility in honor of Paul Oliver. It was great for the players and the former players who came back to network. We had over 100 companies here and it was tremendous for the players.”
On the scrimmage:
“Due to the weather, we went inside with the scrimmage. The outside fields were too slick. We still had an upbeat scrimmage. I regret not getting the elements – hot, cold, humidity – for the scrimmage, so that made it a little easier. It was upbeat with good competition. We have a long way to go to be the football team we need to be, but the kids are buying in and competing. Both offenses moved the ball well and the defense played hard. Guys are buying in and playing hard.”
On tackling:
“We don’t tackle day to day, but we tackle in the scrimmages. The whistle doesn’t blow early in the scrimmage, so it’s good to see plays like that. That’s the goal, to have good competition.”
On Justin Young:
“Justin Young has a mild knee sprain, but we think he’ll be back before spring is over. He should be fine.”
On quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Justin Fields:
“Both guys handled the offense well and did a good job of communicating. They handled situations well. I thought they competed hard and did some good things.”
On Mark Webb:
“Mark Webb is one of the toughest kids I’ve coached. He won’t take himself out. He continues to grow and develop. He’s physical and tough, and I like that about him.”
On the secondary:
“We’ve got a long way to go in the secondary. We had a unique unit of DBs that played a long time. With them gone, we’re trying to get some guys in here to fill that void. We’re not where we need to be, we don’t have the depth we need and we’re not playing at the level we need to play at. They’re going against some good quarterbacks and receivers at practice everyday.”
On the special teams part of the scrimmage:
“It was well organized and the best scrimmage we’ve ever had. We were efficient with the GA’s getting players on and off the field. The only difference was with punting. I threw the ball instead of us punting it and we didn’t waste any reps. It was very efficient.”
On the secondary:
‘With the defensive front and the secondary, we don’t have the depth we need. We’ve got good frontline players, but if a guy goes down, what’s the answer? That’s coaching. We’re looking at personnel and packages.”
The Dawgs held a 2 1/2-hour scrimmage on Saturday afternoon. The following are excerpts from Georgia head coach Kirby Smart’s post-practice press briefing:
On the P.O. Network:
“We had a tremendous Georgia Way event this morning in the indoor facility in honor of Paul Oliver. It was great for the players and the former players who came back to network. We had over 100 companies here and it was tremendous for the players.”
On the scrimmage:
“Due to the weather, we went inside with the scrimmage. The outside fields were too slick. We still had an upbeat scrimmage. I regret not getting the elements – hot, cold, humidity – for the scrimmage, so that made it a little easier. It was upbeat with good competition. We have a long way to go to be the football team we need to be, but the kids are buying in and competing. Both offenses moved the ball well and the defense played hard. Guys are buying in and playing hard.”
On tackling:
“We don’t tackle day to day, but we tackle in the scrimmages. The whistle doesn’t blow early in the scrimmage, so it’s good to see plays like that. That’s the goal, to have good competition.”
On Justin Young:
“Justin Young has a mild knee sprain, but we think he’ll be back before spring is over. He should be fine.”
On quarterbacks Jake Fromm and Justin Fields:
“Both guys handled the offense well and did a good job of communicating. They handled situations well. I thought they competed hard and did some good things.”
On Mark Webb:
“Mark Webb is one of the toughest kids I’ve coached. He won’t take himself out. He continues to grow and develop. He’s physical and tough, and I like that about him.”
On the secondary:
“We’ve got a long way to go in the secondary. We had a unique unit of DBs that played a long time. With them gone, we’re trying to get some guys in here to fill that void. We’re not where we need to be, we don’t have the depth we need and we’re not playing at the level we need to play at. They’re going against some good quarterbacks and receivers at practice everyday.”
On the special teams part of the scrimmage:
“It was well organized and the best scrimmage we’ve ever had. We were efficient with the GA’s getting players on and off the field. The only difference was with punting. I threw the ball instead of us punting it and we didn’t waste any reps. It was very efficient.”
On the secondary:
‘With the defensive front and the secondary, we don’t have the depth we need. We’ve got good frontline players, but if a guy goes down, what’s the answer? That’s coaching. We’re looking at personnel and packages.”
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Dawgs Complete Seventh Practice
UGA Sports Communications
The Dawgs inched closer to the midway point of their spring regimen on Tuesday afternoon by conducting the seventh of 15 practices. The team worked out in shoulder pads and shorts for approximately two and a half hours.
Following the session, a pair of seniors – defensive tackle DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle and linebacker Juwan Taylor – discussed their hopes for more significant roles during the upcoming season.
Taylor saw action in all 15 games last season, including a start a Vanderbilt. He notched 13 tackles, with a TFL for -3 yards against the Commodores.
“I can earn a role right now in the Spring by how I practice and how I compete,” Taylor said. “For me, this Spring is like do or die. That’s how I’m taking every practice because this is my last year. This is my opportunity to showcase my talent. Previously, I didn’t have as much playing time. Mentally, it was tough. One thing about me; I’m a competitor. I tried not to let things phase me.”
Hawkins-Muckle started five of seven games played in 2016 before suffering a season-ending injury against Florida. He played in six games last season, headlined by a blocked field goal against Auburn in the SEC Championship game.
“I just feel like I need to push myself when there’s no one else to push me,” Hawkins-Muckle said. “It’s been a long ride, a long four years. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I’m just enjoying it for this last go around. I’m attacking things different than when I was a freshman. Having a coach like Kirby Smart here by my side, helping motivate me, I feel very confident going into the season.”
The Dawgs are slated to practice again on Thursday as they prepare for their G-Day game at Sanford Stadium on April 21 at 4 p.m. ESPN will televise the contest live. The Red team will face off versus the Black team and admission is free to the annual showdown. Prior to the G-Day matchup, lettermen from the program's past will square off in a flag football game beginning at 1:15 p.m. At halftime of G-Day, the Dawgs’ incoming class of 2018 signees will be introduced to fans.
With expected high demand and temporarily reduced seating due to the construction on the new West End Zone complex, the UGA Athletic Association will be implementing a pass system. Upon entrance, each fan will receive a commemorative pass with a seating section. The UGAAA asks that each fan sits in this section to help manage what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd. Gates 2-9 will be open as usual. However, Gate 10 (gate under the bridge next to the Tate Center) will be closed due to construction. To help reduce congestion and further improve ingress flow, please enter on the side of the stadium where each fan's preferred seating location would be. Additional pass/entry questions can be directed to facilitysupport@sports.uga.edu.
The Dawgs will begin their 2018 campaign with a home matchup against Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 1. Georgia will travel to Columbia, S.C., to open its Southeastern Conference schedule against South Carolina on Sept. 8.
The Dawgs inched closer to the midway point of their spring regimen on Tuesday afternoon by conducting the seventh of 15 practices. The team worked out in shoulder pads and shorts for approximately two and a half hours.
Following the session, a pair of seniors – defensive tackle DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle and linebacker Juwan Taylor – discussed their hopes for more significant roles during the upcoming season.
Taylor saw action in all 15 games last season, including a start a Vanderbilt. He notched 13 tackles, with a TFL for -3 yards against the Commodores.
“I can earn a role right now in the Spring by how I practice and how I compete,” Taylor said. “For me, this Spring is like do or die. That’s how I’m taking every practice because this is my last year. This is my opportunity to showcase my talent. Previously, I didn’t have as much playing time. Mentally, it was tough. One thing about me; I’m a competitor. I tried not to let things phase me.”
Hawkins-Muckle started five of seven games played in 2016 before suffering a season-ending injury against Florida. He played in six games last season, headlined by a blocked field goal against Auburn in the SEC Championship game.
“I just feel like I need to push myself when there’s no one else to push me,” Hawkins-Muckle said. “It’s been a long ride, a long four years. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I’m just enjoying it for this last go around. I’m attacking things different than when I was a freshman. Having a coach like Kirby Smart here by my side, helping motivate me, I feel very confident going into the season.”
The Dawgs are slated to practice again on Thursday as they prepare for their G-Day game at Sanford Stadium on April 21 at 4 p.m. ESPN will televise the contest live. The Red team will face off versus the Black team and admission is free to the annual showdown. Prior to the G-Day matchup, lettermen from the program's past will square off in a flag football game beginning at 1:15 p.m. At halftime of G-Day, the Dawgs’ incoming class of 2018 signees will be introduced to fans.
With expected high demand and temporarily reduced seating due to the construction on the new West End Zone complex, the UGA Athletic Association will be implementing a pass system. Upon entrance, each fan will receive a commemorative pass with a seating section. The UGAAA asks that each fan sits in this section to help manage what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd. Gates 2-9 will be open as usual. However, Gate 10 (gate under the bridge next to the Tate Center) will be closed due to construction. To help reduce congestion and further improve ingress flow, please enter on the side of the stadium where each fan's preferred seating location would be. Additional pass/entry questions can be directed to facilitysupport@sports.uga.edu.
The Dawgs will begin their 2018 campaign with a home matchup against Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 1. Georgia will travel to Columbia, S.C., to open its Southeastern Conference schedule against South Carolina on Sept. 8.
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