ATHENS, Ga. -- Bryan McClendon has presided over one of Georgia’s most turbulent position groups over the last few seasons, so the current state of tranquility in the running backs’ meeting room is a pleasant change.
The Bulldogs have had four tailbacks leave the roster for various reasons in the last 16 months and McClendon dealt with numerous disciplinary issues among his players last season, but he said things have changed for the better.
“Right now I think just as far as the mind state that our room is having right now is just very positive,” McClendon said after Sunday morning’s practice. “Everybody’s working, everybody’s excited to be there. You’re not having to spend time on a lot of negative things, so to speak, that’s going to take away from anything that’s going to try to get to the main goal that not only you have as a segment, but you have as a team.
The Bulldogs have had four tailbacks leave the roster for various reasons in the last 16 months and McClendon dealt with numerous disciplinary issues among his players last season, but he said things have changed for the better.
“Right now I think just as far as the mind state that our room is having right now is just very positive,” McClendon said after Sunday morning’s practice. “Everybody’s working, everybody’s excited to be there. You’re not having to spend time on a lot of negative things, so to speak, that’s going to take away from anything that’s going to try to get to the main goal that not only you have as a segment, but you have as a team.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia recruiting coordinator Rodney Garner joked with reporters after Sunday’s practice about recent reports showing that the Bulldogs coaching staff informed Penn State that it was interested in 19 Nittany Lions players.
Yes, Georgia’s coaches were interested in all 19 players on some level, Garner said, but they only contacted three or four players on the list. He did not reveal their names.
“I don’t remember. We can’t say anyway,” Garner said. “I’m like, ‘Well, where’s everybody else’s list at? Did they have to do that?’ ”
Yes, Georgia’s coaches were interested in all 19 players on some level, Garner said, but they only contacted three or four players on the list. He did not reveal their names.
“I don’t remember. We can’t say anyway,” Garner said. “I’m like, ‘Well, where’s everybody else’s list at? Did they have to do that?’ ”
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Video: Georgia’s 2012 breakout player
August, 5, 2012
8/05/12
9:00
AM ET
By DawgNation staff | ESPN.com
Aaron Murray, Christian Robinson, Chris Burnette and Richard Samuel reveal to Radi Nabulsi of DawgNation the name of at least one player they expect to have a breakout season in 2012.
Around the Hedges in 80 Days: A. Murray 
August, 5, 2012
8/05/12
8:04
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Twenty-seven days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
27. Aaron Murray
Junior, Quarterback
6-foot-1, 210 pounds
Fall forecast: Entering his third season as Georgia’s starting quarterback, Murray is a staple on multiple All-SEC and award watch lists after setting a new school record with 35 touchdown passes last season and helping lead the Bulldogs to their first SEC East title since 2005. Murray has a chance to rank among the Bulldogs’ top quarterbacks in history by the time his career is over. He can help his cause by cutting back on the turnovers he lost last year -- including 14 interceptions -- which he says can happen through improved footwork and better decision-making. Nonetheless, he is by all accounts one of the team’s leaders and one of its most productive offensive players.
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Notebook: Mitchell on offense vs. Buffalo?
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
4:16
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Branden Smith’s availability for the opener against Buffalo might have had a domino effect on Georgia’s cornerback depth chart.
Bulldogs coach Mark Richt said after Saturday’s third preseason practice that he wants Malcolm Mitchell to be available on offense as well as defense for the Buffalo game.
“We may start integrating him into a few things offensively,” Richt said of Mitchell, who was a Freshman All-SEC receiver last season. “We’re not going to expect him to play every play, but I do want him to available to play some offense as early as the first game.”
Bulldogs coach Mark Richt said after Saturday’s third preseason practice that he wants Malcolm Mitchell to be available on offense as well as defense for the Buffalo game.
“We may start integrating him into a few things offensively,” Richt said of Mitchell, who was a Freshman All-SEC receiver last season. “We’re not going to expect him to play every play, but I do want him to available to play some offense as early as the first game.”
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Saturday’s arrival meant it was exactly one month until Georgia’s season-opening game against Buffalo, so the Bulldogs’ coaches still have plenty of time to settle on a starter at outside linebacker opposite All-American Jarvis Jones.
And it’s a good thing because they have no shortage of candidates to evaluate.
“There’s still some competition there. I’m not 100 percent certain,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said Saturday before mentioning sophomore Ramik Wilson as a leading candidate for the job and raving about true freshmen Jordan Jenkins, James DeLoach and Josh Dawson for the second consecutive day.
And it’s a good thing because they have no shortage of candidates to evaluate.
“There’s still some competition there. I’m not 100 percent certain,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said Saturday before mentioning sophomore Ramik Wilson as a leading candidate for the job and raving about true freshmen Jordan Jenkins, James DeLoach and Josh Dawson for the second consecutive day.
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Georgia coach Mark Richt announced after Saturday morning's practice that cornerback Branden Smith will be available for the Bulldogs' season-opening game against Buffalo.
Smith was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in March during spring break, but Richt said that after examining the details of the case, Smith will not be suspended.
"After just gathering all the information, determining what happened, we’ve got peace that we’re doing the right thing," Richt said.
Smith is among at least three projected defensive starters who have been arrested since the end of last season. Cornerback Sanders Commings and outside linebacker Chase Vasser will both serve two-game suspensions to open the season, but Smith was able to avoid game punishment for his off-field incident.
Smith entered a pre-trial diversion program in May and said he passed drug tests immediately after his arrest that proved he was not using marijuana.
"I’m happy that everything got cleared," said Smith, speaking to reporters for the first time since his arrest.
The senior's availability brings unexpected depth to Georgia's secondary in the early season, following a tumultuous offseason. Smith started seven games last season and played in all 14, contributing on offense, defense and special teams. He made 24 tackles and two interceptions, rushed for 100 yards on 13 carries, caught three passes for 39 yards and also returned a handful of kickoffs and punts.
Smith said he was relieved that his case was resolved in such a way as to provide some good news.
"Nobody wants to hear bad things with the players," Smith said. "We’re just sticking together. No matter what happens, we’re just sticking together and good things are going to turn out."
The Bulldogs lost only two starters -- cornerback Brandon Boykin and defensive end DeAngelo Tyson -- from last season's talented defense and most of their top reserves remain, as well, so Smith said he remains excited about the group's capabilities, particularly when everyone is available.
"We have our whole defense coming back," he said. "Out there today, we were practicing hard, strong and just fast. Everybody’s having fun out there. We’re just ready for the season to start. We’re connecting as one group and we’re just going with it."
Smith was arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession in March during spring break, but Richt said that after examining the details of the case, Smith will not be suspended.
"After just gathering all the information, determining what happened, we’ve got peace that we’re doing the right thing," Richt said.
Smith is among at least three projected defensive starters who have been arrested since the end of last season. Cornerback Sanders Commings and outside linebacker Chase Vasser will both serve two-game suspensions to open the season, but Smith was able to avoid game punishment for his off-field incident.
Smith entered a pre-trial diversion program in May and said he passed drug tests immediately after his arrest that proved he was not using marijuana.
"I’m happy that everything got cleared," said Smith, speaking to reporters for the first time since his arrest.
The senior's availability brings unexpected depth to Georgia's secondary in the early season, following a tumultuous offseason. Smith started seven games last season and played in all 14, contributing on offense, defense and special teams. He made 24 tackles and two interceptions, rushed for 100 yards on 13 carries, caught three passes for 39 yards and also returned a handful of kickoffs and punts.
Smith said he was relieved that his case was resolved in such a way as to provide some good news.
"Nobody wants to hear bad things with the players," Smith said. "We’re just sticking together. No matter what happens, we’re just sticking together and good things are going to turn out."
The Bulldogs lost only two starters -- cornerback Brandon Boykin and defensive end DeAngelo Tyson -- from last season's talented defense and most of their top reserves remain, as well, so Smith said he remains excited about the group's capabilities, particularly when everyone is available.
"We have our whole defense coming back," he said. "Out there today, we were practicing hard, strong and just fast. Everybody’s having fun out there. We’re just ready for the season to start. We’re connecting as one group and we’re just going with it."
Video: Georgia freshmen impressing
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
11:30
AM ET
By DawgNation staff | ESPN.com
Mark Richt and members of the Bulldogs football team answer DawgNation's question about how the new Georgia freshman performed during summer workouts.
OL Crowder is close to naming finalists
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
10:17
AM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
A recent visit to North Carolina could land the Tar Heels on Tyrone Crowder's soon-to-be-announced list of finalists.
The center from Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond told ESPN on Friday that he is close to narrowing his list of schools. He said that announcement could come in the next couple of days or within a week.
“I can't say but they have a good chance,” the nation's 97th best overall prospect and second-best center said when asked if he expected North Carolina to make the cut.
The center from Rockingham (N.C.) Richmond told ESPN on Friday that he is close to narrowing his list of schools. He said that announcement could come in the next couple of days or within a week.
“I can't say but they have a good chance,” the nation's 97th best overall prospect and second-best center said when asked if he expected North Carolina to make the cut.
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Around the Hedges in 80 Days: M. Morgan
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
8:02
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
Twenty-eight days remain until Georgia kicks off its season opener against Buffalo on Sept. 1. In the days counting down to the opener, DawgNation will profile, with our “Around the Hedges in 80 Days” series, a Bulldogs player we expect to make an impact. We will review each player’s career thus far and project his long-term potential as we progress through our alphabetical list, from center David Andrews to receiver Rantavious Wooten.
28. Marshall Morgan
Fall forecast: While Georgia’s coaches didn’t hand Morgan the starting kicker job before he had started his first preseason camp with the Bulldogs, it certainly seems as though the job is his to lose. One of the nation’s top kicking prospects in the 2012 signing class, Morgan hopes to take over as Blair Walsh’s replacement immediately, and he has the ability to do it. He went 10-for-12 on field goals as a high school senior -- including a Broward County (Fla.) record 59-yard field goal -- and kicked all but one of his kickoffs into the end zone for a touchback. Freshman kickers sometimes endure growing pains, however, and it bears watching whether Morgan is prepared to make a high-pressure kick in front of 100,000 screaming fans.
28. Marshall Morgan
Freshman, Place-kicker
6-foot-3, 201 pounds
Fall forecast: While Georgia’s coaches didn’t hand Morgan the starting kicker job before he had started his first preseason camp with the Bulldogs, it certainly seems as though the job is his to lose. One of the nation’s top kicking prospects in the 2012 signing class, Morgan hopes to take over as Blair Walsh’s replacement immediately, and he has the ability to do it. He went 10-for-12 on field goals as a high school senior -- including a Broward County (Fla.) record 59-yard field goal -- and kicked all but one of his kickoffs into the end zone for a touchback. Freshman kickers sometimes endure growing pains, however, and it bears watching whether Morgan is prepared to make a high-pressure kick in front of 100,000 screaming fans.
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Video: UGA veterans ready to hit the field
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
8:00
AM ET
By DawgNation staff | ESPN.com
The first day of on-field practice for the Georgia Bulldogs was preceded by a session with the media. Excitement and spirits were high.
Dantzler, Theus work to replace Houston
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
7:30
AM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- While announcing on Thursday that Kolton Houston’s NCAA eligibility issues will continue indefinitely, Georgia coach Mark Richt singled out two players who must try to fill Houston’s spot at right tackle: sophomore Watts Dantzler and true freshman John Theus.
After Friday’s second preseason practice, Richt predicted that both players would get an opportunity to work alongside veteran right guard Chris Burnette with the first-team offensive line in upcoming practices.
“We’ll probably try to give those guys equal reps with the ones and twos because if you’re playing next to Burnette, there’s an advantage there rather than playing next to a true freshman,” Richt said.
After Friday’s second preseason practice, Richt predicted that both players would get an opportunity to work alongside veteran right guard Chris Burnette with the first-team offensive line in upcoming practices.
“We’ll probably try to give those guys equal reps with the ones and twos because if you’re playing next to Burnette, there’s an advantage there rather than playing next to a true freshman,” Richt said.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- A college football team’s first preseason practice represents the first time a coaching staff can officially begin working with its most recent signing class. And after Friday’s second preseason practice, it’s so far, so good with Georgia’s 17 newcomers according to Bulldogs coach Mark Richt.
“We actually, after our staff meeting this morning, talked about every true freshman with their position coaches and everybody’s really pretty pleased with the talent base that we brought in and the attitude, the willingness to learn and be coached -- a lot of things that you know are going to be important if a guy’s going to really become a good player one day,” Richt said. “The skill sets are outstanding, the athleticism’s outstanding.”
In fact, while he isn’t guaranteeing playing time this fall to all 17 newcomers, Richt said each of them is capable of playing in 2012 if necessary.
“We actually, after our staff meeting this morning, talked about every true freshman with their position coaches and everybody’s really pretty pleased with the talent base that we brought in and the attitude, the willingness to learn and be coached -- a lot of things that you know are going to be important if a guy’s going to really become a good player one day,” Richt said. “The skill sets are outstanding, the athleticism’s outstanding.”
In fact, while he isn’t guaranteeing playing time this fall to all 17 newcomers, Richt said each of them is capable of playing in 2012 if necessary.
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UGA's Harvey-Clemons at safety -- for now
August, 3, 2012
8/03/12
9:28
PM ET
By
David Ching | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia coach Mark Richt said freshman Josh Harvey-Clemons could probably play three or four different positions, but safety is where Richt’s coaching staff thinks he’s the best fit -- for now.
At 6-foot-5 and 207 pounds, Harvey-Clemons -- whom ESPN rated as the nation’s top outside linebacker prospect of 2012 -- is probably a bit too thin for linebacker, making the secondary a better location for a player with his athleticism.
“His body right now is more ready to do that,” Richt said after Friday’s second preseason practice. “I don’t think he’s really thick enough at this moment and strong enough to play that outside linebacker position. He could do it athletically without question. He could play safety without question. I think he could play the nickel, I think he could probably play corner.
At 6-foot-5 and 207 pounds, Harvey-Clemons -- whom ESPN rated as the nation’s top outside linebacker prospect of 2012 -- is probably a bit too thin for linebacker, making the secondary a better location for a player with his athleticism.
“His body right now is more ready to do that,” Richt said after Friday’s second preseason practice. “I don’t think he’s really thick enough at this moment and strong enough to play that outside linebacker position. He could do it athletically without question. He could play safety without question. I think he could play the nickel, I think he could probably play corner.
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Sign language: Georgia Bulldogs
August, 3, 2012
8/03/12
5:00
PM ET
By
Chris Low and
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
What started as a simple slogan has completely taken hold of Georgia's football team.
The Finish the Drill sign means something to the Bulldogs on the football field, in the weight room and in everyday life. It pushes them to be better, stronger and faster when coaches and teammates yell it during workouts. It challenges them to be smarter in tough situations during practice. And it forces them to keep going, even when every inch of their bodies lights on fire from a grueling session with a strength coach or a tiring practice.
All of this is so the Bulldogs can play for four quarters on Saturday, giving everything in order to go until the clock hits zeros. You can find this sign just about everywhere inside Georgia's football facility.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ching
David Ching came to ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering UGA for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer and Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens. Email him at davidchingespn@gmail.com.
Radi Nabulsi
Radi Nabulsi joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Rivals.com for four years and for the UGA Athletic Association since 1993. Nabulsi is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and lives in Athens. He can be reached at radinabulsiespn@gmail.com.
Kipp Adams
Kipp Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.