Tuesday, May 8, 2012

SPRING FOOTBALL

By on April 6, 2007

With G-Day on Saturday, Georgia football fans know two things for certain – the Bulldogs will win … and the Bulldogs will lose.

On G-Day, it’s brother versus brother, the Red team versus the Black team, inside Sanford Stadium.

“Guys react different (in the stadium),” said Head Coach Mark Richt, adding this was as close as the team comes to a real game situation.

All culminating on one day every spring, the football team plays a full scrimmage game in front of friends and family.

Spring is the first time coaches can look at the team for the next year since some of the committed freshmen are already on campus.

It’s also a chance for the Bulldogs to practice without the graduating seniors or juniors opting to leave early for the NFL draft.

G-Day gives coaches and fans alike an idea of what the team will be like for the next year.

Each year new questions arise and lead discussions of fans and coaches.

Last year it was all about the quarterback since four players were in contention for the starting spot.

This year the main question is different. It now revolves around the offensive line, which could cause the team problems since most of the players are young or do not have much playing experience. Many people are wondering how well new offensive line coach Stacy Searels will perform as well.

On Monday Richt said he did not want to brag too much, but the offensive line was doing “as good or better than” what he expected.

The linemen have spent the past month trying to find the perfect five players to form the core, which will protect the quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

“We are progressing positively,” said junior college transfer Scott Haverkamp, adding the team is gelling and coming together.

That progress has included some adversity this spring when the drills started with redshirt sophomore Seth Watts leaving the team and then a few injuries along the way – including junior college transfer Vince Vance.

Vance said it was not completely bad he hurt his leg since he has been able to learn by watching others.

And with other changes to the offensive line, such as Fernando Velasco and Chester Adams switching to new positions on the line – center and tackle respectively – the line has had little time to come together.