For the Georgia football players, Wednesday is the most anticipated day thus far on the preseason schedule.

After a morning practice in shells, the team will go live, conducting a full-speed, full-contact scrimmage in the afternoon.

The game simulation in Sanford Stadium should provide tons of insight regarding position battles set to come from the game simulation.

The scenario could be the first step a running back takes in securing the starting job. Determining who will backup starting quarterback Joe Cox could also be established.

Running backs coach Bryan McClendon said his players have performed well in practice, but anticipated the first scrimmage to start a movement toward molding the depth chart.

“I was really hanging off until this scrimmage to sort of get in some sort of pecking order,” he said.”It’s really up to those guys now.

“Everyone’s doing good. Some stuff people do better than others. But again, I’m just trying to keep them on the same playing field where I can judge them,” McClendon said. “More so I want to see them actually moving the ball, not where we have to come back and set the ball. I want to see them in a more natural setting of play.”

The competition at tailback looks to be sophomore Caleb King’s to lose, but he has Richard Samuel and Carlton Thomas to fend off. The plan is to have all five backs, including freshmen Dontavius Jackson and Washaun Ealey, put in work with the first and second offensive unit.

“Oh yeah, I’m very excited,” Thomas said. “Another day, another dollar as they say. Just ready to get out there and bang it up and just improve. Another day to improve and make myself better, and a day for all the running backs to get better as well.”

Coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo have indicated a strong showing in camp out of sophomore quarterback Logan Gray, who could lock down the No.2 spot behind Cox with a steady performance Wednesday.

Bobo said he’s excited to witness every player get quality reps, not just the backfield.”I’m interested to see how all the guys compete,” he said.

“It’s hard to simulate game atmosphere until you scrimmage. We’re out here doing situations and tackling, but you bring the ball back and the guy doesn’t get lathered up. So I’m interested to see how those guys compete when they get hit and playing in the stadium and playing without their coaches behind them telling them what’s going on.”

The defense has dominated the headlines throughout the seven days of camp, forcing turnovers and racking up an astounding 75 pass deflections so far.

Offensive players said they planned to use the scrimmage to get back in the conversation, not taking the excess turnovers lightly.

“As an offense I’m looking for us to pick it up a little bit,” said wide receiver Isreal Troupe. “The defense has had our number from the beginning of camp. We’re looking forward to show the defense we’re ready to play.”

Added Thomas: “Oh yeah, we’re trying to get those guys. The defense has been flying around and we’ve got to match their intensity.”

Possible deep man

The team held a special teams walkthrough Tuesday, to provide a breather following Monday’s two practice marathon, which included the first day of full pads and tackling to the ground.

Thomas said he spent time returning punts, enjoying his time as the guy set up deep.

“Oh yeah, I see a lot of opportunity on kick return and punt return,” the 5-foot-8 shifty back said. “I caught some punts today and the next special teams day we’ll be doing kickoff return. I feel like the opportunity on the special teams is real.”

Thomas was tight-lipped regarding who was competing for the role.

“I can’t release that. I don’t want coach [John Fabris] getting on me.”