Reshad Jones thrives on physical play, looking to deliver crushing blows from the safety position.

But his physicality and aggression have backfired twice, with two personal foul penalties called on hits he’s dished out.

Both instances, for leading with his helmet against Oklahoma State, and a late hit against South Carolina, were questionable.

The question posed-do officials have a vendetta against Reshad?

“I hope that’s not the case,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “I love the way he is playing. I love the energy he is playing with. I don’t think he has tried to hurt anybody.”

Richt saw both plays in person, and on film. He didn’t see the same thing officials did.

“As far as the sideline play [against South Carolina] I think he was trying to tackle the guy,” Richt said. “You are running full speed, and reaching out and grabbing what you can. Going back to the other play at Oklahoma State, I think he did everything right. He did not leap at the guy. He did not hit with his helmet; he struck with his shoulder and arm.”

Richt said he wants Jones to maintain physical play, without hesitation.As long as the hit isn’t helmet-to-helmet, Richt won’t pull the reigns.

“I didn’t say anything other than keep playing hard and make sure everything is below the neck when you make contact,” Richt said.

“[Richt] kind of talked about it a little bit, but he said to just keep playing hard and eventually the referees will let up on me,” Jones sad.

Fellow starting safety Bryan Evans isn’t letting the penalties slow him.

“Not at all because anytime I get a shot I’m going for it,” he said. I’m not pulling back at all.”

Evans would like calls available for review, so referees can take a second look. Evans and Jones said they’ll continue to play with aggression.

“Yeah, that’s something that we talk about off the field as well as on the field,” Evans said.

“We can’t let that hinder out performance on the field. We’ve got to play through the flags.”