ATHENS — Every team talks about pushing hard in fall drills and getting in tip-top shape.
But with Georgia coach Kirby Smart, it’s not just lip service.
The Bulldogs’ strength and conditioning and practice habits were put to the test Saturday. Smart put the team through a 150-play scrimmage at Sanford Stadium.
Only one player cramped up. Another Georgia player experienced what Smart believed to be a relatively minor foot injury.
“Going into scrimmage you are a little bit more worried, ”Smart said, “because your guys are on the ground more often, but it seemed like we came out all right.”
Smart said redshirt freshman defensive back Eric Stokes cramped up and junior defensive back Tyrique McGhee suffered a foot injury, but those were the only injuries he could recall.
That’s quite a testament, considering Smart said “We had more snaps than we’ve probably ever had since I’ve been here.”
Further, Smart said, “We had some physical hits, we had some good striking and toughness … there was some physicality out there.”
The heat index was in the high 80s at the start of the scrimmage, climbing into the high 90s at field level by the end of the 2 1/2-hour workout.
“It was a little cool early, I thought it was overcast,” said Smart, who two days earlier pushed his team through the first half of a practice where the heat index was 99 before lighting moving the Bulldogs inside.
Smart has said linebacker Natrez Patrick and incoming transfer Demtris Robertson need to improve their conditioning, but he has been pleased with the work ethic and attitude of both players.
The Bulldogs’ most notable injury is to senior leader Terry Godwin, who has been out since the start of fall camp with what Smart described as a “minor” knee injury.
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Georgia football injuries
WR Terry Godwin, knee
WR Kearis Jackson, hamstring
LB Nate McBride, unknown
DB Eric Stokes, dehydration
DB Tyrique McGhee, foot
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