ATHENS — Georgia sophomore receiver Riley Ridley was out for the first week of spring practice because of a foot injury.
It doesn’t appear the injury is too serious, as Ridley has been seen rehabbing by teammates. There hasn’t been an official update from the team.
In any case, the receiver spot remains a source of intrigue, as the team seeks to replace last year’s leading receiver, Isaiah McKenzie, who’s now trying to make the NFL.
Mecole Hardman, the talented sophomore who spent last year at cornerback, was catching passes early in Saturday’s practice, the third practice this spring. It’s not clear how much time he’s been getting at receiver, but senior receiver Javon Wims said it was “some work. We like him in certain formations and personnel.”
Head coach Kirby Smart said earlier in the week that Hardman would continue to play mainly corner, but would get work on offense to gauge how he could be used.
“He’s very fast. Speed, we could use that speed in the receiving room. Especially in the slot,” Wims said. “And he’s very versatile.”
One definite new option is Jeremiah Holloman, the true freshman and early enrollee. Holloman brings size (6-2, 195), but so far what’s impressed the most is his speed.
“He’s deceptively fast,” Wims said. “We’re about the same height, I outweigh him. But he’s deceptively fast. That’s what the coaches tell him now, use that as a strength.”
One player who hasn’t been an option this week is Shakenneth Williams, who has been at practice in a student coach role, out of uniform. Wims said he didn’t know anything about Williams’ status.
G-Day is Sat., April 22. Kickoff for Georgia’s spring game at Sanford Stadium will be 2 p.m. The game will be televised on SEC Network.