UGA scrimmage big for tailbacks

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ATHENS -- When Georgia holds its first full scrimmage of the preseason Wednesday afternoon in Sanford Stadium, a sharp focus will be on the tailbacks competing for Knowshon Moreno’s old job.

“I’m very excited to see what all those guys are going to do,” running backs coach Bryan McClendon said Tuesday.

He said five tailbacks — Caleb King, Richard Samuel, Carlton Thomas, Dontavius Jackson and Washaun Ealey — will get “pretty much equal” snaps with the Nos. 1 and 2 offenses in the scrimmage, as they have in practices to this point.

“I just want to give everybody an even playing field where I can judge them,” McClendon said. “I want to see them in scrimmage downs. ... I want to see them in a more natural state of playing.”

He suggested some separation among the five backs will occur soon.

“I was really hanging off until the scrimmage to give me some sort of pecking order,” he said.

Ealey, who missed a couple of practices with a hyperextended elbow, is scheduled to participate fully today.

Etc.

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was unsure whether freshman receivers Marlon Brown and Rantavious Wooten will be available for the scrimmage. Brown has an injured finger and Wooten a sore hamstring. ... Bobo on when the quarterback depth chart behind Joe Cox will be settled: “Could be tomorrow. Could be middle of next week. Don’t know yet.” ... A.J. Green was named to the preseason watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate receiver, and defensive tackles Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens were named candidates for the Outland Trophy, given to the top interior lineman.