UGA’s Southerland expected back in different role

Georgia fullback Brannan Southerland, who hasn’t played this season while rehabbing from foot surgery, might see the field against Alabama — but not at his regular position.

“We’re going to work him in practice as the personal protector [on the punt team],” Georgia coach Mark Richt said.

Whether Southerland fills that role against the Crimson Tide will be determined later in the week, Richt said.

“No chance of him playing fullback this week,” Richt added.

Southerland, a senior from Dacula, started 25 games over the past three seasons at fullback.

He broke the navicular bone in his left foot at the end of last season and missed all of spring practice. Tests in June revealed a fracture of the same bone in a different location, requiring a second surgery.

Georgia, which has an open date next week, has targeted the Oct. 11 Tennessee game for Southerland’s return at fullback.