UGA opens spring practice, with Cox at QB

Athens — With Joe Cox running the offense — and Matthew Stafford watching in jeans — Georgia began spring football practice Tuesday.

The first of 15 practices over the next 26 days marked the official handoff of the Georgia offense from the NFL-bound Stafford to the fifth-year senior Cox, who at long last got to take the field as the Bulldogs’ No. 1 quarterback.

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Brant Sanderlin/bsanderlin@ajc.com

Sophomore wideout A.J. Green sprints off the line during a drill.

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“I was hoping this day would come,” Cox said, “and finally it’s here.”

For four years, he had waited for this moment. He has started one game as a Bulldog — a 2006 victory at Ole Miss — and appeared in only three games last season, but Stafford’s departure for the NFL rewarded Cox for his patience.

“I wouldn’t take anything back or change anything I’ve done,” he said. “I’m glad to be where I am.”

And there he was on a beautiful, sunny, 72-degree Tuesday afternoon, running Georgia’s No. 1 offense. Little more than 10 yards away, perched on one knee just inside the sideline, Stafford watched.

“It was kind of weird, seeing him in street clothes,” Cox said.

No one seems to find it weird, though, to see Cox leading the huddle.

“Joe has never had a problem stepping into any huddle at any time,” coach Mark Richt said. “It’s … natural for him.”

“He’s definitely comfortable out there,” receiver Kris Durham said. “He’s ready to take on the leadership role.”

“Having Joe back there,” receiver A.J. Green, “is just like having [Stafford] back there.”

Players were in shorts for Tuesday’s practice, which drew an unusually large media contingent of about 40 reporters, photographers and cameramen. It also drew several former Georgia players: Stafford and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, Bulldogs from last season who are in town to work out for pro scouts Thursday, and George Foster, an NFL free-agent offensive tackle who played last season with Detroit.

Ellerbe was asked if he missed being on the practice field with the Dogs.

“Well, not spring,” he said.

Stafford did not entertain questions.

After practice, the media throng surrounded Cox — a clear sign that he finally is the top Dog quarterback.

“I felt pretty good out there,” Cox said. “I think everybody was shaking off some rust.”

Of course, Cox is shaking off more rust than most — having not been the main guy at quarterback since his senior season at Charlotte’s Independence High in 2004.

Etc.

Green said the groin injury that bothered him all of last season was not an issue Tuesday. “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow,” he said, “but it was close to 100 percent.” … By all accounts, freshman quarterbacks Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger had a predictably rocky first day of practice. “Their heads were spinning a little bit,” Cox said. “I was exactly the same way [as a freshman].” … Sophomore quarterback Logan Gray “had a very good day,” Richt said. … Richt said his quarterback son, Jon, who last week left Clemson’s football program, hasn’t decided where to transfer. “I’m pretty sure he wants to move to a Division I-AA or II school [where he’ll be eligible immediately],” Richt said. “A few things are floating around. I’m excited for him.” … Georgia will practice in shorts again today and Friday, then put on the pads for a Saturday session.