Cox expects UGA to use multiple backs

By KEN SIGIURA

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

While Richard Samuel might prove to be the starter at tailback, quarterback Joe Cox said he expects the offense to use multiple backs in games. He pointed out that Caleb King and Carlton Thomas are better catching passes than Samuel.

Said Cox, “I think we’re going to pull from everybody to get certain aspects of what Knowshon [Moreno] did.”

Likewise, defensive tackle Jeff Owens is hopeful that defensive coordinator Willie Martinez will spread the snaps among the linemen, such as backup tackles DeAngelo Tyson, Kade Weston, Brandon Wheeling and others.

Said Owens, “That’s what I think we need to get to be great.”

Hamstring guys

Georgia head coach Mark Richt said Saturday that safeties Reshad Jones and Bryan Evans, tight end Aron White and linebacker Darius Dewberry, all of whom have been healing from hamstring injuries, are close to resuming full participation in practice.

Running back Caleb King and linebacker Akeem Dent, who also have hamstring strains, could return later in the week.

King, who entered preseason practice first on the depth chart at running back, sustained the injury Aug. 13 in a scrimmage. Friday, Richt said that Richard Samuel is “a solid No. 1” in the scramble to replace Knowshon Moreno.

Plan for next week

After taking Sunday off, the coming week will be highlighted by an extended 11-on-11 practice Wednesday. The team will take Thursday off, practice Friday and Saturday and then begin regular game-week preparation the following Monday for Oklahoma State.

The team has begun doing scout-team work for the Cowboys and will do a lot Wednesday, Richt said.