Georgia football notebook

By Andy Johnston

For the AJC

ATHENS -- If the season had started Wednesday, Georgia defensive line coach Rodney Garner said converted offensive guard Justin “Bean” Anderson would have started at nose, with DeAngelo Tyson and Demarcus Dobbs at the ends.

Garner stressed that the scenario was hypothetical, and “tomorrow, it could be different,” adding that he and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham are trying to find the best combination for the defensive line.

“Every day you have to evaluate,” Garner said. “What gives us the best chance to win? What combination gives us the best chance to win? Is it keeping DeAngelo at the nose, playing somebody else at the end? Is it putting DeAngelo at the end?”

Anderson, who is 6 feet 5, 326 pounds, moved to defense in the spring after making five starts on the offensive line in 2009. His size is invaluable in Georgia’s new 3-4 scheme, but Anderson is “not where we want him to be or where we need him to be,” Garner said.

Tyson will continue to cross train between end and nose and see action at both positions while Anderson and 6-6, 325-pound redshirt freshman Kwame Geathers improve.

“Bean has come along,” Garner said. “He’s ahead of Geathers, but we need Geathers to keep coming on and keep working, too. He has some ability, but he’s a young kid. He plays too high; he doesn’t use his hands all the time. He’s a big man, but he’s got to keep developing.”

Grantham was less forthcoming than Garner, but said the defensive staff is “getting close” to naming starters for the season opener against Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 4.

“The next week-and-a-half is critical, from that standpoint,” Grantham said. “We’re still moving some guys around to try to find out, from a depth standpoint, where we can play guys as the season goes along. We’re kind of honing in where we’re going to put guys. I wouldn’t say it’s etched in stone ... we’ll still work guys at other positions to develop some depth. It’s going to be an ongoing process for a while.”

Gray misses practice

Receiver Logan Gray was in a walking boot and didn’t practice Wednesday after turning an ankle in Tuesday’s practice. There isn’t a timetable for his return.

Gray was one of the highlights on offense in Saturday’s scrimmage with three catches, and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said he “had his best day since he’s been here [Tuesday] and had that ankle sprain.”

“He’s done an outstanding job,” Bobo said. “He already had a knowledge of the passing game and what we’re trying to do, but just his improvement daily at the receiver position has been impressive to us as a staff. If he continues to improve and impress and get healthy, I believe he’ll be in the rotation.”

High on Williams

Coach Mark Richt has been impressed with the play of sophomore strong safety Shawn Williams.

“Shawn Williams may be the most improved player from the spring to the fall,” he said. “His knowledge, his conditioning, his agility. Our coaches have been really impressed with him. I’ve been really impressed with him.”

Williams played in all 13 games last season, but saw most of his playing time on special teams. He had a season-high three tackles in the Independence Bowl victory over Texas A&M.

Bobo: Brown improving

Marlon Brown arrived at Georgia in 2009 as one of the more highly touted receivers in the nation, but he had only two catches for 15 yards as a freshman.

Bobo said he has improved in every facet of his game, gaining strength and flexibility.

“Marlon’s done awesome,” Bobo said. “Marlon has been healthy. I think [Wednesday] was the 15th practice we’ve had, and he’s been out there for every practice. ... He has a better understanding of the offense, and he’s made a lot of tough catches. I’m very pleased with the progress of Marlon Brown and excited about seeing him play this year.”

Picture Day coming up

Interim mascot Russ will be available for photos from 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Sanford Stadium. The players will be there from 3-5 p.m.