Reshad Jones says he won’t be out long

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia starting safety Reshad Jones said his “tweaked” hamstring won’t keep him out of practice long.

Trainers have told him to expect to be sidelined for seven to 10 days, and Jones thinks it might not be that long.

“I’m working hard in the training room,” he said Friday, “and I think it might be a few more days.”

In any case, he said, “I’ll be 100 percent way before Sept. 5,” when the Bulldogs open the season at Oklahoma State.

Jones, a junior, said he’s finding ways to contribute while unable to practice.

“I’m coaching young guys on the sideline, helping them understand what they’re supposed to do,” he said. “And I’m getting mental reps myself at the same time, so everything really is working out pretty well. I’m still grinding.

“Once I do get back, I’ll step in like I never missed a beat.”

Jones has been named to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, it was announced Friday.

Geathers arrives

Kwame Geathers, the incoming freshman defensive tackle who was cleared for academic eligibility by the NCAA on Thursday, arrived Friday and struggled through conditioning work as the team practiced.

“It’s very evident when you see a guy come in that late compared to a guy who has been here all summer,” coach Mark Richt said. “He’s behind because he wasn’t here, and we understand that. ... We’ll be pushing him, I can promise you that, but we can only go so quick.”

Washington at D-end

Senior linebacker Marcus Washington got some work at defensive end Friday as the Bulldogs seek ways to improve their pass rush.

“We’re seeing what kind of knack Marcus has for it,” Richt said.

Washington also got a look in that role during spring practice. The idea is to use him at linebacker in the base defense and at end in the nickel package.

Gray impresses Richt

Logan Gray, trying to hold off freshmen Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger for the backup quarterback’s job, is having a superb start to preseason practice, Richt said Friday.

“You can just see there is a lot more confidence in his ability to run the system than even in the spring,” Richt said. “He had a great spring and took momentum into the summer.”

Etc.

Former Georgia football coach and athletics director Vince Dooley will receive the Rotary Club of Atlanta’s “Legends Award” on Monday. ... Season parking permits for Georgia’s six home football games remain available in the Carlton Street Deck near Stegeman Coliseum, according to UGA Parking Services. The season passes cost $120, plus shipping and handling, and are available at gamedaygameplan.com. ... Richt said the most exciting plays on the practice field Friday were interceptions returned for touchdowns by defensive tackle Geno Atkins and cornerback Prince Miller.