Several UGA freshmen will play more

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ATHENS –- Georgia isn't making any sweeping personnel changes in the aftermath of last week's loss at Tennessee but does plan to find more playing time for several freshmen.

Coach Mark Richt said Tuesday that cornerback Branden Smith and wide receivers Rantavious Wooten and Marlon Brown -– all freshmen –- will see increased action.

Richt said Smith will play more in relief of starting cornerback Prince Miller.

"Prince is playing a lot of reps [on defense and special teams]," Richt said, "and we need to get Branden in there more."

Wooten and Brown "have earned more playing time," Richt said. "I don't think there is any doubt about that."

Richt also reiterated that sophomore safety Bacarri Rambo, who intercepted his second pass of the season last week, will play more as part of a three-man rotation with starters Reshad Jones and Bryan Evans.

As for quarterback: status quo.

"I would say that, yes, [Joe Cox] is still our starting quarterback," Richt said.

Although Cox has struggled in the past two games, "a lot of things go into the quarterback's ability to play at his peak level," Richt said. "I think if we play together as a unit, Joe's productivity will rise like in [earlier] games."

Asked if backup quarterback Logan Gray might play on a limited basis, Richt said: "I wouldn't say that's out of the question."

The lack of a running game has been a major problem for the offense. Georgia continues to look for an answer at tailback and for improvement on the offensive line, particularly in run-blocking.

Injury report

Tailback Caleb King, who missed the Tennessee game after suffering a concussion and broken jaw against LSU, probably will play at Vanderbilt on Saturday, Richt said.

"Everything is pointing thumbs up on him," Richt said.

Also expected to return to action is wide receiver Tavarres King, who sat out the Tennessee game because of a concussion.

Linebackers Akeem Dent (hamstring) and Marcus Dowtin (finger) are not expected back this week, Richt said.

Figgins' decision

Junior tight end Bruce Figgins, who last week completed a six-game suspension for violating team rules, could have played the second half of this season. Instead, he'll be redshirted, preserving two full years of eligibility in 2010 and 2011.

Figgins said the decision was reached in a Monday meeting with Richt.

"Coach Richt and I came to the conclusion I'd take a redshirt, so we're rolling with that," Figgins said Tuesday. "Get ready for next year."

Figgins said he also discussed the decision with friends and family and saw "pros and cons" on both sides.

"The coaches had their input, but I was the last to decide, the last say-so," he said.