UGA freshmen say they're ready to play ball

By TIM TUCKER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Athens - A year ago, they were playing high school football. Saturday, they will make their college debuts against a top-10 opponent, on the road and on national television.

Orson Charles, Marlon Brown and Branden Smith are prominent among the freshmen who figure to play for Georgia when the No. 13 Bulldogs open the season at No. 9 Oklahoma State.

Charles, currently No. 2 on the depth chart at tight end, is a 6-foot-3, 230-pounder from Tampa whose pass-catching ability could help an offense that is in need of playmakers. Brown, No. 3 on the depth chart at split end, is a 6-5, 200-pounder from Memphis who is being counted on to help the depleted receiver positions.

And Smith, currently No. 2 at wide cornerback, is a 5-11, 171-pound speedster from Atlanta who also might be used as a kick returner and, at some point, as an occasional weapon on offense.

The AJC chatted with Charles, Brown and Smith this week:

Q: So how does it feel, on the verge of your college football debut?

Charles: I'm pretty sure all the freshmen are nervous. Then again, we are ready. We've been out here hitting for the longest time, but it's been a while since we just strapped up to play. The last game we played was in high school. I can't wait.

Brown: A little nervous here, a little excited there. It's just all over the place right now.

Smith: I'm very excited. I have confidence in myself. I've been practicing real hard. I'm ready.

Q: Have you dreamed of this day for a long time?

Charles: Back when I first got NCAA 2000 [video game], I created myself and started playing. ... [Lately,] I've just been dreaming about my executions, going over the whole play sheet coach [John] Lilly gave me.

Brown: Since I was in 10th grade.

Smith: I've been waiting on this day for a long time. It's my first time playing at a big stadium, with a lot of people looking. It's just my time to make something happen.

Q: What's been the biggest adjustment for you to college football?

Charles: I guess understanding the playbook, understanding what I have to do and learning how to do it. I know the majority of what to do. I just have to learn how to do it. ... Or it could be just living by yourself, not depending on your mom. College is about being organized. You got to make sure you organize yourself.

Brown: Time management, managing your time wisely.

Smith: Film work. In high school, I didn't really look at film that much, so it's been very tough and hard for me to study film right now. Prince Miller, Reshad Jones - they've been helping me a lot.

Q: Do you feel ready to contribute right away, beginning Saturday in Stillwater?

Charles: Coach Lilly and I talk all the time. I feel I and the other tight ends are ready to go because of the way he coaches us up.

Brown: Yes, sir!

Smith: Yes, I can say. When I get my opportunity, I have just got to make something happen. ... Right now, defense is my primary position. I just got to get that down pat.

Q: What do you like best about Athens?

Charles: You feel it when you come here. It's a football town.

Brown: Peaches. It's a restaurant. The soul food is really good - chicken, green beans.

Smith: I'd have to say Coach Richt. He's real, a church person, very truthful. He stays with his word.

Q: Do you have family or friends making the trip to Stillwater?

Charles: My mom, grandma and one of the brothers at my church and his wife are going to be there from Tampa.

Brown: I think my high school coach is going.

Smith: My mom is going to be there. I'm trying to make her proud. I'm here for her.