UGA signee Geathers cleared by NCAA

By Tim Tucker

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Athens — Kwame Geathers is on the way.

An incoming freshman defensive tackle, Geathers was cleared by the NCAA on Thursday and should join the Bulldogs’ preseason camp by today.

“Kwame is in,” coach Mark Richt said after Thursday’s practice, the third of Georgia’s preseason. “That’s exciting news.”

The NCAA must certify each incoming player’s initial eligibility before he can report to campus, and the review of Geathers’ academic record was not complete when Georgia players reported Monday.

Richt said he believed Geathers was driving from his Georgetown, S.C., home to Athens Thursday night.

Geathers’ clearance means all of Georgia’s 2009 signees have qualified academically.

“Our goal is to sign guys we think can play and guys we believe can handle the academic rigors and ... represent our program well,” Richt said.

Geathers won’t be able to fully participate in practice until going through a five-day “acclimation” period mandated by NCAA rules.

Movement on O-line

Offensive lineman Chris Davis’ return from off-season hip surgery is going so well that he is back working with the No. 1 unit at left guard.

Davis, who started all 13 games last season but opened preseason practice on the second unit, joined left tackle Trinton Sturdivant, center Ben Jones, right guard Cordy Glenn and right tackle Clint Boling on the first-team offensive line in Thursday’s practice.

“Right now, it’s pretty solid,” Richt said.

The move dropped Vince Vance to No. 2 left guard, at least for the moment.

Vance started the first six games last season before a torn knee ligament ended his season. Richt said Vance hasn’t gotten back to top form yet in terms of conditioning and mentality, “but I think he will.”

Etc.

Sophomore Nick Williams, who has bounced back and forth between safety and linebacker, is back at linebacker. ... Richt praised Drew Butler’s punting in Thursday’s practice.