In Georgia’s special teams practice this past Saturday at Sanford Stadium, the Bulldogs were working on their field goal coverage package — remember what happened in the Iron Bowl last season? — so Marshall Morgan lined up for a 60-yard field goal attempt.
“We could have had him just kick it short, but I said, ‘you try to make it and we’ll still flip the ball back there and get a return out of it and so we know what to do,’” Richt recounted Wednesday.
So what happened?
“He nailed it,” Richt said, beaming, “with a little bit to spare.”
And so you now you have an idea of the level of confidence Richt has in his junior place-kicker, and the confidence Morgan has in himself.
Asked if he was going to hit a 60-yarder this year, Morgan said confidently, “If I get the opportunity.”
Saturday against Clemson would be a great time for Morgan to do it. It’s the 30th anniversary of the Kevin Butler’s record-setting 60-yard field goal to beat the Tigers at Sanford Stadium in 1984.
It wouldn’t be much of a stretch for Morgan. He’s 4-for-7 in his career from over 50 yards and made 56 and 52 yarders this past season.
Morgan said he knows about Butler’s kick and the Georgia record for longest field goal. He said Butler has given him lots of pointers over the years, including this past summer. But he never mentions “The Kick.”
“He’s a real modest guy and he’s not going to mention that but, trust me, I’ve watched it plenty of times,” Morgan said after Wednesday’s practice. “I definitely admire it. … Hopefully we might have another one.”
There’s a good chance he’ll get a shot at a 60-yarder at some point. Richt has talked all preseason about how good Morgan has looked kicking the ball, not just on placement kicks but on kickoffs as well.
“I feel a lot stronger going into the season this year,” said Morgan, who missed the first two games of last season per disciplinary suspentiosn. “I started to get into my rhythm mid-summer and now it’s just repetitive.”
And strong.
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