Spring Practice Countdown: Fullbacks

Each year spring practice is the best indication of the depth, starters, and players are at each position on the team. Even with Georgia’s personnel loses due to graduation and the NFL, the Bulldogs are strong at many positions. Still, there are spots on the team that will be hotly contested this spring. Here is a look at fullback, one of the spots on the team that lost a starter.

2004 Starter: Jeremy Thomas (15 games started; 25 attempts; 77 yards; 2 touchdowns)

Junior Des Williams (2 games started; 16 attempts; 40 yards; 0 touchdowns) will take over the starting role at fullback in 2005. He’s been performing well for more than a year and now seems used to everything required of the fullback in Richt’s offensive system. Williams might be pushed by redshirt freshman Brannan Southerland, but the pushing will likely be for how much playing time the younger fullback will get in the fall. Georgia’s fullback situation seems in good shape with both Williams and Southerland.

Williams and Southerland will likely play special teams as well. Their athleticism on special teams is another plus for this pair.

Final Take: Williams will be the starter in 2005 and likely again in 2006. The amount of reps Southerland gets will remain in the air for now. Thomas was effective as a pass receiver out of the backfield. Williams and Southerland will need to match his pass-catching ability.