Williams and Byrd competing for backup rover spot

ATHENS - No one has emerged as a clear backup behind Tra Battle at safety, defensive coordinator Willie Martinez said.

Freshmen C.J. Byrd and walk-on Drew Williams are among the players contending for the spot, Martinez said. Freshman Bryan Evans, naturally a cornerback, will be taught some safety to help provide depth.

Richt had high praise for Byrd recently.

“He’s going to be an outstanding safety,” Richt said. “How soon that’ll happen, I don’t know.”

Greg Blue and Kelin Johnson are the top two at the safety spot across from Battle. The spot behind Battle came open when Antonio Sims broke his leg in practice last week. He will miss six-to-eight weeks.