Lumpkin returns full force

ATHENS - The biggest news of Wednesday’s two-hour scrimmage was the encouraging performance of running back Kregg Lumpkin, who returned to full contact for the first time since the spring game in 2004.

Kregg Lumpkin missed all last year due to a torn ACL and was held out of live work for the first two weeks this fall.

“He looked rusty for about two plays, and then he really ran the ball extremely well,” Richt said. “I would have to think this really boosted his confidence in his knee.”

Lumpkin, who was not available for comment after the scrimmage, had runs of 30 and 10 yards, Richt said.

“Danny Ware ran real good and so did (Thomas Brown),” Richt said. “Those guys are still real impressive, but Kregg didn’t disappoint us today.”

Brown had more than 100 yards receiving on the day on two catches alone, Richt said. Starting quarterback D.J. Shockley ran for one touchdown and threw for another to tight end Leonard Pope, Richt said.

Still, the defense outscored the offense for the day. Linebacker Marcus Washington, playing with the No. 1 defense, picked up a fumble and scored, as did defensive end Marcus Howard, who played with the No. 2 defense. Hawkinsville’s Charles Johnson, playing with the No. 1 defense, batted a pass and then intercepted it and ran it in for a touchdown.

The No. 2 offense, quarterbacked by Joe Cox and Blake Barnes, didn’t score.

“The No. 2s just had no prayer,” Richt said. “The No. 1 defense looked good today.”