Allen and Durham glad to have practiced

ATHENS – Asher Allen made his first impression on Georgia’s practice field this week. The early enrollee was working with the scout team on kickoff returns Tuesday when he split the Bulldogs’ varsity defense for a long return.

“How about that return man?” Coach Mark Richt yelled.

After the workout, Richt expanded on his opinion of the Tucker High School graduate.

“He looks real good,” Richt said. “He’s got speed and agility and he’s got some confidence. We’re excited about him.”

Asher Allen and wide receiver Kris Durham of Calhoun High School are part of the Bulldogs’ 2006 signing class but have enrolled in school early and participated in practice this week. Allen was recruited to Georgia as a cornerback but played plenty of offense at Tucker High School and could become a weapon in the return game.

“I feel comfortable with the ball in my hand, guarding somebody, whatever,” he said. “I just love football really.”

Asher and Durham will not be allowed to practice in Atlanta, site of the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl against West Virginia. Still, both have been glad to come out and get a taste of college football.

“Now I kind of know what to expect and how to work,” Durham said. “This is so much different that I’m glad I did this. I kind of got my feet wet. Now, I’ll know what to expect this spring.”