2006 Fall Camp: Day Nine News and Notes

ATHENS - Josh Kendall's news and notes from Georgia's ninth day of fall camp.

STATUS QUO: What Richt is saying publicly about the quarterback competition is the same thing he’s saying privately, freshman Matthew Stafford said.

“He just said everybody did a good job, and he wasn’t ready to make a decision,” Stafford said. Quarterbacks coach Mike “Bobo said he’s proud of all of us for sticking in it. Nobody is wavering.”

Even after Richt, Bobo and the quarterbacks watched tape of Saturday’s scrimmage, there has been no change in the quarterback order. The practice routine Monday was identical to last week, with all four quarterbacks splitting time equally, Stafford said.

After watching the tape, Richt said his No. 1 critique of the quarterbacks is that some of them force the ball into bad situations. The depth chart won’t change until at least after Friday’s scrimmage, he said.

“The depth chart may not change at all,” he said. “It doesn’t have to change.”

Stafford said he missed one sight adjustment during the scrimmage but feels comfortable enough to lead the team if called on to start the Sept. 2 opener against Western Kentucky.

“I feel like I’ve learned enough and I feel confident enough in my ability to go out there and run the team,” he said. “I think all four of us do, though.”

OTHER INJURIES: The Bulldogs’ overall injury situation began to mount Monday. Junior fullback Des Williams, a third-teamer behind Brannan Southerland and Jason Johnson, will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair cartilige damage and miss 10 days to two weeks.

Cornerback Asher Allen was in a green jersey due to a minor elbow injury. Defensive end Jeremy Lomax (groin) also was in a green jersey.

Defensive linemen Ray Gant (shoulder) and Marquis Elmore (knee) and offensive linemen Zeb McKinzey (shoulder) and Ian Smith (shoulder) remained sidelined.

CONGRATULATORY CALL: Richt watched former quarterback D.J. Shockley’s pro debut intently, he said. Shockley played most of the fourth quarter of an exhibition game for the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night.

“I was living and dying with every play,” Richt said. “I just wanted him to get them in field goal position so badly.”

After Shockley led a drive to set up the game-winning field goal, Richt called Shockley’s cell phone and left a message with his entire family cheering in the background, he said.

THIS AND THAT: Georgia held its last two-a-day practice of the ball Monday. Due to three-year old NCAA rules, the Bulldogs had only three two-a-day sessions. … True freshmen Kris Durham (receiver), Allen and Dewberry more than likely will play this year, Richt said.

… Cornerback Paul Oliver had another interception for a touchdown. “Paul is just terrorizing them,” Richt said.