USC Week: Wednesday News and Notes

ATHENS - Josh Kendall's news and notes from Georgia's fall practices.

MAKING THE GRADE: For the first time in modern history, no Georgia football player entered the fall semester on academic probation.

“I personally think we’re in the best situation we’ve been in a long time as far as success on the field and in the classroom,” said Jere Morehead, the school’s faculty athletics representative. “Academically, the students are doing what they need to do in the classroom. I think we’re making some real progress.”

Morehead credited the building of the Rankin Smith student-athlete academic center and new academic initiatives by athletic director Damon Evans and Richt for the milestone.

“I’m thrilled to hear that news,” Richt said. “I think that’s awesome. We need to keep it up. It’s a great tribute to our academic counselors Rhonda Kilpatrick, Cory Kopaniasz and Ervin Lewis.”

INJURY UPDATE: Wide receiver and punt returner Mikey Henderson (hamstring) remained on the sidelines during Wednesday’s practice, a bad sign for his availability in Saturday’s game.

“We would have liked him to do something today,” Richt said. “We’re not going to push him any faster than we should. It’s probably doubtful, unless he practices really good (today), then it might be probable.”

Fullback Jason Johnson (ankle) and defensive lineman Marquis Elmore (knee) remain questionable. Elmore practiced in a regular jersey Wednesday.

UNORTHODOX APPROACH: Even if Henderson were in the game, Richt wouldn’t be expecting another punt return touchdown to match the one Georgia had last week. He’ll be happy to get any returns at all against Gamecock kicker Ryan Succop.

Succop averaged 48.7 yards on six punts last week against Mississippi State, primarily by sprinting out to his right and kicking a low, line-drive punt.

“It’s very, very different from anybody we play,” Richt said. “You’ve always got to be ready for a fake. It’s a tough thing to defend for us. Hardly anybody gets a return on these guys because you can’t hardly predict where the guy is going to go. The return man is really just trying not to turn the ball over.”

Asher Allen is expected to take over punt return duties for Henderson if Henderson can’t play.