Tennessee Week: Tuesday News and Notes

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

LINEBACKER SHUFFLE: Middle linebacker Jarvis Jackson will return to his starting position this week, and former starter Danny Verdun Wheeler, a senior, has been demoted to third team in the middle.

“We’re going to take a look at some young guys and see what they can do and go from there,” linebackers coach John Jancek said.

Sophomore Marcus Washington will back up Jackson in the middle. Brandon Miller will start on the strongside and be backed up by true freshman Darius Dewberry, a graduate of Peach County High School.

With Verdun Wheeler starting in the middle last week in place of an injured Jackson, Ole Miss’ BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 135 yards, his highest total of the season, and Richt wasn’t shy about placing the blame on Verdun Wheeler.

“I think it had a pretty strong contributing factor there,” Richt said. “I think Danny Verdun understands what to do and was in the right spot, but when it came to the moment of truth, that human equation, linebacker versus running back, we didn’t knock (Green-Ellis) back, he knocked us back.”

Jackson is the Bulldogs’ lightest linebacker but also their most physical.

“Jarvis has been the guy that can really run through ball carriers,” Richt said. “He tends to be the big hit guy for us.”

Jackson, who has battled a painful foot injury all season, played against Ole Miss but had only three tackles. His foot feels much better this week, he said Tuesday.

ADDED DEPTH: Help is on the way for Georgia’s offensive line. Tackle Michael Turner (ankle) is on pace to be ready Saturday, and, if he is, Georgia may return to a three-tackle rotation, Richt said.

DID YOU KNOW?: With two more victories, the Bulldogs will become the 11th member of college football’s 700-win club. Michigan (854) has won more games than any other college football team.