Spring Practice Day 3: Practice Report

ATHENS, Ga. – The University of Georgia football team held an hour-long practice session Thursday night, working out in shells for the final time before getting into full pads. More than 300 high school coaches were in attendance, coming to Athens for the UGA Spring Coaches’ Clinic.

“We had a good day today,” said head coach Mark Richt. “I think having all of the high school coaches out here was great incentive for the guys to practice hard. Defense dominated the inside drill and our skeleton drill was a tie. When we went 11 vs. 11, defense held the edge. Now we go into full pads tomorrow and tackle to the ground for the first time.”  

As part of the Coaches’ Clinic, former University of Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr will speak to the attendees Friday morning.  

“Our (coaches) clinic is very well attended,” said Richt. “I think the main reason is that we have got Lloyd Carr here as a guest speaker. I had the wonderful opportunity to have lunch with Lloyd Carr, Vince Dooley and Loran Smith. That was a thrill for me today.”  

Richt also addressed Thursday’s earlier news of the pay increase he has been awarded, which will bring his annual salary from $2 million to $2.8 million.  

“I’ve always been excited about being at Georgia,” said Richt. “That has never waned. I feel like I’ve been treated extremely well in a lot of areas, one area being salary. I’ve never felt like I’ve been mistreated in any way.  I’ve always been treated extremely well and I’m thankful. I was excited a month ago, and I’m excited today. The money really doesn’t drive me, but a strong contract means good stability for the program and it means good stability for our coaching staff and for our players too, I believe.”

  The Bulldogs will play their annual G-Day Game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m.