Spring Practice Day 5: Practice Report

ATHENS - The Georgia football team resumed spring practice on Monday, working out for approximately 90 minutes in helmets and shoulder pads. The Bulldogs were off last week due to the university's spring break.

"I thought the energy level was pretty good, considering the fact that it's the first Monday after spring break," Georgia coach Mark Richt said. "The offense had a rough day; the defense dominated the day. The defense did extremely well. I don't think the offense has won an inside drill yet this spring."

Richt said the experience and depth on defense is showing this spring.

"There's a lot of competition on defense," Richt said. "Guys are trying to fight for starting positions. There's a good many who have shown they deserve reps. We have a lot of guys who are showing they are ready to play. When you are confident that many can play, you can play harder and faster and avoid injuries. It creates excitement when a lot of guys know they are going to play."

Linebacker Marcus Washington said after practice he will undergo left shoulder surgery and likely will have to redshirt this season. Defensive coordinator Willie Martinez called the injury "a real blow" to the Bulldogs. Richt said the Bulldogs will continue to cross train linebackers Akeem Dent, Darryl Gamble and Darius Dewberry to help with Washington's absence.

Richt was asked what he thought about the SEC Tournament title and subsequent NCAA berth for the Georgia men's basketball team.

"I started crying when it was happening," Richt said. "This was just an awesome thing to see. I was so happy for the players, the coaches, for the fans who have been so loyal. To see history being made like that was pretty spectacular."

Before Monday's practice, the players and coaches sang "Happy Birthday" to former Bulldog Bobby Towns. Towns, who turned 70, serves as a referee during Georgia's practices.