Spring Practice Day 12: Practice Report

ATHENS - The Georgia football team began its final week of spring drills with a two hour workout in helmets and shoulder pads Monday in preparation for G-Day on Saturday, April 5.

"It was a very good Monday," head coach Mark Richt said. "We had very good energy today and good competition. Even from the flex they were excited to be out there."

Richt said a major point of emphasis at today's practice was protection.

"We talked a lot about protection issues today," Richt said. We got a lot better. We have to keep working hard. We need to be perfect with the protection, the holds and the snaps so the other guys can do their jobs."

Richt also singled out a pair of upperclassmen for taking on leadership roles.

"Asher Allen continues to be a guy who competes at a high level," Richt said. "He makes everybody better. Dannell Ellbere has really turned it around and has become a leader. I'm excited about what he's doing."

After practice Richt noted that senior defensive tackle Jeff Owens suffered a dislocated shoulder in the scrimmage last Saturday and will be out for the remainder of spring drills. Owens is expected to fully recover within two months.

The Bulldogs will practice again on Wednesday and Friday before the annual G-Day game at Sanford Stadium on Saturday at 2 p.m.