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Georgia Arrives In Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. ---
Fifth-ranked Georgia began on-site bowl preparations here Wednesday
following a four-day break for the holidays.
The Bulldogs held a
one-hour night workout in jerseys, shorts and helmets at a local high
school. The team arrived earlier in the day and had a series of
meetings and dinner at their hotel.
Georgia coach Mark Richt and
selected players held a brief media session at the hotel before a team
dinner. Richt announced that senior starting nose John Jenkins, a
Second-Team All-SEC selection, would not be participating in the bowl
game.
"John Jenkins won't be here," said Richt. "It's academic
related, he will not be at the bowl, and that will be all I'll say
about that. ... I think John Jenkins has been awesome for Georgia. I'm
really proud of everything he's accomplished for us. Just really want
to wish him the very best. He's been a blessing for our program."
Richt
added that a handful of Bulldogs will look to fill the void with the
6-3, 358-pound senior Jenkins out. The backup at nose is 6-6, 355-pound
junior Kwame Geathers.
"A little will depend on Abry Jones, and
how much he can play, we'll see the type of condition he's in and
number of plays he's available. It could create some more opportunity
for Michael Thornton and Ray Drew."
Jones, a 6-3, 308-pound
senior defensive end, has missed the past five games with an ankle
injury and has not played since the opening quarter against Kentucky on
Oct. 20. Jenkins had started all 13 games and tallied 50 tackles.
On Thursday, the team will have a morning practice and then plans to attend Universal Studios in the afternoon.
The Bulldogs face Nebraska on Jan. 1 at 1:08 p.m. in the Capital One Bowl. It will be televised by ABC and ESPN3.com.
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