Sports

Georgia has 29 days to get ready for Boise State, and one of the major keys heading into that game will be the improvement of the defense in Todd Grantham’s second year.

The emergence of Kwame Geathers and the addition of John Jenkins will look to help out a defense that struggled during their first year in the 3-4 defense.

When asked, cornerback Brandon Boykin said that he “absolutely” feels better with those two big bodies up front.

“The bodies you have up front  are vital to stopping the run and getting those coverage sacks,” the cornerback said. “Having people where they’re supposed to be is only going to make us better.”

Here is a photo gallery from the second day of practice

When JUCO nose John Jenkins made his decision to come to Georgia this past February, most people penciled in the 6-foot-4, 350 body into the unquestioned starter at nose in the 3-4 defense.

Then spring practice came around and redshirt Sophomore Kwame Geathers impressed coaches at the nose position and was named Defensive MVP for the spring before a very impressive G-Day performance.

Although the two will be competing for the starting spot, it’s a healthy battle and the

“I think it’s a great battle,” junior defensive end Abry Jones said. “I’here’s not much of a grudge, they’re going to push each other. They both know that they’re needed for this team.”

Following two afternoon practices, Georgia will practice at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday and will continue at that time until school starts Aug. 15. The Bulldogs will practice in full pads on Monday and will hold a scrimmage Wednesday, Aug. 10.

The Bulldogs will kick off the 2011 season Saturday, Sept. 3 in the Georgia Dome against Boise State at 8:00 on ESPN.

Practice Notes:
During running back drills, Richard Samuel would be the first running back to go through. Following him, the order was sporadic, but Isaiah Crowell looked very impressive.

The first string defensive backfield included cornerbacks Brandon Boykin and Sanders Commings and safeties Shawn Williams and Bacarri Rambo.

After a scorching first day of practice, it was a bit cooler today, but still very hot. The Bulldogs practice on newly built practice fields with real grass, which keeps it about 15 degrees cooler than the turf fields they practiced on before.