Injuries racking up for Georgia roster
by George Henry
Associated Press Sports Writer
August 19, 2011 01:09 AM | 809 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Free safety Jakar Hamilton became the latest preseason casualty for Georgia, suffering a broken ankle that could keep him out for the season.
<BR>Associated Press photo
Free safety Jakar Hamilton became the latest preseason casualty for Georgia, suffering a broken ankle that could keep him out for the season.
Associated Press photo
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ATHENS — Georgia coach Mark Richt just wants to keep his Bulldogs healthy with the season opener against Boise State nearly two weeks away.

Richt, whose injury list includes star freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell, is pleased the team finished its second preseason scrimmage with no new major ailments.

“We did have a little cramping going on from the heat afterwards with (starting center) Ben Jones,” Richt said. “It’s nothing too serious. Ben had an hour aerobics class (Thursday), and he probably didn’t do a good job of hydrating. After aerobics and scrimmaging and running wind sprints, it got to him.”

Crowell has a strained groin and backup tailback Richard Samuel a strained quadriceps. Both missed Wednesday’s scrimmage at Sanford Stadium.

Richt hopes Crowell will be able to practice when the Bulldogs hold their next full session today.

“I’m not going to say Isaiah will be ready, but there’s a chance,” Richt said. “Richard would probably be more like early next week. As you watch them moving around, Isaiah looks closer.”

On Sunday, freshman linebacker Ray Drew separated his right shoulder in a scooter accident, but isn’t expected to miss too much time.

That’s not the case for free safety Jakar Hamilton, who recently broke his ankle and is likely out for the season.

Shawn Williams, who probably had won the free safety job regardless of Hamilton’s injury, played like a starter in the scrimmage. The junior finished with seven tackles, according to statistics released by Georgia’s sports information department.

Cornerbacks Bacarri Rambo and Jordan Love each made six tackles, and Rambo had an interception. Linebacker Alec Ogletree, a former safety, was the defensive leader for the second straight scrimmage, recording eight tackles and a sack.

“He would’ve been successful at safety, but I think moving him to linebacker is one of the best decisions our coaches could’ve made for the overall success of our defense and our team,” linebacker Jarvis Jones said after finishing the scrimmage with five tackles. “He can get off blocks. He can run sideline to sideline. He can make big plays. He’s a high energy guy and brings it every day.”

Quarterback Aaron Murray completed 11 of 16 passes for 108 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Second-string quarterback Hutson Mason, the former Lassiter High School star, was 13-of-27 passing for 125 yards.

Rantavious Wooten, Israel Troupe and Malcolm Mitchell combined for 148 yards receiving and a 20-yard touchdown on 13 catches for 61 yards.

“The offense made a lot of plays here and there,” Murray said. “There were some lulls, but that’s going to happen. I’m very proud of both sides of the ball and how they played (Wednesday).”
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