NCAA - University of Georgia

U. of Georgia Unveils New Football Uniforms

ATHENS, Ga. --- The University of Georgia football team held its 13th practice of the spring Wednesday afternoon, a one-hour session in full pads.

Following practice, head coach Mark Richt unveiled the team's new uniforms for the fall which include more changes in fabric than appearance.

"The reason we are changing is really a matter of function," said Richt. "These new uniforms are lighter in weight and they don't hold in water like a lot of them do. They are tighter and more form-fitting so it is more difficult for an opponent to grab hold of you if you are a receiver or lineman on a rush for example. We did try to stay as traditional as possible with the colors and the striping as well."

Modeling the jerseys were senior cornerbacks DeMario Minter and Tim Jennings.

"One of the things we really like about these is the sleeve length," said Jennings. "They gave us three choices, a cut-off length, a medium and a longer length. We like the cutoff length because it makes it easier when you have to adjust on a play and reach over your head, the jersey doesn't pull and tug on you. We don't have to roll them up anymore. The cutoff length will work well for linemen too. We wore them during practice and we really liked them."

"They are definitely lighter, more comfortable and they will keep sweat and water away from our bodies better," added Minter.

Speaking about Wednesday's practice, Richt seemed pleased with both the offense and defense.

"Today had some good, physical hitting," said Richt. "I really liked the competition. There were some big hits from (Greg) Blue, some good runs by (Tyson) Browning and Des Williams had a nice day running the ball and blocking as well. Overall it was a very good day."

Richt also addressed questions regarding senior quarterback D.J. Shockley's performance during spring practice.

"The thing about Shockley is that it is very hard to grade a guy with mobility like his (in spring practice)," said Richt. "You don't allow him to scramble or escape a sack, as soon as someone gets close to him, you blow the whistle. I think he has done a good job though. In terms of taking a leadership role, he is becoming a little more vocal now that he is the number one guy. There's definitely a period of adjustment when stepping into a leadership role and he is doing a nice job of it. It takes a while to get used to it and fit into that role."

Richt went on to talk about G-Day, which will take place on Saturday, April 9, at 2:00 p.m. at Sanford Stadium.

"We will have a four-quarter game with a shorter halftime," said Richt. "We will see Shockley on one team, Blake (Barnes) and Joe Tereshinski on the other. Then at the half we will have a kicking contest between Andy Bailey and Brandon Coutu. They will get at least five kicks each, maybe more if they both make them all. I'd like to see some good competition there and hopefully the fans will get involved in that as well. I really like G-Day. It gives the Bulldog nation a chance to look at the future and it is a more casual atmosphere. The players' and coaches' families are there and the players' friends are there. It is just a fun, family atmosphere, and know Georgia is going to win no matter what."

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