By: Fletcher Page

Cornerback and punt returner Branden Smith is struggling with, “concussion-like symptoms,” according to head coach Mark Richt.

In the event Smith can’t go this weekend, Sanders Commings will slide into Smith’s nickel back (speaking of Nickelback, people either love them or hate them. I’m not saying which side of the argument I’m on for fear of alienating a segment of my readers) role.

Carlton Thomas and Logan Gray will be in charge of punt return duties...This is IF Smith can’t go.

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Justin Anderson is ailing from turf toe. The nose tackle struggled with the injury earlier this offseason, and it has now flared up again.

Richt said he’d like to get Kwame Geathers more playing time.

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Richt said practice this week has, “ramped up,” in intensity. The team has added intensity to it’s thud drills. They’re not going all-out in tackling, but they’ve added intensity, nonetheless.

Also, Richt says offensive line coach Stacey Searels has been, “riding (the line) hard.”

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Richt said he can’t wait for freshman safety Alec Ogletree to get everything down and be ready to play on a constant basis.

He's practicing well,” RIcht said. “He is one guy--he will strike you. He loves to hit... because of that I am anxious to see what he can do.”

Richt praised freshman Demtre Baker’s play thus far on the scout team.

“He's shown signs of being able to strike,” Richt said. “You watch him and say, that guy is going to be able to play.”