Albany Herald

Photo by Danny Aller

ATHENS -- The Georgia football team took the field Thursday for two and a half hours at the Woodruff Practice Fields for the third time this spring.

Following the practice, Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt said the team displayed positive energy and effort. Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham agreed with Richt's assessment on how much effort the players are putting into learning the new system.

"We need to come to work everyday and understand where we need to improve and understand the concepts," Grantham said. "Once we understand the concepts then we can start adding things and the guys can start playing at a faster pace. Overall I've been pleased with the effort and what I've seen out there."

Grantham added that one reason for the positive effort is how every player has come into the spring with equal opportunity.

"Anytime a guy feels like he has a chance to be a starter then they will be excited," Grantham said. "Also, everyone is working hard to find their role. The players are showing us how they are going to play, learn, and hustle to the ball."

Georgia will return to the practice fields Saturday morning wearing full pads for the first time this spring.

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NEW TAILGATING RULES FOR UGA GAMES:

ATHENS -- The University of Georgia unveiled new rules Thursday designed to protect the school's North Campus from excessive trash dumping and destruction of lawns by pregame tailgaters at football games.

University President Michael Adams said last year he was dismayed at the amount of trash generated on North Campus before games. Tailgaters also trampled and killed wide expanses of grass.

A committee of university administrators produced a set of rules on Thursday that ban tents, kegs, generators, televisions, amplified music, grills and cookers, tables longer than 4 feet and household furniture from North Campus.

Tailgaters also won't be allowed to set up until four hours before kickoff.

University officials say some rules will be enforced in all campus parking areas, including a ban on golf carts.