Albany Herald

UGA nose tackle John Jenkins was declared academically ineligible Wednesday.

ORLANDO — Seventh-ranked Georgia began on-site bowl preparations Wednesday following a four-day break for the holidays.

The Bulldogs held a one-hour night workout in jerseys, shorts and helmets at a local high school. The team arrived earlier in the day and had a series of meetings and dinner at their hotel.

Georgia coach Mark Richt and selected players held a brief media session at the hotel before a team dinner. Duiring thats session, Richt announced that senior starting nose John Jenkins would not be participating in the bowl game.

“John Jenkins won’t be here,” said Richt. “It’s academic related, he will not be at the bowl, and that will be all I’ll say about that. … I think John Jenkins has been awesome for Georgia. I’m really proud of everything he’s accomplished for us. Just really want to wish him the very best. He’s been a blessing for our program.”

Richt added that a handful of Bulldogs will look to fill the void with the 6-foot-3, 358-pound senior Jenkins out. The backup at nose is 6-6, 355-pound junior Kwame Geathers.

“A little will depend on Abry Jones, and how much he can play, we’ll see the type of condition he’s in and number of plays he’s available. It could create some more opportunity for Michael Thornton and Ray Drew.”

Abry Jones, a 6-3, 308-pound senior defensive end, has missed the past five games with an ankle injury and has not played since the opening quarter against Kentucky on Oct. 20. John Jenkins had started all 13 games and tallied 50 tackles.

Today, the team will have a morning practice and then plan to attend Universal Studios in the afternoon.

The Bulldogs face Nebraska on Jan. 1 at 1:08 p.m. in the Capital One Bowl.