Riley Ridley relays Georgia football practices ‘just like’ New England Patriots

INDIANAPOLIS —Georgia football goes about things with a focused mindset, keeping “the main thing the main thing” as Coach Kirby Smart likes to say.

It turns out the Bulldogs approach to practices isn’t too different than the most elite program in he NFL.

“Sony (Michel) told me that the New England Patriots practice is just like the University of Georgia practice, but maybe not as intense, because we’re in college,” departing UGA receiver Riley Ridley said at the NFL combine last weekend in Indianapolis.

“But he said they have the same attack.”

Riley Ridley led the Bulldogs with a relatively modest total of 44 receptions, but he explained how the focus is on winning and working to utilize all the talent.

In that respect, Ridley indicated, Georgia is similar to New England.

“They use their weapons, they are very versatile,” Ridley said. “They let Tom (Brady) run the show, and they win, do you know what I mean?”

Departing Georgia tight end Isaac Nauta drew a parallel to the similarities in team mentality, as well.

“I think it’s a culture thing,” Nauta said at the NFL combine. “I think the Patriots have a really good culture and that’s why they win football games, and I think Georgia has a really good culture too.

“We practice the right way, we set a standard of how we play, and i think that translates to what they do, and I think that’s why you’ve seen a lot of ‘Dawgs go to the Patriots.”

Former Georgia players Michel and center David Andrews started for the Patriots in the Super Bowl, while offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn was on injured reserve.

The Patriots are one of the teams Ridley has already met with.

New England coach Bill Belichick endorsed the Georgia football program while speaking at Super Bowl media day.

“I think Kirby’s program is excellent to prepare guys for the National Football League,” Belichick said.

NBC Sports Boston pointed out New England has brought in players coached at Georgia before, including such players as Richard Seymour, Ben Watson, Patrick Pass and Malcolm Mitchell.