ATHENS — Terry Godwin’s shoulder is healed and the freshman receiver apparently had a good showing in Friday’s scrimmage.

Godwin had “a few good catches” on Friday, according to senior linebacker Jake Ganus, filling in the gaps as no stats were provided to the media.

“One, he had a long catch and broke a couple tackles,” Ganus said of Godwin, who only missed a few days earlier this week with a shoulder injury. Ganus described Godwin as “elusive. Fast. Quick, instinctive playmaker. Just a guy that’s gonna make plays.”

As for a freshman on defense making an impression, Ganus cited defensive lineman Trent Thompson. That echoes what others have said about the highly-recruited Albany native.

“I think the kid’s a beast, and his work ethic is very impressive, to come in and play hard,” Ganus said. “He’s kind of a quiet guy but once you get to know him he opens up and is real funny. The kid works hard, and gets it. I’m excited for him.”

Michel gets some first-team work

There were no stats to quantify it, but starting tailback Nick Chubb “got a lot of work” in the scrimmage, Richt said. So did fellow sophomore Sony Michel, who like Chubb ran with the first-team in Friday’s scrimmage.

Michel had a touchdown in the scrimmage, but he said that wasn’t the point.

“I was out here just to show coach what I’m capable of, because I wasn’t able to scrimmage since last summer,” Michel said. “Been so much practicing, individual drills, dipping drills. Now just being able to play football, it was great.”

Their usage was a big difference from the spring, Richt noted, when many tailbacks were hurt and Chubb was used sparingly out of precaution. This time around Richt wanted the tailbacks to see action, both because of their availability and to develop continuity heading into the season.

“No matter who you are and how many times you’ve done it you need to get used to carrying the ball, people trying to tackle you, just playing football,” Richt said. “We may taper back as we get closer to the games, but my guess is he (Chubb) will get some reps in the next scrimmage as well, unless something happens to somebody else in the meantime.”

Second-line issues

Georgia better sustain any injuries to an offensive line starter, at least right now.  Richt said there was a “glaring” drop-off between the first team, where four starters return from last year, and the second team, which was overwhelmed by Lorenzo Carter on Friday.

“Right now there’s not anybody on that No. 2 unit that’s ready to play winning football yet,” Richt said. “I’m not trying to dog them out, they’re just developing. They’re learning.”

The exception on the second unit may be Hunter Long, the fifth-year senior who contended in the spring for a spot at center and left guard. Richt said he’d be confident putting Long in with the first unit now, but would be concerned putting anybody else there.

Kolton Houston, the starting right tackle, gave the second unit a pass, pointing out that they’re constantly changing positions as the coaches see where they fit best.

“They’re all talented guys, so they’re gonna get the hang of it,” Houston said.

Kickers update

Richt had good things to say about his senior kickers: Place-kicker Marshall Morgan, with the exception of a missed field goal, had a good scrimmage, but his job isn’t in jeopardy. Punter Collin Barber was competing with walk-on Rodrigo Blankenship, but it appears Barber is getting some separation.

“Collin’s been kicking much better the beginning of camp than he did in the spring,” Richt said. “Big difference.”

Injury updates

Richt also isn’t talking much about injuries, but claimed there wasn’t much to talk about yet.

“We’ve had some guys geet banged up, but we haven’t had anything like it looks like we’re losing him for the season,” Richt said. “(At least) guys that we’re kinda counting on at this point.”

Junior Tim Kimbrough, who was running first-team at inside linebacker, missed this week and is expected to miss at least next week after having knee surgery on Monday, according to a source. But Kimbrough is expected to be ready for the season opener.