Georgia practice updates: No vultures

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The good news is the vultures are gone. Or buzzards, as they’re called by many. Either way, the horde of birds that literally loomed over Georgia’s first practice here on Monday have since moved to a different part of the practice complex at North Florida.

In case you were looking for some actual football notes, here are some from the media viewing period of Tuesday’s practice:

• I have not seen either Jim Chaney or Sam Pittman at these bowl practices. The two incoming offensive coaches attended the bowl practices in Athens but so far have not made the trek down to Jacksonville.
• That leaves just two assistant coaches who are definitely returning (defensive coaches Tracy Rocker and Kevin Sherrer), but there’s no noticeable difference in attitude or energy between those guys and the others here who are in their last week with the team (offensive coaches Bryan McClendon, Thomas Brown, John Lilly, Rob Sale). McClendon, for instance, was still teaching and coaching up the young Georgia receivers who will be on the other sideline next October when McClendon is at South Carolina. “Up, not out, T!” McClendon shouted at Terry Godwin during a drill. “Don’t start too early!” McClendon instructed sophomore Shakenneth Williams.
• The first team at offensive line is how the regular season finished. From left to right: Isaiah Wynn, Kolton Houston, Brandon Kublanow, Greg Pyke, John Theus.
• Brendan Douglas, who is out for the bowl game with a shoulder injury, is here with the team and watching practice. He said the injury happened during practice back in Athens.
• Tae Crowder, the freshman who has yet to play this season, continues to run third team, ahead of sophomore A.J. Turman.
• Athletics director Greg McGarity was in attendance at practice.
• So was the Theus family: Paul Theus, the father of seniors John and Nate, as well as their brother Jeremiah Theus, who plays at Georgia Southern. The Theus family is from Jacksonville so this was not a long drive.
• McClendon and several offensive players will be available after practice. So look for more updates and stories in a bit.