Richt says Dogs missing Velasco

Although defensive end Marcus Howard had the most impressive going-away party for Georgia last season with his MVP performance in the Sugar Bowl, he may not be the player the Bulldogs miss most in 2008.

Coach Mark Richt said earlier this week that the offensive line is further behind compared to this point last year. Friday, Richt explained the biggest reason for that is the absence of Fernando Velasco, who started 13 games at center last season after starting at guard in 2006.

“There’s not a true leader right now, but hopefully someone will fill that role over the summer,” Richt said. “Velasco was a huge difference for our team last year, and I don’t think we would have had the season we had without him. He was one of the best leaders we’ve had in a long time.”

The offense apparently needed Velasco during Friday’s two-hour Sanford Stadium scrimmage that included about 100 plays. With Chris Davis, Ben Jones, Ben Harden and Kevin Perez taking turns at center, Georgia’s line failed to develop a running game and allowed 12 sacks, according to statistics kept by coaches.

That was Georgia’s 11th of 15 spring practices, and it was closed to the media.

Richt said starting tailback Knowshon Moreno provided a highlight by taking a screen pass 70 yards for a touchdown. The two early tailback enrollees, Dontavius Jackson and Richard Samuel, had their moments, too, Richt said. Jackson had nine carries for 56 yards, while Samuel had eight for 30.

“Richard made some nice runs out of nothing, and Dontavius had one long touchdown run early in the scrimmage,” Richt said.

Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 8 of 12 passes for 158 yards with two touchdowns but was intercepted by Reshad Jones. Backup Joe Cox was 11-of-14 for 178 yards and two scores.

Mohamed Massaquoi had three receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Walter Hill had four catches for 74 yards and a score.

Richt said the defense that has dominated all month gave up too many big plays Friday. He found the most fault with special teams, stating “we’ve got issues” when discussing punt protection.

Senior split end Kenneth Harris sat out the scrimmage with a sprained ankle, but Richt reiterated that Harris and Massaquoi would be the starting receivers if the season started today. He said Kris Durham of Calhoun, who had five catches for 51 yards Friday, would be a starter if the Bulldogs opened in a three-receiver set.

Georgia will practice Monday, Wednesday and Friday before wrapping up spring next Saturday with the G-Day game. The G-Day game will start at 2 p.m.