Georgia: Dogs deal with injuries on line

ATHENS, Ga. — Honk if you’ve played left tackle at Georgia.

Sophomore Clint Boling will become the fourth starter at that position Saturday afternoon when the No. 10 Bulldogs host No. 22 Vanderbilt. Boling began last week’s 26-14 win over Tennessee at right guard but was switched when Vince Vance suffered a season-ending ACL injury midway through the second quarter.

The Bulldogs lost sophomore Trinton Sturdivant, the returning starter at left tackle, with an ACL injury during preseason camp.

“We’ve got to keep fighting and hope nothing else happens,” Boling said. “I hope we’re not snake-bit.”

Sturdivant was replaced in camp by sophomore Kiante Tripp, who started the first three games. Offensive line coach Stacy Searels switched all five starters, however, leading up to the Sept. 20 game at Arizona State, which resulted in Vance moving out from left guard.

Boling will start at his third different position this week, having started at right tackle against Central Michigan and South Carolina, but that’s nothing unique on this front. Sophomore Chris Davis started the first three games at center, the next three at left guard, and is pegged for right guard Saturday.

“They’re obviously very talented, and that helps enable us to play them at different positions,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said. “You’ve got to give them credit for focusing and learning what to do when they’re asked to play certain positions. It’s a credit to Coach Searels for getting those guys ready, but at the same time, it hurts us at times just because of experience — not necessarily in ability, but more in assignments and fundamentals. That’s part of the reason why you have drives break down and guys going the wrong way.

“But I haven’t seen anybody get down. They keep listening to coaches and are trying to get better, and that gives us a chance to win.”

Bobo said Georgia’s linemen are not required to learn multiple positions when they arrive as freshmen, even though it must appear that way.

The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Boling was named SEC offensive lineman of the week for his adjustment and for helping the Bulldogs gain 458 yards against a Tennessee defense that was allowing 244.4 yards a game. Vance’s injury also led to freshman Cordy Glenn replacing Boling.

“Thankfully we’ve got a guy like Clint Boling who can do it,” Bobo said. “He’s able to line up and play a bunch of positions because of his knowledge. He might not have the greatest technique right now, but mentally he’s able to do it.

“That’s the big key thing for him, because it’s really not the best thing when you have a guy switching from right to left, especially in the middle of the game.”

Georgia’s ever-changing line hasn’t been easy for Bobo to keep up with this season. That goes for quarterback Matthew Stafford, too.

“Justin Anderson has played guard and tackle since he’s been here,” Stafford said. “Chris Davis has played center and guard. Clint has played guard and tackle. I think everybody has played at least two positions since they’ve been here, and it’s helping us out.”

Odds and ends

Georgia head coach Mark Richt said after Wednesday’s practice that senior middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (knee) and junior split end Kris Durham (ankle) are doubtful for Saturday but probable for next week’s game at LSU. ... Sophomore strong safety Quintin Banks sustaining a knee injury Tuesday that will keep him out the rest of the month.