Tyson takes over on UGA line

ATHENS, Ga. - It wasn't like DeAngelo Tyson had 1,000 pounds separating him from substantial playing time last season.

It was closer to 900.

After providing relief for Georgia defensive tackles Geno Atkins, Jeff Owens and Kade Weston, who each were selected in April's NFL draft, Tyson has taken over in the interior. The 6-foot-2, 295-pounder from Statesboro is working as the No. 1 nose in the new 3-4 scheme, and Bulldogs defensive line coach Rodney Garner is liking what he's seeing.

"DeAngelo has grown a lot, and I think he is priding himself in taking ownership of the D-line," Garner said. "He sat back and waited his turn for two years behind those guys, and I think he sort of sees this as his D-line and is sort of embracing that role. He reported in much better shape, and I just like the way he is carrying himself right now."

Tyson admits the 3-4 system under new coordinator Todd Grantham will be fun "as soon as we learn what to do and how to do it." He tallied 12 tackles last season in the 4-3, including four at Georgia Tech.

"You still have a shade on the center," Tyson said. "All you have to do is be more physical at the point, where in the 4-3 you just had to keep your gap. Now I'm more attacking and more upfield and trying to cause some confusion."

Grantham entered preseason camp planning on Tyson playing defensive end as well for some flexibility, but shifting during a series could be a challenge.

"We're already having trouble learning the plays, and I'm having to learn what everybody does," Tyson said. "It will have to come quick if I make that transition in a game, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help our defense and to help us win as a team."

Morant departs

Freshman outside linebacker Dexter Morant has left the team without going through a practice. The 6-foot-7, 240-pounder from Manning, S.C., was rated by Rivals.com this past winter as the nation's No. 15 strongside defensive end.

"Football is just not for everybody, and I think he just felt like he lost the desire to play," head coach Mark Richt said after Wednesday's practice. "We tried to convince him it would be in his best interest to stay and fight through it. In the end, he just felt like it wasn't for him."

That'll do, pig

There is a photo in Georgia's training room of a big pig with a little boy on its belly. Included is the name Ben Jones, the junior center, above the arrow pointing to the little boy.

"I figured the teammates were spoofing him," Richt said. "Then I find out that was Ben Jones laying on that pig when he was a kid. He is very country."

Odds and ends

Former Bulldogs quarterback Zach Mettenberger has enrolled at Butler County (Kan.) Community College. ... Richt said he is not in a rush to provide contact work for linebacker Jarvis Jones, who is redshirting this season after suffering a neck injury last year at Southern Cal. ... Richt said senior outside linebacker Darryl Gamble has looked strong rushing the passer and that junior receiver A.J. Green continues to make great plays.

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