Model receivers: Bennett sees self in Durham, Massaquoi

photo Michael Bennett hopes to earn a place in Georgia's receiver rotation this year after redshirting last season.

Georgia redshirt freshman receiver Michael Bennett doesn't mind being compared to Kris Durham.

He just believes there is a more accurate link.

"A lot of people say that we're similar, but I just say it's because we're the same skin color," Bennett said with a laugh following Tuesday's practice. "I've also had people compare me to Mohamed Massaquoi back in the day. We watch film of him before practice all the time, and I do see some similar qualities in myself that I do in him."

The 6-foot-3, 202-pounder from Alpharetta is very appreciative of Durham, the former Calhoun High standout who concluded his Georgia career in December and hopes to be selected in the NFL draft later this month. Bennett said Durham took him under his wing from day one last year, helping instruct him on everything from route running to daily discipline.

Bennett is working this spring at split end, where he currently backs up Marlon Brown, and managed to get coach Mark Richt's attention with his play during Saturday's first scrimmage.

"Impressing Coach Richt is my main goal, and if I can do it in practice, then I can do it in a game," he said. "I may not start this year, but I know I'm going to play with the opportunity to make a contribution."

The Bulldogs held their ninth of 15 spring workouts Tuesday, with the offense winning three of five head-to-head competitions.

"It was a very spirited practice today," Richt said. "We had a great, great day. The offense won the day for the first time this spring."

Bennett arrived in Athens as a Rivals.com three-star prospect and the No. 55 receiver nationally in the 2010 signing class. As a senior at Alpharetta High, he had 52 receptions for 645 yards and seven touchdowns.

Now he's had a year to learn from Durham in his desire to become the next Massaquoi, who was a Bulldogs senior in 2008 and now plays for the Cleveland Browns.

"His running motion reminds me of myself," Bennett said. "He gets in and out of his breaks really well, and he does a great job of going up and getting the ball at the highest point. He was obviously a much more polished receiver, so I'm just trying to get to where he was."

Odds and ends

Sophomore tailback Washaun Ealey (hamstring) continues to be limited in practice. ... The Bulldogs will hold their 10th spring practice Thursday and will scrimmage for a second time Saturday morning.

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