Chapas plans to lead

Nobody brings more experience to Georgia's backfield than fifth-year senior fullback Shaun Chapas.

He just hopes his position still has a vital role.

Georgia's offense returns the tailback tandem of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, its entire starting front and four scholarship tight ends. The obvious question mark is at quarterback, and that's where Chapas believes he provides value.

"I definitely feel good about being back there with my experience if something comes up," Chapas said. "I would feel comfortable getting everybody on the same page, and from a leadership standpoint, I enjoy being in there with those guys. I definitely think that we feel comfortable in this offense, and we're going to do whatever is asked of us and have fun with it."

The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder from St. Augustine, Fla., is coming off a fun performance, rushing five times for a career-high 43 yards and his first collegiate touchdown in Georgia's 44-20 thumping of Texas A&M in the Independence Bowl. Yet his regular season consisted of just two carries for 2 yards.

Chapas has amassed 25 carries for 111 yards and 21 catches for 192 yards and two scores the past three seasons. He is expected to be backed again this season by classmate Fred Munzenmaier, but they may be challenged to match last year's playing time due to improved blocking by Ealey and King and the versatility of the tight ends.

"It really depends on the situation," Chapas said. "We have some personnel groupings that have two tight ends and also a fullback in short-yardage and stuff, but there are other personnel groupings where there might be two tight ends and just a running back. We'll try to show what we've got. I know those times when we can get out on the perimeter and get the ball are a lot of fun."

The Bulldogs held their seventh spring practice Friday and will scrimmage for the first time this morning. Coach Mark Richt said quarterbacks Logan Gray, Zach Mettenberger and Aaron Murray are scheduled to receive equal snaps, which he added will be the case all spring.

This morning could be the first step in determining the lone offensive spot without a returning starter.

"It will help us," Richt said. "Every time we practice gives us more of an evaluation."

Today also will mark Georgia's first scrimmage in 10 seasons under Richt that will include a 3-4 defense. Richt said the defense continued to gain confidence in Friday's 90-minute workout, but outside linebacker Justin Houston (shoulder) is scheduled to sit out the scrimmage.

Receiver Marlon Brown (shoulder) will sit out for the offense.

"We're ready," defensive end Demarcus Dobbs said. "You could tell our guys are getting the hang of it a little more, but we'll have to study the playbook a little more to get ready. We want to play fast in this scrimmage and impress these coaches."

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