Georgia freshman defensive back Deangelo Gibbs suffered an injury during Thursday’s practice, but what had Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart irked was that the news got out.
Gibbs and fellow freshman Richard LeCounte III, a pair of safety signees who were top-50 national prospects, collided during the portion of practice that was open to the media. Multiple outlets reported on the injury, with 247Sports.com adding that Gibbs could be heard complaining about his shoulder.
“I haven’t had a lot of time to talk to the trainers, but it’s nice to know you guys have found it in your hearts to report it,” Smart said Thursday night in a news conference. “His mom has to find out from you guys rather than from us, which upsets me a little bit, to be honest with you. I don’t think it’s really fair.”
Thursday’s practice was the 11th of 15 spring workouts for the Bulldogs, who will scrimmage for the second time Saturday inside Sanford Stadium. Georgia’s scrimmages are closed to the media, as are most throughout the Southeastern Conference, and reporters in Athens are allowed to watch only 10 to 12 minutes of most practices.
Georgia prohibits reporters from using Twitter at practices to report on position changes or who might be absent, but the school has not prohibited reporting injuries that occur during those times when the media is present.
“We’ll make some changes for you guys and try to handle that a little better from now on,” Smart said.
A 6-foot-1, 208-pounder from Oxford, Ga., Gibbs has been vying with sophomore Tyrique McGhee for the starting spot at the “star” position. That position was occupied last season by Maurice Smith, who was a graduate transfer from Alabama.
Despite the Gibbs injury, Georgia experienced some long-awaited success on defense. Smart has lamented the play on that side of the ball this spring, including last Saturday’s inaugural scrimmage.
“I thought the defense came back with their necks bowed up and spurs ready,” Smart said. “I think they were a little upset, and they practiced a lot better today. Hopefully, the offense will respond Saturday, but it’s probably the best practice we’ve had defensively since we came out of shorts.
“In shorts everybody ties, but since we’ve put the pads on, the defense has struggled a little bit. They made a lot more plays today.”
Bigger and better
Senior Isaiah Wynn has maintained the role of left tackle this spring after starting 12 games last season at left guard. He played last season at 285 pounds but is now at 305.
Wynn recently said that cookies and doughnuts contributed to the desired weight gain, which made that process fun. He described himself as “rock solid” and considers himself better than ever.
“I’m stronger,” Wynn told reporters. “I’m more stable. I’m not really getting pushed around as much. It feels good.”
Punter battle looming?
Cam Nizialek, a graduate transfer from Columbia University, is handling the punting chores this spring as Marshall Long continues his recovery from the dislocated kneecap he suffered last November. Smart said Long is slowly getting his motion back and that a challenge may await.
“I expect it to be a really good battle in fall camp,” Smart said. “Cam has had good averages this spring, hang times and averages, so that’s good.”
Odds and ends
Redshirt freshman kicker Mitchell Wasson, a preferred walk-on, is no longer on the team. Smart used “night and day” to describe the improvement of junior receiver Terry Godwin compared to this time last year.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.