Georgia’s Leonard Floyd has been spotted this month working at outside linebacker, inside linebacker and the “star” position when the Bulldogs use five defensive backs.
Where he hasn’t been spotted is in front of a camera or a microphone.
The 6-foot-4, 231-pound junior from Eastman, Ga., has yet to be interviewed this year. Floyd underwent shoulder surgery last December, which sidelined him for the Belk Bowl victory over Louisville and the 15 spring practices, but he has been practicing this month and earned preseason All-SEC recognition.
When asked Thursday night why Floyd has been silent, Bulldogs coach Mark Richt said, “We’ll get him going pretty soon.”
The topic of playing three positions would certainly be of interest, as would building off a sophomore season that included 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles. Because Floyd spent the 2012 season at Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, he was eligible for the 2015 NFL draft but decided last December to stay in Athens.
Richt announced Floyd’s decision at the annual team banquet.
“We see him as a guy that the team really respects,” Richt said in a news conference. “They know how good of a player he is, and they know how good of a guy he is. He normally doesn’t say much, but when he does, people pay attention.
“A big part of leadership is having that charisma about you that guys respect and follow.”
Floyd was named Georgia’s defensive MVP last season and had his best game in the win at Arkansas, racking up 10 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery.
Looking ahead
The Bulldogs enter this season with a senior specialist tandem of kicker Marshall Morgan and punter Collin Barber. Morgan set an SEC record early last season by making his 20th consecutive field goal, and Barber set a school standard in 2013 with a net punting average of 42.6 yards.
Barber struggled last season due to lower-back issues, according to Richt, who expects the pair to have fantastic senior seasons. Georgia does not have any kickers on scholarship other than Morgan and Barber.
“I’m more concerned about next year’s kickers,” Richt said.
Light practice
Georgia worked out for 90 minutes Friday afternoon in jerseys and shorts.
“The guys have really had a good camp,” Richt said. “This was one of those weeks where we were scheduled to practice six straight days, so we felt like it would be good to take this day and make it more mental than physical to let them get their legs back and get ready for next week.”
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.