Speaking of black jerseys, RB recruiting and ‘best scout-team LB tandem in country’

ATHENS – Notes from Mark Richt’s post-practice visit with reporters Wednesday night:

• Georgia practiced in full pads, a change from the original plan to work in shoulder pads and helmets. “We felt like we needed a little more work against the cut-blocking in particular,” Richt said. “We hadn’t done that very well yet, or well enough. And so we wanted to get a little more work at that.” All five of Georgia’s practices for the Tech game have been in full pads.

• The Bulldogs’ plan for Thursday, Richt said, is to “get up real early, have some meetings, practice and be done by 10 a.m.,” so players and coaches can “go eat Thanksgiving dinner.”

• For anyone wondering if the Bulldogs might wear black jerseys for Saturday’s game against Georgia Tech: No, Richt said. “Someone thought we might do that?” he asked.  “I don’t think we’ll have a jersey change for a while here.”

• Injury updates: Backup tailback Carlton Thomas (stinger) “did all the scout work today,” Richt said. “We think he’ll be ready.” Cornerback Sanders Commings (ankle) is “practicing. He’s getting there.”

• Richt praised the season-long, practice-field performances of linebackers Jarvis Jones and Richard Samuel, both of whom are being redshirted. “I’d have to say … it’s probably the best scout-team linebacker tandem in the country,” Richt said. “They’re really outstanding talents and have given our guys all they want all year long. . . .  In general, I would say the defensive scout team … is the best one in the 10 years I’ve been here.”

• Richt was asked if the disappointing performance of Georgia’s running game accentuates the need to sign a big-time running back in this recruiting season.  “I would just say that we sure would love to sign a big-time back this year. How’s that?” replied Richt, choosing his words carefully. “That’s a very big priority for us.” NCAA rules, of course, prevent him from talking about specific recruits.

• Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.