Big John Jenkins goes down but rest of ‘Dream Team’ survives scorching first day
New Georgia noseguard John Jenkins is helped off the field after becoming overcome by the heat midway through the Bulldogs' first practice Thursday in Athens. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
This was supposed to have posted at 5:30 a.m. this morning but “missed schedule” for some reason. Sorry. . . .
Athens — Day One of preseason camp is in the books for the Georgia football team as the Bulldogs endured a heat index of 103 degrees to get in 90 minutes of work on Woodruff Practice Fields on Thursday. And make no bones about it, the first day was mostly about survival.
Big John Jenkins, the highly-touted junior college transfer, was one of the first to succumb to the stifling conditions. The 6-foot-4, 350-pound nose guard from Meriden, Conn., was overcome by the heat about halfway through the practice and had to be helped off the field by team trainers. Jenkins did not return and there was no immediate word on the extent of his condition as no access was given to players or coaches after the workout. But it did not appear to be a serious situation.
Jenkins is one of 24 first-year players deemed “the Dream Team” by Georgia when it recruited them to Athens as a Top-5-ranked recruiting class. Several of them made strong first-day impressions, including tailback Isaiah Crowell, receiver Malcolm Mitchell and tight end Jay Rome.
At least half of that group is expected to contribute to varying degrees this season. But coach Mark Richt said they should not be feeling any pressure to do so.
“The rookies, their heads are swimming already,” Richt said during his media day press conference before the practice. “‘They realize they have a lot to learn. All I’m asking them to do is learn what to do. ‘Do your very best to get yourself in position to compete,’ but you’re not going to compete until you have an idea of what you’re doing. I hope a lot of them contribute in a big way. As far as their skill sets, there’s no question either sooner or later they will really be productive for us. It’s just going to be a matter of how quickly can they figure it out and maybe what our depth chart looks like at their position. A lot of things are involved, but I don’t want them to feel the pressure of having to try to carry the team on their back. That’s not the case at all.”
UGA completes internal investigation
Georgia has completed its investigation into eligibility issues facing linebacker Jarvis Jones. But it looks we’ll have to wait to find out what they may have discovered.
UGA’s office of public affairs, responding to an open records request from the AJC, confirmed that the school’s report was completed this week and sent to the SEC office. However, UGA declined to provide copies of that document under the advice of its Legal Affairs office, claiming “it would directly identify a particular student [Jones] and, therefore, is exempt from release under . . . the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. “FERPA,” as the federal law is commonly known, was enacted to protect the privacy of students’ education records.
Athletic Director Greg McGarity declined comment and Richt said he didn’t know much about it.
“The only thing I know is that we have submitted whatever we have found to the SEC offices and we’re just kind of waiting,” Richt said. “That’s all I’m really allowed to say.”
Jones, a transfer from Southern Cal who’s slated to start a strongside linebacker, is accused of accepting impermissible benefits from an AAU coach in the summer of 2009.
Austin Long sidelined with illness
Richt confirmed sophomore offensive tackle Austin Long will be sidelined for the start of preseason practice but possibly not as long as originally thought.
“What [director of sports medicine] Ron [Courson] is wanting us to call it now is a ‘mono-like’ illness,” Richt said. “We’re not entirely sure that’s what it is.”
Richt said Long will be monitored day-to-day with the hope he’ll be able to join practice before the season opener. He is the backup to Justin Anderson at right tackle.
Also unable to participate in Thursday’s practice were defensive end Derrick Lott (cut leg), defensive end Dexter Morant (shoulder), freshman outside linebacker Sterling Bailey (shoulder) and freshman offensive tackle Xzavier Ward (knee). However, sophomore outside linebacker T.J. Stripling, who was sidelined most of last season with a knee injury, practiced without limitations.
Troupe discipline ‘being handled’
Richt said discipline for senior wide receiver Israel Troupe is “being handled internally.” He would not say whether Troupe will suspended for the first game or miss any playing time as a result.
“We’re going to do what we feel is most appropriate,” Richt said.
Troupe, who will graduate on Saturday, was cited for urinating in public and then missed his court date this week. He’s expected to be part of the Bulldogs’ six-man rotation at wide receiver.
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201 comments Add your comment
RabidDawgFan
August 5th, 2011
2:22 pm
QB: Aaron Murray
HB: Richard Samuel, Isaiah Crowell & Ken Malcome
FB: Bruce Figgins
WR: Tavarres King
WR: Malcom Mitchell
TE: Orson Charles
LT: Cordy Glenn
LG: Kenarious Gates
C: Ben Jones
RG: Chris Burnette
RT: Justin Anderson
Big Dawg
August 5th, 2011
2:23 pm
The Truth,
Well Terrence did have heat issues in his first couple of practices at Alabama for your information, they just didn’t have A Chip Towers from the AJC reporting it and a bunch of people on a blog who have no idea or very little idea of what it is actually like being in practice with a temperature index around 105 plus. I also assume it was his first practice in front of the coaches and he was nervous and anxious to perform well and was going all out to impress the coaches. He will be fine just has to relax and play within himself is all.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
August 5th, 2011
2:23 pm
Well this young man played in Miss last year so he will be able to get reaclimated to it. Unlike the one Matt Storm who came from Washington State and never got used to it.
Bob
August 5th, 2011
2:25 pm
Chip…Jenkins in the backfield on the goal line would be great. I remember the Fridge, and Charles Grant before he got hurt. How ’bout we put Geathers with him to further confound the defense.
JT DAWG
August 5th, 2011
2:26 pm
I remember seeing Grant hurt his knee running the ball. We need Jenkins on D.
RabidDawgFan
August 5th, 2011
2:27 pm
The only impact player that has something hanging over their head is Jarvis Jones. Neither Carlton Thomas nor Israel Troupe are impact players. Troupe has like 11 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown in his entire career, and Carlton Thomas rushed for like 200 yards last season and 2 touchdowns. Won’t miss them. Jarvis Jones should be able to suit up vs. Boise since he was not a member of UGA when it happened. If not, I think Ray Drew may have to start as a true freshman against Boise and from what I’ve heard, that’s not a bad thing.
theevilone
August 5th, 2011
2:29 pm
Don’t want to see any young person struggling with the dangers of heat exhaustion. Hopefully the young man will be fine and come back soon. This heat is nothing to joke about. It could actually become a life and death situation all to quickly.
RabidDawgFan
August 5th, 2011
2:29 pm
The good thing is that all our players are in camp, ready to get after it. Our entire defense besides Jones will be ready to go vs. Boise (hopefully Jones too) and our entire offense will be ready to go. We haven’t lost that key clog or starter (not yet) and hopefully we won’t. We need all of our guns vs. Boise and SC. No doubt about it.
papadawg
August 5th, 2011
2:30 pm
I wonder if Boise St thinks the DAWGS are going to be easy pickings
Delbert D.
August 5th, 2011
2:31 pm
Change ‘em up and line up in a straight-T formation. Back in the mid-’70s, Oakland went into KC heavily favored, and the Chiefs did that and upset them. The Raiders had trouble with possession time with the Chiefs’ run-heavy offense.
Bama Mike
August 5th, 2011
2:31 pm
Big Dawg is right. Cody struggled early with heat. Heck we didnt know he even existed until a week before the season started. Saban starts freshman and rookies indoors and at night until they are accustomed to the intensity of practice.
BIGDAWG37
August 5th, 2011
2:35 pm
Talked to a friend out of Miss. He has seen both Big John and Fairley and he says Big John is the man!!! He is quicker and stronger than Fairley!!! Bring dem boys from Boise!!! GATA
Delbert D.
August 5th, 2011
2:41 pm
2nd and goal from the 1, line up in a double-slot right, with Figgins and Jenkins close inside Aron White. Watch Coach Spurrier call time out and run his hand through his hair. What kind of shift will he do? Pull a LB and Strong Safety and insert 2 more linemen out there?
Capt. Pessimist
August 5th, 2011
2:41 pm
Just because they are big it doesn’t mean they can block. They’ve proven that already. Figgins has never played FB at this level and Samuel has already proven to be ineffective at RB (and he hasn’t been practicing with the 0 for almost two years. Which by the way, Samuel played LB in high school (and was a darn good one) and he’s been practicing their for the last 2 years, yet he is expendable to give back to the offense?? Obviously he was not progressing the way they had hoped.
Jenkins carrying the ball?? Sound great on paper but can he keep from jumping off sides and can he protect the ball???
Palmetto State Dawg
August 5th, 2011
2:43 pm
Rooster, the fact that you’re 6′1″ and 250 lbs and go by the name “Rooster” on this blog, brings me to the conclusion that you probably couldn’t run 50 yards in this heat without passing out. You’re clearly some rube that pulls for dem Carolina Chickens! YEEE HAW!!!
Hoyt
August 5th, 2011
2:45 pm
Capt. Pessimist, you should call yourself Capt. Obvious instead. Damn good scouting report there.
DC
August 5th, 2011
2:49 pm
nothing is a bad thing when it comes to UGA fans…but if the shoe was on the other foot..you guys would be heckling beyond belief…how can starting so many freshmen really be a good thing?…
Dyer was great b/c he he greatness around him his freshmen year..Latte was great b/c SEC east is horrible…(along with having amazing abilities)..
How did Olgetree do his freshmen year?
Now everyone wants to compare jenkins to fairley? My cousin’s friends brother Ricky saw Jenkins and I swear he bench pressed a car twice…he tried three times but only could get it half way up…
Heat exhaustion is a given in this temps..but you expect that to happen when you are in full pads…chalk it up to not being fully prepared for the first day of practice.
I-SAID-IT
August 5th, 2011
2:54 pm
I’m not smoking,it will be done,
Ga will win it all.
From a real dawg fan, not a sunny time band wagoneer…… the dawgs will shock the world, watch, wow it will be something to see what these comments look like after October, i bet you wont hear Kirby smarts name ever again!
Dosta Dawg
August 5th, 2011
2:54 pm
Enter your comments here @Hollywood
Kids today are not as acclimated to the heat as we were in the old days. Many of us grew up in houses without air conditioning. We were made to play outside instead of sitting in a cool room playing video games. In that respect, we were better able to handle the heat.
I think you will agree that we were lucky none of us died. We were all given salt tablets before practice. If you needed water, you were a sissy.
It was tough.It was brutal. But it sure was fun.
Barack
August 5th, 2011
2:55 pm
You all better get used to the heat. My EPA is shuttin down coal-fired plants all over the USA! Rolling blackouts coming!
We got to get this country GREEN!
U-SAID-IT
August 5th, 2011
2:56 pm
I agree, The dawgs know that they have fair weather fans, they know it’s them against the world. I think after they punch SC in the mouth some will take notice but after the FL game there will be no doubt!
Go Dawgs ALL THE DAMN WAY!
Joey
August 5th, 2011
2:57 pm
“3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. 3 and out. ”
********************************************
J T Dawg, that sounds like Bobo’s O in several games last year. I hope he’s better this season.
RabidDawgFan
August 5th, 2011
2:58 pm
To the UGA haters, nothing UGA does is good. They will always find something bad to say about it. Even if it’s 100% graduation rate, if our football team goes 12-0 and Murray wins the Heisman, they’ll have something to point out. It’s best to ignore them.
JB
August 5th, 2011
3:04 pm
Jenkins needs to run as far as to fill a hole between the Offensive tackles, which is about 6-7 yards. He’ll be fine.
DC
August 5th, 2011
3:09 pm
you would want him to fill the a hole wouldn’t ya JB..haha
CDAWG
August 5th, 2011
3:09 pm
I remember the salt pill dispensers hanging up in the locker room. We didn’t have the energy drinks either. We played outside from the time we got up until we got in trouble for not coming home and we drank out of the garden hose!
Excuses and Lies
August 5th, 2011
3:10 pm
Laughter and more Laughter, all these UGA fans talking about how he will be fine. Do you have a clue of how many 350 plus pound guys are practicing in heat much worse than here? Tons. The evidence at hand shows the big guy is not in shape and the summer workouts must have not worked.
Bob Stoops stated today that they skipped their endurance test because EVERYONE on their team was in GREAT shape and they have practiced twice and everyone made it through much tougher heat than in Athens.
Is Jenkins going to ask to come out after three plays during Boise or USC?
Nothing Could Be Finer
August 5th, 2011
3:10 pm
LOL
JB said 6-7
Sarge
August 5th, 2011
3:12 pm
Wish they would allow players to wear #00 like they use to.
Excuses and Lies and 1 Fool - me
August 5th, 2011
3:13 pm
Enter your comments here
7576DAWG
August 5th, 2011
3:15 pm
Boise State will have a great team this year. Them beating Virginia Tech last year and scoring 33 points is enough for me to respect them. Georgia better not take them for granted.
The reason we beat Hawaii a few years ago like we did was because we didn’t take them for granted and practiced our butts off to be ready for anything. That’s the attitude we better have against Boise State.
we-SAID-IT-2
August 5th, 2011
3:16 pm
THAT’S A TRUE RED & BLACK FAN!
I’M on board,DAWGS all the way!
dawg from a distance
August 5th, 2011
3:20 pm
Big John will be fine. It was the first day and every precaution needs to be taken with the heat. I like what Oklahoma is doing by practicing in the morning to avoid the heat.
Go DAWGS! Can’t wait for DREAM Season!
shankit
August 5th, 2011
3:24 pm
Chip – A previous article stated Israel paid his fine of $350 or so
therefore he did not have to appear in court. What gives?
big john 360 lbs
August 5th, 2011
3:31 pm
Corch, It’s not dis hot in Connecticut.
chc4
August 5th, 2011
3:35 pm
It is hot as sh*t out there. I gotta cool myself off with a cold Busch Lite every 15 minutes or so.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 5th, 2011
3:42 pm
Oklahoma practiced at 6 am
I wonder why
AltamahaDawg
August 5th, 2011
3:45 pm
Because their faculty didn’t mind running after players shouting the questions on final exams at them?
how2fish
August 5th, 2011
3:54 pm
@chc4 that was a good one !
Santa Cruz Bulldog
August 5th, 2011
3:54 pm
Temp is 68 degrees here today.
I hope the heat wave ends soon, for you guys.
I miss Athens, but not when the temp is 100.
Go. Dawgs!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
August 5th, 2011
3:55 pm
No they dont want their players to be injured due to the heat
Tampa Gator
August 5th, 2011
3:55 pm
Dominque Easley, Shariff Floyd, and Ronald Powell hit Mr. Jenkins (playing FB) about the same time he touches the ball…….and Ronald Powell picks the ball up (DE)…..and outruns Crowell for a 95 yard TD to put the game away in the 4th quarter in Jax.
Yep…..sorry for ruining you summer dreams….once again.
CDAWG
August 5th, 2011
3:56 pm
Maybe Big John was just having a bad day, maybe he didn’t eat, maybe he didn’t drink enough fluids, maybe he just wasn’t feeling well, it happens.
chc4, that’s funny stuff!
carny john
August 5th, 2011
4:03 pm
I worked at a carnival for 58 years. I only gave out 1 kewpie doll. I am putting Crowell at 209lbs and 1/34 oz.
Santa Cruz Bulldog
August 5th, 2011
4:05 pm
CDAWG: Yes I remember those childhood days back in Georgia.
They were fun!
Russ, the Temporary Mascot
August 5th, 2011
4:06 pm
I was trying to get Big John some water but when I got over to the water table no one was there. All I could find was some of Coach Grantham’s jelly doughnuts. Big John did a good job with the doughnuts but I could tell he was still thirsty. We used to have Gatorade but now nobody will have anything to do with it because of the name. I ended up dragging a hose over and we wet him down pretty good and when he left he was asking for some more doughnuts so I think he will be okay.
we-SAID-IT-3
August 5th, 2011
4:07 pm
I could not agree more, The Dawgs are going to surprise many people this year especially those ESPN morons. I am no homer, I don’t need to drink the kool-aid, anyone that keeps up with the team knows the truth. By week 6 Georgia will be ranked top 5, by week 10 they will be ranked #1. If not, I will be glad to come here say I was wrong and eat crow, but I just don’t see that happening.
WDE
August 5th, 2011
4:08 pm
@Tampa Gator opening day an hour before the game Charlie Weiss finds a bag of “Gators Finest” one of the Gators dropped in the locker room, smokes half the bag then eats the entire offensive unit….sorry for ruining you summer dreams…
Tampa Gator
August 5th, 2011
4:14 pm
WDE……
That’s OK…..as long Weis throws them up in Georgia’s endzone 5 or 6 times…..which he probably will. Sorry for painting such a picture…..and again ruining more summer dreams….and dinner tonight.
drbasic
August 5th, 2011
4:20 pm
Ok Guys, huge dawg fan here. I live in Fort Worth, and if any of you watch the weather, you know we are in a serious heat wave here. Yesterday was 111 with only 25% humidity. TCU had their first practice, and Gary Patterson said, the heat was no problem everything was fine. Practice was great and he thinks his team reported in in great condition and said they seemed to look better than last year. The heat here is much different than I remember growing up in Georgia. At 52 I walk to the mailbox and back and am sweating profusely, the are is stale and you can barely breathe. No rain in almost 3 months, horrible conditions….as that old joke says….it was so hot, i saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walking! Anyway, I am sure the young men will get accustomed to the heat and I look forward to a great season, all of you down in Dawg country, stay cool and be safe!