The first SEC availability report of the week gave Georgia a mixed picture heading into Saturday’s game against Florida, with safety KJ Bolden landing on the questionable list after missing the Auburn loss.
Bolden’s absence last week forced Georgia to start Ja’Marley Riddle, and he responded with six tackles and a pass deflection. Kirby Smart praised the young defender’s growth earlier this week.
“Ja’Marley’s improving,” Georgia coach Kirby Smart said this week. “He plays more strong safety than anything else.
He’s very intelligent. He has good instincts, and he communicates really well.
He’s improved with every week. He improves every day in our system, understanding how to do things.
Smart also addressed Kyron Jones, who has not appeared on the availability report this season but did not play against Auburn. His status remains something to watch.
“He’s dealing with a tough lower leg extremity that’s bothered him some. It’s really hard to manage for him,” Smart said on the SEC coaches teleconference call on Wednesday.
“He’s not able to have the volume that he probably needs for practice. He’s got to do things on banked reps.
He’s a guy that’s been in our program a long time. He’s a really tough, hard-nosed player that works his tail off every day.
He gives everything he’s got. He’s been helping us more on special teams.”
Georgia also listed running back Chauncey Bowens and wide receiver Isiah Canion as questionable. Defensive back Tyriq Green, wide receiver Thomas Blackshear and outside linebacker were listed as out.
Smart did offer an update on Williams, though he would not say whether the Auburn transfer might return this season.
“Doing great,” Smart said of the Auburn transfer. “He’s working hard.
Day-to-day, he comes out with us and is able to get some parts of a practice like flex and does some things with us to stay part of the group. But he’s not in any shape to play or anything right now.”
Florida’s report included quarterbacks Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones as questionable. Philo did not play against Texas, while Tramell Jones started in Florida’s win.
Sumrall said Monday that he would not publicly name a starter before Saturday’s game.
Both teams had last week off, giving them a little extra time to get players ready. Nate Frazier was not on the report for Georgia, as had been the case before the Auburn game.
Georgia and Florida kick off at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC. The SEC will release another availability report Thursday, Friday and again 90 minutes before kickoff.
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