CLEMSON, Ga. -- With potentially a new snapper, holder and kicker, No. 5 Georgia’s kicking game could be an adventure in Saturday’s opener at No. 8 Clemson.
Although Georgia coach Mark Richt refused throughout the preseason to announce whether kicker Marshall Morgan would face a suspension following a June arrest for boating under the influence, the sophomore did not handle the opening kickoff.
That honor went to Collin Barber, who kicked the ball into the end zone and Clemson’s Sammy Watkins returned it to the Tigers’ 24-yard line.
Morgan was one of five kicking specialists who made the trip to South Carolina, however, and did participate in pregame warmups to a limited degree. Walk-ons Adam Erickson and Patrick Beless handled the bulk of the field-goal tries during warmups. Walk-on kicker Thomas Pritchard and punter Barber are also on the Bulldogs’ travel roster.
The Bulldogs are breaking in a new long snapper, Nathan Theus, following four-year starter Ty Frix’s graduation. And if Erickson handles field goal and PAT duties, their holder will also be new against Clemson since Erickson was last season’s holder.
Walk-on defensive back Lucas Redd held for Erickson during pregame warmups.
