The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Sports

KING

If it wasn't before, it's now official. Football has changed.

Head coach Mark Richt said the days of a traditional defense with three linebackers are almost gone as more teams install the spread offense.

"So many people are going to three and four wide receiver sets and what happens is we go to a lot of nickel and we're only playing two linebackers, and the Sam linebacker comes out most of the time," Richt said. "The guy playing Sam needs to know how to play inside too."

Richt said Sam linebacker Akeem Dent has been getting cross-trained at the Mike and Will linebacker positions.

But as the Sam fades out, a third cornerback will receive a lot more playing time.

"Vance (Cuff) and Prince (Miller) are getting a lot of work right there now and we're making sure everyone's comfortable," junior cornerback Asher Allen said.

Running back wants play time this season

It hurt Caleb King to sit on the sidelines for all of last season. This season, he will be the No. 2 running back behind Knowshon Moreno and is looking to get on the field.

"I just want to fit in with the team and be a part of the team because last year, being on the sidelines, I didn't really feel like a part of the team," he said.

Richt denies rumors about A.J. Green

Richt denied rumors Wednesday that he had said wide receiver A.J. Green would play immediately in the fall.

Richt clarified that Green will have the opportunity to play immediately, but would not commit to anything before seeing what Green can do.

Wide receiver's skills look 'encouraging'

Richt said wide receiver Tony Wilson is having a great spring.

"He was always a tremendous blocker for us, we could count on that. But he's showed some signs like he did at camp last year. That's really encouraging because that could be a huge plus for us."

- Jason Butt

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