The Georgia Bulldogs are heavy favorites in the bowl formerly known as the Citrus Bowl. But maybe the line will shift more towards the favor of the Nebraska Cornhuskers now that the Dawgs will be missing one of their top guns on defense.
Georgia Coach Mark Richt announced that senior starting nose guard John Jenkins would not be participating in the bowl game.
“John Jenkins won’t be here,” said Richt. “It’s academic related, he will not be at the bowl, and that will be all I’ll say about that. … I think John Jenkins has been awesome for Georgia. I’m really proud of everything he’s accomplished for us. Just really want to wish him the very best. He’s been a blessing for our program.”
Richt added that a handful of Bulldogs will look to fill the void with the 6-3, 358-pound senior Jenkins out. The backup at nose is 6-6, 355-pound junior Kwame Geathers.
“A little will depend on Abry Jones, and how much he can play, we’ll see the type of condition he’s in and number of plays he’s available. It could create some more opportunity for Michael Thornton and Ray Drew.”
Abry Jones, a 6-3, 308-pound senior defensive end, has missed the past five games with an ankle injury and has not played since the opening quarter against Kentucky on Oct. 20. John Jenkins had started all 13 games and tallied 50 tackles. This might hurt his NFL draft stock a bit. He’s expected to go in the first or second round. Geathers has some NFL potential too.
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