Wednesday UGA News and Notes

It took a couple of games for redshirt freshman Warren McClendon to settle in as the starter at right tackle. But now that he has, he's getting more comfortable every day.

A native of Brunswick, McClendon found himself on the bench to start the season opener at Arkansas, and again to start the home opener against Auburn. But he soon found his way into the lineup, and he’s been there ever since, starting each of the Bulldogs’ past seven games.

During that time, McClendon has taken 87 percent of the snaps at right tackle, including every snap in four straight games.

“I’ve just been taking it week by week,” McClendon said after practice Wednesday. “Trying to get better every week. Against Arkansas, Owen started, but Coach called my name and I had to be ready.”

The nephew of former All-SEC running back Willie McClendon and cousin to former Bulldog wide receiver Brian McClendon, Warren McClendon said keeping the family name in the Red and Black was a big deal when he signed out of Brunswick High.

“When talking to my uncle, he just told me to go wherever I felt comfortable,” McClendon said. “But Georgia felt like home. They didn’t really push Georgia on me, they said it was my recruitment process. They told me just to go where I want.”

Twenty three seniors are set to play their final game at Sanford Stadium Saturday afternoon against Vanderbilt (4 p.m., SEC Network).

Of that group, two came to school as walk-ons and persevered through five years in the program to do so.

Daniel Gothard and Prather Hudson have both been with head coach Kirby Smart from the start.

“I think it’s awesome,” Smart said during Wednesday’s SEC teleconference. “I think it’s a credit to our walk-on program, which I think is one of the best in the country in terms of the number of players in our state who would love to come to the University of Georgia, who are really good academic students, want to get a degree, and play football.”

Both players have done exactly that.

A 6-foot-6, 326-pound native of Dunwoody, Gothard has been a part of the Bulldogs’ offensive line. Although he’s yet to see action in a game this year, he did play in last year’s contests against Arkansas State and Murray State, as well as against UMass in 2018.

Prather, meanwhile, has been a regular contributor on special teams for the Bulldogs over the past four seasons, seeing action in 51 games.

A running back by trade, the Columbus native moved over to the secondary for his senior year, but returned to running back last week against South Carolina, rushing one time for seven yards.

“They love playing. Both Daniel and Prather have been unbelievable teammates, really hard workers, and at different times—Prather for the most part—have been on scholarships, and done a really good job of doing that,” Smart said. “I’ve really appreciated their service and what they’ve done to help us.”

Georgia’s 2020 senior class enter this weekend’s contest with a 42-9 record, three SEC Eastern Division crowns, and one SEC title (2017) and have a chance to set the record for most victories.

With wins Saturday against Vanderbilt and what’s expected to be the team’s rescheduled game at Missouri—as well as one in the upcoming bowl—the Bulldogs’ 2020 class would stand alone in terms of victories.

“Yeah, we talked about it leading into the last game, once in a conversation we had on Friday. I've belabored the point,” Smart said. “I just think it’s something that keeps you motivated. If that’s something that motivates you, you know. Legacy is important; that means something. Certainly, there have been a lot of great senior classes. I told them that when we were just talking about it with last year’s seniors, that they had the ability to tie it.”

The most wins by a senior class belongs to the 2005 and 2019 groups that each had 44 wins and claimed a combined three SEC titles (2002, 2005, 2017).Georgia’s most decorated senior class came in 1983 and went 43-4-1, winning the 1980 National Championship and three SEC titles (1980-82). Last year’s senior class concluded their career with a 44-12 record. The 2019 Bulldogs highlighted their season by winning the 2020 Sugar Bowl versus No. 7 Baylor.

“If this year had been a more traditional year with the extra games, these seniors probably could have shattered it—they could have beaten it by two or three,” Smart said. “With only the 10 games and the possibility of a bowl game, they have to win out to put themselves in that position. I know that it matters to a lot of them.”

…Smart reiterated what he said Tuesday about Richard LeCounte, and that the senior continues to practice. But it remains uncertain whether he will play Saturday.

…Thus far in 2020, JT Daniels is 11-for-12 for 150 yards and four touchdowns on third down.

…Zamir White leads the running game with 121 carries for 614 yards (both team highs) and nine touchdowns.

...Speaking of White, he was asked Wednesday if he planned on coming back for another year but predictably said he was just focused on this season.

…Redshirt sophomore Jack Podlesny is 10-for-12 on field goals and 30-for-30 on PATs this year. He made his debut in the 2020 season opener.

…Junior punter Jake Camarda’s 47.8 average ranks third in the country, and the Bulldogs' 45.6 average in Net Punting leads the nation. He has punted 29 times and placed 17 inside the 20, with 14 kicks traveling 50-plus yards. Opponents have had only two punt returns for two yards.

…Announcers for Saturday’s game on the SEC Network are Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, and Lauren Sisler.