Ankle injury keeps LT Thomas from practice; Mays steps up

ATHENS — At Wednesday’s practice, a portion of which was held indoors, sophomore left tackle Andrew Thomas was not seen during the open periods, and Georgia coach Kirby Smart said earlier in the week a decision would be made Thursday on Thomas, named All-American last year by USA Today and ESPN.

Thomas injured his ankle Saturday in the third quarter of the Bulldogs’ 41-17 victory over South Carolina and has not practiced since.

“He didn’t practice today. Still not able to practice,” Smart said after Tuesday’s practice. “He’s better, but we don’t know if he’s going to be able to play the game or not . ... I would want him to at least practice by Thursday. He’s played enough. If he didn’t practice by Thursday, it’s probably not looking good.”

Five-star freshman Cade Mays stepped in for Thomas against the Gamecocks, and the Bulldogs went on to tally 21 consecutive points in the third quarter en route to a lopsided win.

When asked why Smart picked Mays over seniors Kendall Baker and D’Marcus Hayes for the assignment, Smart said, “We just feel like he practiced better. He’s got a lot of potential. He’s practiced better. He’s practiced hard. He’s smart, tough. It’s important to him. At the end of the day, it’s just who played better in scrimmages and who played better in practices.”

Quarterback Jake Fromm said his confidence level is the same, whether Thomas or Mays is playing.

“He missed one (block against South Carolina) that I kind of got onto him about, but other than that, I’m so proud of Cade,” Fromm said. “I talked to him after the game, and I was proud of the way he came in there. He wasn’t expecting it, but when his number was called, he was out there and played really well.

“Obviously, Andrew is a very talented player and one of my guys, but Cade has put in the time and the work, too. Whichever one gets the call ... both guys are working out well for us.”

Hardman to catch: Junior wideout Mecole Hardman is the Bulldogs’ top receiver through the first two games, with eight catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Riley Ridley is second, with seven catches for 70 yards and one score.

The former Elbert County High School star’s speed and enthusiasm have been well documented, and Fromm said Wednesday the 5-foot11, 183-pound Hardman’s offseason toil is paying off.

“It’s a testament to him and the work he put in during the offseason,” said Fromm, who has completed 27 of 34 pass attempts for 351 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

“I think he’s gotten a little bit faster and stronger and he’s able to make some moves with some guys. We’re getting the ball to him a little bit more and watching him take care of the rest.

“When I throw a little screen pass to him, I’m almost mad he didn’t take my little 10-yard pass and take it 60 yards to the house. Because he has that potential and is that caliber of a player, we kind of expect those things from him now, and hopefully he does really well for us.”

Catching and blocking: Receivers who come to Georgia generally do so because of their good hands and swift feet. But if pass catchers want to get on the field, they also have to be strong downfield blockers.

While junior receiver Tyler Simmons has distinguished himself on special teams, he recorded key blocks in Georgia’s romp over South Carolina, one on D’Andre Swift’s 17-yard scoring run in the first quarter and one on Hardman’s 34-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.

Smart made it known once again that receivers will be expected to block and added the 6-0, 201pound Simmons is physically up for the job.

“I think physicality is a learned trait that he’s learned over the course of time,” said Smart of Simmons.