Tailback's return encourages Richt

Published Oct. 15, 2010 10:07 a.m. ET

foxsports

Georgia tailback Carlton Thomas got some practice repetitions on Wednesday as he attempts to return from a strained hamstring.

"I'm not exactly sure how he's going to feel today or tomorrow, but that was encouraging to see him do that," coach Mark Richt said.

Georgia could use all the help it can get at the position since Caleb King is suspended for two games after his arrest for not appearing in court in Walton County (Ga.) for a speeding ticket.

Sophomore Washaun Ealey should carry the load in Saturday's game against Vanderbilt.

Freshman running back Ken Malcome could made his collegiate debut Saturday.

Fullback Fred Munzenmaier is also working at tailback this week. So is Zander Ogletree, a freshman fullback.

South Carolina: Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and tailback Marcus Lattimore have been added to the Maxwell Award watch list.

Jeffery, a 6-foot-4 sophomore, leads the Southeastern Confer-ence in catches and receiving yards per game. He's scored four touchdowns and had four games of more than 100 yards receiving for the No. 10 Gamecocks.

Lattimore, a 6-foot freshman, is fifth in the SEC in rushing average. He's gained 459 yards and scored nine touchdowns.

The Maxwell Award goes to college football's most outstanding player as voted on by sports information directors, head coaches and selected media. Semifinalists will be announced in November and three finalists will be selected Nov. 22.

Alabama: Wide receiver Julio Jones practiced and caught passes Wednesday.

Jones broke his left hand against South Carolina on Satur-day and had surgery Sunday to insert a plate and screws.

Texas: The Longhorns will retire former quarterback Colt McCoy's No. 12 when Texas plays host to Baylor on Oct. 30.

Notre Dame: Star tight end Kyle Rudolph will have season-ending surgery Friday to repair a torn hamstring, coach Brian Kelly said.